They went back into the kitchen. Charlie was now up and smiling. Mina looked to Nan who gave the slightest head shake. Mina had hoped that Charlie would continue to talk since he did yesterday, but he seemed to have reverted back to his quiet self again.
Nan came to stand by her and gave her a quick, reassuring hug. “What’s the plan?”
“Food,” she answered.
“That’s a good plan. I like that plan.” Nan grinned.
Mina couldn’t help but smile. “Of course you do. You love food.”
“Hey, I’m a growing girl, and I can out-eat a boy any day. This awesome figure is totally a pizza and chocolate ice cream body.”
Brody flexed his bicep. “Burgers and fries.”
Ever laughed and smiled. “Lollipops and Pixy Stix.”
Nan’s eyes went wide. “You’re serious?”
“Pixies love candy,” Mina explained. “I mean really really love candy.”
Ever pulled a lollipop out of the pocket of her dress, tore off the wrapper, and shoved it in her mouth, which had already been full with other candy. “Yep.” She swirled the lollipop to her other cheek so she looked like a giant chipmunk. Then, she popped it out of her mouth and held the stick. “But we can’t just live on candy. We need to get stuff for my Grimm. I’m not going to let her starve.”
“I’m not going to starve,” Mina argued, but Ever held up her hand.
“Nope, starve. You’re worthless.”
“Oh gee, Ever. Seems like you’re back to your chipper self.”
Ever looked down at her yellow dress. “Not yet.” She waved her hand, and her dress transformed into black pants and a top. “Now I’m back to my chipper self,” she said. “Let’s get you some supplies.”
“I don’t know, is it safe to take her out, with that maniac after her?” Brody looked over to Mina for affirmation.
His question mirrored her very own fears.
“That’s fine. We can stay in this house forever, but let me just say that Teague can come and go in this house as much as he wants. Since Jared has been here, Teague technically has too, and the wards won’t keep him out.”
“You’re right,” Mina said. “We can’t cower from him forever. I think this will show him we’re not scared of him.”
Nan’s hand shot straight up in the air. “I’m scared of him.”
Charlie grabbed her hand, pointed to himself, and shook his head no.
“Well, if Charlie’s not scared then I’m not scared,” Nan amended.
“Okay, but we don’t go anywhere alone. We stay in groups. You got that?” Mina said.
Nan made a salute, and Charlie copied her, slipping his hands into hers.
Brody smiled at Mina. “Aye, aye, Cap’n.”
Mina laughed and turned to Ever who looked aghast.
“Nuh-uh. There’s no way I’m saluting you. You can’t even lead a silkie to water.”
>Mina smiled and laughed with everyone as they celebrated. But when she licked her lips, she tasted the distinct flavor of lemon bars, and her heart plummeted. That was her mother’s favorite dessert.
Ever just shrugged her shoulders. “It’s different for everyone.” She licked her lips. “Mmmm.” She flew up, arms wide, and made the rest of the room burst forth in colorful fireworks of flowers.
From above, Ever said, “Only when we die, are we truly reborn.” When the flower had bloomed, it slowly fell and withered, and the petals fell, leaving only a single, white sparkling seed. “Because life comes from death.”