truth above all else

          Madison closed her eyes, trying not to make a joke. “I guess that is true. However, between the two of us, you most definitely are the bigger snack. And you can’t argue with me because you know I’m right,” the warlock said with a little laugh to prove that she was joking, even though she wasn’t. “You have the best of fashion sense and a great taste in wine. And you’re my best friend in the entire world. I’d do anything for you. All you have to do is ask.” Madison knew that Cat was drunk, so she was hoping that comment wasn’t too weird. 

          She sighed. Madison knew that Cat was right. There were parts of herself that she hadn’t revealed to Cat and she wasn’t sure she would ever reveal them. She was scared to. “I’m sorry. What do you want to know? I can tell you that I’m partially here to look into my family. Apparently they were from here.” Before she’d gotten here, she thought that the reason she’d got her job so easily was because of Cat, but she was sure now that it was a family connection. “It’s part of the reason I ended up here. A small part, I mean. You being here and needing a change too.” 

          The warlock bit down on her lip. “I’ve seen a lot of strange things, Cat. I promise you that sort of thing does not make me surprised. Whatever you think you saw, I promise you that it wasn’t your imagination and nor does it make you insane. I believe you. What events don’t make sense?” She had always felt like this town was strange and she wasn’t sure how normal people lived here without realizing that something supernatural was under their noses. Then again, people’s minds could play tricks on them and people did a lot to pretend something wasn’t real even if it was. 

“That’s just because I’m three inches taller than you, love. You can’t beat yourself up about that,” she retorted with a smirk, leaning against the door. Caterina soaked up the compliments, an apparent grin on her lips as Madi went on. “Madi, dear, you spoil me far too much.” Caterina paused for a moment. “You are still a confusing one though, you know? Like, I never know what’s on your mind and you’ve sent me on this weird journey questioning my sexuality and all, and I still don’t know how to come to terms with it or anything. I thought I was supposed to figure that all out in my teenage years, but, nooooope. I’m more confused than ever, but I guess we can return to that conversation when your stuff is all sorted.” Even if her brain was minorly obsessed with the topic, especially after the fallout with Tristan right before Madi moved in.

Caterina raised a brow. “Really?” she bit back a comment or two. She felt offense at Madison keeping that detail from her. It was trivial, but Cat thought she would be able to help. “Well, I mean, my mother has lived here for quite a while, so it couldn’t hurt to talk to her and see if she could fill in some gaps for you. I never knew you were so much of a family person, though? I thought you weren’t very close to them?” Perhaps she should just mind her business, but Caterina was nosy. 

“Jasmine! Yes, that’s it!” Beatrice said, snapping her fingers. She’d known that that costume was familiar, but it had been escaping her brain. Now that the woman had said it, however, it was incredibly obvious to her. “Animated or live action?” It was an important distinction, one that would make or break the rest of the conversation.

“I’ve been getting that a lot tonight, but no. I’m Poison Ivy. You know, from DC comics?” Beatrice said, striking a pose.

At the satisfied recognition, Caterina grinned. “Animated for sure. I can’t say I’ve taken the time to see the live action film yet. And I feel like the animated outfit is likely more recognizable,” she added with a shrug. It was a costume she had used a few times before, but there was no shame in that.

“Oooh that name is familiar. I never really got into the whole superhero thing, but I have seen pictures online. She’s the one that dates the female clown, right?”

Beatrice resisted the urge to sigh into her drink. She was having fun. Really, she was. Or, she had been, until she’d been ditched. She knew that she should probably be more upset about the fact that her friends had dragged her out on this bar crawl and then ditched her, but she wasn’t. She’d known going into the night that there was a chance that she’d be ditched, which is why she’d opted out of the suggested group costume and had thrown together her own costume. She was supposed to be Poison Ivy, but she wasn’t sure how well she was pulling it off. 

“So, what are you supposed to be?” she asked, turning to the person next to her.

In recent months, Caterina had been not quite as focused on obtaining gossip since she’d been mentally trying to understand what she’d seen that night. But, tonight that was going to change. After all, her boss had informed her if she couldn’t keep up with, the segment would be cut all together. Thankfully, there was nothing better than a Halloween party for people to get drunk and spill their guts. That all to say, Cat was being careful with her alcohol consumption and lingering on the fringes to just observe.

“Oh...me? I’m Princess Jasmine from Aladdin. Are you some sort of....fairy or something?” there weren’t any wings, but she couldn’t quite place the costume.

“From my perspective, yes, even if I only end up joining one or two activities,” he replied and stared into space as he tried to recall the schedule of the past years. “There’s some monotony in having the same events each year, I do find that a bit comforting, knowing what to expect.” Spencer chuckled. “Well, let’s see how it’s going and if I saw something I rather not have mentioned I will let you know,” he offered. “Thanks for that, I’m sure it won’t come to that but if it does I shall,” Spencer agreed with a nod. 

