Page 33 of Bella and Her Beast
“Sure thing, Bella.” I’ll re-shelve these for you too.”
“Thanks.” I wave my hand to her, directing her to the employee lounge and close the door behind us.
“So, what’s this drama you speak of?”
I pull out a chair and take a seat, encouraging her to do the same. When she follows my direction, I take my necklace off and clasp it in my hands. In my pocket is a picture Zelda gave me of her bisabuela wearing the same charm.
“My family are witches,” I confess.
Joy reacts with a humor-filled laugh before looking at me. “Girl, every family has females that be tripping.”
“No, Joy. I’m serious.”
“Bella, You always talking about some damn hoodoo voodoo shit and you got it so far in your head, I truly think you believe it.”
I take out the photo and show it to her, sharing the story Zelda told Greyson and I, just leaving out the part about him being a wolf.
“You know Zelda is a little up there in years. She may have her facts wrong.”
“No, Joy. It’s all true. There’s more to this than I can tell because that part is not my truth to share, but this, all of this, the necklace, the adoration of the moon, the lack of love, all true. I don’t expect you to get it because it’s something you have to experience for yourself, but if you’re my friend, you’ll believe me.”
She thinks for a few minutes, running her hands through her short natural cut a few times.
“So, can you like, cast spells on people and shit?”
“No, we don’t practice magic. That’s what got our family lines into this mess to begin with.”
“Whoa, Bella Marie. That is some heavy shit. No wonder you’ve been acting aloof.”
“Yeah. It’s not something you hear daily.”
“What does this have to do with Greyson? Did he freak out and break up with you?”
“Far from it. He wants something from me and I’m not sure I can give it to him.”
“What does he want?”
I would have to tell her the complete truth, but it’s not my place to say. I go to speak, but instead break down in sorrow.
She pulls me into her arms and hugs me only the way a friend can. She pats my head and tells me to calm down.
“Bella, I know all of this has to be hard on you and you know I’m gonna always be here for you no matter what.”
“Thanks Joy,” I mutter through my sniffles.
“Sure, sis. Can I ask you a question?”
I nod my head while I take a napkin from the holder and wipe my face.
“Do you remember when you started dating Greyson?”
“Yes.”
“How did you feel? I only ask, because you’ve dated others. Had dinner, went dancing, made out with a couple, but you never looked the way you did when you were with Greyson.”
“Your point?”
“My point is, do you love him? Have you asked yourself that question?”
