Meeting Up Again

Alexandria McKenna had lived the last several years in a small town north of Lake Town with her little girl Kira. The town had barely kept 500 people. But she had found a certain amount of peace there after her divorce from her Ex-husband. Before, when they had all lived in Serenity City, she had spent much of her time hanging out at the Starlight Inn. Tyran had been such a comfort to her in her time of need during a bad marriage and he had given Kira a place to feel welcomed and loved. But when she'd finally had enough of her Ex-husband and filed for divorce, she also left Serenity City. He hadn't followed her, though he had stayed in contact with Kira.

For the last five years, he hadn't actually seen his daughter. In fact, the man had moved completely off Serenity. But a couple of weeks ago, she got a message from him. He was back in Serenity City . . . Moved back with his new wife and her children. Three of the five she had. And now, after all this time, he wanted visitation with his daughter.

Reluctantly, Alexandria had agreed to come back to Serenity City . . . In fact, she had planned to move back because of a job offer. But there was a sick feeling she had in her stomach every time she thought about Timothy McKenna. She wasn't sure she wanted Kira to spend time with her father, though the little girl wanted to. Seeking solace in the face of an old friend, she had gone back to the Starlight Inn and to Tyran . . .

Tyran was at the bar, the place looked the same, only the paint was renewed and the large mirror above the bar was moved a bit more to the right to make way for a kitchen area.

When she entered Tyran turned toward the door, and smiled. "Well the later the evening the more beautiful the persons walking in. What are you doing here?" He said with a smile.

"I'm back," she replied. "I got a great deal on a little shop here in the city and . . ." she sighed. "Ugh . . . Timothy wants to see Kira . . ." Her eyes spoke of her concern.

"Is he back as well? I haven’t seen him yet, and how long ago was it that I’ve seen you in person?" He looked at Danayal who’d just arrived to start his shift. "This is my foster son Danayal. I don’t believe you know him."

"It's nice to meet you, Danayal," Alexandria said. "It's been awhile since I've seen your father here . . . Close to five years, I think." She smiled.

"He told me about you, Miss Alexandria, was it? He has a picture in his living room of you and him at some party together with a few others."

She smiled. "And my little girl . . . Though she's not so little anymore. Kira's now seven year old."

"The girl in the pictures… she sent me some remember?" Tyran said grinning. Danayal nodded as he remembered the little blond girl with curly hair.

"Anyway, since we're back, I thought I would come see you in person," she said, looking at Tyran.

"And it’s my pleasure in seeing you again. I’m happy you’re back, but I’m not sure about your ex... Since my shift just ended, how about us leaving here?" Tyran grinned.

"I'd like that," she replied with a smile of her own.

"Then let's go; I’d love to see Kira again, although she probably won't remember me at all."

"We can pick her up in a bit . . . If you don't mind, I wouldn't mind a listening ear first . . ." There was a darkness in her eyes as she spoke. Though she wasn't sure she could truly define it. "But maybe after that we can grab some dinner together? I know Kira would love to see you. She's heard stories about you for so long."

"If you want to talk, we’d better go to my apartment; I can fix us some dinner. There we can talk in peace." He suggested.

She thought for only a moment and nodded.

He took her inside. She’d been in there before long ago. She noticed a few things had changed… the living was a bit smaller. Tyran had built a room for Danayal and that space had to come from somewhere. But the antique furniture and the well stocked book cases were still there.

"What would you like to eat?" Tyran asked turning her attention.

"Oh, you know me . . . I'm not too terribly picky as long as it's not Gak'h."

"One Gak'h it is then.” He grinned but he started to make pancakes instead. Not long after, they were done and he brought them to the table where he motioned for her to take a seat. He served them with some fruit juice and sat down himself. "I saw your face; something’s on your mind..."

She sighed and took a couple of bites, but wasn't terribly hungry. "Maybe it's just because I haven't seen Timothy in so long and that I remember how he use to be . . . But I just feel something's not right."

