LIVING WITH A DEVIL - EPISODE 89 AND 90

Same night, Hardin’s place**

“Why didn’t you follow your friends to New York?” His mum (Mrs Scott) asked from the kitchen.

She came home late from work so dinner will be late tonight.

“I wanted to celebrate Christmas with you and Dad” he replied and Mrs Scott smiled.

“You’ve always been celebrating Christmas in Washington” she said.

” Yeah but not with you, I celebrated my last two Christmas with my ex” he replied, picking an apple from the freezer.

“Still not over her?” Mr Scott asked, coming downstairs.

“She’s out of my heart since long ago” he replied and his dad Pat him.

” My son is growing” he said and Hardin smiled.

“I’m twenty, what were you expecting, can’t keep sulking around” he said and Mr Scott laughed.

Though his parents are mostly at work but anytime they’re at home, they spend good quality time with him and that’s why he adores them a lot, they’re the best.

“So I want a gift from you this Christmas” Mrs Scott said from the kitchen.

” Me too” Mr Scott said.

” Did you two connive to do this?” Hardin said and they both laughed.

” Something like that” Mrs Scott said.

“I’ll buy you both something special I promise, and I wanna go out with you both on Christmas, can you spare me the time?” He asked.

“it’s the first time you’ll be asking for it, I can’t wait son” Mr Scott said and he hugged him

” I want mine” his mum said and came out of the kitchen to hug him too.

“You both act like jealous kids” he said and they both laughed heartily.

“So… who’s on point now?” Mr Scott asked.

” Ion understand” Hardin said

” I mean.. your new girlfriend” he said.

” Ain’t talking about that right now” he replied and quickly went in.

He got to his room and fell on the bed.

” My parents are….the best” he smiled and his mind went to Josephine.

Strangely his mind roams around her these days…

He got his phone and stared at her number for a while.

*She’s somehow uptight, what if she doesn’t pick?, Even if she does, what if she’ll be cranky as usual?’ he asked himself.

*Let’s just try first” he said and dialled her line.

Shockingly, she picked when it had barely rang.

“Hi” he said awkwardly.

“Who’s on the line please?” She requested.

” Hardin” he replied simply.

” Hardin?, What Hardin?” She replied

*She forgot about me already?* He thought and sighed.

“Hardin the disturber from Washington, Hardin… Rowen’s friend, Seth’s friend, Clark and Blaine’s friend, Hardin from WSU department of….

“Hey hey….stop” she said and he smiled.

“You know me now?” He said.

“I do, I wouldn’t want to get my ears bursted as a result of excessive intro” she replied.

” As always” he said, standing up to pace around.

“You in Washington?” She asked.

“Of course” he replied.

” You didn’t follow the guys to New York?”

” I want to celebrate Christmas with my parents” he replied.

” Sweet cute boy” she whined and he chuckled.

” You’re being jovial, why?” He asked.

“I’m always jovial” she replied with a giggle.

” Says who?, You’re always uptight” he replied.

“Thanks ” she said and he breathed hard.

” What are you doing right now?” He asked.

“In my room, I just finished taking a cold shower, about to put on my nightie” she replied.

” Oh, did you eat already?” Hardin found himself asking.

“Yeah” she replied simply.

“Have any plans to come back to Washington anytime soon?” He asked.

“I’m not sure” she replied

” Oh”

” Why am I even answering your questions” she said and he smiled.

” Maybe because you wanted to” he said

” Whatever, I have to go now, I need to sleep early” she replied.

” I understand, merry Christmas in addy” he said .

It took a while before she replied in a silent voice.

“Same here Hardin”

“Goodnight”

“Sure” she replied and he hung up.

He fell back on the bed and smiled, feeling much better.

*****

HELL BOYS COVEN**

“Welcome boss”

“Welcome boss” the gang members greeted as Reno stepped into the coven with Hazel

Hazel looks cold as usual, the emotionless and wicked look Is still intact.

She walked into Reno’s apartment with him and drank directly from a bottle of alcohol.

