Misty Meadows; The Curse

Chapter 2

Kane was not amused by Monty Duffin; he was freakishly tall with blond hair and a bright smile.

Jixen Star however had not even bothered showing up.

Monty’s car was aflame orange Ascari.

Kane was pacing her office while Trent, the guy dealing with the racers, sat in one of the chairs.

“Where the hell is Jixen Star? Tomorrow is the opening and he wants to show up then?”

Trent sighed, “He said he can’t help it.”

“Oh, so he’s the king now?”

“He’ll be here early tomorrow for the shoot, after you take your pictures all the racers are to be photographed.”

Kane sighed and glared at him as he walked out.

She was still glaring at the door when there was a knock.

“What?”

The door opened and Macy walked in with a takeaway bag, “Bad day?”

“The last racer has issues, he thinks because he dating the model, it makes him king.”

Macy placed the bag on the table, “Well, I brought chicken nuggets and iced mocha’s.”

Kane took a sip, “Thanks, I just can’t believe this guy; tomorrow is the opening and he’s going to show up and have the photoshoot done while everyone is around; clearly he wants attention.”

“Maybe he just wants to make a statement.”

Kane rolled her eyes, “I’ll show him a statement.”

“You just don’t like him because he has the same last name as Moth.”

“Not everything is about Moth.”

Macy gave her a look, “Why are you still single then?”

“Because I choose to be.”

Kelso walked in, as if on cue.

“Hey.”

Macy gave a small wave.

“K, why do you look like you’re in a bad mood?”

Macy jumped in to explain.

“Well, that sucks; anyway I came to tell you that I’m taking you out tonight, don’t try and say no.”

Macy smiled, “I’m sure Kane wasn’t even thinking of saying no.”

Kane sighed, “Sure, why not; I certainly need the distraction after the day I’ve had.”

Macy clapped, “Finally.”

Kane shot her a glare.

Macy recoiled as if Kane had done something serious to her.

Kelso instructed her to lock up and they dropped Macy at her place before continuing on a slow drive.

“So, Kane, what would you like to do?”

Kane scoffed, “You demanded I come out, buddy, you can’t ask me to decide.”

They settled on dinner.

An hour in and Kane was actually enjoying herself until her phone pinged.

Sighing, she checked her screen;

DON’T BE SMILING WITHOUT ME.

Frowning, she asked to go home; faking a headache.

When she got home she went straight to bed, switching her phone off and removing the battery to avoid any more messages.

Without her phone, she had not woken up in time and instead only gotten up at eight which made her exactly two hours late.

By the time she got to the track, everyone was already there.

Cliff and Macy came over to her, while Kelso handed her coffee.

The track was full and rather noisy; Kane could see she would have a headache soon.

“And Jixen still isn’t here.”

“He’ll be here soon.” Said Lee.

Kane rolled her eyes and turned back to the crowd.

“Kane!”

Kane was swept up into Brent’s arms.

“Oh my God! When did you get back?”

Brent had left to join the Marines.

“Early this morning; couldn’t miss the opening.”

Kane was happy to once again have all her friends back together again.

“I think your racer just arrived.” Said Macy as she looked over Kane’s shoulder.

Kane turned to see a black mustang with flame detailing across it pull up.

She scoffed and turned back to her friends.

“Photoshoot, sweetie.” Said Lee as he pulled her by the hand.

Kane faintly heard Macy “Oh God, Kane.” But she didn’t think to pay her any attention as she knew Macy was probably fawning over his looks.

Her head was down as she walked, straightening her shirt.

“London.”

Kane froze; it had been so long since she had heard that voice.

As she looked up and met the eyes of Jixen Star, her heart caught in her throat.

“Moth.”

He hadn’t even changed; his hair still came past his shoulders, still dark with flame-coloured streaks.

Lee shoved at her, “Come on we don’t have all day.”

She blinked before going over to stand next to him somewhat robotically.

She didn’t dare to look at him, but she could feel his eyes on her.

