A Witchy Tale - closed

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn welcomed the hot splash of his come. She lapped it up and cleansed his cock again. She smoothed her lips over his member and kissed each ball, before sliding up his legs. She then grabbed the loofa and washed his body. This time avoiding his sex until she was ready to cleanse it again.

“Thank you,” she whispered and handed him the loofa. “You don’t have to return the favor, but if you could wash my back.”

She smiled shyly and blushed becomingly. She gnawed on her lower lip and waited to see what he wanted or wouldn’t want to do.

The lightning flashed and the thunder rumbled. A feeling of dread filled her and her eyes grew wide. She grabbed his arm and shoved him against the wall of the shower, seconds before a tree came crashing through the bathroom wall.

Rain splattered over them and branches racked down her back. She cried out, but kept herself glued to Benny’s body, shielding him with a deep spell that allowed the branches to merely brush against him. When the crashing tree settled she trembled in his arm and looked out into the dark sky.

“Are you okay?” she whispered and tried to ignore the sting on her back.

 

[Tseranc]

He was eager to return the favor, but resigned himself to wait until he did as asked, and washed her back. He had plans of drifting the loofa lower and lower until he had to take a knee. Then he’d be in the perfect position to….

And then she slammed him against the wall. The trunk of a large tree crashed through the roof and walls. When rain and night air hit them, ad the tree had stopped moving, he spun her around, inspecting her wounds in the dim, and flashing light.

Ben wasted no time, he didn’t know how they survived, but he wasn’t about to hang out for round two. He scooped her up into his arms and carried her over the tree, and into what was once her very nice living room. He laid her on the rain soaked couch and went off in search of something to stop the bleeding. He found his clothes on the kitten floor, wet, but still clean. In his pants was his cell phone – in hopes that would still work.

He rushed back to her, holding his plain white t-shirt to the largest two gashes in her skin. He dialed 911, and held the phone between his chin and shoulder as he gave the dispatcher the address and situation.

Fate would have it that Sheryl was on patrol that night, and just happened to be the closest responder, beating the ambulance by a good 3 minutes. She seemed less then pleased at the nude state of obvious lovers – lovers she knew had met really only this morning over the most bullshit of maneuvers she’d ever witnessed in a court house before. She told him to put some damn cloths on, while she pulled the t-shirt away from Jacquelyn’s back, to replace it with clean bandages from her car’s first aid kit.

Fortunately there were no disrupted power lines making the scene more hazardous then lighting in a rainstorm with a tree running through the house. Ben helped the EMTs with load up the injured woman…their inspection said it didn’t look too bad, but defiantly stitches would be needed, and x-rays just to be sure. He climbed into the rig and held her hand as they drove through the rain to the hospital.

What a night.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn felt as if Demons had torn her skin apart. She bit back curses and chewed on her lip. Every bump that was in the road was found by the ambulance, or so she thought. Her fingers gripped Benny’s. She heard them tell him, she’d need stitches. “I don't think so," she muttered to herself.

She knew Benny had heard something, but she only squeezed his hand and lifted his fingers to her lips. She kissed them and sighed against his flesh.

“I’m sorry, our evening was ruined. Are you okay?” she asked, not wanting to focus on the ripping pain that was rolling through her system.

They arrived at the hospital, before he could answer and she held him as long as she was able. When the Doctor on Call came up to them, he ordered Benny away, but Jacquelyn begged him off, telling him Benny could stay if he wished.

The doctor grumbled and allowed the young man to stay, but soon was no longer concerned with the man in question, but focused on the woman that was slowly being helped onto her stomach. His fingers moved over the wound and Jacquelyn screamed. This time not holding back the curses that poured from her lips. The language ancient, but as quickly as she cursed the doctor, she erased the curse with a counter spell.

When he was finished stitching her up, she was taken to a room and told she could stay the night there. “I don’t have much choice, since I don’t have a house.” She pouted and lay still. It stung to lay on her back, so she opted to stay on her stomach.