Reno brought out his phone and slide into Seth’s picture in his gallery.

“You’re saying you know him very well in WSU? ‘ he asked.

“He’s the main reason why I almost died, he and his bloody girlfriend…. I have four major targets…. Seth, Sapphire, Nadia and Rowen” she said.

” I moved my coven to Washington cos of him, Michael Langford” Reno said and lightened a stick of cigarette, puffing on it immediately

“Have scores to settle with him?” Hazel asked, lightening a cigarette too.

“He was once a member of this gang” Reno smiled.

” Kidding right? ” Hazel said.

” When we were still in New York two years ago, he was one of us, his nickname was f*cker… he f*cks everytime everyday…. he has tons of f*ckmates but Lila was one of his major girls, he f*cks her the most cos Lila was the only girl in our gang, they were obsessed with each other” Reno said.

” Can’t believe my ears” Hazel smiled.

” Something happened one night and I killed him, I thought he died but only for me to find out he’s still alive one year later and since then, I’ve been looking for him, I heard he’s in WSU, that’s why I moved here” Reno said.

” I’m lucky” Hazel said, blowing out massive amount of smoke from her mouth and nose.

“Glad you know” Reno said.

“When I was still Hazel, I’ve always wanted to have a taste of his d*ck but I never got to do that before he chased me till death, but now that I’m back with the face of his f*ckmate Lila, I’ll have a taste of him before killing him, I’ll make sure I destroy his relationship with Sapphire before killing Sapphire herself, I’m killing Nadia too… and Rowen…I might spare his life if he agrees to be mine” she smiled wickedly.

” Micheal’s girlfriend is Sapphire?” Reno asked suspiciously.

” Yeah, that’s the name of that b*tch” she replied.

“By any chance…is she Sapphire Hunt?” Reno asked.

“And how the f*ck did you know?” Hazel said, rolling eyes at him.

Reno stood immediately.

“Is she really Sapphire Hunt?”

“Yeah, you have ear problem?” Hazel smirked and Reno laughed out loud.

” Finally… we’re meeting again s*xy…. I’m becoming impatient for school to resume, WSU will be receiving bloody visitors as students” Reno said and they both laughed.

*****

Next day( Christmas Eve )…. New York**

The Langford’s mansion**

“You guys should be careful, have fun but don’t lose yourself, no one should get drunk, no one I’m serious” Sophia said when the guys are all set to leave the house that night.

“Sure mum,you should even go with us, what good will it be if you stay at home” Seth said.

” Who says I’m staying at home, I have plans” she replied and Sapphire looked at her suspiciously.

“With who mum?” She asked.

“You guys need to go” Sophia replied with a smile.

“Mum are you seeing someone?, Do you have a boyfriend now huh?” Nora said and Sophia laughed.

” Boyfriend?”

” You’re not too old to have a boyfriend, you’re still so pretty and young” Clark said and Sophia smiled.

” Ok accepted, you guys should leave” she replied.

“She’s showing us the way” Seth said and they laughed as they left the house.

Sophia quickly dressed up and barely five minutes after, she was still checking out herself in front of the mirror when the doorbell rang loudly downstairs.

She quickly got her bag and rushed downstairs.

The maids has already opened the door for Mr Bills already and he’s waiting in the living room.

“You look good Mrs Langford” he smiled, revealing his hidden dimples.

“Oh… thanks, it’d have been boring at home if you hadn’t suggested that we should go out” she replied, tucking a large piece of her hair behind her ear.

“Thanks for agreeing to go, it’d have been boring for me too” he replied, smiling again.

” So where are we going?” She asked.

” Secret* he replied and she smiled .

“Women first” he said and she smiled wider as she left the house, Mr Bills walked behind her, admiring every of her steps till they got to the car and he opened the car door for her.

“Thanks” she said and went in.

He did same and his driver started the drive to their destination.

The streets is glittering and full of Christmas festivities, everyone is in a festive mood, it’s Christmas Eve anyways.