With the information, Caterina nodded, taking her notes. She paused to take a drink of her coffee, but otherwise listened to Spencer with rapt attention, as was important of a reporter to do. Just as Spencer was finishing up his thoughts, Caterina’s phone buzzed. During interviews, she had her phone on silent, but she did have alarms set to ensure she didn’t loose track of time and got back to the office on time. “Spencer, thank you again for your time.” She reached into her bag and pulled out her business card. “I’m afraid I have to get going, but here is my contact information if you need it.” She grabbed her coffee and stood up, giving a way. “Enjoy the rest of your day.”

“Here, here,” Charlotte agreed, knocking back the shot and placing it on the bar beside Cat’s empty glass. After a moment, the burn of alcohol subsided, and it left a foul aftertaste behind. She tried to smile, but it came out as more of a grimace. “Mmm, yeah that’s not great–but I’m not complaining, free booze is free booze.” She smiled again at the woman, and it looked more like a smile this time. “You too! I’ve been so busy, this is like the first free night I’ve had in a while.” And that was only because the client canceled at the last minute. “What about you, though, it feels like it’s been a while. What’s new?”

Caterina let out a hum of protest. “It is, so I won’t complain much, but given the way that group is dressed, I’m surprised they offered something so...cheap.” That was not said without a hint of judgement. But, she was quick to move on to something else. “I need something to wash that down with, would you like anything? It’s on me.” With that offer, she flagged down the bartender.

“Oh? That’s excellent news, I’m assuming? Is it more so for the event planning business or your photography?” She pursed her lips for a second considering what to say. She wasn’t one to lie, especially since she was running a gossip column now, best to keep everything above board. “It has been quite some time! I’ve honestly just been in recovery for sometime. Unfortunately I was in the crossfires of that whole riverfest fireworks incident.”

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Heather said. She didn’t know why; she was never one to say ‘I’m sorry’ for things that weren’t her fault. Cat seemed a bit reluctant to share, and Heather didn’t like to share either but thought Cat was much more open. “Yes. Good idea.” She grabbed the other’s upper arms and guided her down.

With Heather’s steady hand on her upper arm, Caterina made her way over to the grass. Before sitting down on the grass, she removed her jacket so she wouldn’t stain her clothing. “Thanks for your help, Heather. God, I guess this must be what being old must feel like in a way. I guess I should be nicer to my grandparents next time I see them, because it is truly bothersome feeling a bit helpless like this...I’m guessing I should probably monitoring myself or something?” she questioned. Heather spoke with some confidence about concussions, so Caterina was trusting her word.

          Madison snorted a laugh at. “I think you’re a little off on that.” She didn’t feel as pretty as she imagined an angel would be, but she’d always imagined them to be terrifying, not pretty. “I think you’re stunning too,” Madi responded, because well she did. 

          “It’s just… it’s family stuff.” And magic, of course. The warlock sighed. “I don’t know, it might not be different. I could probably tell you.” She didn’t know how. It wasn’t a short conversation. “I don’t want to worry you or scare you, I promise. You know how I get. In a few months, I’ll give up on this project and move on to the next one.” She was determined not to do that. “And you do help me. Knowing you’re there helps me.” That was true. “I donno. That doesn’t seem impossible. Considering the town we live in and how unusual events always seem to happen?” Madi looked over at Cat for a second. “Have you told anyone else about this? Do you, you know, want to investigate further? Or not? Is that why you were drinking tonight? Or was it just to let off some steam from a stressful work week?” 

Caterina scoffed at Madison’s comment, but with a sense of humor. “A difference of opinion, I suppose, but, dear Madi, you’ve known me for years now. I’m a little offended you’d insinuate that I’m wrong about something. After all you know I’m always right,” she added with a smirk. With the alcohol coursing through her system, she was much more easily flustered. So, she looked to the side to hide the blush. “Thank you, I know. But it is still nice to hear.”

Despite the inebriation, she could tell they were getting close to home. But she hoped that didn’t mean the conversation would come to a halt when they got inside. “Knowing I’m here only goes so far though, especially if you rarely let me offer any real help. You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to, but I don’t know, it’s difficult for me to ignore how you handle me with some caution and distance now. I don’t like it...” she trailed off letting out a heavy breath. Especially because of how Madison hadn’t left her mind since their last night together in California where they made out and then parted ways.

To Caterina: Caterina, so nice to hear from you! I’m doing well, just settling into the new school year routine. How about you? 

To Caterina: That sounds absolutely wonderful, I would love to! Let me know if you have a time in mind and I will get a sitter. 😊

To Karen Pierce: That’s excellent to hear! How’s the PTA crew this year? Did that really lazy member finally leave? I’m doing wonderful, thanks for asking, I think I’m finally adjusting to being a full time journalist instead of an editor.

Xavier Bennett: Probably for the best

Xavier Bennett: Well I don’t think you’ll regret this choice then

Xavier Bennett: 👍🏿

Before long, Caterina had arrived at the cafe and glanced around. She didn’t quite see Xavier yet, but there wasn’t much of a line at the moment. A voice at the counter popped up asking what she would like. “Oh, I’m waiting for a friend to tell me their order,” she responded, to which they nodded.