The doctor left, and she looked at Benny. “I need a favor. In my home, near the kitchen you’ll find a clay jar. It is brown and has a circle with a gray cross painted in its center. If you open it you’ll smell the loveliest hint of lilacs and lilies. Also, in my bedroom there is a table by my bed. Open the drawer and you’ll find a pair of silver scissors. I need both of those brought to me.”

“You are safe aren’t you? No injuries?” She reached out for him and held his fingers in his hand.

 

[Tseranc]

“I’m fine Jackie, I don’t know how but I have not a scratch on me. Should be me in that bed instead of you. I should have protected you from falling tree, not the other way. I’ll bring you whatever you want in the morning.”

He was deeply confused as to why she needed a clay jar and scissors to comfort her in the hospital during her stay. Of all the things to request. Not a picture of family, not a favorite stuffed animal that chic’s seemed to always have. But a clay jar, and scissors. He shrugged it off, and would go get them for her first thing in the morning….surely she would not be out of all the x-rays, stitches and tests they had planned for her by then.

“I’ll be here every day as often as I can until they release you. Their gonna need a squad of guards to keep me from checking in on you constantly.” It was the last thing he said to her, her hand finally slipping from his as they wheeled her off to get the promised x-rays, and then a CT scan. He took the time to call a cab back to her place and fetch the odd things she wanted.

The cab ride was lonely, leaving to his thoughts. She was an odd girl, that mush was clear. Shouting out to Goddesses and Gods while in the throws of passion. Their passion. Some damned great passion. Passion with a woman he hardly knew, but connected with instantly. An odd girl.

He arrived at the wreck of a home, and stepped lightly through the rubble and exposed rooms. The roof of the kitchen lay mostly on the floor or beneath the tree that still occupied most the room. The table they shared coffee, and their bodies on was indistinguishable from the other debris. The kitchen proper had been mangle by the same large limb, an offshoot of the trunk really, that tore through the wall and into the bathroom where they had been. But it left the back counter largely intact, and there he found several clay jars, just as she described, each with a grey symbol inside a circle, five in all. He took the one with an equal armed cross, and proceeded to shuffle his way to the bedroom.

He was happy to find this room largely unharmed. Some water damage from a large crack in the roof, but all contained in the center of the room, not near any of her more precious looking belongings. More of the odd symbols filled this room then any other. A very odd girl. What looked to be circles and crescents in different combinations were predominant on most things. He pushed it aside and made for the drawer she spoke of. Inside he found the scissors, and a few knives, one obviously a dagger straight out of King Arthur’s court. He took the scissors and was happy to shut the drawer and get back to the hospital. He took the liberty of raiding her other drawers for a few items of comfortable looking clothing for her to wear, and drove off in his Jeep.

All that work, and the doctors still hadn’t been through with her and made him sit in the empty waiting area. They told him time and again that visiting hours were long over, but he didn’t budge. He’d see her as soon as they were done, or he’d knock some skulls together.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

All the test were run and completed within a few hours of Jacquelyn’s admittance, with the exception of the wounds on her back she was in perfect health. She spied Benny waiting patiently outside her door and insisted he be let in. While he was making his way over to her she asked the Doctor if there was any reason she had to stay in the hospital, after all the tree didn’t fall on her.

“No, ma’am, but you said you didn’t have a home to go back to, under the circumstances you are allowed to stay the night.”

She grinned, “No a hotel will be fine and I know the food will be better in the morning.”

The Doctor chuckled, but agreed. He told her if she did decide to leave, her papers would be at the front desk and she could sign out. She was thrilled and when he left, she asked Benny to shut the door, behind him.

“I have a big favor, but can you take me to a hotel and then I have another big favor to ask.” She saw he had her items and smiled. “Oh you have them, thanks. When we get to the hotel, I’ll ask that other favor.”

She winced and bit back a curse, but said nothing else, wondering if she could hold out on not taking the pain medication the doctor offered, before she took care of her own needs.

