:=: Samantha :=:

"Would you like another cup of tea?" Sam asked. "Or water or anything?"

Maria shook her head, "No thanks."

The two were sitting together in the office, and Cindy was out in the living-room. Their conversation had been interrupted frequently by the sounds of explosions and gunfire from the teen's video-game. At least it had, until Sam finally yelled at her to turn the volume down.

Maria was looking thoughtful, as she reviewed some of her notes. Finally she said, "The whole situation is a little unusual. When you asked me to come by on Monday to do an assessment for her, I assumed she was someone you were helping through the non-profit? I thought she'd either run away from home, or been kicked out... That we'd be returning her to her family, or turning her over to Children's Aid..."

"Yeah..." Samantha sighed. She knew that despite the court order that had appeared on Sunday, people would still find it hard to believe that they were suddenly looking after the teen. She was worried Maria would keep asking questions and Sam would run out of answers.

Maria looked at the file folder laying open on Sam's desk. The court order was there on top, next to the health card. "How did you get all of this so quickly? The health card alone usually takes over a month, and that's assuming there's no questions or complications."

Sam bit her lip, hesitating. She then replied, "We have ah, friends in high places. I can't really say more than that, Maria..."

The social worker just nodded and didn't press. She then said, "Well, we can still get her into a school, even without her previous transcripts. We will need them at some point. I'm concerned though, that she'll have problems with normal schooling. Her results from the aptitude tests were very unusual."

"Unusual how?" Sam asked.

Maria replied, "Her language and vocabulary skills scored at college level, but her maths skills were very poor. Early grade-school level. I believe she has dyscalculia. Normally she'd be placed into grade eleven with other teens her age, but she'll be bored to death in some classes, and badly struggling in others. That's not a good combination."

She frowned, then added, "Cindy also seems to have some odd changes in her mood or affect. At times she acts and speaks like someone much more mature. I'd almost believe I was talking to someone your age, Samantha. But then other times, she acts and sounds much younger, closer to her actual age. And occasionally, even younger than that."

Sam sighed, "So what do you suggest we do about her schooling?"

Maria replied, "It's not an easy decision, but I think she'd do best with either homeschooling, or private tutoring. She needs extra help with maths and sciences, while subjects like English she could probably just write an exam and an essay and be done with it. I'm not sure what to suggest for helping her socialize. She did seem to get on well with your sister when I was here on Monday, but she'd benefit from more friends her age... Is she still in touch with any friends from her old school?"

Samantha sighed again, "No. It's... not an option, unfortunately."

Maria considered, then nodded. "Ok. These things take time. I get the feeling she's been through quite a lot, though she wouldn't talk with me about any of it." She then gave Sam a bit of a look, "And neither you or Jessica have been very forthcoming about some details either."

There had been a lot of questions of course, that none of them could truthfully answer. Why was Cindy here and not with her family, where was she from, what was her last school, and so on.

Maria finally asked, "I think that's all for now? I'll find you some resources to look into about the schooling, and include them when I email you my report."

"Thanks Maria. We really appreciate all the help, and you taking the time to come here." Sam stood up to see the social worker to the door. "Don't forget to send us a bill for all this. This isn't through the nonprofit, we're paying you for this work."

Maria nodded, "Of course." She then gathered her things and put on her coat.

Sam walked her to the door, and bid her a good day.

After Maria was gone, Sam turned and watched Cindy for a minute or two. The girl was absorbed in her game again, eyes on the screen, her head and shoulders ducking and twisting as she worked the controls. She noted Mo was curled up on the sofa next to the teen.

It seemed even her cat had accepted the girl. Mo, Nikki, Jessica... It felt like only Kara and herself were still having doubts, and she wasn't even that sure about Kara. Maybe it was only her, that didn't really want the kid around.

She continued watching the teen for a few more minutes. Like Sam, Cindy was wearing leggings and an oversized top again today. Sam always found it was a comfy, relaxing way to dress, especially for lazing about the house.

Finally, Sam moved to the sofa and sat down, the cat in between herself and the girl.

"Hey Sam. Wanna join in? It's got a two-player mode." The teen hadn't taken her eyes off the screen as she spoke.

Samantha shook her head, "Actually I'd like to talk with you. Could you pause that or something?"

