Page 91 of Surviving in Everton

“Well, that explains everything. I should have known something was wrong, sweetie. I’m so sorry I didn’t push the issue.”

“It’s okay, mom. There’s really not much you could have done. I was incapable of listening to reason because of him. Maddy tried to tell me. I know that now, but at the time, the spell twisted my memory. That’s why I never understood why she just abandoned me like she did. Now that I have my real memories, I know she had been trying to warn me about Harris and when I wouldn’t listen to her she gave up and told me to come find her if I ever came to my senses.”

“Oh, honey. I’m sure things will be better now. We’ll invite her over to the house and you can explain everything. She’ll understand. I know it.”

“Thanks, Mom. It just makes me sad because we used to be so close. She’s never even met Violet,” Rowen says dejectedly.

“Well, I remember your sister very well, dear, and she is not stupid enough to not fall completely in love with that little girl as soon as she sees her,” Momma Hopkins chimes in. “Your mother is right. Everything will be fine. You’ll see.”

“Thanks, Momma H. I hope you’re right,” Rowe says quietly.

There’s an awkward pause while everyone is still reeling from the bomb that was just dropped on them.

“Right. Sooo that’s why we invited everyone over tonight. We thought it was cause for celebration!” Hudson offers a little too cheerfully.

“Well, of course it is! We’re so glad you’rehomewhere you belong, Rowen dear. And that these boneheads finally pulled their heads out of their butts and told you how they feel about you. Now, when are you gonna settle down with them? Make honest men out of these hooligans?”

“Geez, Mom! She just came around to being in a relationship with all of us! Don’t scare her away already!” I groan at the same time my idiot twin cheers, “I’m happy with today!” I glare at him and give him a purple nurple.

“Hey!” he screeches, slapping my hand away. “You know my nipples are sensitive!”

“Yeah… that was the point.”

“I don’t know, Momma C. No one’s asked me.” Rowe shrugs and we all snap our heads in her direction. “Call me old fashioned, but I think a guy… or guys… should ask a woman that kind of thing.”

“Well then, I’ll just have to get onto them about that.” Mom gives all of us the look and we know she’s not gonna leave us alone until there’s a ring on Rowe’s finger.

Rowe’s answering smirk only proves she knew what she was getting us into with that comment. Which I am completely on board with! I just didn’t think it would be up for discussion so soon.

“Oh, wewillbe talking about this later, Kitten,” Nate insists.

The sassy smirk that was on her face, melts away, replaced with one that shows the emotions she just hit me, and likely all the guys, with. A weird mixture of scared, anxious, hopeful, and turned on. I can tell when the others pick out that last one in the jumble, because Rowen being even a little bit turned on, turns everyone on. Which is an interesting feeling to say the least. That tiny bit of arousal Rowe was feeling, just got multiplied five times, and now I’m wishing we could celebrate privatelynow.

“I look forward to it,” Rowe shoots back with her head held high.

“What about you, Quinn? Are you dating anyone yet, dear?” Momma Hopkins asks.

“Oh… uh… not-not really, no,” Quinn stammers.

“Don’t listen to her, Momma H. She’s got a few guys on the hook right now. Only time will tell if she wises up and reels either of them in. Hell, I think she should reel both of them in!” Rowe shrugs with a smirk.

Quinn glares holes into Rowe’s head. “You should be careful what you wish for. I’ve got a feeling West could be very helpful to me in our friendly wars.”

“Doubtful. West loves me, he wouldn’t use his powers against me,” Rowe taunts.

“Okay girls, that’s enough,” Momma Hopkins chides.

“Yes, ma’am,” they both agree, properly chastised.

“I’m so glad that prick couldn’t come between you two. Even with all the spells he used on you, you two stuck together through it all.”

“I couldn’t even imagine how bad the past ten years would have been if I didn’t have Quinn by my side.”

“You never have to, love. You couldn’t get rid of me if you tried. And trust me he did,” she laughs dryly.

“I still can’t believe Britney was behind all of this,” Momma Cabot shakes her head like she’s coming out of a fog.

“Neither can I, Mom. We were all surprised by that.”

---