~ Halloween Tryst ~
by Dragonjuls


witch


Email:dragonjuls@dragon.karoo.co.uk

~

Tabatha Wright shot a quick glance over her shoulder to ensure her parents had truly left the building! One might ask why she did that. Didn't she get on with them you may ask? Well asking is one thing, actually finding the truth quite a different matter?

~

Today was important to Tabatha, more important than any other day of her life. Although she shouldn't exclude the day she was born for on that chilly, wet day forty years ago no one could have foreseen just how important that day would be! Especially the date, the 31st of October! Darn it why had she been born on that day? Not only had it been bad timing on her part, but her parents had a sense of humour too. They named her after a character on a 60's television series. Now, generally speaking, that wouldn't be a problem, although she did spend much of her early years being teased about her twitching nose. Unfortunately for her, she could move that particular part of her anatomy although it didn't, however, have the marked response the TV character possessed. On more than one occasion that proved to be a pity.

Once she graduated and left college, Tabby, as she had always been nicknamed, decided that enough was enough. She bolted from the family estate for her own place in the mountains, where peace and quiet reigned and humans were few and far in between. That had been eighteen years ago and she was now a successful veterinarian in her own right. Much to her surprise, Tabby had, in the last eighteen months, taken an interest in humans again?actually one in particular, Vanessa Templeton.

Tomorrow was her birthday and she had invited Van home to meet her family.Vanessa, pleading that she had business to take care of, didn't fly in with Tabby, but would arrive on a later plane. Her lover had been very mysterious of late, though promised desperately that she would arrive before seven that evening, Tabby wondered, not for the first time, if meeting her family had been a good idea. After all, they weren't exactly the conventional type family.

Sherman Wright, her father, was a solid kind of guy who made his fortune from franchises. Samantha, her mother, had been, from all accounts, kind of crazy in her earlier years until she met Sherman and changed dramatically. Finally, there was Angel?hmm what did one say about him? Her kid brother was a little bit like their mother as a child, rather wild, and yes, one must admit crazy and certainly no angel. What he didn't do would full up a book and then some. All that was hoped for him was that he would meet a nice person and settle down. And, in due course, his temperament would follow just as it had with his mother.

So much for hopes and dreams.

Needing to speak with her lover, Tabby desperately made several phone calls to Van only to be dismally ignored and left to speak on the good old answer machine. Now what was Van playing at? Ah well, she hoped that her parents would be delayed at the party they had had to attend on short notice. That way she and Van could have some time to be alone?maybe twitching her nose might help.

~

"Why Tabby, you never told me your family had such a magnificent home! Why ever not?" Vanessa Templeton exclaimed in her southern drawl as she stared in appreciation at the eighteenth century mansion on top of the hill.

Tabatha frowned slightly as she gazed at her family homestead. "I guess I didn't think it important to us," knowing her words sounded rather feeble.

Vanessa gave her love an indulgent glance and then stared harder at the old house. Not many with such character and history stood today in such splendid order. Of course, there were those that the government or the wealthy owned, and when she meant wealthy she really did mean WEALTHY. Turning her attention back to her lover, Van gave a brilliant sweet smile. "Darling you never mentioned your family had money."

Tabatha cringed at the mention of the root of all evil, at least to her anyway. Why did so many people set such store by that trivial item called money! She would prefer the barter system herself, working for what you need. "I'm not aware they have MONEY in the sense you mean. Does it make a difference? My brother inherits the bulk of any wealth. Is that a problem?"

"No, no darling please it doesn't matter?a brother, you haven't mentioned a brother. In fact, you've barely mentioned a mom and dad. When do I have the pleasure?"

Tabby turned to stare into the liquid gold eyes of her lover as she stopped the car in front of the house. Her heart missing a beat at the sensuous smile she was given. "Tonight, you will barely remove your belongings from the case before they are back."

"I'll look forward to it my love."

Tabby watched as Van alit from the vehicle, drawn to her vivacious curves and the sensuous swell of her breasts that appeared to rise out of a mysterious hiding place for her immense enjoyment.

"Shall I garage the car Miss Tabatha?" A familiar, yet not, voice entered her erotic daydreaming as she swung her gaze to the voice in question. Flicking over the contours of what should have been a familiar face and body she realized however, it wasn't?absolutely in no way was this beautiful woman familiar!

"Sure?are you new around here?"

Feral Green eyes caught her black ones with a mixture of knowing and distain. "No, been here forever. I'll take the car keys," deft fingers removed the keys from her unfeeling fingers, "thank you Miss."

Tabby shook her head trying vainly to recall who the person was, who the hell was this person? She certainly didn't know her?or, did she?

"Darling, look, look, you have wonderful ivy growing all around the house like in the movies!" Vanessa exclaimed with so much excitement that it penetrated Tabby's interest in the now forgotten staff member along with everything else except the woman who had claimed her heart.

"Absolutely Darling, you can't have an ancient monument without the good old ivy." Smiling happily she hugged her lover close as they entered the house with the tinkle of laughter between them.

~

Cardencia Azaroth gave the young woman in her view a concentrated stare. It was hard to believe how her daughter had changed. "Are you happy now?"

Feral green eyes turned to her mother who was mending a trivial item of linen. The whole concept of having a seamstress on the staff was clearly outdated in this day and age although her mother was happy and so, apparently, were the Wrights.

"Happy, why that question, Mother?"

"Because you wanted her to see and she didn't?never has and I doubt she ever will! She's not like her brother; I thought you would have found that out by now."

"Mother, you talk in riddles."

"Ah, you're just too wrapped up in what might be, not what could be!"

"And, there's a difference?"

"Well, surely there is, chicken pie; if you do it right this time there will be no problem."

Shaking her head at the cryptic answer the young woman turned her gaze to the opening of the servants' sitting room door. "Well, well if it isn't the prodigal son."

