Chapter Two-hundred Twelve: Good Night, Sweet Prince

Chapter 212

Good Night, Sweet Prince

That night, Celeste, Deimos, Tristan, and Jaxon sat on Deimos’ backyard lounges by the pool. Tristan filled everyone in on what happened at The Dessert Ranch. Deimos folded his arms tightly.

Deimos: “Great! Just when I thought we were all getting a break from watching Lazaros’ latest partner eat a fucking buffet while he claims it’s ‘art’ when it’s his barely disguised fetish.”

He huffed.

Celeste: “Who says that will work? Jordi and Madelyn are not done.”

Tristan: “Celeste, why on Reona did you blurt that out?”

He asked her. She recoiled.

Celeste: “I don’t know! I guess because I didn’t want Jordi to go through what you and Deimos went through with Ivy!”

She blurted. Deimos rolled his eyes.

Deimos: “Thanks for reminding me of the years I wasted on that hemorrhoid.”

He said dryly. Tristan blinked.

Tristan: “Why would that concern you, Celeste?”

He asked gently.

Celeste: “I dunno, I guess he didn’t tell her crap and stuff because of the same reason you didn’t tell Ivy crap and stuff.”

She mumbled. Tristan raised his eyebrows.

Tristan: “Well, I suppose you’re right. Jordi tends not to let things go at times.”

He cleared his throat.

Deimos: “Really? Aside from that psycho bitch, Gina, he just ghosts people. He and Anthony had a fling, and Anthony told me he ghosted him outta nowhere.”

He stated.

Tristan: “You’re still in touch with Anthony?”

Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “Not like I used to be when I was in Ouro Novo, but yeah, we touch base sometimes, and he told me he didn’t know what he did to Jordi.”

He pursed his lips.

Deimos: “He mentioned it once. He’s not letting it fester inside or dwelling on it.”

Tristan nodded.

Jaxon: “Did your powers come back?”

Deimos furrowed his eyebrows.

Deimos: “No…”

Tristan knit his eyebrows and placed his hand on Deimos’. Deimos smiled and gripped his hand.

Jaxon: “So, uh, Lazaros’ girlfriend is out now?”

He took out a cigarette and lit it up.

Deimos: “Yeah, they’re out. I knew this was going to fucking happen, but no one listens to me.”

He huffed. Deimos leaned over, resting his elbows on his thighs.

Tristan: “Well, Deimos, I knew it was going to happen.”

Deimos raised his eyebrows.

Celeste: “How’d you know?”

Tristan: “A hunch and patterns. Ashley was pressuring Lazaros to move in, and when they first did, Lazaros set up a guest bedroom. He never intended for Ashley ever to move in.”

Deimos snapped his fingers.

Deimos: “Bingo. Anytime Lazaros allows partners to move in, it ends in disaster. Jaclyn is an exception because she used her hypnotic kiss or whatever, but Lazaros doesn’t want partners moving in.”

Celeste: “Guys, I have an off-topic question, but that super freshest sundae is like twenty-five dollars at Dessert Ranch.”

Tristan and Deimos gaped at her. Jaxon laughed and put his arm around her.

Tristan: “Wasn’t that the same sundae that fat man was eating?”

Celeste shrugged.

Celeste: “I guess so, but a large cone costs one dollar and fifty cents.”

Tristan raised an eyebrow.

Tristan: “I would have guessed it costs so much because of the amount, but that is a powerful amount of money for ice cream.”

Celeste: “He didn’t look rich, though.”

Tristan: “I have money, Celeste, and I wouldn’t pay that much for ice cream. I couldn’t stomach that.”

He groused.

~

When everyone went home, Celeste went up to Lazaros’ garden, looking around. Lazaros stepped out.

Lazaros: “Oh, that blimp moved out.”

He scoffed.

Lazaros: “I hope we can still be friends, though!”

He smiled.

Celeste: “Yeah, I don’t get involved in relationship drama.”

She scratched her head.

Celeste: “Uh, Lazaros, what happened to the fairies?”

Lazaros shrugged.

Lazaros: “We don’t have fairies.”

Celeste blinked.

Lazaros: “Why didn’t you talk Ashley out of moving here?”

Celeste blinked.

Celeste: “I dunno. I don’t tell people what to do. That’s what Deimos does.”

She drawled.

Lazaros: “Soooo, why didn’t Deimos tell them not to move in?”