 

[Tseranc]

:: oops again ::

 

[Tseranc]

“No Jackie, I’m sorry I can’t do that. There is NO way in hell I’m taking you to a hotel. You can stay with me for the rest of the night, well morning really, the sun is coming up. When you feel better we can figure out what’s going on and where. But you need rest, and someone around to make sure you get it. “

He squeezed her hand, and then left go of it, moving away. “I gotta call in, no way I am headed to work today. Seems and evening with you can be quite the adventure.” He joked, then stepped outside the room to make his phone call.

“Don’t bother Mancini, I already told them you’d be too tired to get your sorry ass to the office after your rather exhaustive night cavorting around with your would-be speeding ticket.”

He turned, knowing already who’s icy voice that was; Sheryl. “I hope you put it just like that too. I’m sure the chief would love to hear something so poetic.”

“I only mentioned what was in the report. Names. Nothing about your bullshit earlier with the same woman, but he isn’t expecting you in today, but your ass had best be there tomorrow, on time.”

“Thanks Sheryl. Sorry about what I..”

“Stuff it. You got what you deserved. I don’t know what all that devil woman has done to you, but a damn tree falling on your head is a sign from above that You were in he wrong place, in the wrong company.”

She walked away, obviously pissed off. Maybe the rumors at the station were true, that she had a thing for him. He had always just assumed she was perpetually pissed off, and took it out on everyone. For now he was just glad she was leaving, and opened the door and back into the room with his….

His what? His lover from last night? Did people sit anxiously in hospital rooms for someone they just met? It might be something to discuss later, after they both had some sleep.

“Hey, they arn;t expecting me until tomorrow. You’re stuck with me all day. Let’s say we get outta here, since the Doc said it was OK?”

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn smiled. “Just tonight okay. The insurance company will put me up at the best hotel in town,” she grinned and accepted his help from the bed. A nurse appeared and told her hospital policy insisted she be wheeled out. She rolled her eyes, sighed and cooperated. When the papers were signed, the doctor appeared and pushed an envelope of pills into Benny’s hand.

“Have her take one of these as soon as you get to the hotel. They’ll knock her out, but she won’t feel any pain either. She’ll have a couple of scars to remember this event by, but all in all she’ll be fine.”

The Doctor waved goodbye and went back to work.

Jacquelyn eyed the envelope and asked Benny to let her see them. She held it in her grasp as the Nurse wheeled her toward Benny’s truck. Once she was inside she waited till they were on the road, before she opened the window and spilled the contents of the pills out the window. “There no need to have me unconscious. I need to reason with you, when we get back to your place. I can’ t do that with my mind all mushy.”

She smiled wide and closed the window. She stifled a yawn and a wince, but said nothing else. Her fingers reached for his and she held her clay jar and the scissors in her lap as Benny headed down the road, toward his home.

 

[Tseranc]

“What in the world?! Holy crap woman, most people would feel blessed to have those pain killers, and you toss them out like you’ve got something better?”

Damn she was odd. He could never predict what she might do, and he certainly was a far cry from why she did whatever seemingly random thing just preformed.

“Ok, we’ll talk, but you don’t need to pitch things out the window ok? I promise I’ll be there to talk, before, during and after anything you may need to take, ok?”

Soon Benny pulled into his driveway and helped the small woman down from the Jeep. He let her in the house and took her immediately to the bedroom.

“Ok, well there is a TV in here, and it’s pretty much the cleanest room in the house…hasn’t seen much use for anything other then when I get home to crash. Want me to get you anything to eat?”

He looked eager to make her more comfortable, and truth be told, he wanted to take her pain for himself…there is no way he might forgive himself for her being injured and he walking away without a starched to show for it.

“Tell me what you’d like for breakfast then we can talk, or both get some sleep.”

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

“Benny, I know you don’t understand everything I do, but I do know what I’m doing. I couldn’t take those pills. I need to be lucid, so when I ask you to do something and you argue I’ll be able to argue back.”

