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Dec. 17th, 2020
Although she'd grown up in Seattle for most of her childhood and only returned to New Orleans for Middle School and High School, this was where her family was... well, where her family had been. By now, most had moved onto other locations or had simply passed. But, her magic always felt more settled here, at ease, more than anywhere else she'd been. Most of all though, this was where she'd reconnected with Jordan, where they'd formed a close tie with each other and met David and Ben.
It was where everything had started.
She had a reservation at a haunted hotel in the French Quarter (as you do) for a few nights and truthfully, she didn't expect to stay long. She'd get in and get out.
It was during her second day in town when she decided she was as ready as she was going to be to head north to where it all started - The Davidson Ranch. They were certain it hadn't been an 'official' operation even when they were there last and it certainly wasn't now. It had once been owned by a pair of sisters in Jordan and her family, Alexandra and Gina Davidson, so she felt, there was always a standing invitation.
During the hour to two-hour drive from New Orleans to north Louisana, Piper allowed herself a sad sort of smile. She remembered the trip up the last time and how she had spent the entire time in the backseat with David. She was so sure that a older guy like him (not even being aware he was a vampire and she was a witch) would not be interested in her - 18 at the time. She remembered listening to Madison and Vincent flirt on the other side of David. She recalled Jordan and Ben talking quietly together in the seat in front of her. Piper also remembered the banter from the front seats between Mercedes and Paul.
It felt like so long ago and yet... it also felt like just the other day.
Piper was glad she was on the lookout for the driveway because she was sure she'd have missed it otherwise, as overgrown as it had become. Up ahead was the house, looking just the same as it did the last time they were here. Which, by all accounts, was impossible but with how much magic the sisters infused with the house, she was sure a bit was still in place. She got out of the car and simply stood there for a minute, soaking the place in.
"It's been a while, hasn't it," she asked, to no one in particular. She was glad that there still weren't any nearby neighbors who would see her talking to a house and while it was no where near the level Majestic was, it did have a spirit attached to it still. Looking in the top window, a smile tugged on her mouth when she spotted a flash of white.
"I wondered when you'd return," a man's voice said from behind her.
Piper rolled her eyes and shot Adonis a grin. "You could have driven up with me, you know. Instead of being a creeper and popping out of nowhere."
"Now where's the fun in that," he asked with a smirk and stood side by side with her. "David and I bought it, not long after we left. Well. Mostly for you and Jordan. Since it is your families property. The bank was surprised that there was movement on the house but, I guess there was a note in a local bank that said to sell if someone came to inquire about it. It's in your name currently."
Piper was quiet for a minute before she turned to look at him. "Why didn't you tell me?"
Adonis stayed silent. "I didn't think it was the right time. And yes, I am well aware that wasn't my decision to make but..."
"But I wasn't ready and wouldn't have welcomed something like that," Piper agreed. Not until recently, that was. "Why not before?"
"We planned to bring you both back and let you know then. But... time got away from us. We always thought we had more time."
Piper nodded. "I always thought we'd have more time. I spent the entire drive up here thinking about that last drive up here with Mercedes, Paul, Madison and Vincent... and Jordan and David, of course. I was so sure he wouldn't be interested in me due to age. When age was the last thing that was an issue."
Adonis chuckled and dug in his pocket for a set of keys, handing them over to her. "He tried to give me the 'age' excuse. That first or second day. I told him to not insult my intelligence."
She took the keys from him with a laugh. "Well, we certainly took our time to get there."
"I can go and give you some time -"
"Stay, please. I think Alexandra will be happy to see you too," she cut in with a little smile.
"You think she's still here?"
"Yeah, I think so," she said and walked up to the house, unlocked the door and pushed it open.
Adonis followed her inside and shut the door, looking around. "As insane that week was, I always thought back on this time with fondness."
"Me too," she said with a smile and felt a cool rush of wind come down the staircase.
After a split second, a figure of a young girl stood at the foot of the stairs and gave the two a happy smile. "Enchanted and Ben! It's so good to see you both," she said before pausing and tilting her head with a concerned look. "But, where are the other two?"
Adonis opened his mouth but was saved when Piper answered. "They're not here at the moment," she said, unsure of how to explain everything that'd happened if Alexandra was unaware in her current form. "Why are you still here? You know you can move on now - he's not keeping you here any longer."
Alexandra Davidson stared at the woman and hummed, unconvinced. "I know," she said simply. "But, I feel Gina is still somewhere in the world and for now, I'm happy here until she passes. We always promised we'd move on together. I do hope she visits soon."
Piper shot Adonis a look, they'd need to discuss that later. "I hope she does too," she said instead to the young ghost. "You really are happy here? Because we have another house-"
"No, Piper. This is my home. Our home. I belong here." Alexandra studied the young woman silently for a moment before exhaling slowly. "You've been through so much, my dear," she said after a minute.
Piper went to open her mouth and felt Adonis' hand taking hers in quiet comfort. "It's... certainly not the way I imagined my life," she finally responded, giving his hand a squeeze in thanks. "But thank you."
"It will be okay," Alexandra said with a confidence that Piper didn't exactly feel but was grateful for nonetheless.
"Thank you, Alexandra," she said softly. "It's been a long time since I've been back to Louisana and knew it was time to come back."
The young ghost smiled. "I'm very glad you did. I promise, neither of you will be transported back in time this time. Please, stay as long as you want." And with that, she disappeared as quickly as she appeared.
Piper waited until she couldn't feel her presence anymore before turning to look at Adonis. "We'll need to talk about that soon. Not Alexandra but... Gina."
Adonis nodded. "Agreed. For now, let's check out the house."
"I wonder if my daggers are still here."