Celeste: “I dunno. I think he did, but in one ear out the other?”

She shrugged.

Lazaros: “Look, when I get a new partner and if they insist on moving in, get Tristan or Deimos to tell them not to do that. That’s a BAD idea! I have to redecorate MY house and get that stink out!”

He hissed. Celeste gaped owlishly at him.

Celeste: “Okay, I’ll try.”

Lazaros smiled.

Lazaros: “Yes, thank you for being a true friend, Celeste.”

He sighed.

Celeste: “Lazaros?”

Lazaros: “Yes?”

Celeste: “How come you told me, Tristan, and Deimos crap and stuff and about those videos but not Ashley?”

Lazaros gazed at her.

Lazaros: “Crap and stuff? Like, my problems?”

Celeste nodded.

Lazaros: “...I don’t know. I guess because you guys get it!”

He smiled.

~

Jordi was in his bedroom reading a book. He wore a blue button-down shirt with a paisley pattern, blue jeans, and black sheer socks. He had his glasses on when he was reading. He couldn’t concentrate, and something was replaying in his mind after what Ashley had told him.

He closed his book and cupped his mouth. He removed his glasses and rose from his bed, leaving his bedroom.

He went down the foyer and past Lena’s bedroom, where she was painting her toenails. He strolled out to the living room, where his grandfather was watching game shows.

Jordi slid his feet into his boots, zipped them up, and shrugged into his bomber jacket, then stepped out.

Jordi walked down the street until he reached Madelyn’s place. He took a deep breath and walked down the driveway. He went up the steps and paused when he reached the door. He was about to turn around, but stopped. No, I have to do this, he thought. His hand rose and knocked on the door. The doorknob twisted, and the door creaked open where Madelyn stood, dressed in her turtle cheesecake costume.

Madelyn: “Oh, hey, Jordi, long time, no see.”

She said. Jordi chuckled.

Jordi: “Yes, indeed. My house is a block away, and you could have come to see me, but anyway.”

He said wryly, drumming his fingers on the doorframe.

Jordi: “Can I come in?”

He asked. Madelyn stepped aside and held her hand out to gesture him inside.

Madelyn: “Sure, come on in!”

She exclaimed. Jordi nodded and stepped inside. He shrugged out of his jacket and hung it on the coat hanger.

He turned to her and clasped his hands together, wringing them.

Jordi: “So…”

He began.

Jordi: “How have you been? How is working at the Dessert Ranch?”

He asked.

Madelyn: “Oh, it’s really fun! Your sister came in, actually!”

She smiled. Jordi smiled tightly.

Jordi: “Yes, Ashley told me. How do you like her?”

He asked.

Madelyn: “She seems sweet, but nervous!”

She stated. Jordi laughed a bit and rubbed the back of his neck.

Jordi: “Yes, she’s a little shy.”

He said, his voice trailing away.

He sat down on the couch.

Jordi: “Ashley told me about what happened at your ice cream place.”

He said evenly, followed by an empty smile.

Madelyn: “Which part? The fat guy who comes in eating expensive ice cream, haha?”

She laughed. Jordi raised an eyebrow.

Madelyn: “Or the part where you’ve been avoiding me and didn’t tell me about your sister?”

She laughed. Jordi’s jaw tightened.

Madelyn: “Or the part with the guy in the funny duck car?”

She asked.

Jordi: “All of it sans the fat man. You know, my house is a block away, and you’re not crippled, so you could have come to see me, but the onus is on me!”

He laughed bitterly and threw his hands up.

Madelyn: “It’s not like I never came to see you. I did at your workplace. I dunno why I didn’t go to your house…”

Her voice trailed off.

Jordi bowed his head.

Jordi: “It doesn’t matter. When we fought, I had to come to you, and it seems I am always the one reaching out. It goes both ways.”

He sighed and raked his fingers through his hair.

Madelyn: “I never wanted to fight with you, though. I dunno how to deal with this stuff.”

Her voice trailed off. Jordi nodded and cupped his mouth.

Jordi: “I can definitely see that.”

He blew air through his parted lips.

Jordi: “Ashley told me you flirted with that ‘funny duck man’, too.”

He finally said, locking his gaze on her.

Madelyn: “Flirting? I was being friendly.”

She arched an eyebrow and laughed.

Jordi: “Ashley told me you were flirting with him.”