She chewed on her lower lip and took the scissors. “I need you to do this for me and then I’ll explain why, but please. . .” She didn’t want to force him to act, but she would if she had too.

She handed him the scissors and touched his fingers. “I need you to peel off the badges, cut the strips of nylon string they used to close the wounds, pull the small strands away and then cover the cut with the lavender and lilac cream in the clay jar.”

Jacquelyn smiled wide and waited for him to refuse her. “I know what I’m doing. It is an old family remedy. Honest,” she told him.

 

[Tseranc]

“You gotta be kidding me?”

He took the scissors and started at them as if he held a snake ready to bite him.

“Jacquelyn…you’re right, you do shit I may never understand…but…this sounds really crazy. Are you sure?”

Her steadfast gaze proved more powerful then any words could have, and he resigned himself to doing as asked, though not happily.

“You want any pain killed to numb this…I doubt it’s gonna feel good. And if anyone asked – You did this…not the guy supposed to be watching you to make sure nothing happens!”

She refused the painkillers, with the same ‘logic’ that she dumped the others on the road. His thus far one night fling rolled back over on her stomach to expose the back she wished him to attend to.

“OK…I can’t believe I’m fuckin’ doing this. I hope you’re right…”

He began stripping off the white bandages to expose the neatly sewn flesh beneath.

“Ok, wait here…I’m making sure these are sterile first…be damned if I give you an infection to boot.” He returned quickly, wiping the remaining rubbing alcohol off the silvery blades. He took a deep breath and lowered the blade to her skin. He had to swallow hard before making the first snip. The second was just as hard. But after that a rhythm thankfully developed. Soon the various wounds all lay somewhat open. He was thankful she held herself so well, barely flinching as he worked, but he knew the hard part lay ahead.

He took some tweezers that he also had sterilized, warned her, and began pulling the many threads that held her skin shut. She flinched more, and hissed between her clenched teeth. He hated himself for causing the pain, and could not have been more thankful when the deed was done.

He left to wash in the bathroom, again, then reached into the mysterious jar. The crème was gritty, bits of plant matter evident in the mixture. He doubted this would feel very good. Still he proceeded, and covered each laceration with the odd, but pleasant smelling crème. Once finished, he pat her gently on the shoulder, got up with the intent of washing his hands in the bathroom for the third time. Instead he made it to his destination and promptly threw up.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn had been quite impressed with not having to plead her case with Benny. He wasn’t happy with what he had done, but had he known the truth of it all he wouldn’t have believed her. By morning, she’d be free of any sign of the accident, that was when she would really have to conjure up some BS that he’d believe.

She heard him get sick and immediately felt sorry for him. Had she a small lock of his hair, she could have soothed him, but she had nothing. She did however have a great need to sleep. The oils in the lotion were now working through her bloodstream and slowly beginning to do their job.

A yawn escaped her and she stretched her legs out. Soon another yawn and another followed behind that one. She closed her eyes and breathed in his scent. She was surrounded by him and for the first time in a long time she was going to spend the night in another's home. She'd not done that since she was a young girl. That time it had ended in disaster, she knew this time it would be different.

By the time Benny returned she was asleep. The lotion’s outer surface had hardened, like a shell and underneath it the plants and oils of Nature worked to heal her fragile skin.

 

[Tseranc]

Benny collected himself, and washed up. He brushed his teeth and gargled mouthwash for what seemed like a month. Above almost all things, he hated throwing up. Once done he knew the grumbling in his stomach was hunger, even after the last task he had. Seemed not eating all night, or all morning had taken its toll, and his gut would be ignored no longer.

He passed Jacquelyn on the bed, pulling the covers over her to keep her warm, and made fro the kitchen. He had three bowls of cereal before he finally had his fill. He tried to quietly straighten up the house a little bit. It wasn’t a huge mess, but he would have liked a bit more order to impress the new…. Girlfriend?