Heather flinched at the tale of the Riverfest disaster. If she hadn’t been so damn scared of the fireworks, could she have helped any? Maybe her shield power could have protected Caterina. No, she forced herself to focus on the moment, though what-ifs still floated around in her mind. “What was it like? Did you get burned?” she couldn’t help but ask. Her hand trailed down to the burns on her legs. They could have been much worse, but she still rarely wore shorts. “Yes, you should sit down. You can do it in the grass at least. Do not lie down,” she instructed, ready to help Cat move if she needed it. 

One of her heads moved to her temple to ease some of the pain she was feeling. Caterina scowled a bit at the question, unsure whether she wanted to answer. Perhaps it would help the woman - but Heather wasn’t a doctor, she just crept around the hospital that one day. However, trying to overthink her answer, just made the woman wince more. “Yeah - yeah, I was burned in the arm, and a bit on my leg. Mostly, though, I was concussed because of the panicked crowd,” she explained, albeit reluctantly. Cat conceded, but her head was still spinning. “Do you think you could help me over? I don’t think I’m very steady right now...”

          At least she felt like she was being a decent friend for being there. “I know, I know. Whatever you want though.” She wasn’t sure how she was supposed to act around Cat anymore and she knew it was showing. Madi laughed at her friend’s ramble. “Sure, yeah, I know what you mean.” Maybe things could get back to normal between them, but she didn’t know how. All she knew was that she didn’t ever want to lose Cat; maybe yeah, that was putting her in a very guardian angel kind of role, but that’s just how much she cared for her friend. 

          She considered everything that Cat was saying. She didn’t know how to respond to it though. “This is nothing like that. It’s just personal right now. And Cat, I’d never make you wear clashing patterns.” She wasn’t trying to keep secrets, however she didn’t want to endanger Cat. She wanted to keep her family stuff to herself for now and Madi wasn’t ready to tell her about being a warlock. “So what did you see that you didn’t think you were supposed to see?” Did it have something to do with magic? She hoped not because she’d have to confess she knew about magic too. 

A hum passed her lips as Madison revealed she understood. “And you’re quite stunning like one too,” she commented, beginning to snicker. “An angel, I mean. But you know that.”

          She let out a laugh and started to drive. As slowly as possible. Though she wasn’t drunk, there was a lot on her mind. Trying to digest all the stuff she kept learning, all the stuff she still had questions about, all that she left unsaid between the two of them. It all was swimming through her mind. It was why she focused her attention on one thing at a time. “Hey, but the ramen noodles are good,” she argued. Even though it wasn’t the best meal to eat. “I’m not, but of course I’ll make some for you. What are friends for?” 

          Madi listened to her friend talk, unsure what she wanted to say. It was easier when everything was unsaid between them. It could remain lifetimes before and Madi was fine with it because she was unsure she wanted things to change. Maybe Cat was always meant to be that one constant in her life. But that meant trusting her with the secrets she wasn’t sure she was ready to share with anyone. “I don’t know,” she responded slowly, wondering what she should say. How much of what she was thinking did she want to actually say? Cat was drunk after all. “I just… I don’t know. There’s a lot going on and I don’t want to drag you into it.” Because if her digging got too dangerous, then she wasn’t sure she’d be able to keep Cat safe, and really wasn’t most of this—family matters aside—to protect her friend? 

Caterina snickered. “They are good under certain circumstances, I will admit that.” And ramen did sound delicious at the moment, but all of that sodium made her bloat. Not that it really mattered since she would be at home. Still. “Fine, they maybe like a fallen angel or something. Not like the devil, but...you know what I’m saying, right?” she rambled a bit, repositioning herself in the chair once again.

“Sure, no problem.” At Caterina’s offer, Monty glanced down to his phone to find several new text messages from Monica, the most recent reading could you do it? “Uh, rain check? My roommate and I were debating who’s getting groceries while they’re out, and it looks like something might have come up for her, so I should go do that before I forget.”

          She didn’t know what she was driving towards. She didn’t know how to feel. Should she be anxious or excited or neither. It was times like this where she wished she could tell the future. Maybe that was a power she needed to see if she could learn. Then again, people with those powers always ended up in bad situations in all the books she’d read. So maybe it was best to not know what the future held. The drive felt too short, but she was glad to see Cat was outside waiting for her. 

          “Of course. What are friends for?” she smiled. Luckily, her car wasn’t a disaster. “I’ve done the same thing, especially when stressed. Don’t worry about it.” Madison would probably cross oceans for Cat to make sure she was safe, but she didn’t feel like she needed to say that out loud. “I think there’s some ramen, if you want to continue with your feeling like an undergrad,” the warlock teased. “Or I can make you some spaghetti or mac and cheese. Whichever you want.” 

“Definitely bailing themselves out of stupid shit like this,” she weakly grinned, leaning against the door. Thankfully she rarely got motion sick, but her head was spinning a little bit. “Uuuugh, god I forgot we got ramen as a joke. No thank you, I do not need that much sodium. I’ll bloat like crazy,” she lamented, shifting in her seat even further. “Madi, you are a literal angel. Spaghetti would be delightful.” But she finally shifted her gaze to look at the woman she’d known for so many years now. God, there was that feeling again, that longing. Why did she have to be so far away?