Cindy nodded, and pushed a button to freeze the action. Sam then picked up the TV remote and hit the mute button. Even paused, the game was making distracting noises.

"What'chya wanna talk about?" Cindy asked, looking up at her.

Sam said, "I wanted to talk about you. Maria's concerned and curious about you. And I suppose, you and I haven't really spoken much. I guess I've been avoiding you a little."

The girl shrugged, "I know you don't like me, and you didn't want me to stay here." She hesitated, then said, "I'm sorry that I've messed up a bunch of stuff for you. Like, a lot of stuff changed I guess cos I asked for sanctuary..." Shen the looked down, and added quietly, "And then there's what I did to Jess... I'm really sorry about that..."

Sam was watching closely as the girl's mood shifted from calm and casual, to regret, and then to remorse. It looked like honest emotions to her, Sam couldn't see any hint the teen was acting or trying to play her.

Finally she asked, "Cindy, do you know exactly what the Goddess did to you, when she changed you? I mean, beyond the obvious?"

The teen shrugged a little, "She didn't like, give me a detailed list, or explain it all to me. But it's been a week and a half right? I've figured out most of it I guess..."

Sam asked, "Would you tell me?"

Cindy shrugged again, then said, "It's like, I'm the 'anti-Scott'. She turned me all inside-out and stuff. He was a big strong brave guy, almost nothing scared him. And he was smart too. He was doing like, math, sciencey stuff? And he was really good at sports."

Samantha nodded, as she watched the girl.

Cindy then frowned, "I'm the opposite? I'm tiny and skinny and weak... And I know the doctor said I might grow more but I don't think so... I think that's why She made my ID say I'm sixteen? Like instead of fourteen or fifteen? She wanted everyone to know I'm just gonna stay tiny and weak and stuff." She sighed a little, "And I get scared a lot too. Really scared. And I suck at math! Half the time I hafta use my fingers just for simple stuff. It's frustrating."

She frowned for a moment, then continued, "But, some other stuff didn't change? I still know a lot of other things. Maria said I had good language and vocabulary skills? Even though I don't always bother to use them."

Cindy paused once more, then added, "And he wasn't a nice person. He was a bully, he was mean to people for fun. I'm not like that. I don't think that stuff's funny."

Samantha listened quietly. She remembered what Nikki had said on Sunday, about herself and Cindy being similar. Hearing the teen talk about Scott as if he was a different person reminded her of how Nicole thought about Nick.

"Cindy, you still remember all of your previous life, right? You remember your life as Scott?"

The teen shrugged, "Sure. It wasn't that long ago, it's not like I forgot all that stuff."

Sam asked, "But you think of Scott as someone else? You didn't say 'I was big and strong', you said 'he was big and strong'?"

Cindy went quiet for a few moments, staring down at her feet. Her expression looked serious.

Finally she answered, "It's like, every day I wake up like this, and more and more, this is who I am? I still remember all that other stuff, but every day it feels further away. It's like, my mind, or my personality or something, is changing to match how I look?"

She hesitated, then said, "I don't think I'll ever forget that life, but I'm already forgetting what it was like to live it. Like, I can remember him being mean to Jessica and Kara and their friends, and I remember he thought it was funny? But I can't remember why it was funny to him. It's not funny to me. It makes me angry with him." She was frowning again as she said this.

Cindy then finally said, "If the Goddess came back and said I could be him again... I wouldn't do it. It'd be nice not to be so small and weak and scared, but I don't wanna be mean to people. I don't want him to come back and be mean to people."

Samantha sighed a little. It wasn't exactly like it had been for Nikki. Her girlfriend had started with a new set of memories, a new life she was already familiar with. But most of what the teen described reminded Sam of things Nikki had said. And she thought, if she didn't blame Nikki for the things Nick had said and done, it wasn't really fair for her to keep blaming Cindy for Scott's actions.

She finally nodded, "Thanks Cindy. I'm still not happy that things around my home have changed so much, but... I'm going to make an effort to accept you into it." She gave the girl a little smile and gestured toward the TV, "You can get back to your game. I have to get on with my studies."

Cindy looked up at her as she stood up, with a small, hopeful smile she replied, "Thanks Samantha."

