Calling in a favor

Jennifer and Morgan were playing a game of chess in one of the many buildings in the small town-like area.

“So, I just want to make sure of something here. You are ok with the idea of sharing Rachel with both David and me?” questioned Morgan.

“Yes, I am. I don’t really have a choice with David, but I’m still ok with sharing her with you as well. But I don’t really get why you want her anyways.”

“I’m not making any long term commitments here. I can say that her and Stella are definitely my type, so that plays into things. She might not be the only woman that I pursue in some way, but she’s the one that I am the most interested in.” Jennifer nervously tapped one of her fingers on her leg.

“S-so, what do you think about me?” Morgan smiled and gently cupped her cheek.

“Oh, are you interested? I do think you’re very attractive, and if we’re going to be going after Rachel together we may as well have some kind of interest in each other.” Jennifer’s cheeks heated up, and she pulled away slightly.

“Uh, well, I’ve always considered you to be the hottest actress in Hollywood. I uh, I’d love to get to know you outside of your roles better, though.” Morgan smiled and sat back down.

“I’d love that. Also, I have a suggestion that you probably won’t like.”

“Oh, and what is that?”

“I think you should experiment with showing less cleavage.” Morgan was right, Jennifer didn’t like this.

“Why the hell would I do that?”

“Because you’re going to run into situations where showing cleavage isn’t an option. Your transformation doesn’t say anything about you being resistant to the cold, or other weather conditions. What are you going to do during the winter, or if it’s raining out?” Jennifer groaned and nodded.

“I hate that you have a point. Well, I’ll test it out another time. Right now, you need to focus.”

“Oh, and why is that?” Jennifer smirked and moved a piece on the board.

“Check mate.”

…

Olivia and Angel were back in the swimming pool. Angel was currently swimming back and forth in the shallow end.

“You’re going great Angel! Honestly, I’m really impressed.” Angel stopped and leaned against the wall.

“Wow, that was a lot. But still, I feel a lot better. Thanks again for teaching me.” Olivia smiled and walked over to Angel.

“No problem. You’re doing really great, by the way. Give it a few days, and you’ll be swimming like a pro!” Angel smiled and blushed.

“Thanks.”

“So, I was wondering, why did you never learn how to swim? Fiora, I understand. But why didn’t you?” Angel awkwardly looked away and fidgeted with her swimsuit.

“I uh. I guess I don’t really have anything to be embarrassed about, but I just never did. I didn’t go to the beach until I was in college, so learning how to swim was just never important.” Olivia gently placed her hand on Angel’s shoulder.

“Like you said, that’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Not everyone learns all of the same things. I never learned how to dance.” This caught Angel off guard.

“Really, you never learned how to dance. Well, what do you mean by that?” This question seemed to confuse Olivia.

“I mean that I never learned any dance moves or dances.” To Olivia’s surprise, Angel started to giggle. Olivia had to admit, she sounded adorable.

“You don’t need to know any dance moves or dances in order to dance, that’s what’s so wonderful about it. You just move however you feel like, and it still counts as dancing. You don’t have to be as good as me to do it.”

“You seem like the kind of person who would hate other people saying that someone has two left feet.” This seemed to light a fire within Angel.

“YES! It doesn't matter if your dancing is clumsy or sloppy. As long as you enjoy it, it still counts as dancing. Not everyone is doing it to compete!” Angel seemed to notice how worked up she got, and blushed.

“I, um, yeah.” Olivia couldn’t help but laugh.

“No need to get all meek on me now, that was adorable. You’re pretty fun to be around, Angel.” Olivia slapped Angel on the back, almost knocking the girl over.

“Th-thanks. Although, I do wonder where Fiora is.”

“Yeah, me too.”

…

Where is Fiora you ask, she’s in her room. Her usual smile isn’t present. Instead, she looks gloomy. She took a deep breath and sat on her bed.

“Esmeralda, I’m ready to call in my favor.” In a moment, the host was standing in front of her.

“Hello my dear. So, what will be your favor?” Fiora looked her in the eyes with a fiery look.

“I need you to tell me something, something about the future. My cancer, does it come back? I have to know.” Esmeralda paled slightly upon hearing this.

“Are you sure that is what you want to know?” Fiora gave her a firm nod. “Very well. I am truly sorry my dear, but yes, it will come back.” Tears welled up in Fiora’s eyes, but she held them back.

“I, I can beat it. I beat it the first two times, I can beat it again. I won’t let it get me.” Esmeralda looked away with tears in her eyes.

“No, you’re not telling me I don’t beat it, are you?” Esmeralda broke multiple rules in one action, she hugged her.

“I am so sorry dear, but you don’t win that fight.” The dams broke, and Fiora weeped while in the hosts arms.

“Th-there has to be something that I can do, right?”

“I’m afraid not. There is nothing that you or I can do.” Fiora sobbed for a long time, her entire body shaking. When she finally pulled away, Esmeralda gently wiped her tears.

“I’ll let you process this. But please do not despair. I cannot give you all the details, but all hope is not lost.” Esmeralda disappeared, leaving Fiora alone. The girl closed her eyes, and more tears fell.