"I’ve known Timothy longer than you… as a child he was always in trouble with someone. Believe me, Danayal’s a saint compared to him. And I wrote you whole chapters on him, remember? I really thought Timothy had changed his life when he met you, and had Kira." He sighed. "But I was wrong..."

"What have you heard?" she asked. "I mean, I haven't heard anything… and then a few weeks ago, he contacts me out of the blue wanting to see Kira . . . I mean, I know that he's kept in contact with her . . ."

"I haven’t heard anything, but when he was Danayal's age, he was arrested for harassing a girl. He’d even spent time in a mental institute for it, and he was a real brat. Believe me someone you wouldn’t have liked then. It was a second stay in prison, he met you."

She sighed. "Yes, and he'd convinced me he'd reformed . . . I was stupid . . . But at least I got Kira out of the deal. I mean, he's her father and I don't believe he'd ever hurt her, but . . . I just don't want to let her go with him. However, he already went through the courts and now has visitation. Not that I would have actually blocked it. Kira has a right to know her dad. I just wish I didn't have this horrible feeling . . ." She sighed. "I'm probably just being paranoid. I mean, he might be an asshole, but he loves her. He's never gone longer than a month before talking with her. He's sent her gifts and everything . . . I just don't know . . ."

"I wouldn’t worry too much. But I’d like to talk to him, so I hope he shows up. He’s always loved this place."

"True . . ." she said. "Do you think I'm just being paranoid?"

"No, you often have forebodings that I saw come true." Tyran said gently.

"But without foundation I can't stop him . . ." she sighed. "I just feel sick . . . He gets to pick her up this Saturday. I get to meet his new wife and her kids."

"What, he’s remarried? Do you know where he lives? I’ve lost touch with him you see. I wonder why he didn’t show up."

"I don't really know where he's been over the last five years. Too many places I suspect. He’s been married to this woman for about two years now . . . I think he said they were living on Pirimus II before here."

"I see… well maybe he’ll show up in the bar soon, since I don’t have a clue where he lives. I didn’t even know he was back to start with… some bartender I am." He grinned.

She smirked. "Well, maybe he doesn't want to see you . . . You do have a way to getting to the truth and that's something he wasn't too keen on."

"He also has a few out standing bills here. So if he’s here I’ll just have to find him to get my money back."

She laughed. "He lives in the Serenity Towers - a three bedroom apartment with a balcony. He mentioned looking for a house, but I doubt that will happen anytime soon . . . After all, they did just get here."

"Good! Then I’ll know where to go to get the money. He owes me at least 150 latinum strips." Tyran looked grim. "And I assure you, he’d better pay up, or I’ll give his address to security."

"Maybe you should . . ." she replied.

"I’ll go there and see him on Saturday," he said calmly.

She nodded. "Please . . . at least then I can have someone check to see how Kira is . . . I don't know why I'm so worried, but I am . . ." She sighed again. "Anyway, how have you been?" she asked. "It's been awhile since we've even exchanged messages; anything new and exciting in your life besides your foster son?"

"Well, I do have a girlfriend." He smiled. "And Danayal likes her... Remember Ester? He hated her, for good reason."

"The one dark-haired girl?" she asked, trying to remember her face.

"Yeah, she wanted me, but she wanted me to throw that useless junk, with whom she meant Dan, on the street. So that was over fast."

She nodded. "I can see why . . . She was a bit of a gold-digger anyway . . . So tell me about this new girlfriend."

"Her name is Jaya. She lives here in Serenity City... I can’t tell you what she does for a living. Its top secret, but I love her; she’s my sun and my moon..." He glowed while telling Alexandria the fun things he’d done with Jaya, like dressing as a vampire for a Halloween Masquerade.

Alexandria was happy that Tyran had found someone that seemed worthy of him. "So she's good to you then?" she asked as if for confirmation.

"Oh yeah… and for Dan," He smiled. "I wish you would find someone better than that misfit you were married to, and don’t say I didn’t warn you."