He reiterated.

Madelyn: “I just thought his car was funny, and he wanted me to try his 17 cheesecakes or whatever. Didn’t know that was flirting, haha.”

She laughed. Jordi drew a long breath.

Jordi: “So you say you didn’t flirt, but Ashley was adamant you did. So this is just ‘he said, she said’. It’s hearsay.”

He said with exasperation.

Madelyn: “Ashley is like… a space cat! But spacey in a different way than Juniper or me. It’s like, they’re from Chaenope or something!”

She chuckled. Jordi nodded and folded his arms over.

Jordi: “I guess it ultimately doesn’t matter what the truth is.”

He muttered.

Jordi: “Madelyn, I’m going to level with you. When we had our last fight, things changed. Yes, I just learned I had a sister and my grandfather lied to me for years, but I felt I couldn’t confide in you or come to you. It seems I am putting in the effort, and you’re not. You don’t need money to make an effort.”

He said, knitting his eyebrows.

Jordi: “I felt you weren’t listening to me. Tristan listens… and Ashley listens, even if they are ‘spacey’.”

He said firmly.

Jordi: “Ashley understands, and I voiced their frustrations about Lazaros…”

He sighed, and his eyelids dipped.

Madelyn: “How can I know what you want and how you feel or what’s going on, when you don’t tell me, though? How was I not listening?”

She sighed. Jordi cupped his mouth.

Madelyn: “I’m sorry your grandpa sucks! He always sucked, though!”

She added. Jordi pursed his lips and lowered his head.

Madelyn: “I’m happy you found your sister, though.”

She said earnestly. Jordi smiled a bit.

Madelyn: “As for Ashley… I mean, how can you expect the guy who drives a funny duck car to be serious?”

She laughed.

Jordi: “I told you what I wanted, Madelyn, and you didn’t listen to me. I can’t force you to listen to me.”

He hung his head.

Jordi: “And you answered my question: how can I expect you to be serious with how you present yourself?”

He extended his hand out to her and smiled sadly.

Madelyn: “I guess you can’t. This is my nature and who I am, and you can’t expect me to be like Ashley when I’m not, just as they can’t expect the funny duck man to be like you.”

She laughed sadly. Jordi locked his gaze on her and gave her a half smile.

Jordi: “You’re absolutely right.”

He finally said.

Madelyn: “So, what now then?”

She asked. Jordi swallowed and heaved a deep sigh.

Jordi: “I think… I think this relationship has run its course.”

He frowned. Madelyn sighed and nodded.

Madelyn: “Yeah… it was fun while it lasted though.”

She smiled. Jordi smiled sadly and laughed.

Jordi: “Yes, it was…”

He said sincerely.

Madelyn: “Well, I hope you find happiness and laugh again, Jordi, even if it’s not with me.”

She smiled sincerely.

Jordi: “Same to you, Madelyn. Thank you.”

He rose from his seat and went to get his coat.

Jordi: “Take care of yourself, okay?”

He smiled sadly.

Madelyn: “You, too!”

She smiled back at him sadly. He shrugged into his coat and leaned over to kiss her cheek.

Jordi: “See you later.”

He whispered. Madelyn kissed his cheek.

Madelyn: “Goodnight, sweet prince!”

She whispered back. Jordi chuckled and wiped his eyes. He nodded and stepped outside. Madelyn waved him goodbye. He waved back and went down the driveway, not looking back.

~

Jordi stepped into his house and saw his grandfather sleeping on the couch. He shrugged out of his jacket and bent over to unzip his boots. He took them off and went to the fridge to get a bottle of sparkling water.

He gazed at the basement door, opened it, and went down. Ashley was lying on their bed, cuddling Stella. They looked up from their bed and saw Jordi, noting his expression.

Ashley: “Hey! …Are you okay?”

They tilted their head and sat up. Jordi sauntered in and sat on their bed.

Jordi: “I went to see Madelyn.”

He stated.

Ashley: “Oh… How did it go? Do you wanna talk over some tea?”

They asked. Jordi waved his hand.

Jordi: “No, this is fine.”

He looked over the bed.

Jordi: “It went well. She was saying I wasn’t coming around, but I told her it goes both ways, and she’s not crippled.”

He raked his fingers through his hair.

Ashley: “Well, yeah…”

Jordi: “I confronted her about what you told me, and she denied flirting with Lazaros and accused you of lying.”