:=: Llis Dôn :=:

She looked around Her Court. It was quiet, empty. Most of the others like Her were gone now, vanished during the six centuries She had slept. The few that remained, that She could still sense, were themselves deep in slumber as She had been.

So much had changed in that time. The world had changed so drastically during the six hundred years she rested, it was nearly unrecognizable. There were so many more people, and vast cities that spanned a hundred leagues in all directions. Even the world itself was larger, there were new continents than had been unknown when She was last active.

Her priestess and vessel lived in one of these new lands. She had no idea how Her book had travelled so far from home. Still, She was glad it had. If it had been destroyed, if no-one had found it and acted upon it, She might never have awoken.

Closing Her eyes, She focused on Her vessel. Through Nicole's eyes and ears, She saw the girl was piloting her mechanical carriage. She knew it they called it a 'car' of course, but she didn't like the name any more than the machine. Noisy, smelly, destructive things.

She missed horses. You could talk to a mortal while they were on a horse, or in a horse-drawn carriage. The worst that might happen was the beast would wander off the trail and start nibbling on grass or something. They certainly wouldn't careen headlong into a tree or structure, smashing themselves to bits.

It irked Her, but She waited. Her priestess's words were still on Her mind. Things were indeed very different in the past. She resigned Herself. Those days were gone. This was a new world, a different time. She would make the most of it, even if it meant She had to adapt and change Her ways somewhat.

At long last, Nicole brought the carriage to a halt, and stilled its mechanical heart.

It was time She decided, to meet Her vessel face to face.

Before Nicole exited her metal carriage, She reached out and took hold of the girl, and gave a gentle tug.

:=: Nicole :=:

Nikki pulled into the staff parking lot around back of the chateaux. It was nearly 10am, Thursday morning. Time for her to start another shift at the winery's tasting counter. She undid her seatbelt and reached for her purse, then everything went black.

A moment later she found herself standing at the top of a large grassy hill. The sky was clear, blue, cloudless. The air was warm, and there was a gentle breeze. It felt like summer here? The top of the hill was somewhat flat, about fifteen or twenty meters across, and the hill itself rose some twenty-five meters above the surrounding landscape, which was a featureless grassy plain.

The most striking thing about the hilltop was the five large rough-hewn stones standing upright in the middle, arranged in a sort of zig-zag shape. Like a capital M or W, depending which way you looked. There were a few dozen smaller stones around, and it was harder to figure out if there was any sort of pattern to them. They certainly weren't in a circle.

Despite the apparent randomness of the stones, the first thing Nikki thought of was Stonehenge. She knew this wasn't it, but the size of the stones and the look of them reminded her of pictures she'd seen.

She had her purse in hand, and pulled out her phone and checked. No signal. She wasn't surprised, she couldn't see any buildings or any other manmade structures in any direction.

So far she'd managed to keep calm. She was pretty sure this was something to do with the Goddess.

Nikki called out, "Hello? Anyone here?"

Suddenly someone, or some thing, was there with her. It was a woman, Nikki could tell that much. But she couldn't actually make out any details, anything identifiable. It was like her eyes couldn't quite focus the figure, leaving it a sort of blurry shadow. It spoke, and Nikki recognized the voice immediately.

"Hello Nicole. It is nice to finally meet you, face to face."

Nikki gulped a little, "Uh... Hi... I'm sorry I don't know what to do or say here... Should I bow? Or kneel? How should I call you?"

The figure's voice sounded slightly amused as she replied, "I brought you here to speak with you, Nicole. There is no need to bow, kneel, or grovel. And in this place, you may call me Dôn."

Nikki gulped again but nodded, "Ok... Hi Dawn... why can't I see you? I mean, I can see something? But...?"

No sooner had she asked the question, then the figure shifted. Suddenly Nikki was looking at a woman who could have been her older sister. Or a reflection of what she might look like in another ten years. Even Her style was very 'Nikki', right down to the black dress, ankle boots, and gothy makeup.

Nikki blinked a little, "Oh... ok..."

Dôn smiled a little, and explained, "We are bound together, Nicole. My appearance is affected by that bond."

"Ok... that makes sense I guess..." Nikki still thought it seemed weird. She then asked, "Where are we? Is this somewhere in Wales?"