Sophia kept smiling, this reminds her of her husband Jake Langford.

They’ll always go out like this every Christmas Eve when he was still alive.

She smiled as they got to their destination and the driver brought the car to an halt.

“We’re here” Mr Bills said, coming down first, Sophia came down and her eyes widened.

“Amelie?” She said, looking at the dinner place.

” Yeah, I made a special reservation so we have a large space to ourselves” Mr Bills replied.

” I love it here” she smiled.

” I’m glad I choose it then, let’s go in” he said, giving her an hand. She held it and they smiled at each other before going in.

****

Washington**

Brasserie Liberte**

“I’m sorry for coming late boss, I’m really sorry” Julia said pleadingly immediately she entered their reserved part of the restaurant.

Mr McCoy is sitting already, waiting for her.

He actually asked her out for Christmas Eve dinner with him.

“It’s fine Mrs Hunt, I was just getting here too, I didn’t wait for long” he smiled and she took her seat in front of him.

She bit her lip, while trying to avoid eye contact.

McCoy smiled wider as he checked her out.

She’s a cynosure of all eyes, still young and beautiful, maybe that’s why he’s always fascinated by everything about her.

She looked up suddenly and their eyes met, she shyly looked down again.

He realized they have to order and quickly gave her the menu.

She took it and scanned for what to eat till she saw her taste.

“I’ll just have your signature dish for tonight” she said.

” That’ll be caprese steak” the waiter said.

” Sure” she replied

” I’ll have that too, and a bottle of red wine” McCoy said.

“In a jiffy sir” the waiter replied and left .

Julia started avoiding his eyes again and suddenly started feeling hot.

*Why am I hot?* She wondered, fanning herself with her hands.

“You feeling heat?, Are you uncomfortable?” He quickly asked.

“Oh….no I’m just…I’m ok” she replied awkwardly.

” How do you normally spend your Christmas Eve?” He asked.

” I always spend it at home since my husband’s death” she replied.

” Oh” he said and their orders arrived.

It was settled in front of them and Julia slowly picked her cutleries, she ate slowly without looking up.

McCoy never ate, he just watched her eat slowly, raising each spoon to her mouth with caution as if her hand will break if she applies too much effort.

He smiled as he watched with interest and when Julia noticed he’s not eating, she looked up and their eyes met.

“You’re not…. eating?” She asked slowly.

McCoy noticed she has a stain from the steak on her lips and sighed before standing up.

He bent over to her side and took tissue.

“Your lips” he said silently and wiped it slowly while Julia kept looking at him, blinking severally.

He finished wiping and removed the tissue slowly from her lips but it was hard to remove his eyes….her lips were red and irresistible and worse still, he started imagining her as his late wife.

Without thinking again, he leaned in and kissed her.

Julia’s heart skipped several beats instantly as he felt his lips on hers.

It’s been long since she did this,she has never kissed since her husband’s demise so it feels new and.

She closed her eyes and wanted to kiss him back but she snapped back to her senses and pushed him away slightly.

McCoy’s eyes widened, realizing what he just did.

“Julia I’m sorry, I wasn’t..

She took her bag and rushed out of the place.

He rushed after her but she’s already in her car .. she drove off before he could get there.

“What have I done” he said, running his hand through his hair.

*****

New York**

Ice skating rink**

“Are you guys done yet?” Rowen asked, pulling Nadia up after he helped her tie her skating shoe laces.

“We’re done” Jacinthe replied, coming out with Blaine.

“Same here” Clark replied, advancing with Nora who held him tightly cos she’s not so good at skating.

They all faced Sapphire and Seth, Seth is still busy tying her laces.

“Clumsy couples” Nora said .

“I know right?” Rowen laughed.

” Shut up d*ck” Seth said and pulled Sapphire up, stole a kiss from her lips before joining them.

“I can’t do it well” she said like a baby.

” Then hold me tighter” he replied and she did that.

“Ok the first couple to get to the end will get the best couple of the year” Blaine said.

