Chapter 93 - Jewel

Once Delia had come to terms that Troy was not her "True Love" and only a cruel joke by the Genie, she fortified herself for what was to come and decided not to contact Troy again. She had already disrupted the poor man's life enough and wouldn't do more by insisting he be a part of her life.

She had raised more than one child alone so was no stranger to being a single mom and besides, she had enough money now that working would be secondary to giving her all to the life growing inside of her.

Delia went about her daily chores while she awaited the birth of her child. She didn't think of it as Troy's anymore.  She wouldn't burden him with that. She decided that once the baby was born, she would leave Riverview and she and her child could start a new life somewhere else.

Delia checked the real estate listings and found some interesting cities that might be good. She narrowed it down to Lucky Palms. It was in the middle of a desert and far away from everything here. She put a deposit down on a house. In a few months she and her child would start a new life.

This was becoming an annoying habit. Why couldn't she just be normal?  She knew so much more now than she ever had and knew this was why. Things were certainly not as they seemed to those that were 'normal'. She could hear her Mother's words: Learn all you can about the supernatural. They can do you harm if you aren't prepared. After she and her baby settled in Lucky Palms, she would make this her life's mission. She no longer doubted her mother's sanity and vowed to never be surprised again by something 'unnatural' or 'supernatural'.
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In the meantime, Troy called Sherman to come to meet him after work at a new 'safehouse' he had just purchased. He had a plan that he needed his help and support with.

Troy was overjoyed to see Sherman drive up and rushed out to give him a hug. He needed to feel the comfort of his arms around his neck.

"Please, come inside. We need to talk," said Troy.

Sherman followed Troy inside and they sat down.

"What is this place Troy?" asked Sherman.

Sherman ignored him and started talking nervously, "I have been watching her house, Delia's house. She is definitely pregnant and I believe it is my child. The timing is right. I can't stand by and let my child be raised by a crazy woman. And let me tell you, she is manipulative and crazy. There is something about her. She is more powerful than she knows. I think she is a fairy or part fairy and part witch maybe. I am not sure she even knows."

Sherman sighed and looked at his lover. "I will support you in whatever you want to do. You are a very powerful witch and if you feel like this is your child, then we should help raise it. But again, what is this house?"

Troy pulled Sherman into an embrace. "Thank you for standing by me. You know that you are the only one. I was tricked by her. She cast a love spell on me. I was defenseless. I would never cheat on you."

"Stop it Troy. I told you already, I don't hold it against you. I love you and trust you. If I didn't know you were a witch, maybe that would be another story."
Troy continued, "Thanks Sherm. But you don't understand. I don't want to help raise my kid. You and I are going to raise it."

"Yeah, right!" scoffed Sherman, "Delia's just going to hand her baby over to us. You know she won't do that."

"No. I will sneak in at night while Delia is asleep and take the child. I have the access code to her alarm system. Delia gave it to me when we ... um...the night you picked me up."

"What??? Kidnapping? I thought you meant joint custody," replied Sherman confused.

"No, it's my child. It's not kidnapping it," rationalized Troy.

"Okay, if you say so. I love you and it sounds like you are determined," said Sherman.

"Thanks for understanding Sherman. Without you, I am not so sure I would have even bothered. But now, we can be a family."

"This house? This is where you plan to hide the baby isn't it?" asked Sherman again.

"Yes, we will hide out here until it is safe. No one knows about it. I bought it under a shell company so it can't be traced back to me."

Sherman just sighed and leaned into Troy's embrace. He loved him so much and was so lucky to have found him. He would do anything Troy asked.
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Delia went into Labor. Even though she felt she was a 'pro' at this, it was still stressful. She managed to get herself to the hospital and resisted calling Troy. It would only cause stress. It wouldn't be long now before she could move. She already had everything set.

Delia delivered a little girl. She thought she was so beautiful that she named her Jewel.  Jewel looked so much like her father and that made Delia happy.  One day Delia would tell her daughter about her father, but only after she was old enough to deal with the circumstances.