He stated. Ashley tilted their head.

Ashley: “Huh? Why would I lie about that?”

They frowned. Jordi nodded.

Jordi: “She said you were spacey and spacier than she was, but whatever.”

He twisted his mouth.

Ashley: “Spacey? Uhh, how am I spacier than her?”

They tilted their head and laughed. Jordi shrugged.

Jordi: “I didn’t think you were, but it doesn’t matter.”

He drew a breath. Ashley smiled and nodded.

Jordi: “I told her our relationship ran its course. I wanted to confront her on this and end on good terms. I don’t want another Gina. And yes, she and I had fun while it lasted. She was kind to me, but she is not the one for me, nor am I the one for her.”

He leaned back.

Ashley: “Oh, that’s good! I’m glad you made peace with each other! Unlike Lazaros.”

They sighed and leaned back.

Ashley: “Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll find the one! You’re amazing!”

They beamed at him. Jordi smiled back and nodded.

Ashley: “Is Gina still out to get you?”

They asked. Jordi let out a bitter laugh.

Jordi: “Of course, she is.”

Ashley: “Oh, so she’s like your Blair? Except you dated.”

They asked. Jordi pursed his lips and nodded soberly.

Ashley: “Oh, I’m sorry…”

They sighed and rolled over, hugging him. Jordi raised his eyebrows and hugged them back.

Jordi: “Thank you, Ashley.”

He whispered.

Stella approached Jordi, purring and rubbing his face against his. Jordi smiled and patted his head. Ashley giggled.

Ashley: “Aww, he likes you!”

They chirped.

Jordi: “I can see that!”

He scratched behind his ears. Stella placed his paw on Jordi’s hand and closed his eyes. Jordi gently grasped his paw. Stella purred and curled up between them. Jordi lay on the bed. Ashley lay on their side towards Jordi and petted Stella’s head.

Ashley: “Thank you for being kind to me!”

Jordi smiled at them.

Jordi: “Hey, no problem! It’s my pleasure.”

Jordi rested his head on his hand as he lay on his side. Ashley smiled up at him.

Jordi: “Yes?”

He smiled.

Ashley: “Oh, nothing, it just feels really nice and cozy and peaceful with you here right now!”

They chirped, petting Stella.

Jordi: “That’s nice, and that makes me happy.”

He nodded and petted Stella.

Ashley: “That’s good!”

They smiled back.

Jordi lay on his back. He unbuttoned a few buttons on his shirt, put his hands behind his head, and gazed at the fairy lights. Ashley reddened and smiled at the sight of him, and rolled onto their back with a smile.

Jordi lay there for a while and checked his watch.

Jordi: “I should go back to my bedroom. I have to be at work tomorrow.”

He drew a rough breath. Ashley nodded.

Ashley: “I understand. If there’s anything you need from me, lettuce me know!”

They leaned in and hugged him. Jordi hugged them back and patted their back.

Jordi: “I shall do so.”

He whispered.

He inhaled sharply and rose to his feet.

Jordi: “Sweet dreams.”

He said softly and turned around to go upstairs.

Ashley: “Sweet dreams, Jordi!”

They said softly.

~

Celeste and Jaxon lay in bed watching TV. Jaxon was naked, and Celeste wore her black tank top and panties. She was sleeping on Jaxon and snuggling him. Suddenly, their door opened, and Fabien came in wearing his plaid pajama pants.

Fabien: “Hey, scoot over, gonna crash here tonight.”

Fabien climbed in and smiled at Jaxon. Jaxon sneered at him.

Jaxon: “WHO let you in?! Get the fuck out!”

Fabien: “Your butler did. I said the password, ‘Varg the Viking has sexy, big feet.’ ”

He snorted. Jaxon glared at him.

Jaxon: “GET OUT!”

He snapped and pointed to the door.

Fabien: “Can’t, babe. I got the morning shift tomorrow, and Gus is using a special weed blend in his bong that stinks.”

He laughed.

Jaxon: “It all fuckin’ stinks!”

Fabien: “Yeah, this blend especially fuckin’ stinks.”

He snorted.

Fabien: “He mixed Jaclyn’s foot shavings in the weed.”

He gagged. Jaxon pulled a face.

Jaxon: “That’s gross.”

Fabien: “Tell me about it.”

He gazed at Jaxon.