It didn’t take long for his eyelids to grow rather heavy, and cleaning up took a backseat to lying down. He grabbed a throw pillow and the blanket off the back of the loveseat then flopped onto his cherished couch. It was comfortable, and he’d fallen asleep on it many times before. This was the first time he did so because a wounded woman lay in his bed, but that didn’t bug him very long, as the Sand Man was prompt to his duties.

He woke a bit after Noon, and went to look in on her. She still slept, and for that he was grateful. He was sure pulling those stitches out would hurt like fuck Why the hell had he done that again?!

He began work in the kitchen, as silently as he could, to have a meal ready when she woke. Soon chicken was cooking in a menagerie of herbs and wine. The aroma pleased him and he mentally pat himself on the back for producing what would surely be a fine dish. He figured she’d be about starved by now and the smells drifting down the hall would rouse her soon.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn rolled over and stretched her legs, arms and back. She opened her eyes as she felt the stiff lotion that covered her skin. She flexed her muscles and smiled. Her gaze traveled around the room and she saw her Knight wasn’t around for a proper good morning thank you. It was then that her eyes fell on the alarm and she saw the time. Soon after, seconds really, the aroma of lunch filled her senses and she purred in pleasure.

Scooting from the bed, she darted to the bathroom, and quickly showered. Wrapping herself in a large towel, she headed to the kitchen to see if there was anything she needed to do. Just as she stepped into the room, a sense of dread filled her. “Damn,” she muttered and turned toward the door, two seconds before the rapid beating of fists hit the wood paneling.

“I’ll get it,” she hollered, just as the beating increased. She hurried to the door and pulled it open.

“Aunt Bette,” she whispered and was pushed to the side.

Bette walked in, with her hair done up in curlers and her fingers holding an old cane. “What happened to you chickie?” Bette pulled her glasses up to her eyes. Gold chains were attached to the frames and looped around her neck. “I want to see ya, child.”

“Aunt Bette, I’m fine. Please. . .”

It was too late though. Bette was already looking at Benny, who was now staring at the Amazon woman, who looked as old as Father Time. Her gray cloak hung to the floor and Jacquelyn knew Bette looked like a medieval witch. . .which she was, but that was beside the point.

With a heavy sigh, she closed the door and introduced Benny to Bette.

 

[Tseranc]

He smiled in such a manner his whole face lit up when he saw her enter the room. That fact she was in no more then a towel sent other thoughts through his head, many of which is silently chastised himself for thinking of an injured woman.

And then the crazy train stopped by. She seemed to know the someone was at the door, and ran to answer it before he could move, argue or ponder any of it. She answered it dressed, or undressed, as she was. That was nuts! She knew who it was – odd. It was her aunt, that didn’t even know she was here, where he lived, or likely had even heard about the two of them being together, let along her injuries. That was bizarre to say the least!

He took in the sight of this ‘Aunt Betty’ who looked like she fell out of the latest Harry Potter movie. The glasses and curlers in her hair seemed the most modern items of Aunt better – and those he dates were from the early 50’s. The rest he’d believe is someone told him were stolen from a museum and dated back to Medieval Europe.

“Um, pleased to meet you Aunt Betty, I’m Ben.” He walked toward his unannounced houseguest and extended his hand. Caution filled his eyes, this woman seemed far more odd then Jacquelyn, and some of her unexplained quirks already had him on edge.

“I wish I knew you were coming, lunch is nearly ready.” He tried sounding polite, but knew he could not hide all of the worry in his voice. Jackie had some explaining to do – wounded or not.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn cringed when she heard Benny mess up her aunt’s name. She chewed on her lip, when she took in her aunt’s state of dress. She watched Bette study Benny and then rolled her eyes when the cane came up and pushed into the young man’s ribs.

“Bette, not Betty, are you deaf boy?” she asked and then slipped around him. Jacquelyn gave Benny an apologetic look and then shrugged her shoulders.

“Aunt Bette, he meant nothing by it,” Jacquelyn said quietly and moved to lead her aunt to the sofa. “I’m surprised to see you.”