The limo picked up Delia and her new daughter from the hospital and took them home. On the way Delia thought about how lucky she was to be able to have another child. Troy was a good man and didn't deserve all that had happened to him. She wouldn't do more to ruin his life.

When they arrived at home, Delia tucked Jewel into the crib that she had used for her last two daughters. That seemed like a lifetime ago. She teared up when she thought about the last child that had inhabited the crib and the memory of Vladimir so lovingly tucking her in. They were the reason Delia was even in Riverview. Victoria and her father who both now haunted her basement.

After she fed and tucked her daughter in, Delia went to bed happy but thoroughly exhausted.

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Troy excitedly called Sherman, "Sherman, come over, quick.  I did it. I have the baby, a little girl. Delia aptly named her Jewel; she is precious and beautiful.....Come now. I am going to put some enchantments in her room so that no one will be able to see her or get into the room. Hurry!"

After Troy hung up the phone with Sherman, he did just as he said he was going to do, he got out his wand and began the incantations that would protect his child and keep her safe - and more importantly keep out Delia.

Troy didn't feel bad about keeping Jewel from her mother. He knew he and Sherman would be able to care for her and see to it that she grew up shielded from the wickedness that was her mother. He wanted to be sure his daughter was never exposed to her mother's twisted ways.

"Don't cry little Jewel," Troy cooed to his daughter after casting the spell, "at least your mother gave you a name that was indeed worthy of you. You are my Jewel and always will be. Here you go, drink up sweetheart. Your other Daddy will be here shortly and I want you to be good for him. He will surely love you as much as I do."





As soon as Troy finished feeding his daughter, Sherman arrived at what they were calling their 'safe house'.

"Isn't she beautiful," said Troy as he handed Jewel to Sherman, "she is perfect in spite of having such a sick, controlling and manipulating mother."

Sherman held the baby like he might break her and just looked at her.  "Yes," replied Sherman, "she is beautiful, like her father. But, Troy, I was thinking - we just committed a Federal offense. Kidnapping is punishable by life imprisonment. Maybe we need to return her."

"Don't worry about it. I have connections. Let me see what I can do."

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Later that afternoon as Sherman was getting ready to leave for work Troy called him over. "I have everything taken care of. My City Hall connections came through - with a bit of witchcraft. They won't remember anything. I had Jewel's birth certificate changed to show that I am her biological father and that a surrogate carried the child to term. It also states that you are her adopted father - just one thing - we need to get married. So no worries. And with your military connections, we have nothing to fear."

"I don't know about getting married," stammered Sherman, "that is a  big step. We hadn't really talked about it."

"Circumstances have changed! We didn't talk about having a baby either! Are you going to back out now?"

"No. No Troy, let's do it, but I have to leave now. I am sorry Troy. This is so overwhelming. We can talk this evening when I get off work."

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Delia woke with a start. Things were way too quiet. She lay in bed for a minute trying to remember why then realized what was wrong. It was daylight. She had slept too long and hadn't heard Jewel cry. She jumped up and ran to Jewel's crib - her heart pounding in her chest and fearing the worst - that something horrible might be wrong with her baby and praying that she was just a really good baby and was quietly lying in her crib.

What Delia didn't expect to see was an empty crib. She was horrified. Delia just stood and stared, willing her baby to appear. But there was no one in the house. It was deathly quiet.

Nothing was disturbed,but Jewel was definitely missing. Babies don't disappear into thin air. Somehow someone had kidnapped her daughter. She grabbed her phone and called the police.

The only person she could think of that would do this was Troy. But he didn't believe that she was even pregnant.  She never called him again after that horrible night and he hadn't tried to contact her either. As far as she knew, he didn't believe she was even pregnant and even more didn't believe it was his if she was.

She had no idea. No one had a grudge against her as far as she knew. She was an architect, nothing more.

A little later the detective arrived to take her statement. She explained what had happened and then he asked to see where the baby slept.

Delia took him into her room where the empty crib stood making her heart break once again as she looked at it hoping to see her baby inside.

"No. The alarm was set. I don't know how anyone could have bypassed it. My son knows the code. He is a firefighter, perhaps you know him. Lucas Schlick?"

