Chapter 12

New Orleans, 1923

Its been 7 years since I left New Orleans, and now i'm finally back. I've been here for a little over a week now, just trying to settle back in and find a job and somewhere to stay. On my first day back, I was wandering around and I bumped into an owner of a speakeasy. She was a short flapper girl named Mimzy, she was awfully generous and offered to let me stay with her while I found somewhere more permanent to live. Even though speakeasies are illegal, of course, it doesn't really matter to me. I don't mind at all, actually. I've been scrambling to find a job, since I've been gone for so long, its been a little difficult. I'm close to just asking Mimzy if she has a waitress position open that I could work. I'm getting a bit desperate, but I do have some experience with waiting tables. Even though most people would only stop in, sometimes they would come in the bakery and sit while they eat their pastries and sweets. I also collected the money that they would leave at the front. Actually, speaking of sweets, I brought some dark chocolate back from the bakery. Just in case I saw Alastor, I don't even know if he likes dark chocolate, or sweets for that matter, anymore.

I've spent pretty much all of my time inside of the house, so I haven't gone out much but I might go to her club tomorrow and ask about the job. Or just find some time to talk to her about it. Because i'm not having much luck finding one at the moment, and I would much rather help out with things like rent than stay here for free. I feel like a freeloader since i'm not contributing anything. She has me staying in the guest room of her house, its quite nice too, actually. Mimzy is often out pretty late, so I tend to the house until she comes back. I mean, Its least I can do right now. When she is around though, I sometimes hear her talking about a friend of hers. Apparently he's incredibly handsome-her words not mine. I have no idea what this mystery man's name is but it seems like she has a crush on the cat. I wonder if he's as magnificent as she's describing him to be, it sounds a bit like she's overreacting but I wouldn't know. Not like I've met the man before, so how would I?

After taking care of the few dishes that were left in the sink, and tidying up, I soon fell asleep. The guest bed is surprisingly comfy, drifting off to sleep was easy. It helped pass the time as I waited for the next day to arrive.

Time skip: The next morning, 6:00AM

I made sure to wake up early, since she leaves the house before the sun rises. Probably so she can get everything set up at her speakeasy. I tumbled out of bed, my weary self doesn't usually wake up at six. Walking out of my room, I caught Mimzy before she left.

"Mimzy?" I called from behind her as she turned around.

"Oh, Y/n. I don't usually see you before I go, is there something you need, doll?" She asked.

"Ah, well uh..yes. I've been having a little trouble finding a job lately, I was wondering if you possibly had a job open. Like, waiting tables maybe?" I asked.

"Oh, I actually just had a waitress quit last Wednesday. So yes, I do. I'd love to have you work there." She said with a smile.

"If you get dressed quickly, you could come with me now." She said.

"Thank you so much Mimzy, um i'll only be a second." I said as she nodded, I scrammed and rushed to my room, quickly changing into some appropriate attire. Stepping back out of my room, I was met with a gasp.

"Hun, you look spiffy! Why, I wouldn't be surprised if some people came in just to see you. You're quite the looker." She said. I was being bombarded with complements, as flattering as it was, I could feel my face burning. I was getting flustered too, almost losing my ability to speak in the moment.

"I-" I paused, laughing a little.

"Thank you, Mimzy." I said as she brushed herself off.

"Of course, now, are you ready to go?" She asked.

"Yes, let me just grab my bag." I said, I forgot to get it when I was first in there.

I went back in and grabbed my purse before heading out the door with Mimzy. The walk there didn't take very long at all. Actually on the way there we passed a new radio station, it wasn't around when I was last here. She pointed out that the man she had been talking about actually works there, when she said that, it reminded me of Alastor. When we were kids, he always talked about becoming a radio host. I wonder if he ever went through with it. Speaking of Mimzy's friend though, she said he would be visiting the speakeasy. I have to say, I was quite excited to meet the man who stole the canary's heart.

"Well, this is it." She said as she pulled me into an alley where there was a door that was off to the side.

"Its nicer on the inside, I assure you." She said, leading me inside.

When we made it in, she took me on over to the back. She gave me the details of what it was that would go on and what I would do, the basic stuff, really. While we were talking, some employees came in. One of them, being the bartender. He had messy hair that was slicked back along with a short beard. He had a white button up with dark brown suspenders and a red bow tie on. He had bags under his eyes, which explained why he looked so drowsy. He wasn't a very cheery looking man, but I still decided to walk over to him. After all, we were going to start working together. So it's a good idea to get to know each other, right?