A young man with the blackest hair imaginable and sparkling blue eyes instantly reminiscent of a wonderful pool, you wanted to immerse yourself into, appeared. His face bore his trademark grin, as he saw the person he had been told had finally arrived home.

"Why shiver me timbers me darling has finally arrived home!" An enormous hug enveloped the somewhat taken aback woman as she endured, for a few moments, the sign of affection from the man.

"I'm not your darling and you would do well to remember that Angel." As her eyes flashed her mock annoyance, she was pleased to see the young man, for at least he not only knew who she was at first sight, but he was pleased to see her as well.

Angel grinned cheerfully, "aye I do that darling, although who knows one day you might change your mind and I'll be here waiting for you."

The glib rejoinder had its merits however, they both knew that friendship was the only thing they shared these days, and had ever shared really. A few chase kisses when they were teenagers could hardly elicit the grand passion. Anyway, she loved another?had always done so even though that was doomed never to be.

"I love you too, Angel. Now, how did you arrive without me finding out? I was under the impression that you were at the same party as your parents."

For a second or two the happy profile slipped and a strange expression crossed his features. Some called it the crazy look, and most moved away as fast as possible not wanting to be involved in anything this young man deemed was the action of the moment. "I skipped the old codgers shindig, wasn't my style and when Cardencia here told me you were due home, well I wasn't going to miss that for the world."

"Okay, that appears plausible. As you're here you can tell me all about Tabatha's new love; she looks like a scatter brain to me."

Deep laughter filled the room. "You and only you would say that darling. After all, she's the only one you're interested in here, besides your mother of course!" Angel winked in the direction of the older woman in the room who smiled graciously back at him.

Making several unbecoming faces before settling herself down on the sofa indicating Angel should follow and tell all?and knowing Angel he would and make things up too along the way.

~

Standing at the open window, Tabby gazed out over her family residence. The meandering drive that appeared to go on forever flanked by magnificent conical pine trees standing to attention as you travelled by. To her left, she saw the well manicured lawn that had always been immaculate even when she had been a child. She and Angel hadn't been allowed to play on the flawless turf or woe betide them if they did for as soon as they set foot on the lawn Sylvester, the gardener, would be chasing them away with a pitch fork. Not that he would have harmed them, although they never allowed him to catch up as a precaution, no sense taking the chance. To her right was the lake; it was a beautiful feature but one she preferred to avoid. Her parents had insisted that one day she would come around although to-date she hadn't and thought she probably never would now.

Swinging her gaze back inside her bedroom, she saw it hadn't changed over the years she'd been gone. Except, her mother had obviously taken away some of her more childish memorabilia to save her embarrassment in front of Vanessa. It was all well and good knowing that the old photos would come into play over the weekend quite another facing it immediately you stepped into the house.

With a softening of her features she gazed adoringly at the woman who was napping in the bed?her bed and what an exciting thought that was to share something so private with the one you loved. The gentle sounds emanating from the bed indicated that her lover was asleep. That brought a smile to her face as she flashed over the reason sex with her lover had been, as always, wonderful, highly charged and spontaneous. As she'd closed the door on the room, Van had begun undressing her and within minutes they had both been naked and flaming with a passion that required immediate appeasing, which they did with complete satisfaction. Now she had time to dwell on why she was here?bottom line she wanted her lover to meet her parents and be welcomed as part of the family. Because, as far as she was concerned, Vanessa was her partner and she had high hopes it would be lifelong, just as her parents.

Knock? knock, knock.

The gentle tapping of a long ago code on her door had her thoughts dragged from her lover to the person she knew was behind the door. With a wide smile she slowly opened the door and slid out into the corridor where she was engulfed in a bear hug that could only belong to her brother.

"Angel! I thought you were with Mom and Dad?" Tabby exclaimed happy to see her brother.

Sparkling eyes washed over his elder sister with approval. She looked good, real good! Things must be going well for her. "Tabby, you look marvellous I wonder why that is or should I say who."

"Down boy, down, we both know you have an eye for the ladies let me make it clear that Vanessa is MINE!" Tabby knew that her brother would do exactly that. Though they both had tastes for the female form they had never come to blows over a lady, not even?

"Isabella! My god that was Isabella earlier, I didn't recognise her she's grown up so."

Angel watched the recognition of the woman he had spent the last hour with register in his sister's mind. "Yes, Issy has finally come of age. I think she's turned out well, what do you think?"

"Think! I hardly recognised her Angel. She's?well she's?let's say I didn't know it was Issy. Anyway, why was she garaging the car she doesn't work for us now does she?"

For a few moments there was silence between the siblings.

"No, Issy has surpassed the life of servitude as we know it?she's a doctor, paediatrician to be exact. Her mother is proud of her, although would have preferred her to settle down and have kids instead of taking care of other people's when they are sick. Frederick, for your information, would be gutted to think he had been replaced by a younger and far more beautiful model. Actually, he was chauffeuring Mom and Dad, Issy helped out, and you know Issy." Angel smiled wryly, he wished Issy would take him seriously, but she never had, and after their recent conversation, never likely to do so.

Tabby looked perplexed for a few moments then replied softly, "yes, I know Issy?at least I did. I guess she's changed not only physically from the fifteen year old I last had any dealings with. I'm going to have to apologise to her when I see her next for not recognising her immediately."

"I knew her immediately! I'll never forget those eyes." His voice held awe and worship making Tabby smile fondly at him.

"Angel, she's never going to take you seriously until you buckle down and be more like dad."

"Well, I guess that's another crossed off the list. Hey, Sis isn't it time we chewed over the fat for a while before the folks get back and your lady friend wakes up."

Tabby flushed a little. "How did you know she was sleeping?"

A knowing laugh echoed along the wooden panelling, "Tabby, even if you forget something my memory is working quite well. Any woman in your bedroom is either involved heavily with you and you wouldn't be with me, or, she's sleeping after a ?"

"Okay, okay I take your point. Let me change out of this robe to something decent and I'll meet you in the study, what time is it anyway?"