"Anyone else at all, help, friends, the baby's father, boyfriends that might have your access code?"

"Umm," she said as she suddenly remembered having given Troy the code in good faith, "No - no one else." Delia knew this was something she would have to deal with carefully. Troy was very high up in the local government. He would have ways to block any investigation.

"I am sorry Mrs. Schlick, but we need to know who the baby's father is so we can question him. Usually these cases are relatives unless you receive a ransom call."

"I, I am embarrassed," she lied, "I was drunk - it was a one night stand and I never got his name or saw him again."

The detective sighed. She couldn't tell if he didn't believe her or just thought she was a slut. "Please let me know if anyone calls. It could very well have been a well planned kidnapping or just the father wanting his child. We will put taps on your phones and station an undercover cop to keep an eye on your property."

The detective shook her hand as he was leaving and said, "Let me know if you hear or see anything unusual."

Delia's heart sank as he left. She knew...it was Troy. It had to be but she couldn't tell this to the detective.

Delia knew who she was going to make help her get her baby back.

She still had two wishes and she was gonna make them count!  And she didn't have much time. She needed to find her daughter before the cops tapped her phone and started watching the house. She had to find Troy. She was pretty sure he wasn't stupid enough to have Jewel at his house.

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Chapter 92 - The Wine Cellar

On the ride to her house, Delia noticed that Troy had scooted as far away as he could, but still had hopes that since he was a witch, he would be accepting of her basement and elixirs - but still he kept insisting she had put him under a spell.  I NEVER gave him an Elixir and I certainly can't cast spells. I tried with the magic wand I found when Nicholas died. Please, she prayed, let him understand. 

They arrived at Delia's house and it was clear to her that Troy was humoring her more than anything so she didn't try for small talk. She took him to the wine cellar. When they got down there, Delia motioned for him to follow her over to where the wine was stored and the bookcase that served as her secret passageway into her deepest, darkest secrets.

Troy, having lost all patience with whatever game she was playing, growled at her, "What IS this. I don't care about your ridiculous wine collection."

"I thought you had something more to share about yourself. I am leaving!"

"Troy, please wait," pleaded Delia, "It's not the wine. Behind the bookshelves I have some things to show you."


"You have a secret passageway?" he asked incredulously.  This is getting better and better Troy thought to himself. 

"You promised to give me a chance to share my secrets," said Delia quietly, "No one knows about this place Troy - no one...Please, come with me."  Then Delia put in the code behind the books and the door swung open.

"What in God's name is this Delia?" asked Troy in shock as he took in his surroundings. You have things in here that are only legends. A magic lamp, cauldrons, a philosophers stone and yes, a fairy house  I knew it!  And who are these people in the pictures. Your conquests?"

"Of course not, these are all people I loved dearly," said Delia sheepishly.

"Loved? As in past tense?  These people are dead?  And now you tried to put me under your spell so you could add me to your morbid collection?  No way - I will find an antidote!!!" screamed Troy.

"No - no....I don't know about spells. I am not a witch! But you ARE... Surely you understand about the unexplained. Witches and uhmm - vampires?" she replied trying to get him to listen.

"Are you even really pregnant - or was that just another of your devious schemes to get me down here?"

"I am not evil. I told you - I love you. And yes, I am carrying your child - a child conceived in love."

"STOP IT NOW!  Not conceived in love Delia - I was tricked. A spell. I can't believe it worked. I normally can feel a witches spell. I don't know how you did it. It had to be more. And STOP trying to touch me! Shit, shit, shit....This isn't over! I am outta here unless you have some other spell up your Fairy ass to keep me here."

Troy turned and ran outside. He grabbed his phone made a call for someone to pick him up.

"Sherman - I am so glad you answered.........I am at her house.......I know I said I would and I am, was, but she came to the Simfest.......I don't know how she knew where I was, hell, she is crazy......Because, she - awww shit Sherman, she SAYS she is pregnant........because we.......Sherman, settle down. I told you it is a spell......Because I didn't think you would understand and I was ashamed. You know I am not myself when she touches me......I would never......Yes, please, come get me now.....Me too. Bye."