“Surprised? Why? You’re lucky I’m the first one here. Your cousins will be here shortly and your Uncle too. If you are dressed like that when they get here, you’ll be in a cauldron of trouble. I suggest you get yourself clothed decently. I’ll take my meal now, young man,” Bette said turning to look at Benny. “They’ll be plenty for all of us. Don’t worry none.”

Jacquelyn sighed and looked around, finding a blanket that she assumed Benny had used and covered her aunt’s lap with it. “I’m going to help Benny and then get dressed.”

“See that it’s the only thing you do. From the looks of things, you’ll have a lot of explaining to do. I take it you used the latus clay,” Bette said.

“Yes, I did. We’ll be back, please tell the others, I’m well and we’ll be happy to meet with them in just a moment,” Jacquelyn sighed.

She took Benny’s hand and smiled. “Let’s see what we can find for Bette to drink.” Tucking some wet strands of hair behind her ear, she kept her hand on the front of her towel as she looked up at him with a doe-eyed expression.

 

[Tseranc]

As he let himself be led back into the kitchen, he kept switching stared between the beauty in the towel and the dinosaur now sitting on his couch. Finally, once safely in the kitchen he moved to prepare a plate for the old late. He had almost finished setting the chicken and rice with veggies before he stopped, stood up and glared at Jacquelyn.

“Just who the hell does she think she is, and how did she find you here, and what’s this talk of cousins and uncles coming over? Jackie…what the hell is going on here?” His voice was kept low to avoid irking the old woman in the living room, but even the need to speak softly in his own house irritated him further.

With Benny holding the plate of food, and Jacquelyn whatever she found suitable for the geriatric to drink, they made their way back to the old gal.

“Here you are Aunt Bette,” he carefully handed her the food he had originally prepared for he and Jackie. Ben then ushered Jacquelyn back down the hall and into the bedroom to find her something to wear, and get some answers. He shut the door behind them, “Help yourself to anything in the closet, I’m guessing I could freshen up a bit too here…but while we do this I want answers – what is going on?” His voice firm, and demanding, yet holding an edge that was almost begging.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn looked at him, her eyes wide with pity and nervousness. “I’m sorry. I didn’t think they’d all barrel down on you. I should have, but it didn’t occur to me. I just wanted to get out of the hospital and try to make everything right with you. I fell asleep, not evening thinking I should have made the call, letting Bette, know I was okay. Please, don’t be hard on her, she’s not as sane as she used to be and sometimes will just go off on a whim.”

She touched Benny’s chest and then slipped her hand into his hair. “She could have called the hospital, but if she did I’d be surprised. My family is,” she hesitated and chewed on her lip, “umm. . . special. We can tell when someone else is in trouble. She felt it as did the others and well. . .well, she could just sense where I was. The cousins and my uncle will be here shortly, but they aren’t as eccentric as Bette.”

Her hand dropped to the towel and she tightened it, not wanting to use her feminine wiles to distract him, though the thought had occurred to her. “Bette will make sure there is enough food for everyone and I’ll make sure your home is left in good shape when they all leave. And really it won’t be all of the relatives, just the first cousins. There are only a couple dozen of them and most are my age, a few younger and a few older. It is just our way. When one is hurt, we gather to set things right. Once they see I am well, they’ll eat and then take their leave. . .well Bette may stay, she does that, but I’ll make sure she comes back to the hotel with me.”

Her head dropped to his chest and she whispered her apologies. “Benny, I’ll get out of your hair as soon as I can. Let me get dressed and you’ll never have to worry about me again. I’m sorry I messed up your life.”

 

[Tseranc]

Ben grabbed the towel-clad woman by the arm, almost by instinct and not conscious design, pulling her close and planting a firm kiss on her lips.

“I don’t understand a damn thing here, but I didn’t ask you to leave my life. I’m not gonna lie, I think this is all pretty damned strange…but to see you again….well I think it’s probably worth it.”

He let her go after searching her big violet eyes, finally finding that spark of understanding. The eyes always gave it away, if the person was merely hearing you, or really listening.