"Quarter after six and our parents will be home in an hour to welcome you home properly, bet you can't wait." He winked as she closed the door on him, her mind on one woman as her eyes alit on another.

~

Dinner had been a sumptuous affair. Her parents had obviously gone to a great deal of trouble to welcome home their prodigal daughter. Perhaps that was the wrong expression since prodigal was a truer statement of her brother. She noticed Angel hadn't taken his eyes off her lover from the moment he was seated opposite her and Van hadn't been adverse to his attention either, which was rather annoying.

After taking their leave of the dining room, they settled in the sitting room with Vanessa quickly taken to one side by her mother and no doubt was getting the third degree. Her father, on the other hand, was doing what she had expected by strolling over to the magnificent fireplace and poking around in his jacket for his worn pipe and in an exaggerated fashion much like she expected Sherlock Holmes to do in his day lit the awful smelling tobacco. That, in a strange way was part and parcel of who her father was. And, she wouldn't change him or that foul pipe for anything.

"Thanks for the welcome home Dad, I appreciate it."

His face creased into a thousand lines as he smiled her approval. "Anything for you Tabby, it's wonderful you decided to visit us especially for this birthday."

Sheepishly Tabby gave her dad a wry grimace. "Sorry Dad, I guess I've been so tied up in work?you know how that goes."

Sherman Wright didn't respond immediately and then with a twinkle in his grey eyes he spoke softly, "well if that's the kind of work you're currently embroiled in I can understand completely."

Tabby turned to look in the direction her dad's eyes were now focused on, sure enough it was Vanessa. "You old reprobate, do I have to warn you off too!"

Raised eyebrows were her answer and a convincing shake of the head, "not me Tabby, I've been taken for years and nothing will change that."

Her father's voice sounded as if it was far away in a place she either wasn't invited or couldn't travel. "I should have known better, Mom."

Silence descended between them as each mulled over what appeared to be an un-necessary statement, however the silence had an under current Tabby was puzzled about.

"I take it we are talking about Mom?"

Sherman gave his eldest daughter, and frankly his favourite too, a long level glance before he shifted in the direction of his wife. "Oh your mother and I are happy, very happy in fact. Though I confess she isn't the person who stole my heart and has refused to return it too me."

Flabbergasted at the remark Tabby shot both her parent's a look, what the hell did that mean exactly?"I'm confused Dad, are you saying you don't love mom, never have?"

His calloused hand shot out and touched her face gently, with such a hard and large hand it was difficult to see how he could give such a gentle action. "Tabby one day when the time is right you'll experience such a love, it shakes you body and soul and you are never whole again?unless, you are one of the lucky ones to spend a lifetime and beyond with that person. Sadly, I wasn't, however I hold her love in my heart everyday, she's never forgotten."

"Did she die?" The insensitivity of her question didn't register at first not until she saw her father's eyes attempting to quell the deep sadness he felt at his loss. "No, no she didn't. Now enough of this, have you seen Isabella yet? She's turned out to be a fine lady, wouldn't you say?"

Glimpses of her father with an unknown woman who meant more to him than?what, Mom, her, Angel and his whole life, it couldn't be could it?

"Tabby didn't you hear me, have you gone suddenly deaf?" Sherman Wright knew he should have had this conversation with his daughter many years ago, perhaps then she wouldn't look at him as if he'd dropped an atomic bomb.

A shattered looked was all the explanation he needed. His son had taken it rather better than his daughter, it would appear. Ah, when was it a good time to talk about such things? She must know that he loved her mother deeply?she wasn't the love of his life that was all. Tomorrow was the one night of the year that he could express his love for the 'other' woman, who had captured him when he was a young man barely out of school. Yes, tomorrow?a passing of time he looked forward too for 364 days of the year.

"I'm sorry Dad, right now I can't talk I need air!" Tabby virtually ran out of the room ignoring the rest of her family and her lover who looked at her retreating back in mystification. One look in the direction of Sherman from his wife and son gave its own story. Angel chose that time to monopolise his sister's girlfriend's time, who being centre of attention once more, totally forgot about Tabatha.

~

Isabella heard the on-coming footsteps in her direction as she waited for whoever it was to pass her by. What she hadn't banked on was that it was the woman of her dreams who looked distraught, so much so that she had tears running own her cheeks?if that woman she called lover had hurt Tabby in anyway?well there would be hell to pay!

As Tabby drew nearer she was so engrossed in her misery that she failed to notice Isabella leaning against the arch leading to the formal rose garden. Crashing past her totally in a world of her own, she finally stopped, collapsing on the seat in the middle of the garden and wept.

The sound had Isabella closing her eyes briefly, should she or shouldn't she ask what was wrong, hadn't she done this very thing fifteen years ago almost to the day, well tomorrow it would be. Yeah, a momentous occasion in her young life, it had tainted her view on love ever since and the person responsible was sitting right there. It could be called justice?

"Are you okay?" Isabella asked politely as she stepped from her vantage point into the dim lighting of the solar powered lights around each garden bed.

The sobbing continued her question obviously ignored. Taking the uncertainty of her action out of the equation she sat down next to the weeping woman. Tabby hadn't changed at all even when she cried she would always look beautiful and that cute action of twitching her nose, always made Issy smile.

"You don't remember me do you, Tabatha?"

This time the question registered in Tabby's mind as she looked up her eyes red with crying. She was stunned to find Issy Azaroth sitting besides her looking concerned. Certainly if the tables had been turned she wouldn't show any concern for her. After all, the last time they had seen each other they had left acrimoniously, and it had all been her fault too. She had been such a spoiled young woman and had vaulted ideas of who she would eventually love. Issy hadn't been that person, not then and not now either for she had Van.

"I didn't recognize you at first that's true. Although, you still do have those eyes that scare the hell out of anyone who doesn't know you."

A small smile played around the edges of Issy's lips. Ah yes, my eyes. It had been an advantage at school, but now she cursed them at times when the kids she treated cried if she forgot to smile when administering to them. "Well that was then, today I doubt I scare anyone, except maybe the kids I work with."