A few minutes later Sherman pulled up and Troy ran to get in the car.

Sherman got out to see if Troy needed any help.

"Troy, are you okay man?" asked Sherman.

"I am much better now that you are here," said Troy as he caressed the other man's cheek. "We have to figure this out. I really do think she is pregnant. But let's get out of here before she decides to put spells on both of us. She has a friggin museum of supernatural artifacts in a hidden room. Come on, let's go."

The two men piled into Sherman's car and left.
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Delia knew things were over between her and Troy. She heard him talking to someone on the phone and a car pulled up shortly afterwards. As she watched them out the window, she suddenly understood why Troy was so insistent that she had placed a spell on him.

He was obviously in love with the other man that picked him up. He had never voluntarily looked at her or touched her in that way until after they touched each other. And then it did seem as if he was confused. How could she have been so blind.

Then she remembered. The Genie....that stupid blue excuse for a Genie did this to them. When he asked her for a wish she had said to find her one true love. The Genie wasn't too happy at being disturbed so he must have a played a cruel trick on her. She dissolved into tears as she heard the car and Troy pull away from the house.

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Chapter 91 - A Chance

I will never learn! thought Delia. How do I always get myself into these situations. It's not like I was born yesterday...but...and I hate there is even a but...this will bring Troy around and he will stop running away. Children have a way of uniting people. The only man I ever married that didn't change was Goodwin...he was self-centered and only cared about himself...and Troy most certainly doesn't strike me as someone who is is self-centered. It is more like he doesn't trust our connection, as if he is afraid it isn't real. I will find him today and let him know the news. I don't want to wait. I am pretty sure I am in love with Troy and he loves me as well. And if he doesn't, then I will have this baby alone. Hah - this isn't my first rodeo!  

Delia called Troy's office to make plans to meet with him after work. They said he had left early to attend the Simfest in the Park as a representative of Riverview. Delia left and went over and sure enough he was there.

Delia approached Troy, not letting him know she hunted him down, to tell him the news.

"Hi Troy!", said Delia. "This is great. Are you here for the city?"

"Yes," Troy replied simply adding nothing else not wishing to engage her in conversation and certainly not wanting her to touch him because he knew he would lose control. He had researched and it seemed he was indeed under some sort of Love spell but he wasn't sure what kind.

"I am glad you are here," said Delia, "I need to talk to you."

"Not now, Delia. I am working! Go away."

Delia was undeterred. "Troy, it's really important. If we could just talk in private for a few minutes, then I will leave."

"Delia, what is it?"

"Not here Troy, we need privacy. There are too many people around."

"What on earth could be that important?"

"It just is. Trust me."

"Delia, I don't trust you. That is the problem."

"All right, Troy. How do I say this?"

"SAY WHAT?"

"Oh Troy, I didn't want it to be like this. You are making this so hard."

"DELIA!" Troy yelled as he was losing his composure.

"Okay, Troy, you and I - well - oh God, please don't hate me..."

"Damn Delia - what is it?"

"Troy, I am pregnant. I didn't want to tell you like this but I thought you should know and you never call me and after our time together, I thought..."

"Shit Delia. Don't say anymore. Let's go."
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They grabbed a cab and went to the Gazebo near the Fairy Arboretum downtown. Since most of the town was at the Simfest, it should be pretty deserted.

On the short ride over, Delia's mind was racing:
Shit Delia? That was his reaction? What happened to the man that made love to me all night long a couple of months ago. I guess he is the same one that never calls. What was I thinking? But when we touch it is like nothing I have ever experienced and I know he feels it too. So why?

They arrived at the park and it was indeed quiet. They sat on the bench and Troy started the conversation much to Delia's surprise.

"So, are you sure it is mine?" asked Troy calmly.

"Yes, of course. There has been no one else. Troy, I think..."

Troy interrupted her before she could finish, "Delia, there are things about me you don't know and I suspect there are things about you I don't know either."

