Hellfire On The Other Side

Chapter 44

   "Good news, you two. The takeover is done. Once we're certain that everything is safe, I'll take you back," Verity says to Gabriel and Floria. Gabriel quickly translated to Floria who smiled. "Thank you, and again, we apologize for letting Adrianna run off but she is our friend," he said. Verity chuckles. "In a way, you helped majorly," she says. "If you hadn't let Adrianna runoff, Clara wouldn't have admitted that she needed help." Gabriel nodded. "Adrianna is one special girl." "She certainly is," says Verity. Suddenly, Verity's phone rings. "I gotta take this," she says. "Go for Verity." "Where are you? It's almost your shift!" says Tina. "Oh, I'll be there in a few minutes," Verity responds. "Good, cause we're gonna need all the help we can get," says Tina. Verity hangs up and says to Gabriel. "You two can manage until I get back, right?" "I protected Floria during the takeover, I think we'll be fine," Gabriel said taking Floria's hand. Verity smiles. "Alright. I'll be back!" She says. She snaps her fingers and teleports to the restaurant. "Oh, my days," she exclaims upon seeing how packed the restaurant is. "Where's Charlene?" she asks Tina. "Upstairs, looking for houses," Tina answers. 

   Charlene sits on Tina's bed, searching for houses on her laptop. "No, that's too expensive. Ugh, that one's ugly!" she says. "Ooh, that one's got a pool! Reasonable price, optimal size. I love it! Where is it located? What?! That's too far!" She closes her laptop and throws herself backwards. "How am I ever gonna find the best house for me and Shane?" she groans. Suddenly, her phone rings. She takes it out of her pocket and checks it. "Well, I guess if I want to know what Shane wants from our house, asking him would be the best option," she says. She answers the phone. "Hey, Shane." "Hey, Char. Miss me?" Shane says with a chuckle. "Of course I do. Sometimes, I forget that this charm doesn't have its magic anymore," says Charlene. "When are you gonna come back to New Orleans?" "I need to make sure that everything's under control here in France first. Especially with Clara. She's bound to be the most messed up after everything that happened these past six months," says Shane. Charlene nods. "Yeah, I guess so," she says.

   "So what are you up to?" Shane asks. Charlene tries to think of a lie. "Oh, just here at the restaurant and hanging out," she says nervously. "You're lying," says Shane. "What are you doing, Char?" Charlene sighs. "I'm trying to find a house for the both of us, but none of them are perfect for us," she says. "Well, I'm not that worried about distance. As long as it's in New Orleans, I'm satisfied. Especially since it means we can go on long bike rides together," says Shane. Charlene smiles. "That's true. I love our bike rides together," she says. "I actually found one that I think you'll really like. It has a pool, too!" "Awesome!" Shane exclaims. "I've never been in a pool before. I don't even know how to swim." Charlene raises an eyebrow. "You can't dance. You can't swim. Don't tell me that you can't sing, either," she says. "Hey, I can sing! I just choose not to because I'm, y'know, very self-conscious about it," says Shane, his voice getting quieter as he speaks. Charlene laughs. "Aww! Well, you can always sing for me. I bet you have an amazing singing voice," she says. "Really?" "Of course! And I'll teach you how to swim, too." "Thanks, Char. Can't wait to be back in New Orleans again," says Shane. "Neither can I. I love you, Shane," says Charlene.

   "Alright. Love you too, darling," says Shane. He hangs up and smiles. He turns around and sees Clara. "How long have you been standing there?" he asks her. "Not long, just taking a short break before I head back to the stables. Been trying to get a move down. Adrianna keeps calling to see when I am coming home but I don't know," Clara said grabbing some water. Shane takes notice of Clara's beverage choice. "Who are you, and what have you done with the Clara I know?" he jokingly asks. "Oh shut up. I have been training nonstop since the takeover went down and I don't have any alcohol with me. Also, I don't just drink alcohol," Clara said rolling her eyes. Shane chuckles. "Yeah, I suppose that's true. Therefore, I will allow you to do the same if you ever catch me eating something other than beignets," he says. Clara nodded chuckling. "So, why you still here in Paris and not with your wife right now? I mean I'd think after what happened, you would stay with her." Shane shrugs. "I'm just trying to keep you safe," he says. "And how am I not safe?" Clara asked. "Markus. Dude's obsessed with you," says Shane. "As I predicted, he isn't in Paris. He used the same spell that Doreen used to move her collection," Clara said crossing her arms. "And I can protect myself thanks. I am not scared" "Better safe than sorry," says Shane. "Any news on your old man? Emphasis on 'old'?" "Nothing, not even a guard," Clara said. "I am heading back to the stables, if you want to continue talking, you better come along." "Righty-O," says Shane.