Fire and Djinn

Beating Around the Bush

So, what’s the plan exactly. I mean, you are quite literally kidnapping me.” Bo just happened to be taking a drink of water at that moment and ended up spraying it everywhere. He proceeded to have a coughing fit.

“Eww! You got your mouth water on me.” I said laughing and wiping the spray off.

“You have such a way with words.” He commented after his coughing fit was over.

“So, I’ve been told. Answer the question.” I said impatiently. He took another drink to sooth his throat before responding.

“We are going to see an acquaintance in New Orleans. She has your new identity all sorted out.”

“New Orleans?! I’ve always wanted to go! Can we please see a festival?” I quickly became excited.

“No. Too many immortals. Too many eyes.” he said sternly.

“Seriously? The one time I get to go somewhere, and I don’t even get to join in on the festivities.” I said dejectedly.

“As much as I would like to let you have all the fun you want, we are not going for your amusement.” He spoke. To be honest that comment stung a bit more than it should have.

“Right. I’m just the girl you got stuck with because of some debt you owed my mother. Thank you for the reminder.” I said sarcastically.

“That is not what I meant.” Bo said and then sighed.

“That may not have been what you meant, but how it came out was that you’re under an obligation. That all I am is a burden, and some frivolous little girl.” I vented.

“I apologize for my choice of words. I did not mean them. I simply should have said, another time.” Bo corrected.

“With any luck, I will turn you into a person fit for human interaction.” I jabbed playfully at him.

“Oh ho, says the girl with one friend. I have a couple dozen at least.” He jabbed back. I gasped in mock horror.

“Well by how long you’ve lived, one wouldn’t think you would have more. Plus, one friend for almost 19 years is a better average mathematically, that 24 with the years you have on you.”

“Ouch, you called me old and lacking in social decorum. That’s some skill.” He laughed at me.

“Damn straight.” I smiled.

After a few moments of silence, I noticed Bo was looking at me frequently.

“Can I help you?”

“Sorry, it’s just it’s so odd seeing your mother’s face, with your father’s hair and eyes, and his complexion too.”

“So, we covered my mother, who was my father?”

“To be honest I didn’t know him all that well. I do, however, know that he was a werewolf from Scotland. He seemed like a decent enough guy.”

“Wait, I’m half werewolf?” I asked surprised.

“Well, yes and no. You see, I don’t think you can’t be both Phoenix and werewolf. Seeing as phoenix’s are only females, it makes sense you would only be a Phoenix. Plus, I’ve watched you growing up, you’ve exhibited no sighs of werewolf attributes.” He explained.

“You think?!” I half yelled.

“Well, werewolf’s first turn when they start puberty. You never did.” He shrugged.

“As if I wasn’t enough of a freak by coming back from the dead, twice.” I snorted.

“You are not a freak. Trust me there are a lot more freakier thing out there.” I didn’t want to even delve into what else was out there. To be honest, it frightened me.

“So, who is your contact?” I asked him as I diverted the conversation.

“Her name is Gwen. She is an old and powerful Fae.” he said with a neutral tone. I eyed him carefully to see if there was any hint of feelings, he might have for the Fae woman.

“Older than you?” I tapped my fingers to keep my nervousness at bay. I didn’t think until now that, quite possibly, he might have a girlfriend or something.

“Few are older than me. She is not.” He said as he began slowing the car.

“So random question. How does your girlfriend feel about you having to stalk another girl?” I tried as much as I could muster, to sound nonchalant. I prayed it worked. Bo’s lips twitched up ever so slightly, as if trying not to smile.

“I don’t know.” He said giving nothing away. He began to pull the car over to a gas station.

“What do you mean? How could she not know what you do with most of your time these last 19 years?” my voice nearly squeaked. Be cool, Elena, be cool.

“I mean, if I was courting a girl, I don’t know how she would feel about it.” Okay he said ‘if.’ That must mean he isn’t seeing anyone. Right?

“Are you purposely trying to be allusive?” I asked him impatiently as he stopped at the gas pump and turned off the car.

“Why are you so interested in who I’m courting?” he shot back. He had me there. Dammit.

“Just wanted to make sure I didn’t have to calm down a hysterical woman, to assure her of your faithfulness.” I said averting eye contact. At that he burst out laughing.

“What is so funny?!” My face felt hot with embarrassment.

“Elena, I’ve been around long enough to know that if I was courting a woman, I had better not be spending time with another. Regardless of the circumstances.” He looked right at me.

“O-okay.” I stuttered and swallowed as he stared at me with those gorgeous green eyes.

Smiling, he then opened the door and exited the car. I let out a breath and sat back in my seat exasperated. Unexpectedly my passenger side door opened causing me to jump a little. Bo held his hand out to help me from my seat. I unbuckled my seat belt and took his hand. As I stood up, I noticed how warm his hands were compared to mine. It felt so good that I had to resist the urge to get closer. Bo shut the door and then turned my hand over to place a $20 bill in it.

“Go inside and get yourself something to eat and drink. Use the restroom if you must. I am going to fill up the car.” Bo said. I still hadn’t recovered from earlier conversation, so I just muttered a thank you and started to make my way inside.

“Hey Elena.” Bo called after me. I turned around to look at him.

“Try not to blow this one up.” He said with an amused expression.

“I make no promises.” I said laughing. Bo smiled and laughed before I turned around and went inside the convenience store. I realize now, that to others within hearing distance, they would have undoubtedly taken Bo’s statement the wrong way. I couldn’t help but turn red and laugh as I thought about how it sounded. I felt like I wanted to die of embarrassment.