Fabien: “So, I noticed boxes and boxes of Fatley’s fattening baked stuff on the counter. You got a feeder fetish now?”

He teased. Jaxon rolled his eyes.

Jaxon: “NO! Lazaros dumped his girlfriend, and he gave her baked goods to Celeste.”

Fabien raised his eyebrows.

Fabien: “Lazaros dumped her, huh? Did she lose five pounds or something, or did she want to go on a diet?”

He teased.

Jaxon: “No, she wanted to work at this ice cream place, and it was four hours less he could see of her eating, and dumped her.”

Fabien laughed.

Fabien: “Holy shit, just when I thought Lazaros couldn’t become the next Blair!”

Jaxon rolled his eyes.

Fabien: “So, she’s gonna live with Blair now?”

He snorted. Jaxon shook his head.

Jaxon: “No, Jordi offered a place. She’s going to live with him.”

He replied. A smile crept on Fabien’s lips.

Fabien: “Is that so?”

He asked. He thought that if Blair knew this, he would throw the ultimate tantrum.

He got up from bed and went to the computer.

Jaxon: “HEY! What are you doing?!”

He barked and angrily rose from his bed. Fabien smirked at his naked body.

Fabien: “I’m telling Blair!”

Fabien typed in his username and password, rubbing his hands together when he saw that Blair was online. He clicked on his username.

SeigneurMonstre: Blair, I have something horrible to tell you. You will cry for hours. :(

BlairDonati: What can make ME cry for hours??

SeigneurMonstre: Ashley and Lazaros broke up. :(

BlairDonati: ARE YOU SERIOUS?! Why would THAT make ME cry? That’s great news!

SeigneurMonstre: She moved in with Jordi. :(

Fabien threw his head back and laughed.

BlairDonati: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!! NOOOOOOOOOO!! I CAN’T STOP CRYING NOW! WHY DID THAT THIEF STEAL MY TURTLEDOVE!! THIS IS THE WORST DAY EVER! I ENVY PEOPLE IN COMAS! I WANT TO BE IN A COMA NOW!

Fabien slapped his legs and laughed. Jaxon rolled his eyes.

Jaxon: “Don’t you have work tomorrow?”

He huffed.

Fabien: “It can wait for this goldmine!”

He laughed and reached out, tickling his penis. Jaxon yelped and drew back laughing.

Jaxon: “DOHOHOHOHOHOHOHON’T!”

He knelt down laughing.

Jaxon stormed over to his bed, and Fabien tickled his sides as he ran away.

Jaxon: “STAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAP!”

He whined.

He crashed into his bed, and Fabien was on top of him. They gazed into each other’s eyes for a moment. They heard Fabien’s Bungle ding.

Jaxon: “Gonna get that? It could be Blair whining.”

Fabien raked his fingers through his hair.

Fabien: “Let him whine then.”

He said softly, then kissed his lips.

~

Blair stomped around his bedroom wearing a blue dinosaur onesie with footies.

Blair: “I can’t believe that ungrateful fatty is living with JORDI! That thief!”

He cried and stormed out of his bedroom.

He stomped into the kitchen and began taking all the plates out of the cupboard, where they smashed onto the floor, followed by his whining. He pulled out the mugs, cups, and bowls from the cupboard where they smashed upon impact.

Demetrio marched in wearing his blue silk pajamas.

Demetrio: “BLAIR, WHAT IS THIS?! WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!”

He bellowed.

Blair: “IT’S NOOOOOOT FAAAAAAAAAIR!”

He stomped his feet.

Demetrio: “YOU DESTROYED OUR DINNERWARE!!”

He thundered. Blair threw his head back and wailed.

Vanessa came in wearing her pink pajamas with a bunny pattern.

Vanessa: “Whoa, what happened?”

Blair: “GO SMOOCH JIRO’S DAD! YOU DON’T GET MY HEARTACHE!”

He stomped his foot. Vanessa drew back as his words slashed at her like razors.

Demetrio: “Vanessa, go to bed. Blair’s having one of his tantrums.”

He sighed.

Blair: “I AM NOT THROWING A TANTRUM!”

He stomped his foot with each syllable.

Demetrio rubbed his temples.

Demetrio: “Blair, I’m using your allowance to buy new dinnerware.”

Blair whined and stomped his feet.

