Blade took some time studying himself in the mirror, trying to decipher the puzzle in his reflection — himself. He felt confidant in himself, truly confidant, and not the sort of confidence that comes false praise. Generally, he liked what he saw, which must mean his self-esteem had improved considerably. He was like Lucius in that, with his time with Mandy, he felt like a person, and not a piece of property. He didn’t blame her for the breakup though – he understood her reason, and had agreed with it.
He sighed, turning his thoughts away from the past and to the razor in his hand. He was trying to make sure that his appearance was clean for when Charles embraced him. He’d never thought the day would come, and now that it was near he felt anxious, though more from excitement than anything else. His excitement was tempered by patience, as he knew it would come with time. Charles had permission, and he would say when he was ready to embrace Blade. Moreover, he still had to get that tat from Mercy.
As he shaved, he debated over where the tat should be situated, trying to picture it in different places on his body. His appointment with Mercy was not far off, and he wanted to have the decision made. He had just finished splashing water on his face and drying it with a towel, when he decided that the left shoulder blade would be a good place for it. The thought of being alone with Mercy was both terrifying yet exhilarating, as she had been responsible for some of the worst pain and best pleasure in his life.
He didn’t know what she was capable of when angry, and didn’t want to find out. For that matter, he’d never seen Charles as anything but calm, and wondered briefly what it would be like for Charles to lose his temper – after all, wasn’t it a widespread idiom that it was the quiet ones you had to look out for? He shook his head free of thoughts as he pulled a shirt on, then left his room to head to the main areas of the outreach center and do his rounds.
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Trish had just finished making lunch when her company arrived. She headed to the door to let Mandy and Ilyana in, then guided them to the kitchen to serve up some of what she had made – she did tell them to come hungry, after all. After a while of idle chit-chat, Ilyana spoke up.
“You said you had wanted to talk to us about something….what is it?”
“Well…Chance brought something to my attention the other night, and I told myself that not only would I make effort, I would try and talk others into it as well.”
“Well, what is it already?”
Mandy swattered Ilyana. “Let her get to it.”
“Thank you Mandy.” Trish said with a smile. “A little story. Chance came home early the other night, and something seemed off, so we talked. Long story short, he made a very good point concerning Blade.”
“And what would that be?” Ilyana said, her accent coming though., as well as her annoyance.
“Even felons get a second chance.” Trish repeated, watching her friends’ reactions.
“I don’t see why we should let him after what he did.” Ilyana said.
“Mandy?” Trish asked.
Mandy looked down at her plate of food and popped one of the homemade fries into her mouth before speaking. “Charles was over the other night, to get information about Lucius and my hometown. He also mentioned he was planning to turn Blade, if he got permission, and wanted my thoughts on that.”
“Are you okay with that?”
Mandy nodded. “I asked Charles about how he had been doing, and as I’ve never known Charles to lie, and he’s helped a lot of people with their counseling needs, to success, I might add, I thought about it for a bit and said okay. I said I couldn’t promise to go out seeking him, but neither would I leave a room or change my plans if I knew where he was. He’s grown and matured….I should too.”
Ilyana sighed. Trish smiled. a voice from behind them said “I’m happy to hear that, Mandy.”
Ilyana and Mandy both looked up to see Chance there – along with Blade.
“I didn’t think you were coming home for lunch.” Trish said.
“You said you were cooking – why would I miss out on that.” he said, walking over to give Trish a kiss. Blade stood in the living room that adjoined the dinging room, looking a tad uncomfortable.
“Well, both of you have a seat.” Trish ordered, heading for the kitchen and serving up another two plates. Blade sat across and one over from Mandy, in an attempt to give her space. Chance sat down next to him, while Ilyana and Trish sat at the ends of the table. they all ate in relative quiet for several minutes before Chance decided to speak up.
“Do you really mean what you said?” he asked Mandy.
Mandy nodded. “I can’t let what happened define me. Like Trish said that you said, even felons get a second chance, and my understanding is that he has made a lot of growth now that he’s with a new domitor.”
“I have.” he said, once he decided to speak up. “I can’t apologize enough for the monster I was. I’ve worked hard to be a different person, and not let Richard’s upbringing define me. Charles has been to me what Richard should have been, and I’m reacting accordingly. That is to say, in a positive way. Chance would know – he was a part of my penance, and sees me on a daily basis.”
“I’m happy that you’re finally getting the treatment you deserve.” Mandy said, turning back to the last of her food, frowning when she realized her fries were already gone. Blade stood, plate in hand and leaned over, wordlessly sliding his fries onto her plate before sitting back down. She smiled her thanks at him.
“Well.” Ilyana said. “I can’t imagine your Dad taking the news well, and Timur probably won’t either.”
“They’ll deal with it, for my sake.” Mandy said.
“This turned out better than expected.” Trish said with a smile, one that lessened a bit as Emily woke up and fussed, needing something or another. Trish excused herself to go get the baby and take care of her.
“I want to thank you guys for giving him another chance.” Chance spoke. “It means a lot to me. You’re more Trish’s friends than mine, so it means a lot that I can have someone I relate more to around.”
“Well, you’re welcome.” Mandy said, partaking of the new fries on her plate.