She sighed. "Since Timothy I've been with a few gentlemen, but I haven't loved any of them . . . I think since Timothy I've just been too afraid." she admitted. "He hurt me very badly, as you know . . . I mean, 10 years of a bad marriage . . . The death of Jocelyn . . . his affairs . . . the verbal and physical abuse . . . I suppose he's lucky I never filed against him . . . I suppose I should have . . ." She shrugged. "But after 10 years of that, I guess I'm too afraid to fall into the same trap again."

"You must open yourself up… you’re not El Aurian; your lifespan is short..."

She nodded. "But how do I learn to trust again?"

"Take it slow. Once you make a new gentleman friend tell him what happened. The good ones will help you earn trust in them. Jaya did that for me, and I for her."

She smiled gently. "Well, first I have to meet a new gentleman friend," she laughed softly. "You know, one of the best things about living back in the city though is that I'm opening my own shop . . ."

"Ah, where is it and what will you sell?" He said smiling. “I hope something I’d like to buy."

"It's off of Centurion Way," she smiled. "I'll be selling a little bit of everything; books, statuettes, cards . . . It's going to be filled with everything that would make special gifts . . . and there will be more I can replicate . . . and things I can special order . . . Including wedding and baby shower items."

"I plan to wed Jaya in the future, so I’ll keep that in mind; and maybe you’ll sell some books about magic? I mean, for children around 12? Danayal is starting to read and he really enjoys stories with magic."

She smiled. "It's certainly something I can replicate," she replied. "I have something for everyone."

"I’ll send him by then," Tyran replied. "And I promise to deliver that bill to Timothy. Now that he’s back I can finally get what’s mine, and I can see how Kira is doing."

"I'd really appreciate that . . ." she smiled. "The grand opening for the store is this Friday."

"Excellent! I’ll be there, and bring Jaya with me if I can." He smiled. "And I might also bring some Rose chateau..."

"That would be very welcomed," she replied. "You know, you may even find something in there to surprise your girlfriend with . . . You never know."

"I’ll see… By the way, do you know Misha Hailwright?"

She shook her head. "I don't think so . . . The name doesn’t sound familiar."

"You’ll have to meet him; he’s funny, polite..." There was a knock on the door. "I guess you’ll get the chance. He’s here. He’s a gardener, he works all over the city." He got up and opened the door for a handsome dark haired young man. "This is Misha."

She smiled. “Hello there," she said extending her hand. Her eyes met his and for the first time she understood what instant attraction was.

"Hello." He replied with a smile. "Tyran you didn’t tell me you were hiding a pretty lady down here, what will Jaya say?" He laughed.

Alexandria blushed. "My name's Alexandria. Alexandria McKenna"

"Pleased to meet you, I’m Misha Hailwright. I’m the gardener here. I can do anything you wish, that is when it comes to gardens." He smiled brighter.

"He even got those roses to bloom; the ones you thought were dead," Tyran smiled

"You must be very talented then," she said.

"Or just good with plants," He smiled. "Let me have that wine you promised me." He smiled and Tyran got them all a glass.

"Made from grapes he grew." Tyran smiled.

Alexandria took a sip. "It's sweet," she smiled. "Almost like a dessert wine . . ."

"Actually, the vineyard belongs to a friend of mine. It’s a very good vineyard, and I help him tend the grapes. I mean, I managed to create a whole new species of grape, which give this wine it’s unique, sweet flavor..." He started telling enthusiastically how he’d done it.

"Well, maybe if your friend is interested I could sell a few bottles at my new store . . . for special occasions," Alexandria suggested.

"He has been looking for a shop that could do so, but do you have the permits? I mean you know you need a license to sell liquors, right?"

"I have them," she smiled. "I already sell specialty champagne . . . I have a very limited selection, so there won't be much competition."

"Very well, I‘ll tell Vargas that I know someone that wants to help him sell his specialty wines. He’ll only deliver them to your shop, so you’ll be the only one selling them."