"Hi." I said as he started pouring a drink, presumably for himself.

"Who let you in? I've never seen you here before." He said, taking a swig of the drink.

"Oh, sorry." I said, laughing a small bit before holding my hand out.

"My name is Y/n, i'm a friend of Mimzy's. She actually just gave me a job here as a waitress, its nice to meet you." I said, he looked me up and down before pushing my hand away.

"Yeah, okay." He said blandly.

"Are you uh..going to introduce yourself?" I asked as he sighed and rolled his eyes.

"The name's Henry, now breeze off, would you?" He said, taking another gulp of whatever alcohol was in the glass and finishing it. Now, I understand not being happy, especially this early in the morning but there's no reason to be rude. I sighed and turned around, I began walking but then he cleared his throat.

"Hold on, Y/n, was it? Look, i'm sorry. I'm just tired, its been a long week." He said as I turned back around to look at him.

"That's okay, I understand. Its been a long week for me too." I said, taking a seat on one of the bar stools.

"How so?" He asked.

"Well, last week I just moved back to New Orleans. I haven't been here in a whole seven years, it's been tough finding a job so i'm grateful Mimzy had a position open. Though, this job is only going to be temporary." I said, he grabbed another glass from the shelf behind him.

"What do you want?" He asked, looking at the bottles of giggle water.

"No thank you, I appreciate it though." I said as he shrugged and put the glass back down. I was going to continue our conversation but Mimzy had walked over.

"Ah, I see you've met Husk?" She said.

"Husk..? I thought his name was Henry." I said.

"Oh, it's just a nickname-" She said but she was cut off.

"Mimzy! Don't you dare get more people to start calling me that." He said. His eyebrows furrowed and his fists balled up on the counter.

"Oh, close your head. It's not that big of a deal and-hey! what did I tell you about drinking on the job?" She asked, picking up the glass with the small bit of liquid that was left at the bottom. She sighed as she set the glass back down.

"Don't let it happen again, okay?" She said as he shrugged. It didn't look like she was going to get anywhere with him, at least not to me. I wonder if this happens often with him.

"Y/n, whens the earliest you could start workin?" She asked. I mean, i'd like to work as soon as possible. I don't have very much money left.

"As soon as you can have me." I said with a smile as she took both my hands and held them up.

"That's great! Could you start working today, that's not too soon, is it?" She asked, as I shook my head. I did say as soon as possible, anyway.

"Not a problem." I said.

"All right, come with me and i'll get you a uniform." She said while she began to walk. I gave Henry a small wave before following her to the back where I was handed a red and white uniform. Walking out of the restroom where I had changed into it, I was greeted by Mimzy.

After I had changed, I helped clean up around a little. Help put things away, things like that. I chatted with Henry for a little while, he said that he had known Mimzy for two, almost three years now. They seem quite close with each other, I wonder if he knows the man that Mimzy is close with. Speaking of that man, he's supposed to be arriving soon. I've been here helping out for a few hours, its beginning to get late. It's 9:30PM right now. I was cleaning when I heard Mimzy laughing nearby the door.

"Oh, come along. There's someone I want you to meet." I heard her say as her footsteps grew louder behind me.

"Y/n, meet Alastor." She said as I quickly turned around, Alastor was the mystery man?

"Y/n?" He said as I faced him, he's grown quite tall but still hasn't changed one bit.

"Alastor! I've missed you!" I said, dropping the cloth that I was wiping the table with and pulling him into a hug.

"I-I..when did you come back? It's been such a long time." He said, hugging me back. He's right, its been a while.

"I know it has, I came back last week." I said, letting go of him.

"Where have you been staying?" He asked.

"I've been staying with Mimzy, she was kind enough to let me." I said.

"I didn't realize you two have already meet, i'll let you both catch up. I'll be either nearby the back or at the bar if you need me." She said, scurrying off.

"Why don't you come stay with me? I have more than enough space, I assure you." He said.

"Oh, are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose." I said as he waved his hand and shook his head.

"Darling, that's nonsense. You wouldn't be imposing, not at all. I would love to have you." He said.

"Now, what have you been up to all this time?" He said, taking my hand and puling me over to one of the empty tables. He pulled the chair out for me to sit, then took a seat across from me.

"Honestly, not much. Mostly just helping out with the bakery before I came back here." I said.

"Ah, that's right, the bakery. Has it been going well?" He asked.

"Yeah, it has-Oh! Yeah, hold on." I said, pulling my purse onto my lap. I had put the chocolate in here, I opened the bag and pulled it out.

