reality of a dreamer

Clark gave her a smile, amused at her boldness. “Then I’m sorry I hurt your feelings.” Leaning in, he whispered, “I’ll tell you a secret- things are only awkward if you make it awkward. It’s an interviewing trick.”

Lexie’s mouth opened for a second and then closed again as she shook her head vehemently. “No! I would never! He’s the nastiest most insensitive guy on the planet! I’m outraged. You know I’ve known him since forever, right? But we haven’t seen each other for some time, and he didn’t recognise me! He tried to flirt with me Bertha! I’m just- it’s absurd!”

“Outraged? Okay, wait, back up, what did he do? Are you mad at him for flirting with you, what? Come on, Lex, you’re gorgeous, he was blinded by it. Don’t tell me you blew him off.”

“Crazy?” she echoed curiously, a hint of concern in her voice. Bertha’s warmth – her energy, friendly and exuberant, which seemed to emanate from the witch like a beacon – usually left Narcissa with a sense of contentedness. However, on this occasion, there was something smothering to it. She remained quietly composed, lips pursed, watching on as the other hurried about like a miniature whirlwind. “Everything is fine.” She tactfully answered the easiest question first. “Perfect, in fact. The wedding is drawing closer and I couldn’t be happier, only–,” Narcissa paused, the weight of words to come heavy on her tongue. Reaching out, she took Bertha’s hand gently in her own. “I’ve come to the decision that it would be for the best if you and I celebrated the occasion on a separate day, darling.”

That was certainly the last thing Millicent expected to hear. “Well, to each their own I suppose. It seems rather messy.” she admitted. Why would anyone be interested in such a thing? Is what she was truly thinking. But Millicent had a knack for steering clear of offending the woman if she indeed was interested in such a practice. 

Bertha held back a delighted grin at the positive response from the other witch. “Well, isn’t sex a bit messy as it is? What’s a little more for the sake of some fun?” Subtlety wasn’t exactly Bertha’s strong suit so she chose to dive right in. “When did you first try it?”

“Wait- what? First, who’s Andrew and second why would someone ever do that?! Only dogs do that. Bertha that’s disgusting!” Lily shook her head, still in disbelief. “Nothing much. I’m back to work and my boss is still being insufferable, and I think James is hiding something from me.”

“Why are you screaming at me, he did it! And Andrew’s that gorgeous guy who works for accounting. I’ll point him out sometime.” Bertha wrinkled her nose at the reply. “Well that sounds disappointing. Boss any different than before? I thought they’re supposed to be extra nice after you get caught in scary attacks. Wait, though, what did James do? Is it the good kind, is he proposing?”

Oblivious to the fact Bertha had been watching, he jumped at her seemingly sudden appearance.  A frown was still on his face, but it eased ever so slightly when he looked to the witch.  “I can start scolding you as well, if it helps,”  he remarked wryly, heaving a sigh.  “I found him trying to wander his way into the Department of Mysteries.  He claims he’d gotten the wrong floor, but it’s still caused problems.”

“Oh, such a gentleman, I might swoon,” she replied with a hand to her chest and a flutter of her lashes. Her act gave way to her curiosity as she cocked her head to the side in question. “Problems? Did he get into anything? I didn’t realize that was possible.” Her smile took a teasing turn. “I guess I know where I’m sneaking next.”