"I heard you're doing well?you're a doctor how marvellous. Angel was frothing at the mouth at your virtues?he still loves you and would give you anything you wanted." Tabby felt her world righting again. She didn't know if it was the surroundings of the rose garden, Issy's presence or the mention of her brother. Did he know, my god how would he take it, he was already crazy!

"I already have most things I want for anything else I'll have to be patient. Now are you going to tell a stranger why you were crying? It might help to shed the load."

Tabby stared into the feral green eyes, that to her, had always reminded her of a faithful cat rather than anything sinister. They had often when children, played as children do, especially on her birthday as it was Halloween. She recalled one birthday when she had decided to be a witch and Sylvester's gardener's broom, which he used for the leaves on the lawn. It was the only time he actually didn't chase after her for doing so. He would merely shake his head and mutter it was the way it had to be. Issy had been her black cat sitting on the back of the broom and they had had great fun back then, smiling at the memory.

Issy watched the smile appear for it had always been what she termed a quiet curve of the lips. She had always thought the rest of her features apparently didn't want the competition. "Maybe I'm the medicine being a doctor and all, because you sure look a little happier now."

Tabby gazed into the woman's face. Issy looked?she was beautiful; age had obviously dealt her a wonderful hand. All the puppy fat and the pimples were gone revealing a woman, though not thin, certainly comfortable in her own skin with a flawless complexion and an inner confidence that exuded a natural light eclipsing everything around her. "Maybe you are. How long do you intend to stay?"

She cast her eyes beyond the rose garden through the far arch to the view of the lake. It was a place she had always loved, perhaps because it reminded her of happier times and gave her hope of what could be. "Not long now."

The enigmatic words made Tabby feel the upset she had when her father had dropped his bombshell descended once more. "I'm having a family party tomorrow, it's my?"

"Birthday, I know?how could I forget?"

The statement was like a bolt of lightening illuminating a shared memory, for one more painful than another. "I'm sorry, Issy."

The words echoed around them as memories of that last time they were together cascaded around them?

"I love you Tabby, why don't you see that, we are meant to be together!"

Tabby glared at the young woman who had been her friend, her only real friend in this world to-date other than her kid brother. This wasn't what she had expected or wanted - a declaration of love from a fifteen year old, which in her opinion needed to grow up!

"You don't know what you're talking about Issy, you can't love me! I'm going to college tomorrow and we probably won't see each other again for?oh years I expect." Her harsh words penetrated easily the thin skin that Issy had for this woman. To her, Tabby was the sunrise and sunset of everyday, why was she saying such things; surely she knew they were meant to be together?

Tears ran down the young girl's cheeks as she faced the older friend. "You love me I know you do and when you finally find out that it's true I'm going to be here waiting for you, I promise you I will!"

Tabby shook her head. Her friend was going through one of those adolescent situations, and anyway, wasn't she and Angel an item? He always spoke as if that was the case. With a careless disregard to her friend's feelings or emotional state she spoke coldly, "I will never love you or want you like you think, look at you! You're fat and ugly how could I ever want to share the rest of my life with YOU!"

The words had slipped out and as soon as she had spoken she wished herself in hell as the girl in front of her squared her shoulders as the words sunk in. Issy bravely faced her, the words clearly having hit the mark as a tragic expression resided on her face. "I know different Tabby and one day you will too, and you will regret ever saying those words to me, you will?" Issy's words echoed down the path of the rose garden as she sped away?

Clearing her voice, Issy had long gotten over the hurt of the words. Perhaps they stung a little if she really thought hard about them, but she was a different person now and the woman at her side she hoped had grown up too.

Softly Tabby spoke, "I was right about one thing it has been years since we've seen each other."

"That's true, now as an old friend what happened to make you cry, the only person who ever made you cry was Sylvester when he used to chase you off the lawn and you were?oh about ten at the time." That smile again, which transformed Issy's face, it was like coming home and with it a sense of peace she hadn't felt in?years.

The two old friends sat together in silence for a few moments before haltingly Tabby related her father's duplicity.

Issy reached for Tabby's hand and held it lightly in comfort, "You know that he loves your mother Tabby, he adores her. Perhaps there were obstacles that prevented him being with this other woman, and although your mother isn't his first love, he definitely loves her and wouldn't ever do anything to hurt her."

The gentleness of Issy's touch and words had Tabby feeling guilty?not for the reason she should after their last encounter. But, that she was so comfortable here in her old friend's company, and Vanessa was inside probably frantic about her whereabouts.

"Thank you Issy?I, I need to go I have my, well I need to go."

Issy released the loose hold she had on Tabby's hand. It had been a bonus for her, the physical contact; the electric charge it gave her from such a small sign of affection had her heart racing. Oh how wonderful it would be if they could be together forever. These moments she had shared with Tabby had to last her forever, she knew that now and in a way it was the way it had to be.

"Yes, yes of course, enjoy the rest of the evening, Tabby." Issy stood up and in a way propelling a reluctant Tabby upwards with her.

Tabby stared hard into the eyes that had always remained constant to her, the childhood memories they shared had been great except for that one time, and she missed her friend and hadn't known it until now. "Will you attend my party tomorrow?"

Her eyes gazed around at the blooms that had fully exposed themselves to the world as she had her heart a long time ago. The petals threatening to fall at anytime, perhaps that was where she was with her love for Tabby, it was time for the petals to fall and move on.

"I can't sorry, I'll be gone tomorrow. Happy birthday, Tabby, enjoy the rest of your life." Issy's words echoed around her as Tabby watched lifelessly the younger woman walk away. As she did so, a part of her went with her leaving behind the bitter taste of foolish actions and the consequences of terrible words of long ago.

~

"Happy birthday Darling," Vanessa cooed into Tabby's ear. She was woken by small kisses on her back as her naked lover stretched over her kissing her lips before rushing out of bed to place a small package in her hands.

