Trixie's Secret

One last time I knock. “Trix, please talk to me.”

No answer. I suspected she might have headphones on to block out the world, although to be honest I hadn’t a clue how she actually heard given that she had no distinct parts or organs beyond her eyes. I consider speaking to her through her gift as I had done in the past but she clearly wanted to be left alone right now and I felt that could be a violation of trust. When she was ready to talk I would be there, until that moment I would give her space. I send her a text telling her as much and that I love her then reluctantly step away from the door.

Instead of going back to the attic I make my way to my big sister’s room. I wanted to talk to somebody about this and Devany was the natural choice. Along the way I replay what had happened, not just today but in the week since my birthday. I always knew she had a sort of puppy love crush on me, she adored me far more intensely than most little sisters would, but since the big reveal she had been pressing hard for something real and physical to come of it. From her overt flirtations early on to her outright offer for sex up in the attic she had steadily been getting more and more insistent. I realize now that by doing what I did with Ves and then Lucian I had opened a door but kept her waiting on the doorstep with vague promises and teasing glimpses of what might be.

But what was I to do? I was sexually attracted to her, absolutely I was, yet I also had all of the other more wholesome brotherly feelings toward her as well. The mix was a strange one. I hadn’t been raised with Ves so these feelings weren’t there with her. Lucian was a creature of infernal lust, sin and corruption ran through his veins. With my elder siblings there was an entirely different relationship. But with Trix I felt more…responsible. And she and I were so close that the last thing I wanted was to ruin that relationship with taboo complications. I might be an incestuous pervert but she didn’t need to be. She was so sweet, I didn’t want to sully that.

I feel like such a fool too as I think back to what happened upstairs. She was BEGGING for attention from me in any and every way she knew how. I was so focused on making the room nice for Vespera and having a chance to be alone with her for the night that I had misread the blindingly obvious cues Trix was sending. The one thing weighing on me most of all though, I never should have told her I was disappointed in her. I truly was hurt she had tried to trick me but I didn’t need to say it the way I did. Disappointment was Dad’s specialty, she didn’t need it from me. I wished I could do it all over again.

As I get to my big sister’s room I pause and stare at the door wondering if I should bother her in the day like this. She was perfectly capable of functioning at any hour but she was alway a bit more drowsy in the daylight hours, she mentioned something about feeling the day bear down on her even when in the dark. As I stand there weighing my decision I hear her voice call out.

“You can come in Jacob.”

Just the sound of her cool clear voice helps set my heart at ease. I’m glad I came. I turn the handle and slowly open the door to see pitch dark beyond. The light from the hall ends at the threshold of the room telling me that magic was at play here.

“Come in. Close the door.” She says in a sleepy voice.

“Yeah, of course.” I slip in and shut the door behind me. Knowing better than to turn on the light I just make my way forward in the dark. Her room has an aroma of rich tobacco with just a faint hint of motor oil coming from the laundry hamper, cars were her hobby and she must have been out tinkering earlier today. Feeling out with my hands I approach her bed and sit on the edge. “Hey Dev.”

“Hey kid.” She replies. There is a rustle of movement as some of the covers move. “Come here, let me feel your warmth.”

“Uh, yeah.” Slipping beneath the covers with her I am struck with how neutral the temperature was despite her presence, like slipping into a bed that had been empty all day. As soon as I am settled in Devany turns to embrace me and I realize she was naked! It was so dark in here my eyes could never adjust to it so I wouldn’t see anything, but I could certainly feel her long lean cool bare body even through my clothes. Her breasts press into my side and long hair tickles my arm, a leg slides up over mine. There is a stir in my loins but I ignore it.

“Mmmm.” She hums approvingly as she snuggles closer. Her nose traces up along my neck. She takes a long inhale, seeming to savor my smell as much as my warmth, then kisses the tender flesh of my neck sending goosebumps down my back. I tense up as she hugs me tight. “Don’t worry, I won’t bite.”

“You can…if you want.” I whisper.

“Mmmm.” Another soft kiss. “Not yet.” With surprising strength she shifts me down a little and snuggles closer, ever so subtly tipping the power dynamic between us into her favor. Devany was a big spoon sort of woman and that was okay by me. “What’s up kid? Something has you bothered.”

“Yeah.” I sigh. “It’s Trix.”

There is a long silence before Dev says. “She finally told you then.” Dev knew about Trixie’s crush on me too it seemed, I wasn’t surprised. It’s not like it was subtle.

“Well, not in so many words, but yeah.” I say. “And I said something I shouldn’t have, she’s really upset.”

“Upset at you? That’s a first.”

“Upset at herself. I didn’t mean to but I really hurt her. I said something really stupid.”

“I see.” My sister says. “Give her some time, she’ll open up about it.” Another pause. “This was a big deal to her Jacob. She was pretty scared about telling you about it so I’m not surprised things became emotional. Please be gentle with her. You mean the world to her Jacob and she’s talked to me often about not wanting to leave you.” I could sense Dev smiling. “That sister of ours, she is more concerned about what it will do to you than any fear for herself. She is such a treasure.”

“Leave me?” In a flash I realize Devany and I were talking about two different things. “What do you mean leave me?”

“Oh no.” Dev picks up on the miscommunication too. “She didn’t tell you.”

“Tell me what?”

“Oh…damn.”

“Tell me what Dev? What’s the secret?” I press. First she lied to me, now a secret. What was going on with my little sister?

“This is her secret to tell. I’m sorry Jacob.” She lets out a huff as she realizes the damage had already been done. “I shouldn’t have assumed. Damn it!”

“Dev, tell me.”

“She should tell you. It isn’t my place. She made us promise to let her tell you.”

“She’s way too upset right now, plus she’s not talking to anyone.” I insist. “Please Dev, I have to know.”

Devany sits up so I do too. “She was supposed to tell you by now.” Dev mutters to herself. “And I guess you have a right to know.”

“Please!” I take her bare shoulders in my hands. “Why is she leaving? When? Where?”

“Jacob, I’m sorry to have to tell you this.”

“Tell me.”

Dev puts a hand to my chest, her voice is grave yet tender. “Jacob, slimes only live 30 to 40 years. Even if she lives a long life Beatrix is already middle aged for her kind.”

“What!?”

“She has 20 more years at most, but that would be very old for a slime, 12 to 15 is much more likely.” She pulls me in for a hug. “I’m sorry you have to hear it this way.”

“But…but…NO!” Tears are already welling up in my eyes. This couldn’t be right, it just couldn’t be. My fun loving, bubbly, vibrant, joyful little sister was already over half way through her lifespan!? No! Being so close in age we were supposed to have many long years together, a whole lifetime! “No, she’s young still. Can’t you see? She’s adorable and precious and full of life and…and… You’re wrong!” I bargain as if Devany was to blame. “She’s young and she’s going to live a long long time and…she’s…she’s…Noooo!”

I try to push Devany away but she holds me tight as I weep angry tears. “I’m sorry Jacob.”