The Goddess shook her head, "This is one of My courts. It's known as Llis Dôn. Literally, the Court of Dôn." She then added, "You might know it better by its Greek name, Cassiopeia."

Nikki frowned, thinking, then her eyes widened. "Cassiopeia, as in, the constellation?" She turned, looking at the large stones. As she stared, things sort of shifted a little. The grassland and the sky were both a black void, the stones were brilliant stars. The larger stones shone brightly, the smaller stones were less intense. Then the grassy hill was back again.

Nikki gaped, "We're in outer space?!"

Dôn smiled, "I think in this context, it's more appropriately referred to as 'The Heavens'."

"Woah..." Nicole then asked, "Why? I mean, why did you bring me here?"

The Goddess replied, "The world has changed so much Nicole. Before Samantha and yourself woke me, I slept... Six centuries passed, while I rested."

Nikki's eyes widened, but she stayed quiet, not wanting to interrupt.

"In the past, My vessel and priestess were exalted, praised, valued. Important pillars of their community, their society. The roles you and Samantha hold were not something to be kept hidden like some shameful secret. I understand that today, things must be done differently. The city in which you live is part of a larger region, and that region part of an even bigger nation. Tens of millions of people, governed from afar. It is truly a world apart from that of My last vessel and priestess, who cared for and worked in a community of just over three hundred souls."

Nicole nodded slowly, not knowing how to respond.

Finally Dôn said, "Nicole, I have considered Samantha's words. I have come to the realization, that she is correct. I will adapt and change some of My ways, as your world is not that with which I was accustomed. I accept now that there are some constraints in the ways you and I may interact with outsiders."

Nikki nodded again, "Uh... thank you..."

She continued, "The first several months after the ritual, I remained quiet, but I was watching. While you slept, I studied. I taught myself some of your 'technology'. I learned about your 'internet', and through that, I have learned a great many more things about this modern world. And as you are aware, in the months since Jessica joined us, I have become more active. More than the handful of occasions you know. Many dozens of times, I have made use of you, when I needed to interact directly with the mortal world."

Nikki felt her mouth go dry. Dozens of times, the Goddess had taken control of her body, and she never noticed... She knew the Goddess would see the dismay on her face, if she wasn't already aware of it.

"It won't happen again, Nicole, as Samantha requested. In future I will act more cooperatively with you."

Nikki nodded again, then finally asked, "What have you been doing? I know about what you did to Scott, but what else?"

Dôn was quiet a moment, then replied. "I have been amassing wealth. Your society is capitalistic, therefore money was the place to start. In the past, it would have been a matter of conjuring up some gold or silver. Today it is much easier. Most of your currency isn't even real. Numbers on a screen, or a piece of paper. The challenge was learning how to keep my activities hidden."

Nikki was shocked. She shook her head, "But why? Why do you need money?"

The Goddess shrugged. "It's the heart of your society. We could do much with magic alone, but there would be many questions. Wealth is an ideal way to avoid those questions, and provide alternative answers." She then said, "I have something to offer you, Nicole. I do not require an answer immediately. I expect you will discuss it with Samantha, and likely Jessica, perhaps even Kara and Cindy."

Nikki was nervous. It sounded like the Goddess had some plans, big plans. Suddenly it made sense why She had been mostly quiet over the past year, why She hadn't been pushing them in any particular direction. She'd been working on Her own plans, Her own timetable.

"What... What is it you're offering us?"

She smiled. "I could give you land. Scores of acres, already under vine. Your own vineyard Nicole. We can put buildings on it as you see fit. Your own winery. A private home. A spiritual retreat. Enough land, enough privacy, to continue your goals of aiding marginalized young people, without having to worry about neighbours or city officials looking over your shoulders. Space enough for the five of you, and others who visit, seeking your help. You need never toil again for the benefit of others. Pursue your own passion, in your own way. The same of course would be true for the others. Be it education, art, anything. They'd be free to explore their interests, without concern of debt or currency."

Nikki's eyes widened and her mouth dropped open. She knew something like that would cost millions, tens of millions. And it was exactly the sort of farfetched dream that appealed to her. The idea of her own winery... It was the perfect temptation. Of course it was, the Goddess knew exactly what Nicole's interests and passions were.

