The Pentagram Child(129)

“Wit’a woo Tottie Toots, look at you looking all hot and shit!” Pip said bouncing over to us with Adam in tow. Actually it was hard to say if it was Pip or the new owner of the Little Shop of Horrors!

“Wow Pip, that’s…well that’s…” I said trying desperately to find the right words to explain the utter outrageousness that was Pip’s dress.

“I know right! Isn’t it just amazeboozyballs?” She said twirling around and under Adam’s arm that he held up for her. I had to smile at the adoring way he looked down at her and her crazy dress. Although crazy was kind of an understatement as it looked as though she had robbed some gothic flower shop!

It started with a bodice that was made from strips of black see-through organza that crossed over her small breasts, which showed her little pierced nipples. Then over her shoulders like a shrug was some kind of long black grass that hung down almost like pointed fur. But it was the skirt that was the real show stopper. It started at her waist with a belt of real black dahlias and then from there started with a row of black violas that each had a hint of purple and a touch of bright yellow at their centres. After that it was a full ball gown skirt of raining black flowers all hanging down and layered by their stalks.

“Well it’s definitely you Pip, that’s for sure…although I must say it’s the first time I have seen you all in black.” I added noticing the only colour on her was from her tattooed skin and bright hair.

“I know right, but well this is an official snotty nosed business affair and with being a shadow Imp and all, then we chickidees normally are seen wearing black…I uh…” She leant closer after pausing which managed to pull Adam’s arm straight out from behind her as she hadn’t let go of his hand. But of course he didn’t seem to mind.

“…I’m kind of not like others of my kind and well…those bitches don’t like me.” She said looking a little sad which made me frown. However the deep belly growl came from the man at her back and I could tell it was more Abaddon responding than the more placid Adam.

“Oh that’s ok baby cupcakes, those meanie bo beanies can’t say shit to me the boring bastards! Anyway back to the pure awesomeness that is my dress, we have lilies, Irises, Tulips, Hollyhocks, roses…oh and loads of other shit in there but isn’t it pretty and don’t I smell incredadooble? Here smell my pits Toots!” She said lifting her arm up and thrusting her Pip pit in my face.

“That’s enough my little garden Winnie, we don’t want to be late if we are to get you first chance at those crab cakes.” On hearing her husband reminding her of this important fact, she gave me a big toothy grin making her black rose lip ring wilt down before blowing me a smacker of a kiss.

“See ya there Tootie doll!”

“Well it looks like I won’t be the only flower at the ball.” Sophia said coming from around the corner with two velvet boxes in her hand. She was also referring to her own stunning dress that was a deep crimson colour and the material had been so cleverly cut and sewn that the skirt looked like the petals of a blooming rose. Almost like she had stepped into the centre of a giant rose and then let the petals fall delicately around her.

“Sophia you look so beautiful!” I said only seeing her dress for the first time as before when she led me in here she had on a long covering cloak.

“Thank you but I believe all eyes will be on a new crowning jewel tonight.” She said cryptically. This was when Draven nodded to the table and then made a motion with his head cocked to the side like he wanted her to leave. She placed the boxes down and then bowed her head before leaving the room with a massive grin on her face.

“Am I missing something?” I asked looking round the now empty room where I was pretty sure Zagan and Vincent had also been.

“May I?” Draven said holding out his hand for me to take. I didn’t hesitate in doing so and he led me over to the table where the two boxes awaited.

“Draven?” I said nervously as I could very well guess what he was about to give me, especially since my neck was bare.

“I have had this in my possession for a while now.” He said looking down at the box and running his fingers over the top of it.

“I was going to wait but when you agreed to stand by my side tonight I knew the time had finally come… birthday or not.” He had continued to speak to the box until this very last part. I sucked in an emotional breath at his confession and his eyes shot to mine.

“This was my birthday present?” I asked clearly shocked.

“It was.” He answered and it was easy to see there was pain in his eyes with the memory he no doubt associated with my day.