Blearily wiping the sleep out of her eyes she grinned at her lover. "Is this why you couldn't leave home at the same time as me?"

Vanessa shook her head. "No Tabatha, I was working, Henrietta wanted my?expert opinion on a product."

The deflated feeling she had was almost on a par to how she had felt when arriving back in the main house last evening. No one appeared to want to know, or at least ask where she had been, particularly Vanessa who was chatting warmly with her brother, too warm in her opinion. However, at that time she didn't care her mind was heavily concentrating on Isabella and the wrong she had done her old friend.

The package lay unopened in her hands as she heard the faint inflection in Van's words. "Just what were you working on that Henrietta needed your help, so much so you didn't tell her you could have left with me?"

Vanessa was slow to pick up on the heavy inflection in Tabby's voice. Why did everything have to be explained, couldn't Tabby just live each moment instead of analysing everything little thing. "It was a product thing! I told you!"

"Okay, what product, if it was so important care to share?" Tabby knew she was goading Vanessa and she didn't know why, twenty-four hours earlier she was willing to spend the rest of her life with this woman, right now she wasn't sure?of anything!

Vanessa dragged on a robe and gave the woman in the bed a petulant look her lower lip pouting in annoyance. "It was just a product, and does it matter?"

"It matters to me, a product was more important than our plans. Or was it really a product, maybe it was something else?" Tabby goaded the woman for no reason that she knew other than she could.

A faint shadow of pink crossed Vanessa's cheeks as sheepish eyes looked everywhere but at Tabby, darn it was she onto something.

"I'm going to take a shower," Van slammed the bathroom door as Tabby watched it with speculation in her eyes, what was Vanessa hiding?

~

Samantha Wright watched her daughter from behind fashionable sunglasses, she looked distracted. It was acceptable in the circumstances after Sylvester's announcement; as usual her husband had failed to follow up with the whole story. Why he always protected the female kind from anything he considered hurt was beyond her. After all, they weren't exactly the normal family and the females could well look after themselves.

Take her family for example. Their money was in real estate and special real estate too, something out of the ordinary her father would always say. It was true too, not that anyone ever questioned the Dracula's penchant for the traditional old buildings that would be better pulled down then preserved. Anyway, that was how she had met Sherman, he wasn't her choice oh no, he was way too nice for her. In the end she had accepted his marriage proposal as they each shared the same tragic problem. Each Halloween they did their own thing from eleven pm until the sunrise. That was until Tabby was born, rendering her unable to make her appointment of the night. It had gutted Sherman to not be at the birth of his first child being otherwise occupied. She hadn't minded, it was the way it had to be and why should he lose the love of his life, as she had been forced to do? Better one of them was whole for a few hours once a year then neither of them.

"Darling you've been quiet, where's your friend?"

Tabby was startled out of her daydreams not that she knew what they meant?bizarre would be more likely the explanation. "Sorry Mom, what was that?"

"Where is your friend Vanessa?"

"She was bored; Angel offered to take her on the sights of the town."

The disinterested comment had Samantha on her metal, had something gone wrong, knowing it couldn't be anything to do with them, not yet anyway.

"Darling, have you had an argument, perhaps I can help?"

Tabby smiled as she shook her head. "Everything is cool don't worry, Mom. When did the Azaroth's arrive here?"

Samantha had long wondered when that question would be asked. Angel was too crazy, not that you would know it until you got to know him poor boy, he needed a stabilizing force, as she had with Sherman. "Why when you were seven years old dear, why?"

"No reason just interested. Issy's changed from the last time I saw her."

"Yes she has, I hear she does wonderful work too, not only her practice, but she helps at a charity hospital she helped to found a couple of years ago."

"A philanthropist, my goodness I would never have pegged her as one of those; however, I should have known better she always had a kind and generous heart. What was Issy's father like?"

"Haven't a clue Darling, he apparently left Cardencia six months before Issy was born. He didn't want the responsibility from all accounts. Your father never could pass a damsel in distress that's why he took her on. She's a lovely woman though and knowing what I do?well that's another story."

Intrigued Issy insisted, "What do you mean another story?"

"Nothing at all dear, why there's Angel and Vanessa why not see what they have been up too."

~

Cardencia gave her daughter a rueful glance. "You could stay until tomorrow. I know I'm not much company this evening however tomorrow I have a new lease of life."

Issy smiled lovingly at her mother, oh yes indeed she would have a new lease of life, as it always had been. "I said if things didn't work out I'd help at the charity hospital they can never have too many hands, especially this evening. There's a lot of weird stuff that goes down on Halloween."

"You've given up haven't you?" Cardencia heard the sharp pain of rejection, she had experienced it herself a long time ago, which had placed her in the position she was now.

Issy turned to her Mother, "there comes a time in life when you have to admit that what you yearn for will never be that's the bottom line with me and Tabby. I can't make her love me Mom, I have no magic spell or potion to help me along, she doesn't feel what I feel and I won't live with second best not like?."

"Not like me you mean, it isn't the same love, you know that, I made the first mistake I was so arrogant thinking I could have anyone! What no one told me was that the one who was right for me had to love me without any help or it was never to be. Do you know how much I regret that and yet at the same time I don't because I think I have a second chance."

"If you're talking about me being that option so much for your second chance, Mom! It was a wonderful theory, full of holes though. I love you Mom, maybe you can visit me occasionally because I can't come back here again it's too painful."

Taking her daughter in her arms Cardencia knew she was right; this child of hers had all the compassion and common sense of a three hundred year old?well that wasn't far short of the mark.

"I love you too; never give up on love Issy."

~

Angel paced the floor of the sitting room, he had to admit that going out alone with Vanessa was a shock, a rather pleasant one though, and it had revealed facts that he doubted his sister had any idea about. Ah, wasn't that the case he'd found, the people closest to you never knew the truth. Tabby had made some stupid mistakes in her life the biggest being her belittling Issy's love of her. And, if she hadn't been his sister then he doubted she would be whole right now, because at the time he had wanted to rip her to shreds.