She looked at the Goddess, "That's... that would cost a small fortune... Or a medium-sized fortune even. People would notice. Where would the money come from, to do something like that?"

Dôn smiled, "I already have it, Nicole. Hidden, scattered in various accounts. Don't concern yourself with that. If you all accept My offer, it will be taken care of, and I will shield you from any sort of inquiry or investigation."

Nicole then frowned. "Why? I mean... Why do you want to do this? Actually, I've been curious about this for almost a year now, but why do You let us use Your power to help gay and trans people? And why would You go to all this effort to give me my own winery?"

The Goddess considered the questions, Her eyes on Nicole. She then answered, "The bond between us, does not only influence My appearance. Those you call Gods... We are influenced and inspired by our worshipers, as you are by us. There are only a handful of you who are bound to me, but all of you share very strong beliefs regarding 'marginalized' people. So, your goals and beliefs in that area also become My goals."

Dôn hesitated, then added, "This is why I have not compelled yourself and Samantha to preach about Me, to attract worshipers from the masses. Strength from additional numbers would be diluted by their conflicting beliefs and goals. Strength without purpose..." She shrugged, "With great enough numbers but diverse enough goals, it becomes meaningless."

Nikki nodded slowly. She realized, it would be like a feedback loop. The more queer people the Goddess helped, the more queer people would believe in Her. Nikki assumed that would make Her stronger, but it would also reinforce Her desire to keep helping more queer folks.

"As for the vineyard? It is in My best interest that My vessel and priestess live a long and happy life. And that when the time finally comes for you both to pass beyond the veil, you will have been inspired enough to pass on My rituals and ways to another generation. That you will ensure someone else will perform the ritual, and replace you both when that time comes."

Nicole nodded slowly as it all sank in. Finally she said, "I definitely have to talk to the others about this. It's... It's a lot. And I know Sam will have concerns. The others... They might actually go along with it."

The Goddess nodded, "Samantha will be reluctant. It will be up to you to convince her, Nicole. I will not influence her on this matter."

Nikki then asked, "Have you in the past? Influenced her, I mean? And me?"

There was a long pause, then She admitted, "Yes, I have. I encouraged friendship between yourself and Samantha, during that first day. I did not cause you both to fall in love, that was unexpected. But I did suppress any negative emotions between the two of you. I needed My ritual to be completed."

Nicole took a deep breath. That was a lot to take in.

She then asked, "Since then? Have you influenced us any further?"

The Goddess replied, "Not directly, not actively. Those who have been touched by My magic will have an affinity for one another. Those you help in the future, will likely become friends... It does not mean that your chosen family will grow every time you aid someone, but you will likely remain friendly with them."

Nikki considered that. It might explain why Jess and herself both took to Cindy so quickly. She then said, "I think it's best that we keep this information to ourselves. The others don't need to know, particularly Samantha..."

The Goddess nodded in agreement.

Finally, Nikki asked, "Is there anything else you wanted to discuss? I'm going to be late for work..."

"Of course, Nicole. For now, that is all."

The stones and hill and sky faded to white, and then Nikki found herself back in her car. She checked her fitness watch, and was surprised to see it had only been a moment since she'd parked. She still had a few minutes before her shift began.

:=: Jessica :=:

The traffic wasn't great, but it was Friday night so it wasn't unexpected. Almost seven o'clock though, so it should be starting to let up soon.

Jessica looked over at Nicole, "Thanks again for doing this, Nikki. I really appreciate it."

Nikki was still dressed for work, looking more professional than goth. She'd let her hair down though so it wasn't still wrapped up in a bun.

"No worries, Jess. You're right, Sam is still too stressed. Better that we do what we can on our own, then depending how things turn out, we can get her involved her later if we have to."

They continued fighting traffic, and finally around half past, Nikki parked the car on the side of the residential street. They were infront of Mr. Preston's house, and they could see a light on inside.

There was a bit of wind tonight, and it had been raining earlier. The sidewalk and driveway were littered with wet leaves, and the damp air was cold as they walked from the car up to the front door.

Jessica knocked, and after a few minutes a light came on inside the door, then the outside light as well, and finally the door opened.