Ben moved to grab a large t-shirt out of the closet – one of his black undershirts for work, and handed it to her. Next he found some gym shorts with a drawstring…those would come the closest to ever staying up around her comparatively tiny frame. For himself he pulled a polo shirt and fresh jeans. He applied some deodorant, and combed his hair, before presenting himself to Jacquelyn with a grin. “Will I pass to meet the family on such short notice?”

His grin was sincere, but still held doubts as to what exactly he was doing. An Odd girl…from an odd family it seemed. Sheryl’s voice sprung up in his head about being in the wrong place and the wrong company, but he pushed her jealous pseudo-religious banter out of his mind.

“Well, here we go…” Ben opened the bedroom door and stepped through, expecting a three ring circus complete with dancing bear to have taken over his house.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn quickly dressed and took Benny’s hand. They walked back into the room, and just as she had suspected, there were a couple dozen more people crammed into Benny’s living room. Each one had a drink or a plate either in their hands or hovering near them. Quickly she scanned the room, waved her fingers and froze everything in its place, including Benny. She walked over to her uncle and touched his shoulder, waking him up. “Fix this, he doesn’t know,” she told him and together they set floating plates and beverages on various tables and counters.

She moved back to Benny and watched her uncle take his place. She unfroze time and smiled up at her lover. “There they are,” she said. She knew that he would have seen the floating objects for the span of a second if that long, but he would have no memory of time freezing or having watched her and her uncle move about the room.

Hooking her arm through his she took him to each relative and introduced them. She knew he’d not be able to remember them all, but then again, she barely could. When they reached her Uncle, she introduced him as Maximal; she watched her Uncle’s gaze brush across him as if “sizing” him up.

She listen to Maximal give Benny the third degree, asking where he worked and about his family. Every once in a while she’d send a glare to a younger cousin, who was wondering about the room, gazing at things. Cousin Sue was a known kleptomaniac and that was the last thing she needed. Stealing from a police officer wasn’t the brightest thing in the world.

The cousins, as Jacquelyn described them, varied in age, weight, and even color. Some were darker than her, some paler. Some had red hair, some black, several with white streaks down the center. Most were dressed in modern clothes, some wore thicker cloaks similar to Bette’s, but all were eating or drinking, this time leaving their food and beverages on tables, instead of hovering them in the air.

 

[Tseranc]

He knew he needed to eat soon, the moment he stepped out into the hall he saw things floating in the air. Of course a blink of an eye later and all was well, and plates sat on surfaces, some barely, but none defying physics. There were odd, but he had no right to dream them being that odd!

He shook hands with each…wondering where all the food had come from, passing each persons plate made him even hungrier. Then came Uncle Maximal. The man stared him up and down, as if appraising his worth, and determining who might win in a fight. He was well built, and the small signs of his age gave no hint at weakness. Ben answered the man’s questions as politely as possible, all while trying not to gawk at the man’s clothes that had to come from the colonial days…maybe later, but barely.

He’d forgotten most the names for all the cousins, and those he remembered he doubted he could match the correct face to. They milled around as if invading a strangers home were a natural and frequent event to them. He was suddenly glad most his belongings were made of strong stuff. No breakable knick-knacks to be destroyed from wayward elbows.

It didn’t take him long to realize that pretty much everyone stole glances at him, as if to appraise his worth as a human being. It took less time after that before he grew rather irritated from it.

“Ok, listen up please. I’m thrilled you all care so much to stop by and check on Jacquelyn here, but I’d appreciate not being glared at like a criminal in my own house. If you have something to say to me, come up and say it. Form a line if needs be, but don’t whisper between yourselves about me.”

He had their undivided attention now – several looked completely appalled for having been spoken to in such a way, some seemed to approve of his taking s stand. Uncle Maximal was impossible to read, but listened with the rest.

“Jackie and I met recently, and she was injured when her house got crushed by a tree – I offered to keep her here until she felt better. Just to squash any rumors, there it is. I didn’t want her left alone without help – I just didn’t know about all you fine folks that might come to her side as well.”

