The Pledge Chapter 6c

Jack pushed a strand of hair behind Ziggy's ear, then touched her face with his hand. He thought he saw the blue haze seeping back, Ziggy knew it was back. There wasn't a force in existence that could have got through that bubble as it protected Jack and Ziggy in their own world. Protection by the blue tinged haze and everything it stood for.

Jack seriously doubted that he'd ever stop smiling again. The night air was rapidly chilling their sweat-sheened skin and Jack pulled a rug off the back of the sofa to wrap them both in.

“How old are you Ziggy?” Jack studied Ziggy's beautiful, elven face. She was absolutely nothing like her half-sister. She had the type of face that you simply couldn't put an age to and her tiny size confused the issue even more.

“Twelve.” Ziggy sniggered. “You bad man.”

“And you're drinking beer?” Jack laughed.

“Ha! I'm twenty five. Birthday yesterday.” Ziggy nodded.

“Happy birthday!” Jack kissed her nose. “So you were brought up with all this?”

“Yes. It's a beautiful way of life, Jack. It's never meant to be abused like it has been by Lavinia and her scrubbers. It's terrifying to think about the retribution she'll get for all that abuse.”

“She'll be aware of all that.” Jack shrugged. “I can't believe this happened.” He kissed Ziggy's shoulder. “Of all the goings on of tonight and all the outcomes, this just wasn't in the equation at all.”

“Well if this is what happens after a veiling spell, I dread to think what the pair of us would be like if I got out the rose petals and chocolate.” Ziggy laughed.

“I'll hold you to that.” Jack grinned. “You know, I didn't actually realise what a rut I was in. Alex and me are just fine, we always will be, but I didn't realise how much I'd missed closer, adult company.”

“How long has it been?”

“Twelve months. I thought you knew?” Jack said.

“I knew nothing until Lavinia screeched it at me in her house. What a digging I gave her.” Ziggy sniffed.

“You hit her?” Jack burst out laughing.

“You bet I did! Nasty old bitch. That was unbelievably vicious and cruel of her. Her nastiness still astonishes me, even after this length of time.” Ziggy sighed. “So do you think Lynne would approve?”

“I'm positive of it. So is Alex.” Jack laughed.

“Alex? I thought you said this was unexpected?”

“Oh it was. Or at least it was to me, apparently not so to Alex. He told me to get on with the grown up stuff and leave the easy kid's stuff with him.”

“He's a fantastic kid.” Ziggy found that very funny indeed. “He must have been so confused this afternoon and a mad hippie sticking crystals all over him isn't exactly ordinary.”

“It is to him. If I didn't stop you, why should he?” Jack shrugged. “Trust.”

“Makes sense. He seems to be having a quite night.”

“Quieter than his old man anyway.” Jack grinned and caught hold of Ziggy.