Jackson wipes away his tears and turns to look at both men around him, the home he rebuilt after so many years of denying himself the chance. He wants to tell them how he truly felt, to let loose all the warm emotions he held for them. But there is still a dark part of him that strove to deny himself that. He isn’t going to give up without a fight, he just needed more time. “Thank you, both of you. If I can be selfish, can I ask you both for your support going forward? I’m going to try and be more honest with myself, but I know I can’t do it alone. I’ll see about going to a session of therapy or two a week to work on a healthier coping mechanism, it seems I’m due for an upgrade on my current ones.”
The boys share a soft laugh, Hakeem still holding onto Jackson’s hand and Eddie still standing close. Eddie nods to Hakeem as understanding blooms between them, “You can count on us. We aren’t going anywhere, anytime soon.”
Chapter 23
March 14th, Gregorian Year 2030
The sky is filled with dark clouds. Torrential rain and crashing thunder are nearly deafened by the howling wind. The storm rages like a passionate war between gods that rule the sky, businesses even closed to keep their workers safe. Charlie and Seamus both closed up their respective shops as the clash of the elements surged on in the night sky.
The boys use their unexpected evening free to their advantage. Jackson practices a scrying spell, one with a short incantation that focuses mana through a mirror. His target, Wendy, waits by a mirror in her own home. She agreed to help Jackson practice his control. The spell requires a gentle touch. Too much mana and the glass would shatter. He could fix it with a spell if he failed, Hakeem encouraged him by saying that any chance to practice was worth the effort spent.
Meanwhile, Hakeem and Eddie prepare dinner together. They are experimenting with Hakeem’s family recipe for oven chicken and potatoes and how it would pair with Eddie’s mother’s kimchi recipe. Rice cooks while Eddie finishes chopping the cabbage and rubbing in the spice mix, filling the air with heat. Hakeem seasons the chicken and chops the potatoes while the oven preheats.
“Doesn’t kimchi need to be fermented before eating?” asks Hakeem, as he slides the chicken and potatoes into the oven.
“My Umma says this version of the recipe can be enjoyed without letting it sit for too long, by the time the chicken is done the flavor should have hopefully set into the veggies.” Eddie finishes mixing the spice rub into the cabbage and Korean radish, his hands stained red.
“The spice smells so good.” As though on cue, Hakeem’s stomach rumbles.
They laugh as they clean up the kitchen while the kimchi sits and the chicken and potatoes bake.
Jackson is distracted by the scene in the kitchen, bittersweet memories of his small apartment in New York flash in the back of his mind. He promised himself he wouldn’t bury them away, it hurt more to forget than to recall. Him and Ravi struggling in the kitchen, getting shooed away by Tony and Vinny. The laughs they shared over meals, the sweet wine and cheesy breads. He still remembered the richness of the tomato sauce lingering on his tongue., maybe he’ll ask about doing Italian one night. He could remember the recipe if he tried and with two great cooks by his side he had hope of not burning down the kitchen.
Jackson returns his focus to the mirror mounted on the wall next to the front door. He gets a text confirmation from Wendy that she has a glass of wine, snacks and her favorite reruns on while she awaits to wave at him from her mirror.
W:So will I be able to talk to you through the mirror?
J:According to Hakeem, yes. This was a way people got in touch before phones when letters were too slow. Provided they had the magic to do it of course.
W:Snazzy. Poor humans and their non magic letters that took ages. How ever did they manage?
J:I’m sure my grandmother or Hakeem can provide you with a lengthy answer. Shall I ask on your behalf?
W:Hmmm, pass. Mama’s got The Great Fae Realm Bake to enjoy.
J:Season?
W:Three, with Mary Joanne.
J:Love her. I think the boys would like that show.
W:I’m sure you knowExactlywhat they like, Jackson ;)
J:Shut up and watch your baking show.
W:Yeeeeees sir!
He rolls his eyes, a fond smirk betraying his aggravation.
Jackson extends his arms outwards.
“Mirror, Mirror on the wall. Show me one, show me all. Between the bridge of distant lands, show me those who shared my path.”
Tendrils of shadow seep out of his hands, creeping their way to the glass. A soft green glow swirls in the mirror, misting out Jackson’s reflection. He can hear some noise coming through the other side, “Woah, weird. Jackson is that you or do I need to call the-” The mirror shatters before Wendy can finish, severing the connection before the spell fully forms.
“Dammit,” Jackson grumbles, running his hands over his face and through his hair in frustration. That’s the third time tonight the mirror cracked, but it was the farthest he got the spell to work.
Eddie calls out from the kitchen, “do you want to take a breather before going forward?”