” I’m interested” Clark said, holding Nora tighter.

” Ok ready?, Go!” Rowen said and they all started the skating race, running down the rink with their partners.

“Easy baby, easy I’ll fall!” Sapphire screamed.

“No you won’t, we have to win this” Seth replied, they’re the third in line.

” Blaine why the hell did you suggest this , I can’t do this anymore” Jacinthe said, breathing heavily as the shoes moved her beside Blaine.

“We wanna be the best couple so cooperate candy, I love you” he said and stopped to give her a kiss before proceeding.

“Will you climb my
back?” Rowen asked Nadia.

“Cherrie are you kidding me?, How can you skate while giving me a piggyback ride” she replied.

” You’re not that heavy, I want us to win” he replied and she smiled, moving faster.

” A little bit more” Clark said, pulling Nora to the end of the rink, they got there first.

“What the f*ck” Seth said when he got there with Sapphire

“I’m impressed” Rowen said.

“Best couple of the year, you guys are cute” Nadia said

Clark hugged Nora gently and she kept smiling like a Cheshire cat.

“Merry Christmas everyone” Blaine said after checking the time, it’s 12am already.

“Merry Christmas!” They all chorused, everyone hugged their partners.

” Merry Christmas babe” Rowen said after kissing Nadia lightly.

” Same here cherrie” she replied and kissed him again.

” Merry Christmas candy” Blaine said, kissing Jacinthe’s forehead.

“Same here swii” she winked and they hugged.

“Merry Xmas cutie” Clark smiled, bringing out a box from his pocket.

“Same here love” Nora replied, watching with anticipation as he opened the box.

It’s a bracelet!

“OMG Clark” she said happily, covering her mouth so she won’t scream.

“You like it?” He asked.

“Yeah Clark, wear it for me already” she said impatiently, pointing her arm forward.

Clark unclasped it and clasped it on her wrist before hugging her.

“I love you so much Clark, I love you a lot” she said.

” I adore you cutie” he replied and tightened his arms around her.

” So this is our first Christmas together, have any wishes?, It’ll come true” Sapphire said after breaking the hug with Seth, she’s hanging her arms on his neck.

“I wish… we’d be together forever with nothing to come between us pretty” he replied, fondly brushing her hair with his fingers.

“I wish you’d love me till your last breath just like I’d do, I wish we’d be happy together forever” she smiled.

” So be it” he replied and they smiled brightly at each other.

Seth was about to kiss her lips when his phone rang, it’s an unknown number.

“Just a sec” he said and Sapphire nodded as he picked.

“F*cker” the voice said and Seth shivered slightly, there’s only one owner of that voice.

“R…. Reno?” He quivered, swallowing hard.

“I can feel the fear in your voice Michael, of course you should be scared, we’re meeting again soon, surviving death two years ago was rude” Reno said.

” I’m not that weakling anymore Reno” Seth replied.

” Really?, You now talk back at me?, I’m impressed, seems like you really grew some nerves” Reno grinned.

” Don’t you ever call me anymore, ion want to have anything to do with HELL BOYS anymore” Seth said

“Says who?, I’ll kill you Michael, and you have the guts to date the girl?, The girl you saved that night, the one I killed you because of” Reno said…

” What the hell are you talking about! ” Seth yelled

” Oh, you don’t know?, I guess you didn’t recognize her because it was dark that night but I can still remember her face and name cos I’ve been trailing her for long before she came to JK’S clubhouse with her friends two years ago… Sapphire Hunt” Reno said.

” What!” Seth said, breaking a sweat.

” The girl you drugged her drink with s*x urge pills that night…I heard she turned to a nymphomaniac already cos of the pills…..She’s that same girl” Reno said.

” Stop trying to mess with my thinking!” Seth yelled.

” Baby” Sapphire called behind him, worried about his yells.

He looked back at her and swallowed hard again.

“That’s my Christmas gift for you F*cker, see you soon” Reno said and hung up.

The phone fell from Seth’s hand immediately.