"What?" Delia asked nervously. She hadn't told Troy the entire truth about her past, something she had vowed never to do again.

"Delia, I wanted to come here because of the fairy arboretum. I want you to go inside with me. I think..."

"Troy - you rascal," said Delia totally misunderstanding why he wanted her to go inside. Last time she went inside a Fairy Arboretum with  man, she became pregnant. She was already with child, so there was only one thing she thought he wanted and it gave her hope.

"No! I think you have some sort of connection to the Arboretum and going in will confirm it. Once you do, I will tell you more about me."

"An ultimatum?" she asked and sighed. What choice did she have. How did he know how it made her feel. It took all of her fears away and she was more at home and relaxed there than she ever was anywhere else. Last time she went inside trying to find the cure for Lucas it took all she had to leave. And if Troy were with her, she couldn't be responsible, but she wanted to please him.

"Okay, I will go in, but then you will tell me what YOUR secrets are."

The couple walked over to the entrance. Delia hesitated.

"Come on Delia," commanded Troy, "Inside."

Delia took a deep breath and turned around and walked inside, Troy following behind her.

"God, Troy, do you feel it too?" asked Delia dreamily, "It's so - so comforting and peaceful. All my cares just float away. I could literally stay here forever."

"No - don't touch me Delia!" said Troy as Delia started to reach for his hand.

"Why? I don't understand," said Delia hurt when he quickly pulled away.

"Let's leave. You confirmed what I thought. We need to get out and then we can talk," said Troy angrily.

"Not yet. I need to say this. I love you. There. It is out. When you touch me it sends electrical impulses all through my body. I have an overpowering physical need to be near you."

After they walked out, Troy said "Watch." He then conjured an apple and said, "Delia - I am a witch so I know about spells."

When Delia saw him conjure the apple, she nearly panicked. She had dreams of normality. But okay. She had experience with the supernatural - one of her children had been a witch. Aiden. She hadn't thought of him in years. If this is Troy's secret, she could easily deal with it and it gave her hope that he could deal with hers as well.

"It's okay Troy," and then taking a deep breath she continued, "You are right. There are things that you don't know about me either. I am sorry that I wasn't completely honest. But if you will come back to my house with me, I will show you and explain it all. But really, I don't understand what the Arboretum has to do with any of it."

"I knew it!" said Troy pointing a finger in Delia's face, "You are a fairy or a witch or maybe even both! Don't deny you didn't cast a love spell on me!"

"Are you kidding! I have no idea how to cast spells. This thing between us is not a spell. It's love! Yes, I can make potions, but Troy, they don't make people fall in love and besides, you know we both felt this the very first time we met at the party. Don't deny it!" and then Delia broke down in tears.

Troy felt so bad for her that he tried to console her and when he touched her it happened again. The need to be closer to her, to be with her, to love her. Definitely a spell. But one he was now fully under again.

"Don't cry Delia, please. I am sorry. I just want to know all there is to know about you. Let's go. Show me what you need and we can figure this out."

Delia felt so comforted when he touched her. Damn, she needed his touch and began to be just as confused as Troy was. But all that mattered is he was giving her- them - the three of them - a chance.


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Chapter 90 - Delia and Troy

Delia was so happy for Lucas and Ari. But now she was alone and she already knew what - or who - she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. Troy.

Delia got tired of waiting for him to ask her out so she invited him over for a swim. He hesitated and then said, sure, he would be over.

Delia was concerned about his hesitation but thrilled that she would be seeing him soon. He was SO charming the few times they had been together and truly seemed to like her.  Maybe he had not been calling because he is a busy politician.  Delia prayed it was truly work related and not another woman.

Troy arrived and Delia moved to hug him, instead he stuck his hand out and they shook hands. So formal. Much different from the charming man that said how beautiful she was several months ago.

But when they touched hands, Delia swore she could feel an electric shock all the way to her core. She wanted him very badly and she could see in his eyes that he felt it too. She just didn't understand why he was fighting it.

