Wyrd Tales: Chapter 25 - Darkwing House

Darkwing House, at the edge of Britechester campus, was once the home of Professor Psyded, one of the university's founders. Now it was the most notable, and expensive, student housing available on campus.

Still, Miranda thought, what's the point of being ridiculously wealthy if you didn't treat yourself and your friends once in a while. Besides, unlike the dorms, Darkwing House had its own kitchen... and Miranda wasn't sure she could handle another year of dorm food.

After all, they'd agreed to room together and there was no reason not to do so in comfort. Cassie had agreed to cover the costs. Miranda had covered her ears and sung loudly when her mother threatened to tell her about her own days in Darkwing.

"So, how was your summer?" Miranda asked.

Classes would be starting in a few days. Miranda had arrived early, to make herself comfortable in the new house, she'd told Gwen and Cassie. Neither had raised any argument. Genie had arrived the following day and Aadi shortly after her.

Now, unpacked and having explored the house, they'd gathered in what they decided was the sitting room to catch up.

"Not much to tell," Aadi sighed. "Summer in the city with my folks... but I did get to spend a little time with Sheldon. Took him to the Gallery in the Arts district and we discussed all the beautiful things. We even looked at some paintings."

"You're terrible," Genie laughed.

"Girlfriend, my Shel-boy can tell you different," Aadi grinned.

"And what about you and Mr. Carlos?" Aadi asked. "Did you and your boy-toy go messing around on Daddy's Island of Money and Power?"

"Technically the estate is in my mother's family," Genie said.

"How did a dazzling urban youth like yours truly end up with all you little rich girls?" Aadi mused. "And you are avoiding the question."

"Carlos and I saw each other," Genie replied primly. "In fact, we had some very romantic walks along the bluffs."

"Girlfriend, what are we going to do with you?" Aadi rolled their eyes.

"Oh, and I saw that Mr. Alto again," Genie added. "At one of my dad's political things. He's really very charming."

Aadi winced, hissing, "Girl, I'm gonna smack you."

Genie blushed and glanced guiltily at Miranda. The absence of one of their number, unspoken and unasked, was like a living presence in the room.

"Well, how was Miranda's summer," Aadi asked with brittle brightness.

"Quiet," Miranda sighed. "I caught up on some reading."

"... and no," she added, "I haven't heard from her. She didn't come to the charity gala. She hasn't called. I know she had some kind of blow up with Londyn and Danielle... but they say she's... well, I guess she stayed in the city for the summer."

"She's... she's coming back for classes though," Genie said. "I mean, she must be... right?"

"Sure," Miranda nodded. "She'll be here."

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"Excuse me, miss," Miranda said as someone walked down the hall, "are you in the right... Oh... My..."

"Ciao," Mariah said. "Um... I'm sorry I didn't call. It's been a crazy... I'm sorry.... I..."

"You... changed your hair," Miranda said softly.

"Umm, yeah," Mariah replied self consciously.

"I like it," Miranda breathed.

"I missed you so much," Mariah whispered.

Neither remembered who moved first. Only that their arms were around each other, their lips pressed together, a kiss trying to erase a long and difficult summer.

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"So, yeah, I spent the summer with my family," Mariah was explaining. "Nick Alto... I called him Uncle Nick when I was a kid... he's really sort of a cousin of my dad's but he still wants me to call him Uncle Nick. He's kind of a big deal businessman."

"Holly Alto is an amazing graphic designer," Aadi put in. "You have Got to introduce me."

"I didn't really get to meet her," Mariah said, "but I know her husband, Marco... he's one of Uncle Nick's business partners. I guess I could ask him to introduce you."

"Danielle said you and Londyn had a fight," Miranda started to ask.

"I don't want to talk about that," Mariah said sharply, then more gently continued, "The whole foster care / adoption thing turns out to be messy... stuff I didn't know about before... but we're working it out. I just need a little time."

"Well, I'm glad you're here," Genie said.

"I'm really sorry about the whole radio silence thing," Mariah said, mostly to Miranda. "There was a lot going on... stuff I needed to figure out. Stuff I still need to figure out, but I'm here now. It will be OK."