"Jessica! What brings you here?" Mr. Preston was obviously not expecting any guests, he was already wearing what Jess assumed was his pyjamas and slippers, and he had a large wool sweater wrapped around himself. Before she could answer, he stepped back and motioned to her and Nikki, "Come on in, lets get you two out of that wind."

When they were all inside the front hall, he closed the door and then looked at them both.

Jessica smiled, "Sorry for dropping by unannounced, sir. Oh, this is Nicole. Nikki, this is Doug Preston, one of my teachers."

The old prof looked at Nikki, "Jessica's sister's girlfriend, yes?"

Nikki nodded, "That's right. It's nice to meet you sir. Jess talks a lot about you and your class."

Doug shook his head, "Both of you, call me Doug. Now, what brings you out here on a night like this?"

Jessica asked, "Could we sit down and talk?"

He nodded, "Of course, come along."

He led them into a room on the right. It was a small study, sort of cosy, and a bit cluttered. Two of the walls were full of bookcases, books stacked two rows deep in some places. There was a well-worn easy chair with a footstool, a sofa, coffee table, and a small wooden roll-top desk. Several framed pictures were ontop of the desk. And on the opposite wall there was a fireplace with a couple logs in it, unlit. Jess also spotted the oxygen tank and mask to the side of the easy chair.

Doug motioned them towards the sofa, and asked, "Would you like anything? Tea, or...?"

Jess and Nikki both shook their heads, Jessica said, "No thank you."

Doug then sat in the easy chair, and asked, "While I'm happy to have some company, I am curious what brings you here Jessica? And Nicole?"

Jess sighed a little, "We're here because... I'm worried about you. I know about the cancer, and I know the prognosis isn't good."

Doug looked surprised. He shook his head slightly, "How do you know? I've told very few... Who did you talk to?"

Jessica glanced at Nicole, who gave her a slight nodd. Jess then looked back at her teacher and replied, "When I saw you in your office on Wednesday, I could tell you were sick. When you denied it... I used magic, to find out the truth."

The old teacher laughed a little, "Magic? Really Jessica..."

Nicole then gestured towards the fireplace, and the logs suddenly erupted in full flames, filling the room with a little more warmth, and the smell of burning wood. She gestured again, and a dozen light spells appeared in the air, glowing orbs slowly rotating around each other in a complex dance.

Doug was speechless, and even Jessica was taken aback. She had no idea Nikki could do that much.

Nicole then said to him, "I'm sorry to startle you, Douglas. It was the quickest way to demonstrate. Magic is real, and we can control it." She then gestured again and the light spells all blinked out, then the fire died down and finally extinguished itself, leaving just some smouldering embers on the half-burnt logs.

Doug remained silent, wide-eyed, for another minute or so. Finally he asked, "What... what do you want from me?"

Jessica shook her head, "We're here because I want to help you. You're my favourite teacher, sir. I... we can heal you. We can cure your cancer."

He shook his head, "It's inoperable... Didn't respond to radiation. I didn't do well with chemo... What you're offering me, would be a miracle..."

Nikki nodded, "Yes, I suppose it is."

Doug was quiet for a few moments, then asked, "Do you young ladies mind if I get myself a drink?"

Jess shook her head, "Of course not."

He then stood up and moved to the roll-top desk. He opened it up, and inside were some glass tumblers and a few bottles. His hands shook a little as he poured himself a double of scotch. He picked up one of the pictures from the top of the desk, then sat back down in his chair, and took a sip of the drink. He looked thoughtful, considering what they'd offered him.

Finally, he held out the picture, giving it to Jessica. She took it, and held it so both she and Nikki could see it.

The picture was of three people, a family photo. A man and woman, and between them, a girl. The couple looked about middle age, in their early forties perhaps. The girl was around Jessica's age. All three were smiling, happy. It looked like maybe a vacation photo, or perhaps from a family event.

Jessica looked back up at her teacher and asked, "Who are they?"

Doug replied, "My daughter Diane, her husband Michael, and their girl Megan. If you're offering me a miracle... I'd rather you give it to my granddaughter."

Nicole looked up at him and asked, "What's wrong with her?"

