“Holy Hell,” I moaned. “I am so sorry.”
“Oh my.” Miss Evelyn laughed joyously. “That was wonderful.”
Was she on crack? Rhonda was laughing so hard she snorted. It wasn’t cute. I ran around the room and tried to right all my wrongs. I was so embarrassed I wanted to die.
“Dixie, Dixie.” Miss Evelyn grabbed me around my waist and turned me to face her. “It’s the little things. Enjoy the little things.” She smiled and gave me a quick peck on the cheek.
I stood still and my mortification slowly melted away. She was right. I looked around the room and I saw the humor of it. It was funny. I took a deep breath and smiled. As my smile grew broader and I owned the ridiculousness of the room I’d created. . .I giggled.
“Just take life a moment at a time,” she whispered in my ear.
“Yes.” I moved into her embrace. “A moment at a time.”
Chapter 28
I got home and slept for fourteen hours. When I awoke at ten the next morning Myrtle was curled up next to me. Janet was sound asleep in the chair next to the bed and Carl snored lightly in a makeshift sleeping bag on the floor. So much for going to class today.
I carefully sat up and looked at my little family who had come to Earth willing to die for me. My breath hitched and my eyes welled up with tears. As out of control as my life was spinning, I knew I was lucky. Starting today all of the pity parties were over. I would be ready to protect my little tribe and make my father proud.
Blanche’s absence made my heart hurt, but I was beginning to understand the pattern. She was my guide, leading me where she knew it was necessary. I was unclear how the old women figured in, but I didn’t doubt that they would.
The world and the people around me were somehow instrumental in why I was here. I was positive that Eden, Kentucky had not been a random choice by my father. With no direction book and only my twenty-one year old wits to guide me, I had a feeling that my path was being dictated by those around me. . .or at the very least they were providing clues. It frustrated the Hell out of me that everything and everyone was so damn cryptic, but that was the way of the immortal world. I could learn or burn. I decided to learn.
The pieces were clicking quickly and I knew the darkness loomed close. Instead of scaring me, I felt invigorated and excited.#p#分页标题#e#
I was having a difficult time wrapping my brain around how Thing One, Thing Two, Thing Three and Thing Four could be anything but annoying, but I wasn’t not going to question anymore. They had to be connected to the dance. The dance from Heaven and Hell. . .how hideously appropriate.
I also realized why my dad had forbade any contact with Hell. There was no way I would have come this far on my own if I’d had a major support system. Hayden, Stella and Sloth would have caught me every time I fell. I would be no stronger or wiser with that kind of help. I was still angry with Satan but I understood.
Myrtle’s small hand clasped mine. “Are you feeling better?” she asked in a sleepy voice.
“I’m not sure.” I wrinkled my brow in confusion. “I don’t remember crawling into bed last night.”
“You didn’t.” Myrtle rolled over and stretched. “You walked in the front door and collapsed. Carl carried you up.”
Well, that explained why I was still dressed in the clothes I'd worn yesterday. Janet opened her eyes and smiled while Carl snored and snuggled deeper into his thrown together bed.
I patted the space beside me. Janet bounced over and hopped in next to me. I hugged her tight and dragged Myrtle over with my other hand.
“What the. . .” Myrtle groaned as I pressed her close to my side.
Carl’s bald head popped up at the end of the bed, a big grin splitting his sweet face. “Can I join the love fetht?” Damn, his dimples were cute.
“Yes, you can.” I grinned, then moaned in agony as I realized he was shirtless. “Oh, Sweet Underworld Carl, please tell me you’re wearing pants.”
He chuckled and raised a hot pink terry cloth covered leg. I rolled my eyes and made room for my dear, hairy, style-impaired friend.
“I'm starting to figure the clusterfuck out,” I told them.
“Lucifer’s Bouncing Balls.” Janet laughed. “You already knew what you needed to know.”
I reached down and checked myself for balls. Thankfully there were none to be found.
“The’th right,” Carl added, giving me a noogie like a third grade boy. "And The Kev and Gemma will be coming today." He continued his noogie fest.
“Quit it, Carl.” I smacked his hand away and tried to noogie him back. "The Fairies are coming?"
"Yep."