Page 25 of Waste
“But not of your choice, Drew. That is something we must remember. Those early days were dark for all of us. We were dealing with so much. The Sins were stronger than us back then and ran riot. It was a frightening time for everyone involved.”
“Marie, I see their faces every day and hear their screams.”
“As do we all, Drew. You’re not alone in that. We were Protectors of the Jar of Fate, and we majorly failed. That will haunt all of us. But you didn’t answer me. What are your plans with Shelley?”
“I’ve no idea,” Drew replied honestly and helplessly. He truly didn’t have a clue!
Pandora/Andie
She gazed out over the rose garden as she sat hidden under an arch covered in red roses. Somewhere out in the gardens, Frankie De Silvia toiled. Frankie’s shifted form, Frankenstein, had green fingers, and Frankie loved gardening.
Pandora was quietly hiding away.
A scent of sandalwood and pine swept over her, and a grin crossed her face.
“Luc,” she muttered.
“Pandora,” Luc replied as he sat beside her.
“I’ve missed you.”
“It’s been a few weeks. However, I was meddling with other things.”
“I understand; I was watching,” Pandora came back with a smile.
“Naughty girl,” Luc chided teasingly.
Pandora laughed. “Am I? Is it wrong to check on the man I love?”
“No, Pandora, I do the same,” Luc replied.
Pandora placed her hand over his, and Luc threaded their fingers together. “I know. I feel… lost. Everything is coming to a head. Different fates and multiple paths are starting to converge, and I’m scared we’re not ready.”
Luc nodded. “I’m tired and afraid, too. So many plans laid and too many threads. This could be the miracle we’ve foreseen or the worst disaster to hit this little planet.”
“We’re juggling too much,” Pandora muttered.
“Handle your end, my love, and I’ll ensure mine works out. Although that blasted woman…” Luc let out an exasperated sigh. There was one female who decidedly got under his skin.
“She is becoming the bane of your life.” Pandora laughed. “Are you sure Mary Worth can’t use my mirror?”
Luc squeezed Pandora’s hand. “Yes. Not even her magic could break through my enchantment. It is yours and yours alone, sweetheart.
Pandora leaned her head on Luc’s shoulder. “These are moments I cherish.”
Luc smiled. “Me too. It won’t be much longer, my love; everything is falling into place. Then we can live as we wish.”
“That has been our dream for many millennia,” Pandora admitted as Luc tipped her face to his and kissed her.
“You need to look after yourself better!” he chided.
“Says you! I can tell you’ve lost weight,” Pandora retorted, and Luc laughed.
“We’re a pair!”
“We’re something,” Pandora agreed and snuggled under Luc’s arm. She wrapped an arm around his stomach as he hauled her close. Their time together was often fleeting, and moments like this were what kept them going.
Frankie De Silvia/Frankenstein