Lee clicked his fingers, “Yes, I know she’s beautiful, but eyes over here, Star.”

The tension between them was thick enough to cut with a chainsaw, never mind a knife.

As soon as the photoshoot was over Kane headed for Macy and the others.

“London, wait.”

Kane turned to glare at him, “What?”

“I-”

“Hey, honey.”

Kane was sure that the screech in Vladilena’s voice should have been illegal.

And then it hit her; Vladilena was dating Jixen Star.

And as if the universe had to rub it in; Vladilena wrapped her arms around Moth.

Kane gave him a pointed look before walking away.

“You okay?” Asked Macy.

Kane nodded, “Always.”

Cliff raised his brows, “Are you sure?”

Kane nodded and watched as Kelso stood glaring at Moth.

Brent frowned, “For someone who’s like a brother to you, you look like you would rather kill him than give him a welcoming hug.”

“I do; he shouldn’t be back here.”

Kane kept her mouth shut; trying to lock down any feelings that were trying to push back up.

Kane made the mistake of turning, coming face to face with Moth and Vladilena, who had apparently made their way over.

Moth turned to Kelso, “Hey, good to see you again.”

Kelso glared at him and didn’t say a word.

Vladilena smiled at Kelso, “Are you coming to the party tonight? Jixen tells me you are like brothers.”

Brent scoffed, “Jixen? What, flame-throwing freak Moth is gone?”

Moth glared at him, “Let’s not start today, Brent.”

Kane stood silent; her eyes continuously finding the way Moth’s hand was firmly around Vladilena’s.

Kelso leant a hand on Kane’s lower back and leant closer, “Are you okay?”

Kane nodded, leaning into him; not missing the way Moth’s jaw clenched.

Macy cleared her throat, “So, Moth, a racer? That’s pretty interesting; are you back for good?”

Moth glanced at Kane, “I, uh, don’t know yet.”

Vladilena frowned, “No; we are here for the race only.”

Brent raised his brows, “So how long have you been dating models?”

Vladilena was quick to answer, “We’re together nine months; we met when he started racing and I knew, love at first sight.”

Kane rolled her eyes, but before she had a chance to say anything, Vladilena’s neck was twisted and her bones protruding from her neck.

Kane took a step back, and suddenly Vladilena was back to normal.

Moth frowned, “London, are you okay?”

Kane nodded, noticing all eyes were on her.

The pendant around her neck suddenly felt as if it was on fire and when she looked up, the woman with the hole in her chest, Jasmine, stood behind Moth.

He has brought the curse back

Kane frowned, “Who?”

Vladilena looked around, “Who is she speaking to?”

Brent turned to Macy, “She’s seeing them again?”

Kane didn’t take her eyes from Moth’s mother; not aware of anything that was going on around her.

You hold the key, break the curse and free the meadow

“What key?” Kane had forgotten that she stood with her friends around her and only she saw the spirit.

You hold the key

And with that, Jasmine disappeared.

Moth took a step toward Kane, “What the hell was that?”

Kane blinked; realizing what had just happened.

Vladilena let out a snicker, but the smirk was wiped off her face when Moth let go of her hand and rested his hands on Kane’s shoulders.

“London, are they back?”

Kane looked up, but when her eyes met his; they weren’t their usual odd blue almost violet colour, they were pure flame.

Kelso put an arm around Kane’s shoulders while pushing Moth away from her, “Moth, keep your distance.”

Moth narrowed his eyes at Kelso, “You have a right to be telling me to keep my distance?”

Kelso didn’t miss a beat, “I’m the one who stuck around; so yes.”

Moth scoffed, “I left because she didn’t want me around.”

“After what you did, do you honestly blame her?” It was obvious that Kelso was getting angry.

“Star, race time!” Lee’s voice cut their conversation short.

Moth glared at Kelso before storming off.

Vladilena turned to Kane, “You know my boyfriend?”

Kane shook her head, “No, not anymore.”

“Well, not much changed around here, huh?”

Kane sighed, “Well this is just one big happy reunion; hi, Veda.”