Doug had a deeper sip of his drink, then sighed, "She passed away, a little over a year ago... She was so active, so full of life... She was mountain-biking, along the Escarpment. Hit some loose ground and lost control, and down she went... They had her on life support for weeks, but... She never woke up." He shook his head, and finished his drink. "Give her my miracle. I've already had a long, full life. She never had the chance to live hers."

Jessica said softly, "I'm so sorry, Mr. Preston..."

Nicole sighed, "I'm afraid we can't do as you ask, Douglas. There's only a brief time after death, when a life may be retrieved. A minute, two at most... Once a person has passed beyond the veil, there is nothing that can bring them back."

Jessica glanced at Nikki again. Jess had never heard this sort of thing before, and certainly hadn't read it in Samantha's ancient book.

Doug sighed deeply, and got up to pour himself another drink. As he sat back down, another coughing fit caught him. He quickly set the drink down before he dropped it, and dug some tissues out of the pocket of his sweater, as he continued coughing.

Nikki's hand reached out towards him, and Jess felt a tingle of magic. The coughing quieted down right away.

Doug sighed, "Thank you..." He had a sip of his scotch.

Jessica wasn't sure what to say or suggest. It seemed like Mr. Preston didn't want to be healed, and what he did want, they couldn't do. She was wondering if they should just leave, when Nicole spoke up again.

"I imagine the loss of your granddaughter affected your daughter and her husband a great deal?"

Doug frowned, "What kind of question is that? Of course it did. Diane almost had a nervous breakdown, Michael started drinking. They're still together, but..." He shook his head. "Their lives all but ended when Megan's did."

Nikki nodded, then said, "We can't bring your granddaughter back. But there is something else that could be done, which would help your daughter and her husband. And you."

Jessica stayed silent, she had no idea what Nikki was going to suggest. She felt like this whole visit had gone sideways and now she was just a spectator.

Doug took another deep sip of his drink. Still frowning, he asked, "What would that be?"

Nicole paused, then she said, "I could cut your thread from the tapestry of life, and I could splice it onto that of your granddaughter. You would succumb to your illness in the present. And your granddaughter would have recovered from her injuries in the past. Your daughter's family would remain whole."

Jess felt her eyes widen. She knew the Goddess must be whispering in Nikki's ear, she couldn't believe Nikki would come up with this or suggest it on her own.

Mr. Preston frowned, then looked confused. "I don't understand. You said you couldn't bring Megan back, but now you're saying she'd recover from her injuries?"

Nicole explained, "Her soul, spirit, essence, whatever word you prefer, is gone, and cannot be retrieved. You would be taking her place, Douglas. It's the best I can offer. Your daughter and son-in-law would become your parents, and their family would be whole."

Jessica just shook her head slightly. It sounded complicated to her, she could only imagine how convoluted it must sound to the old prof. She also knew Sam would never agree to this. Nikki was talking about another large reality-change again.

Doug was frowning still, and shook his head. "I'm trying to understand... You'd be turning me into Megan, and sending me back in time?"

Nikki smiled slightly, "No time-travel. Things change in the present, and the past is woven back together so there's no loose ends. You would remember everything you do now, but you would also remember all of her life too. Your granddaughter's life would continue, but with you living it instead of her. The months between her passing and the present moment would be rewritten. Your daughter's family would once again be whole. And you would receive what Jessica wanted to offer you in the first place - a new lease on life. Albeit, a very different life from the one you're familiar with now."

Doug finally took the picture back from Jessica, and sat back in his chair holding it, staring down at it.

"I... I don't know that I believe anything you young ladies have said... But it's... I need to think about this."

Nikki nodded, "Of course. We ask one thing. That you keep our secret. Tell no-one of this offer, or that we spoke to you of magic. I'm sure you can understand."

Doug drained his second glass, then nodded, "Yes... I understand." He then asked, "If I agreed... What would happen?"

Nicole replied, "You would pass away quietly and painlessly in your sleep. The tapestry of life would be rewoven. You would wake up the following morning in the life of your granddaughter, young and healthy, living as though she'd recovered from that accident fourteen months ago." She paused, then said, "Think it over. If you make a decision, you can let Jessica know, and she will tell me."

Nikki then stood up and looked to Jess, "We should be heading back now, I think."

Jess nodded and stood up as well.