After mentioning that last part he stole an accusing glare at Jacquelyn, then raised his gaze back up to the crowd surrounding them in his living room. So far no takers on his offer to listen to complaints about him personally.

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn’s eyes grew wide when he spoke harshly toward her family. She gave them all pleading looks and begged them silently with her eyes to remain calm and not do anything to further upset Benny.

Maximal came to the rescue and wrapped his arm around Benny. “Now, we all know she was hurt, but she’s fine now. She used the lotion and all is well. I’ll clear your house for you, why don’t you and Jacquelyn take a bite down at the tavern.”

Jacquelyn took a deep breath, but it was too late. In less than a blink, Benny’s house was gone and they were standing in a private room of Maximal’s favorite tavern, The Hole in the Wall, in Shrewsbury, England. “Oh by the Gods and Goddesses!” she cursed and muttered several incantations, but nothing happened.

Her gaze moved to Benny’s and she could tell he was not feeling very well. “Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.”

 

[Tseranc]

Benny fumbled behind him for a chair, finally pulling one out and fell into it. It was a nice bar, great atmosphere. He liked English and Irish pubs, missed the good ones from New York. However he didn’t care for not knowing how the hell it was he came to be in the pub. “Jackie…help me out here.” He swallowed the apple that grew in his throat.

“How the…where the…. what…. Fuck I don’t even know what to ask!” He tired taking several deep breaths, as she suggested. It helped, a little.

“Ok, where are we and how. And what Gods and Goddesses and odd little sayings did you just say?”

It was then a waitress came, and in a very British accent asked them what they wished to drink, and told them that fish and chips were of course the special. He tossed his hands up in disbelief, and agreed to the special and a Guinness.

“Ok babe, start talking. What the hell is going on here?”

 

[RedHairedandFriendly]

Jacquelyn took a deep breath and glanced around, she was thankful that the private room Maximal had sent them wasn’t in the middle of a game and only a few men were drinking. When the server came by and offered them the special, Jacquelyn gave a sigh of relief. For now the magic was still strong and the spell she’d cast held firm.

“Benny... we only have a few minutes before all of this falls apart. You must trust me. I know it is hard to believe, well, maybe it isn’t after all we’ve been through. My family is odd,” she saw his look and knew he was silently agreeing with her.

“The words, were spells, right now as you can see this looks like a simple English tavern that is dressed up to resemble the old way of life. Many do that you know, dress up to look the part of days gone by. But that isn’t the case here. I cast a spell to keep others from seeing the truth, but my magic is only good for so long, eventually I’ll have to resort to herbs and oils.”

She took a deep breath and continued. “I have to get us home, but I can’t do that right now. I need supplies. First though we need to change. Come with me, there is a door that will lead us outside.” She stood and offered her hand.

“Benny, I’m a witch and I can save us, but not if you don’t cooperate. I can get us home, but we must be dressed appropriately. I only have so much time to do that. We must change our attire, these clothes from the future will not work for us.”

Giving her head a shake she indicated the door that would take them out to the rear of the tavern. “Please. . .trust me a bit longer,” she whispered.

 

[Tseranc]

Ben looked around in disbelief. How could be belief her? More over, why shouldn’t he? After all he was magically transported to a bar…how much further off could the past be?

The weight of these concepts pressed on his skull, but finally he decided he wasn’t going to freak out, pass out, or become belligerent. He had a plan, a good one.

He pinched himself.

“Damn. Ok, well, I guess I’m at your mercy since my plan didn’t pan out how I hoped.”

He let out a huge sigh, and reminded himself that he wasn’t going to panic – which took some internal convincing. A freaking Witch?!

“Jackie, I’ll agree with the odd, and just assume you know what the hell is going on…lead on. It’s not like I have any better solutions.”

Resigned to follow this strange woman through whatever curveball the world threw next, he walked over to her as casually as he could look, and appeared ready for whatever crazy thing she said next.