Brent nodded at his ex, clearly not too concerned about her return.

Veda smiled, “Don’t worry; I’m not that much of a b***h anymore. Came over here when I saw that scene between you and Moth,” she looked Vladilena up and down, “He’s definitely downgraded in woman, I see,” she turned to Collin and Macy with a warm smile, “Glad to see you two are still going strong.”

Kane turned away from the group as the race started; all of the racers were to go around the track a few times for the opening event, afterwards, there would be a party and the races would start in the next few days.

Macy nudged Kane, “Ideas on your outfit for the party?”

“I’m not going.”

Veda scoffed, “Like hell, you aren’t; I will drug you and drag you there if I have to.”

Macy nodded, “I agree with her for once.”

Kane shook her head, “I’m in no mood for a party.”

Brent raised his brows, “I’m back, and just look at these muscles, Veda’s back and she’s actually being a decent human being; you have to celebrate this.”

Veda shot him a glare.

“You can’t let Moth ruin everything for you.” Added Collin softly.

Kane glanced at Kelso and he smiled, “Come on, K; he’s not worth it.”

Veda crossed her arms over her chest, “Yeah, plus you can show him what he’s lost.”

Vladilena cleared her throat, “Hello, he is with me, what could he be missing?”

Veda gave her a cold stare, “A conversation with a woman who has more than one brain cell.”

Vladilena scoffed and walked away.

Kane laughed, “I never thought I’d see the day where Veda is actually on my side.”

Veda shrugged, “That Asylum changed a lot.”

Kane nodded; she couldn’t argue with that.

Macy grabbed her wrist, “See you boys at the party, Veda and I are going to get Kane ready.”

“I’m not wearing this.”

Kane stood in front of the full-length mirror in a deep red coloured short and fitting dress, with off shoulder long sleeves and diamond cutouts down the sides; on her feet were matching red five-inch platform stilettos.

Veda raised her brows, “You look great.”

Kane huffed, “No, combat boots would look better; and my scar is showing.”

Macy shrugged, “You really look good, and it’s different from your usual outfits.”

Kane huffed again, she wasn’t used to this look on herself; the only thing she liked was that her hair was in messy waves and she had smoky eye makeup on.

“Let’s go!”

And before she knew it she was being dragged to the car by Macy and Veda.

“I hate you both.”

On the way to the party, they spoke of their lives and Veda told them she planned to stay in Misty Meadows.

Once they arrived, Kane was back to being unsure of her outfit and Veda had to grab her by the wrists and pull her from the car.

They found Cliff, Collin and Kelso and all three were shocked.

Cliff adjusted his glasses, “Wow, Kane.”

Collin nodded, “Yeah, you look-”

Macy playfully hit him on the arm, “Hey, you’re dating me.”

Collin laughed, “And you look great too; I’m just not used to this from Kane.”

Kelso nodded, “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

“Let’s dance.” Veda grabbed hold of Cliff and dragged him to the dance floor.

Collin and Macy followed.

Kane looked around; the place was full of journalists.

And then her eyes landed on Moth and Vladilena; they were dancing, his hands on her hips and hers tightly around his neck.

Kane rolled her eyes, “I need a drink.”

She went into the kitchen area and stared at the bottles; she had never been much of a drinker but tonight she needed it.

Grabbing a bottle of rum she poured herself a strong mix with cola and went back out to Kelso.

Of course, the first person she walked into was Vladilena, in her skin tight blue dress that left very little to the imagination.

Vladilena smirked, “Having fun?”

Kane shrugged, “Not yet, but after a couple of these, I definitely will be.” She downed her drink and got a refill before heading over to Macy and Veda.

Macy eyed the cup in Kane’s hand, “What are you drinking?”

“Rum.”

Macy shook her head, “Drink beer; I don’t want you chasing Moth and Vladilena around with a knife.”

Veda grinned, “I wouldn’t mind seeing that.”

Kane rolled her eyes, “I’m not planning on getting violent tonight.”