Blair: “NOOOOOOOOOOO!!! ASHLEY BROKE MY HEART! THEY NEED TO BUY IT! IT’S THEIR FAULT, NOT MINE!”

He bawled. Demetrio let out a long sigh.

Demetrio: “We’ll discuss this in the morning. Go to bed.”

Blair kicked over a plate and stomped off to his bedroom.

Blair: “I WANT TO BE IN A COMA!”

He cried.

~

The following day, Lazaros was outside with a table in front of his house containing all of Ashley’s stuff. He had two purple signs with gold lettering that read, “Yard Sale! Everything is free!” Lazaros wore a purple sequin frock jacket over a frilled white shirt with a cravat, purple pants, and black loafers.

Tristan and Deimos approached the table. Tristan wore a black waistcoat, a light-blue pressed shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows, a dark-blue tie, black pants, and black wingtip Oxfords. Deimos wore an Anthrax tank top, torn jeans, and cowboy boots.

Tristan: “What on Reona is this, Lazaros?”

He asked exasperatedly.

Lazaros: “A yard sale! Take what you want!”

He beamed.

Deimos: “Did they… tell you to garbage it?”

He asked.

Lazaros: “Nope!”

He beamed. Tristan drew a long breath.

Tristan: “Then, wouldn’t the right thing to do be to have Deimos send it to them?”

He asked sharply.

Lazaros: “Nope!”

Suddenly, Blair shoved Tristan out of the way. He wore a blue Superman shirt, red shorts, and orange sneakers.

Blair: “Out of my way, poindexter!”

He snapped. Deimos sneered at him.

Deimos: “Why don’t YOU get out of his way, FUCKHEAD?!”

He bellowed and shoved Blair down. Blair cried and sobbed as he rose to his feet.

He cried as he went to the table.

Blair: “I’ll take this!”

He held up Ashley’s paisley blazer.

Deimos: “You’re okay with this fucker taking that to wank?”

He asked sharply.

Lazaros: “Yup! They’re living with him now!”

Blair: “No, they’re not! They’re living with that thief, Jordi!”

He snapped. Lazaros’ right eye twitched.

Lazaros: “Oh, is that so?”

He smiled.

Blair: “Yeah, Ashley toys with your feelings and moves onto the ‘best thing’ as they did with me before Maxx, then you, and now Jordi!”

He said bitterly.

Lazaros: “I see that now!”

He laughed bitterly.

Deimos: “You’re sympathizing with Blair.”

Lazaros: “Ashley hurt Blair as they hurt me, Deimos! Blair is a loser, but we have that much in common!”

He laughed. Tristan rolled his eyes.

Tristan: “Lazaros, I understand your feelings are hurt, and you are entitled to feel that way, but the right thing to do would be to have Ashley’s stuff sent back to them.”

He said calmly.

Lazaros: “The right thing?”

He asked acidly.

Lazaros: “The right thing for you to have done was to tell them not to move in when they wanted to, but you didn’t do that!”

He snapped. Tristan glared at him. Deimos clenched his fists.

Tristan: “Why is the onus on me to do that? Why didn’t you?”

He challenged.

Lazaros: “Because that’s your job!”

He hissed.

Deimos: “I told them not to move in. They didn’t listen to me.”

Tristan knit his eyebrows as he looked at all the outfits, wreaths, and everything Lazaros had given them. He is now giving them away to whoever wants them, and it feels so wrong. Maybe I should have tried to convince them not to pursue a relationship with him, he thought.

Tristan heard the sound of stroller wheels gliding on the pavement and froze. He placed his hand on Deimos’ shoulder.

Tristan: “We should go.”

Deimos nodded.

Deimos: “Yeah, this sight is making me sick. You make me sick, Lazaros.”

He spat and went with Tristan. Lazaros’ bottom lip trembled.

Ivy walked down with Samson in his stroller. She wore a black cheongsam with a silver peacock embroidered on it, and high-heeled sandals. She approached Lazaros, who was crying, and read his mind. Ah, so he left the dumpy girl, she thought. She examined the items and picked up a gold necklace with a crystal pendant.

Ivy: “Aiya, what a pretty necklace!”

Lazaros: “Oh, they gave me that for ‘love day’. The birthday one was taken by Deimos.”

He huffed. Ivy dropped it into her purse.

Ivy: “Now, let’s get you some ice cream!”

She poked Samson’s tummy and left.