Now, he had to decide what to do, he was crazy in many facets but one, he loved his family and those close to him and his senses homed into their emotions.Issy at this moment was confused, but heading in the only direction she knew back to where she felt wanted if not loved.

"Son, what are you doing?"

"Hey Dad, I was thinking, you know like you do pacing the floor."

Sherman looked at the floor in question. "Ahrum, if you continue at that pace we won't have a floor. What's the problem boy?"

Angel thought he had a swell dad; sure he was strange at times trying to be something he wasn't, but that was the truth about them all. They had to fit in for every hour of each day except between the hours of eleven and six a.m. on this night. Tabby being the only member of the family who had refused by sheer will power never to succumb to her inner lifestyle; he doubted she even believed it was true after all this time.

"I have information that would hurt someone deeply, do I tell or keep it to myself, that's the current debate."

Sherman frowned. "About Tabby and that young woman she brought home?"

Angel glanced accusingly at his father. "Are you reading my mind?"

Laughing at the absurd notion he placed a hand on his son's shoulder. "Not me son, now your mother that would be another matter. I had an intuition that all wasn't what it should be in that relationship, even if Tabby had convinced herself that it was true love."

"I want to tell her, although right now I think another titbit of enlightenment might be too much even for her. What do you think I should do, Dad?"

Sherman considered the questions seriously; maybe it would be better coming from Angel. He was crazy from time to time and Tabby, if she didn't believe him, would put it down to that aspect of his personality. On the other hand, if she did believe him it would be a sibling's responsibility to highlight any possible chance of her being hurt.

"You tell her son, she deserves to know the truth, exactly what is that truth?"

~

Tabby placed Vanessa's birthday gift in the car alongside her lover's, or should she now say ex-lover's, baggage. No way could she accept the present not in light of what she had gleaned from Angel. She had to admit he had taken a chance that she wasn't going to scratch his eyes out when he told her that Van had been unfaithful to her in the past three months with her boss Henrietta. All those late hours Vanessa had said she was working out at the gym when she was doing the late shift had been a ruse for secret trysts with the other woman. When she'd confronted Vanessa the woman had admitted her un-faithfulness and had said it wasn't important, no one said they couldn't have other affairs during the relationship, why was it such a big thing with Tabby?

The interesting aspect out of all this hadn't been sadness, hurt or even anger, no it had been relief and a weight dropped from her shoulders. At first, she didn't understand why she felt that way and then, her thoughts turned to Issy and the gentleness of her childhood friend, who even though she had hurt her terribly, had magnanimously offered her comfort forgetting the past.

What a birthday this was turning out to be!

Ten minutes later she watched Angel, who had offered to take the woman back to the airport, speed off down the drive. Knowing her brother, he would make the journey as uncomfortable as possible for Vanessa. He loved speed and scaring the hell out of others on the road when he followed them almost bumper to bumper. He didn't want to harm them, but his blood craved the chase and running down its prey, which is how he viewed the activity. Yep, Vanessa was going to be glad to arrive at the airport in one piece and land on terra firma before jetting out of the town altogether.

Glancing down at her watch, she smiled it was seven in the evening and dinner now was going to be a rather muted affair?or maybe not if she could persuade Issy to join them.

Turning towards the kitchen entrance she ambled inside and was greeted warmly by the cook and a couple of the other kitchen hands. Asking quietly where Issy might be everyone quickly bent their heads as they replied in unison that they didn't know.

Tabby knew something was amiss not one of them had looked her in the eyes when they had said that. With a puzzled expression she walked towards Mrs. Azaroth's room tapping on it gently.

A quiet response to enter had Tabby opening the door at speed hoping to see Issy with her mother, after all that was why she had been here?right?

"Mrs. Azaroth, I was wondering if Issy would join me for my birthday dinner. Do you know where she is?"

Cardencia smiled warmly at the tentative words, and pointed to a small chair opposite her. "I did wonder if she had mentioned it?she has gone home, I'm sorry my dear."

"Home, surely not?this is home!" Tabby blurted out, trying desperately to compose herself as the tears welled up in her eyes. She'd done it again hadn't she? Sent away the one person who loved her unreservedly and who she now knew she loved too. Probably she always had but had been too selfish and pig-headed to allow the emotion to see any light until now.

"I'm afraid home my dear is in another town these days, I will tell her when she calls me that you were asking after her. Perhaps she will contact you in the future now that you have met again."

Tabby rose from the chair and gave Issy's mother a pitiful expression the disappointment and tragedy of this happening clearly written over her face. "Will you tell her when she calls that ?oh it doesn't matter, goodnight Mrs, Azaroth."

Cardencia watched with speculation in her eyes at the unhappiness emanating from the younger woman as she left the room. Whispering quietly to the cosy room, "I'll tell her you love her Tabby."

Glancing at the clock on the mantle she smiled deeply, only a few more hours to go and she would have that quality time with her old lover, how she missed their love the rest of the year.

~

Sherman and Samantha gave their eldest child a careful appraisal. She looked like the whole world was on her shoulders and they didn't know what to do.

"I'll stay with her tonight Darling; you go if you miss the rendezvous you know what that means." Samantha placed a gentle hand on her husband's arm as she spoke.

Sherman had only loved two women in his life, baring family members and although his wife could never have his whole love, she certainly had the piece that was left over and it was a big piece too. At times like these he felt privileged that she understood him and what it meant these few hours with his true soul mate.

"Perhaps it should be me who stays, haven't you lost enough already you need your rest tonight of all nights."

"Darling, don't be silly I'll survive if a little less agilely over the next year, we can put that down to growing old. You can take me shopping every week and we both know how you love that." They smiled at the personal reference; Sherman's pet hate was shopping. He never went even if he needed something urgently he always found someone else to do the chore for him.