Veda laughed, “Kane not getting violent, that’s a good one,” she frowned, “Crap. Incoming.”

“London, can we talk?”

Kane turned, “About what? Everything is sorted for the race.”

Moth eyed the cup, “What are you having?”

“Rum.”

He frowned, “Is that a good idea?”

Veda linked her arm with Kane’s, “She’s a big girl, why don’t you go check on that brain dead bimbo of yours”

Moth sighed and walked away.

Veda shook her head, “That guy will never change.”

“Thanks for that.” Kane took another gulp of her drink.

Veda shrugged, “I’m going to go dance with Cliff.”

Kane wondered about that briefly, but then spotting Vladilena reminded her of her drink.

“Hey,” Kelso rested his hands on her shoulders, “You okay?”

Kane nodded, “The rum definitely helps.”

“Don’t let Moth get to you.”

Kane sighed, “Can you all stop saying that to me? I’m long over that.”

Kelso nodded, but he didn’t look convinced.

Kane downed the rest of her drink and went for her third; still convinced that she needed to clear her head.

Kane sat on the counter with her plastic cup of remedy rum; it was her third one and a lot stronger than the other two, she downed it before pouring a fourth.

“What are you doing all alone?”

Kane looked up, “Deacon, hey.”

“You look great.”

“Thanks; the rum is awesome.”

He looked a bit confused as to why she was telling him this.

“So what’s the deal with you and Jixen?”

Kane took a gulp, “No deal; he’s an ex.”

Just then Moth walked in.

“London, I think that’s enough.”

Kane rolled her eyes and downed the rest of her drink.

She leant over for the bottle of rum but Moth beat her to it, holding it out to Deacon, resting one hand on her leg, “Deacon, get rid of this for me.”

He took the bottle and Kane jumped off the counter, wobbling in her heels.

Moth placed his hands on her hips to steady her and that was the exact moment Vladilena walked in.

“What is this? Can you not leave my boyfriend alone for a second?”

Moth frowned, “Lena, please.”

“No, this tramp must keep her hands off of what is mine!” in a flash she closed the distance and threw her drink in Kane’s face.

Kane looked down at the drink dripping off her dress and slowly looked up with a smile, “You have no idea how happy I am that you did that.”

Vladilena took a step back as Kane clicked her neck, and then she spun and ran out.

Kane sighed as she took her shoes off.

“London, please don’t do this.”

Shoes in hand, Kane went after Vladilena.

She spotted her in the middle of the dance floor, obviously thinking she would be safe with so many people around her.

Kane walked towards her, knowing that if any of her friends saw her they would know what she was about to do and stop her.

She caught a glimpse of Macy looking in the direction of the kitchen then spinning towards Kane; she assumed that was Moth’s doing.

Kane stopped behind Vladilena and tapped her on the shoulder; the model turned to her with narrowed eyes.

Kane smiled, and swung, her fist connecting with the woman’s cheek; drawing blood almost immediately.

Kane pulled Vladilena to face her, “Don’t you ever try that little stunt again, you got me?”

She let go of Vladilena, throwing her to the floor and turned, all eyes were on her; the journalists were snapping pictures and Kane sighed as she walked away.

Moth came over and glared at the journalists and they suddenly stopped taking pictures of Kane and moved on to Vladilena who sat cradling her face.

Macy frowned, “What the hell was that?”

Kane shrugged, “Overdue is what it was.”

Moth came up behind her and put his hands on Kane’s shoulders, “You want me to take you home?”

Veda glanced at him as she leant against Cliff.

Kane shook her head, “No, I’m not going anywhere yet.”

Moth sighed, “Can we at least talk?”

Kane glanced at Cliff and he smiled at her.

Kane turned and nodded at Moth before going off into the kitchen area with Moth close behind.

“Shouldn’t you be out there comforting your girlfriend?” She asked as she put her shoes back on.

“I’m exactly where I should be.”

Kane frowned; he was still the same Moth she knew; the same Moth she had loved and stood by.