She shrugged it off and they went out to the pool.  It was a cool summer day so the hot tub was inviting. They both changed and climbed in.  When Delia moved closer to Troy he seemed uncomfortable. She was confused. She really thought he wanted to move things along. She decided to slow things down and they just talked until he had to leave. Delia was a bit disappointed. She wanted more from their relationship than just friends. What happened to "love at first sight" she thought, remembering his words from their first meeting.
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Ari and Lucas were having a housewarming party.  Delia couldn't wait to see them. She missed having Lucas around.  She got to their home a little before the other guests. No one answered when she rang the bell and then saw why.

They were outside making out. Those two couldn't get enough of each other. Delia was secretly jealous. She wanted that again. She had it briefly with Francisco, her first husband and more urgently with Vladimir. So she knew what that kind of love was.

Of course to see Lucas able to have a normal life was comforting to her. When they saw Delia - they apologized and the two ran inside to get changed for the party.

The party turned out to be many things more than just a house warming. It was also their forum for announcing the upcoming addition to their family.  Ari was pregnant. More good news.

Then someone started playing the piano. Delia saw Troy! She was so happy to see him, but he didn't say anything to her at first and just continued to play. He was good. Not as polished as Vladimir, but very, very good.

Listening to Troy play brought back bittersweet memories of Vladimir playing the piano on the balcony on their impromptu wedding night. She wondered if Troy would ever play for her like Vladimir did. She hoped so.

After he finished his set, she approached him and flirted a little. She didn't want to put him off, but she did want him to know she was interested.

Delia decided to try one more time and invited Troy back to her house for burgers. Maybe this time they could talk more and she would just let him be.

"Hi Troy. You play beautifully," said Delia.

"Thanks. It is my stress reliever," replied Troy.

"I have a baby grand at my house and you are welcome to come and play on it anytime. In fact, if you like I can make hamburgers and we can spend the day just hanging out. I really enjoyed having you over the other day. My house is so lonely now without Lucas there asking for food constantly!"

"Well, uh, I don't want to impose," stammered Troy.

Disappointed, Delia put her hand on his arm determined to try one more time, "I have no one to cook for anymore. Really, it's no trouble." She felt the tingle when she touched him and once again it was like they were meant to be together. How could he not feel it?

Then he looked into her eyes, and said, "I can't wait. What time?" And she knew he felt it too. So why was he resisting?  She prayed he wasn't in a relationship.
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This time she poured wine for them. She was determined to figure out why he kept putting up walls. Maybe a little food and drink would help to loosen him up.

Troy hadn't kissed her, so technically they were 'just friends' but Delia so wanted more from this man. They could grow old together. No more potions, no more witches, genies, vampires or werewolves...just plain old ordinary people.

Once again, he was the perfect gentleman upon arrival. So sweet, but every time they touched, a shiver ran all through her body awakening her deepest needs. It was all she could do not to wrap her arms around him and force him to kiss her. Of course she would, could never do that.

"Come in Troy. I have burgers and poured some of the wine I made myself and keep stored in my wine cellar. It's quite good."

"Thanks Delia. I am hungry," said Troy and then he just held her hand for a bit longer like he was trying to figure out what had just happened between them.

They went inside and sat down to eat. Delia made small talk and asked him about his family. He told her he came from a very old family with ancestors that go back over a thousand years. Delia thought that was amazing since she didn't know anything about her past other than her mother. She felt a pang of guilt for not having read her mother's journals. How many years has it been? Well, she would leave it to her children,or Lucas and his children, if she had to. Right now, she had this incredibly handsome man sitting in her house and that is in the here and now.

After lunch they walked into the foyer and continued to chat. Delia drank a little bit of courage as she chatted with Troy who was becoming more and more interesting by the minute.

The longer they talked and the closer to each other they got, the stronger the pull to be close to each other got. It was pure magic.

Delia finally had to say it, "I really do like you Troy, a lot. I confess, I feel like I have been stalking you. Please just tell me to get lost if you don't feel the same way and I will leave you alone  - as much as it will hurt to do so."