"Then my darling I'll do that for you, thank you." He kissed her cheek and then walked over to his daughter who stood silently watching out of the window. Her eyes trained on the rose garden which now stood in a gloomy glow of the solar lights that tonight appeared to be dimming early, very much like her heart.

"Tabby, I'm going to bed why don't you retire for the evening too?"

Turning she gazed directly into her father's eyes, which gave him away. He wasn't going to bed at least not here. No matter how much that hurt her she had a feeling inside that it was okay, it was what had to be and by the looks of her mother it didn't matter. Therefore, why should she let it matter to her she felt sad enough?

"I'll be fine Dad, I was going to go for a walk in the rose garden and then I'll sleep."

"Your mother is going to stay here why not walk with her?"

Turning to see her mother who looked at them with intense love in her eyes and shaking her head, she kissed her dad's cheek. "Go, everything will be fine I promise."

As he left reluctantly Tabby went over to her mother and was pulled into the warmest hug she had ever received. It felt really good, who would have thought she still needed her mom to do that once in a while. "Want me to walk with you Darling? It's a beautiful clear night; we might even see witches flying."

For the first time since she heard that Issy had gone Tabby smiled. "Yeah and I remember when that happened before."

Samantha smiled in surprised recollection. "I didn't think you remembered that Darling you were only eight at the time."

Tabby recalled all the things that happened in her childhood now. Since Issy left she had dredged up all her old memories some good, others bad and some downright incredible! "That's why I hate the lake so much."

"Let's go for that walk shall we? The air will do us both good," Tugging her reluctant child along with her they left the house and entered the rose garden.

After a lengthy silence, which was easy going, both parties in deep recollection of what once had been, or at least in Tabby's part, who could say what her mom was thinking about. "Mom, dad told me about his secret love at least that's how I've termed it."

Turning to her daughter Samantha smiled gently. "He told me and for the record it isn't a secret never was and to tell you the whole truth I loved another too. Your father and I came together when we needed support; it's worked out beautifully for both of us."

Throwing caution to the wind, Tabby asked the question that had been burning inside her ever since her father volunteered the information. "Mom, is that where he is tonight with?with her?"

A tinkling laugh settled well inside the walled garden they walked, as her mother considered carefully before replying. "Yes, tonight he has the chance to spend a few hours with her; it isn't what you think though, Tabby. You know we are different from other people don't you, strike that you do. For whatever reason you've managed, admirably I might say, to hold all the changes that we allow at this time of the year to flow. However, we are cursed too in love, because we have to wait for the right person to enter our lives and commit to them and only them. As fate decrees, we fail far too often, and are allowed for our errors of judgement to spend a few precious hours with the one, that had we waited, would complete all that we are and all that we will be. I guess some of our antics to be with them are scary for the normal kind of folk. However, we have to be with them, if not we are doomed to spend what time we have in this lifespan to live without even a glimpse of that love."

The sadness that erupted in her mother's voice at the final sentence caught Tabby's attention immediately. "Mom, why have you stayed with me, if it's your time with your old love?"

A look crossed her mother's face one of devotion and love as she answered, "because my Tabby, you entered my life at the very moment I should have been with my love and because I was unable to make the rendezvous he was lost to me until the next lifetime."

An expression of horror crossed Tabby's face at the word. "I'm responsible for you losing your love, oh Mom I'm so sorry!" Tears cursed down Tabby's face for she felt at this time that nothing would ever be right in her world again.

Samantha pulled her tearful daughter close whispering gently into her ear, "I'm not Tabby, you were and always will be a marvellous gift, and I have never ever regretted you or the date you were born. Your father, by the way, was gutted he wasn't at your birth, I think that's why he spoils you so and always has."

Tabby was about to speak when another voice floated into the garden, a voice she had never expected but dearly wanted to hear.

"Am I interrupting I'll leave."

Samantha Wright smiled as she felt Tabby's heart racing, ah so perhaps you will break our family curse, I often wondered why you were born on such a day.

"No, please, Isabella don't go, I need my sleep therefore you have arrived at just the right time."

Isabella smiled warmly at Tabby's mother who was now walking with great pace away from the garden after whispering something to her daughter.

Wiping a hand across her lips as her words had dried up pretty much like the inside of her mouth, which felt like the floor of a birdcage.

"I thought you'd left, your mother said you had," Tabby finally spoke in bewilderment, was this woman before her an apparition?

Walking steadily towards Tabby, Issy felt like her legs were jelly, if Angel was wrong she would be heartbroken forever.

"I was, at least I'd left," Issy tried feebly to explain.

The reply was all Tabby hoped for, as she faced the one person who had always remained faithful no matter what had transpired. Closing the gap between them, Tabby placed a tender hand on Issy's cheek stroking it, feeling the vibrant life that cursed through not only Issy's blood at the touch, but her own. Was this what her parent's had once known and lost, was she finally going to be the one to find out what spending a lifetime with her soul mate was all about? Was it going to happen? Only the woman who was practically purring at the touch could answer. "I love you Isabella Azaroth, I want you to forgive me my foolishness over the years and please allow me to win you back."

Issy smiled inwardly as she recalled Angel's words as he'd searched for her in the airport. Her mother had a tip-off from that she would still be waiting for her flight.

"She loves you Issy, allow me to take you back?please?"

Issy had never seen or heard Angel plead like this, he was too full of his own self importance it appeared to be a family tradition, Tabby was like that in a big way.

"Look, I'm sorry she's upset that her ?friend has been cheating on her, but why should I go back, give me one good reason?"

Angel grinned devilishly, it had been his master plan to take Vanessa back to the airport and he'd made good time too, even the out-of-towner had allowed him to pass without a fight. If it had been any other time he would have been pissed, not today, nope he had a mission to rid them of the two-timer and bring back the one person who could make Tabby's life the most cherished in the world. Now to make her see that and knowing her tender heart Issy would fall like the deck of cards with a slight breeze.

"You want one good reason, only one?"

"Don't play with me Angel, my plane leaves in half an hour."