"That'll be perfect since I specialize in special gifts and things . . . A little bit of everything," she replied.

"I’ll send him to your shop, if you have an address." He was very relaxed and seemed to be easy going with people. He wondered if she was already taken, since he was mesmerized by her... He was betting on yes...

She gave him the address and continued to sip at her wine. It was the first time in a long time she was enjoying having just a simple conversation with a man . . . and she had to admit he was cute... very cute. She hadn’t had feelings this strong in a long time, if at all and wondered if he felt the same.

"So, how does it go with that pretty lady of yours, Tyran? And how about your kid; I saw him with River Sage last time I did Miss Bentara’s garden." He smiled.

"With Jaya it couldn’t be better, and you’re right about Dan and River. River is Danayal's newest flame… and how about you? Still no one?" Tyran said grinning.

"I don’t have much luck with women, you know that." Misha said with a sigh.

"I can't see why not," Alexandria replied. "You're quite handsome."

He blushed. "I seem to attract the bad women… beautiful to look at, but a heart as cold as ice. Or they’re after my money, or they’re only after sex.. That last one is especially a problem for me... you see, I was abused as a child by an uncle. Tyran saved me,” Misha explained. “He noticed I was quiet and that something was wrong. Eventually he pulled it out of me... had he not done that…" He sighed.

"I'm sorry to hear that . . ." she said gently. "No one has the right to abuse a child . . ."

"My uncle figured he had that right... I’m over it for the most part, though. Miss Bentara still counsels me when I’m down, but that’s not often anymore; and what about you? With my luck you are married."

"Once upon a time I was. . ." she replied. "Five years ago . . . He thought *he* had the right to abuse me... mentally and physically anyway. I took it for ten years before I finally left. I ended up with a beautiful daughter out of the deal though, so I can’t be too unhappy." Alexandria's face brightened as she mentioned Kira.

"You must love her very much..." He stared into her brown eyes, drowning in them.

Tyran grinned, bull’s-eye... he’d taken the gamble and felt he’d won. They were, in his eyes, made for each other.

"You'll have to meet her one of these days," Alex replied. "Her name's Kira. She's seven."

"Do you have a garden?" He smiled. "I’m, of course, offering my services..."

Her smile brightened further. "A little one in need of a lot of care, I'm afraid. We just moved back to Serenity City after having lived in Marston, just north of Lake Town. You probably haven't heard of the place; it’s *tiny*."

"Marston? Do you by any chance know Thom Arliss? He’s a friend of mine; he a rancher there... he has a herd of sheep."

She laughed. "I *do* know him! He used to come to the store and pick up things here and there. Also his wife makes Jams and would sell them at the store."

"Yes exactly, and they have a daughter of seven, who probably went to school with your child."

She nodded. "Kira and Natalie were best friends."

"I promise you, that she’ll still see Natalie. You see, once every few weeks they come down to the city, and Natalie stays at my home while her parents arrange business. I live in that large mansion on Preator Road."

Her eyes widened. "You live in that big mansion… all alone?" she was truly surprised.

"Yeah, I inherited it from my father." He said softly. "But I rather work for my money."

"And you're quite good at it,” she said admiring the flowers in Tyran's garden through the window.

"Thank you." He smiled.

Tyran eyed them with a smile. "Maybe you two would like to go somewhere with more privacy?" He suggested.

"Because you want to go and see Jaya?" Misha grinned and Tyran blushed.

Alexandria laughed. "She must be quite a woman . . ."

"She is… the first who makes this heart run wild after the death of his wife."

Misha got up. "Come on, we can talk elsewhere."

"All right," she smiled. "I'd like that . . ."

Misha got up and took her hand and led her out. A few minutes later Tyran also left the house to go see Jaya. He smiled as he walked, he was happy two good people had found each other. He knew they both needed to learn trust, but he knew they would be able to talk about that with the other. Sometimes life was good all around.