Troy embraced her and she had to grab him around the waist to keep from falling to the floor. "Delia, you are beautiful, charming and quite interesting. There is something about you. Fairy like. The feelings I have when I am near you are like nothing I have ever felt before. You frighten me my sweet Fairy Princess."

She took his hand and led him to the couch. She had to sit down but didn't want to let go of his hand. The touch seemed to be so important.

They just sat there for a few minutes. He asked her again about her family. He was sure that was the key but Delia was very closed mouth about her past, just that she was raised by her mother who died while Delia was in high school back in Appaloosa Plains. She had moved to Roaring Heights where she met Lucas' father who then drowned in a swimming pool accident when Lucas was an infant. They moved here to escape the memories. Yes, Delia was a complicated woman for sure. And he couldn't understand the physical attraction. He found himself leaning in to kiss her. He wanted more, but had to control himself. He couldn't get involved. She would wind up hurt.
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Ari and Lucas' baby was born. It was a little boy they named Dustin. Delia was pretty sure little Dustin would be fine since Lucas was cured of Lycanthropy, but she had to look in his eyes to be sure. She went over to congratulate Ari. She was sort of glad Lucas was at work. She didn't want him to know what she was doing and he would know.

She had nothing to worry about. Dustin was perfect in every way. It was so wonderful to be able to hold a baby again.

"Ari, Dustin is adorable. Anytime you need a sitter, you better give me a call!" exclaimed Delia.

"Of course, Mrs. Schlick. You are a natural with him. Look how calm he is in your arms," cooed Ari.

"Delia! Please, call me Delia," laughed Delia, "You make me feel like a grandmother. Oh, I AM a grandmother! Please tell Lucas I said hi. I have to run. I just wanted to check up on the two of you."
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Delia called Troy when she got home. He has yet to call her or ask her out. What is it with him? He had finally kissed her then ran like a scared rabbit. I don't bite, anymore, she thought. I am getting to the bottom of this. It can't be another woman. I gave him an out and he didn't take it. So what is it?

When Troy arrived he didn't touch her this time. He said they needed to talk. She figured this was it, the "I only want to be friends" speech. They sat down and he looked at her and Delia's heart sank. He started, "Delia, when I am around you, I want nothing more to than to take you in my arms. But, well it's complicated."

"Troy, it's not complicated. I like you and you feel the same. What makes it hard? Is there another woman?" asked Delia.

"Not exactly," said Troy, "it's more than that and I am confused. When we touch, or are near, I feel out of control and have feelings - I told you - that I have never had for any woman before. But, Delia, when we are apart, it's different. The feeling isn't as - uh - never mind."

Delia got up and grabbed Troy's hand. He was right. It was touch for sure that intensified the feelings. She felt it too.

"Troy, I-I feel it too...It's not a bad feeling. It's as if we are meant to be together," said Delia.


Troy helplessly pulled her to him whispering, "No no no" while Delia whispered back, "yes, yes, yes, this is so right."





They were soon kissing each other like their next breath depending upon the other.

When they broke apart, Delia suggested they go outside and enjoy the evening. She wanted to dance under the stars, just the two of them.

They danced outside, enjoying being in each other's arms until it began to get cold and they went inside.

They soon kissed their way into Delia's bedroom.

"My sweet Fairy Princess. What is it about you that makes me lose control of myself? I just want to be with you. I never wanted to be with a woman before like this," said Troy huskily.



"Then just make love to me. Now Troy," pleaded Delia.

That was all it took and the couple fell into bed, urgently tasting and discovering each other until they fell asleep exhausted.

"Good morning Troy," Delia said happily, "Can I fix you some breakfast? An omelette or crepes?"

"No," snapped Troy, "Please, Delia don't touch me, I have to go. I - uh - have to get to work."

Troy was upset with himself. He didn't come over to get into Delia's bed, in fact he had come over to tell her he couldn't see her anymore. But just being in the same room with her and her touch - she must have put some sort of spell on him. It had to be some sort of love spell. He just wasn't himself when he was around her. He would try to find an antidote. The folks at the elixir store could probably help and they might have some gossip about her. She smells of Fairy - but not quite - maybe a hybrid.

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