She shook her head as if to rid herself of the thoughts and turned, grabbing the first bottle insight and taking a sip; she winced, the neat whiskey burning her throat.

Moth came to stand in front of her, “Don’t you think you’ve had enough alcohol?”

Kane smirked, “You don’t have the right to tell me when I’ve had enough.”

“London, I never stopped caring about you; you are the one who didn’t want me anymore, so I left. I couldn’t stand the look of hurt in your eyes every time you looked at me; I couldn’t stand you looking at me like everyone else did.”

Kane took another sip of the whiskey, “I stood by you and you lied to me; obviously, I was going to be hurt… But I never thought of you as the rest of Misty Meadows did.”

Moth took a step closer to her, “London, this whole time I was away, I’ve never stopped thinking of you; you were it for me.”

Kane put the whiskey bottle down on the counter and stepped closer to him; she had a brief thought of knowing she would never be doing this if she hadn’t had so much alcohol.

Moth leant his forehead against hers, “London, you’ve been drinking, maybe we should have this talk when you’re sober.”

Kane smiled; He was definitely still the same Moth she knew.

She took a step back, and suddenly she saw his face burnt and bleeding.

She gasped and jumped away from him.

“London?”

Kane frowned; his face going back to normal.

“Moth, it’s starting again; the spirits are back, I’m seeing things again.”

Suddenly Vladilena walked in, “Jixen-”

Moth cut her off, “I’m taking London home, but you and I need to talk later.” He took hold of Kane’s arm and walked out with her.

“I should I go home with Veda.”

“Yeah, I think she and Cliff are a bit busy.”

Kane glanced over to where Cliff and Veda stood kissing.

Kane made a face, “Oh, wow, I was not expecting that.”

Moth laughed as they walked out.

They got to the car and Kane frowned, “I preferred your bike.”

Moth opened the door for and she got in.

As they started driving, Kane sighed, everything was so awkward now.

“So, you and Kelso?”

Kane frowned, “No; nothing there. Well, not from my side.”

Moth nodded, “Ah, but from his?”

“I think so. Unlike you, I haven’t just jumped to the next one.”

Moth sighed, “London…”

“No, you don’t owe me any explanations anymore.”

“London let me-”

“Just shut up and get me home, please.”

Moth sighed but said nothing.

When he stopped in front of Alice’s house, she reached for the door, and he stopped her.

“London waits; I… I really am sorry for lying to you, but I can’t change anything.”

Kane rolled her eyes and got out, wobbling in her heels as she did; suddenly the alcohol was hitting her.

Moth got out and came around to her, “London, please, promise me will talk.”

Kane pushed past him and went up the steps.

“London, why must you be so stubborn?”

Kane spun, ready to go off at him, but he was a lot closer than she expected.

“Did you ever stop loving me, London?”

Kane wanted to lie to him and say yes, but she couldn’t get the words out of her mouth.

He pulled her closer and kissed her; and for a few seconds, Kane allowed herself to get lost in that kiss; it felt like nothing had changed between them.

And then the alcohol decided to come up and she pushed him away just in time to vomit into the bush.

Moth lifted her hair back, “I really hope that’s the alcohol and not what kissing me does.”

Kane scoffed as she stood, “Not too sure, might be the thought of you having kissed Vladilena too.”

Moth laughed and pulled her into a hug, “Can we talk tomorrow?”

Kane nodded, “We can.”

He pulled back to look at her, “You going to be fine tonight? I could stay.”

Kane shook her head, “No, it’s fine; I have some thinking to do.”

“Okay,” he kissed her on the forehead, “Sleep well.”

Kane smiled before going into the house and going to her room.

As she got to her door, Alice stepped out of her own room with a smile, “I see Moth couldn’t stay away.”

Kane sighed, “It would have been easier if he had.”

“Follow your heart this time.”

Kane sighed again and went into her room, taking off her shoes and laying down on her bed.

She knew in the morning, she would regret everything she had done tonight.

Except for hitting Vladilena.

**