"The best reason Issy and the only reason, you love her!"


He was right of course, it was true, it had always been true she loved Tabby end of story or it was for her. Angel's smug expression would have been comical if it hadn't been so right. Bottom line she loved Tabatha Wright and nothing, not hurtful words or deeds would ever stop that emotion it was the very fibre of who she was.

"Win me back; you never lost me Tabby I've always been here for you, until the day I die you will be the love of my life."

Arms enclosed her in a suffocating hold that pressed her tightly, though not unpleasantly, in to Tabby's breast. "I need to breathe Tabby," Issy finally whispered.

For her the world could end at that moment, though she fervently hoped it wouldn't. The lips she had dreamed of, since the first day she had been in the presence of Tabby, closed in on hers, and the gentle tentative touch burst all her hopes and dreams with the crescendo of emotions clambering to the fore, as they lost themselves in a passion as old as time.

Some minutes later, surfacing from the kisses that set to devour their very essence, Issy stroked the wonderful bone structure of her love with tenderness overwhelming her as she wondered how this had all happened.

A howl from what could only be a wolf broke the moment although they remained entangled as close as they could together without being one entity. "I think Angel sounds happy."

Tabby snuggled closer to the woman in her arms. "Yes he does, maybe tonight he will find his love."

Issy grinned at the notion, "Tabby, all Angel wants at this time in his life is fun and tonight he deserves it. Do you remember old farmer Atkins, the Halloween when Angel was seven? He escaped from the run that your father had made for him until he was old enough to travel around by himself."

Laughing at the memory, "I remember, he chased him with a pitch fork for hassling the sheep. Atkins had that funny story around town that there was a werewolf about. Of course no one believed him, it was Halloween."

Issy snuggled close to her love. "I love you Tabby, and you are all I've wished for all my life."

The simple words that painted a vivid landscape she was allowed to enter made Tabby feel humble as she responded, "I'm going to make it up to you, and my mother too, for all that you have given me."

"Your mother," Issy inquired puzzled.

"Yes, she gave up more than I'll ever know, thankfully, bringing me into the world."

Still puzzled, Issy let it pass. "May I ask you one favour my love?"

Tabby smiled indulgently. "Ask me a thousand favours and it still won't be enough?" her words silenced by fingers caressing her lips before capturing them for a satisfying kiss.

"Make a wish Tabby, and twitch your nose like you used to do when we were growing up?"

For a few moments Tabby's face held a quizzical expression. She had mentally forced herself over the years to stop herself twitching her nose. However, there was nothing now that she wouldn't do for this woman at her side. "Do you mind if it's two wishes?"

Issy grinned and kissed Tabby again. "Sure go for it."

"Will it still be a wish if I tell you?"

"I promise never to divulge it ever!" Issy replied melodramatically.

"I want my mother to have her second chance with her soul mate, like my father has with his. Then I want to soar into the heavens with the love of my life."

As they closed in for another kiss sure in their love and that it would last a lifetime, odd feelings overcame them as they released lips.

~

Cardencia Azaroth was happy. As happy as she could ever attain in this world, knowing the only one she had really loved in this world lay close to her his breathing like a melody to her heart. It was ironic that when they had met she had been the predator, and foolishly her words had sent him away, after which she cursed herself to be a human for him forever. Too late, she had found out that he had made his own pact with the devil, and for this one night had turned into a wolf. How the ironies had piled up, meeting him years later he had been the one to take her and her daughter in, though he didn't know her for what she was until that first Halloween and then he was cursed to forget everything the next morning, and she was cursed to remember everything.

"Sherman my love, we have been redeemed; our children have found the true love that we never could." Kissing the soft fur of the animal that lay in her embrace.

~

Samantha felt at ease for the first time in many years. How that was she didn't exactly understand, it was good and she was thankful that Issy had returned to Tabby for that was how it had to be. At least one of them could enjoy the fruits of true love.

She lay in the coffin that her father had made for her knowing that tonight at least she would sleep well in its comfortable confines. It was the only night of the year that she used the sarcophagus. Settling down, she knew she would dream of good things tonight, very good things as she closed the lid on herself.

Shortly after, the lid of the tomb opened and filtered light streamed in waking Samantha from her dreaming. Though she was sure she still must be, for the person opening the lid appeared so lovingly familiar.

"I'm here my love, it has been too long."

Those words, that voice, it was like a memory from the past. Dare she reach out and touch it, for it was sure to disappear if she did. Finally, the decision was taken from her, as a hand touched her face, and lips she hadn't felt for forty years touched hers searing her soul.

"You waited for me?" Samantha breathed out; it was her true love, but how, why, who could have done such a thing ?Tabby!

~

Angel howled happily as he saw the figures of his sister and Issy soar high into the air, at last she had accepted her birthright and who wouldn't, she was one powerful witch if she allowed it full reign.

Tonight he felt that his life was changing too, as he sniffed the air and a scent that hadn't assailed him before crossed his path. His eyes darted in all directions until he was caught by the silhouetted figure of a wolf at the top of the mountain, his senses going into overdrive as he considered the chase.

Oh yeah this female was his, all his tonight, and he hoped that she gave him a long chase, after all it was Halloween!

~

A couple of figures on a broomstick were visual high in the sky if you happened to look silhouetted against a full moon.

After the initial shock of being transported from the garden, Tabby and Issy, screamed with laugher as they soared higher and higher. It was like the first time, when she was eight and Issy five and they had borrowed Sylvester's garden broom travelling on their first ever, and last until now, Halloween jaunt.

As Issy clasped Tabby's waist she whispered in her ear," please don't land in the lake this time!

Laughing joyously Tabby looked at her love, clinging to the handle of the broom. "Only if you promise to keep those claws to yourself when you get air sick."

Feral green eyes peered at the woman who was bathed in black to match her glistening eyes. Purring gently in agreement she moved in as close as possible to the body of her witch and happily watched the activities below. Who said cats, were afraid to fly!

The End


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