Doug started to get up, but Jessica said "It's ok sir. We'll see ourselves out. Good night Mr. Preston."

Nicole nodded to him, "Good night, Douglas."

He just watched them both, still looking very uncertain and a bit confused, "Goodnight..."

Jess and Nikki stepped out into the cold blustery night together. As they walked down the driveway towards the road, Nikki tossed Jessica her key-fob, "How about you drive us home, please."

Jess caught the fob. She was surprised, but nodded, "Ok Nikki."

They got in the car and Jess started it up, then as she was making sure the mirrors were adjusted for her, Nicole relaxed into the passenger seat.

Jess then got them moving, and started heading for home. As she drove, she asked, "Are you sure you should have offered him that stuff Nikki? That seems like a huge reality-change... What if Sam refuses to do it?"

Nikki shrugged a little. "Nicole would require Samantha's cooperation. I do not."

Jessica blinked and looked at her passenger. Nikki gave her a little smile, and her eyes sparkled for a moment. Jess then quickly looked at the road again, eyes wide and mouth hanging open. After a second or two she gulped, "I'm sorry... Goddess... I didn't know... I thought you were Nikki... When... How long...?"

The Goddess replied. "Since I demonstrated magic for Douglas. Nicole is still present. She has seen and heard everything... She and I are experimenting with a new arrangement."

Jess just shook her head, "I'm... I don't know how to respond to that?"

"That's all right, Jessica. I will take My leave." She then closed her eyes, then after a second they opened again.

Nicole sort of stretched and adjusted her shoulders and neck, "Hi Jess..."

Jessica glanced at Nikki, "Hi...? Does Sam know about this 'new arrangement'?"

"Not yet, although it was kind of her idea." Nicole then added, "Let's keep this business with your teacher just between you and I. Sam definitely won't like it, and there's no reason to involve Kara or Cindy, ok?"

"Ok Nikki, if you think it's best..." Jess wasn't sure she liked the idea of keeping secrets from the others, but Nikki was right. Sam wouldn't like it, and there wasn't anything the others could do to help.

Nikki then added with a smile, "Here's a little secret for you. I don't think the Goddess knows how to drive. I think that's why she asked you to do it."

Jess just blinked, "Oh..."

:=: Henry :=:

Henry settled into the old threadbare sofa, as he waited for his laptop to boot. It had been another inspiring service at church this morning, and he felt like he was due some good news.

When the computer was ready, he opened the email program. Three new messages. The first two were from his landlord, increasingly angry past-due notices. Henry deleted them unread. The third email was the one he wanted. From the investigator who was looking for his child.

He opened the email and read it. Then he read it again. If he hadn't sworn off the booze, he'd be reaching for a shot right now. The PI had struck gold. What hit Henry the hardest though, was the kid's name.

Jessica Carlisle. Jessica. In the Right life, when his boy Jason had gotten confused, corrupted, he'd started pretending his name was Jessica.

Henry knew, this was no coincidence. This was another Sign.

The email had more good news. The child had been adopted by a family up near Lake Simcoe, but the PI had gone above and beyond. The teen was now at university, at Brock. Right here in town!

The last line in the email was a link to a social media site. Henry clicked it, and waited as the page loaded up. When it did, there was a picture, a selfie.

He couldn't believe his eyes. "Jason..."

It was his boy. Sure there were some differences, the face was softer, lips were fuller, eyes a little brighter. The hair was too damn long, and brighter red. There were more freckles than his boy had before. More of Grace's looks in him now, instead of taking after his old man. And yes, he was still calling himself 'Jessica'. But Henry knew, under the long hair and makeup, under the corrupted flesh, this was his boy. This was his Jason.

Henry started looking at some of the other images on Jason's page. He rubbed his forehead as he realized what he was dealing with. There were two demons consorting with his son. They had to have their claws in him.

The taller of them wore a convincingly human disguise, but revealed its unholy allegiance with the pentagram it wore around its neck. The shorter one looked much less human. It had long hair black as coal, and a face that was pale as death, with black lips and dark lines around its eyes.

Henry shook his head slowly. In the Right life, he'd never known how his boy had been corrupted. Now he knew. And now he knew what he needed to do.

Destroy the demons, and save his son.