"I don't even know if you like it anymore but it used to be your favorite." I said, handing him the bar of dark chocolate.

"You remembered?" He asked, taking it from my hand.

"Of course I did." I said with a small laugh.

"If you don't like it anymore though I have some other sweets I could give you." I said.

"No, I still like dark chocolate. Other sweet things, not so much anymore, really." He said.

"Oh? You used to love sweet things." I said.

"I think everyone did when they were children, but what about you? I recall you had a bit sweet tooth as well." He said.

"That hasn't gone away, no." I said.

"Well, I must say, you look lovely. Even in that uniform." He chuckled.

"Oh, thank you." I said.

"How are your parents by the way?" He asked.

"They're doing well, what about Mary? How is she doing?" I asked as his expression changed a bit. He let out a nervous chuckle as he rubbed the back of his neck.

"She passed away last year, so I wouldn't know." He said with a small laugh. This made me upset to hear. One, for his sake. I mean, she was his aunt. But I also really liked her, she felt almost like family to me for the longest time before I moved away.

"I'm so sorry to hear that, Alastor." I said.

"Oh its nothing, really. I'm past it. Now, I have a question for you." He said.

"What is it?" I asked.

"Do you like to dance?" He asked me. I had been so busy with moving, when I had to go to the new school, helping out with the bakery, that I never even learned to dance.

"I don't know how to, actually." I said. I was a bit embarrassed.

"Ah, well its about time you learn then! I'm an excellent dancer." He said, standing up and holding out his hand to me.

"I-what?" I was confused, was he asking me to dance with him? I don't even know how to, what if I mess up, make a fool of myself?

"It'll be okay, darling. Just follow my lead." He said as I stood up and took his hand.

He led me away from the table and closer to the middle of the building. Its like we had a spotlight shining down on us, we were visible to everyone. I've never been too much of a fan for attention. Exceptionally when i'm about to dance when I've never done it before. It felt like everyone was staring, all eyes on me and him.

"Alastor, what if I mess up?" I asked as he took one of my hands in his and placed the other on my shoulder.

"Who cares? Its been years since I've seen you, I'd love to have this dance, to have fun with you again." He said.

"I'll take the lead so you don't have to worry, just follow me, okay?" He said as I nodded, as nervous as I was, I didn't want to ruin this for him.

As he began moving, I followed the way that he did. As we swayed back and forth, I felt the anxiety that I had melt away. Now, instead of a spotlight shining awkwardly on us, it felt like we were dancing on a stage. Like we were performing for everyone, and surprisingly, I hadn't tripped or anything yet.

"Sweetheart, for someone who supposedly can't dance, you're doing quite well. Were you lying to me before?" He asked while moving with me from side to side.

"No, of course not. You're just good at leading." I said as our dancing was soon coming to an end, my legs growing tired from the movement, as fun as it is.

When we got done, we sat back down as he ordered a drink for himself. He offered to get me one as well but seeing as though I will still technically on the clock, I declined. I worked until almost midnight while Alastor waited around, he insisted that I move in tonight, that I could just get my stuff from Mimzy's tomorrow. He waited until I changed back into my clothes and out of the uniform.

"I'll see you tomorrow, hun!" Mimzy said as me and Alastor walked out of the door.

"You know, you didn't have to wait. I could have waited another day to move in." I said as he took my bag and uniform from me and held them.

"Yes, but I don't know if I could've." He said with a laugh.

"I really missed you, i'm glad i'm back." I said as he looked at me.

"Oh you have no idea how much I've missed you, I can't believe you left me here with Caleb." He said, his sentence ending with a sneer when he said Caleb's name.

"He couldn't have been that bad." I said, laughing. Seems like he still had it out for him like he did when we were kids.

"He's been utterly obnoxious, especially recently." He said as he sighed.

"He can be so annoying." He said.

"Wait why do you stick around with him if you don't like him?" I asked.

"I'm basically forced to, he works where I do." He said as I realized I never asked where he worked.

"Where do you work at by the way?" I asked as he gasped.

"I can't believe I didn't tell you yet! I became a radio host, just like I said I was going to." He said as I remembered Mimzy bringing up that he had worked at the seemingly new radio station that we passed by.

"Really?" I said, though I wasn't too surprised. I mean, he used to talk about it nonstop.

"Mhm, its what I've been doing for the past four or so years." He said.

"Is it everything you thought it would be?" I asked him.

"It is, I love the job." He said as he walked up the driveway of one of the houses, his was much larger than Mimzy's. He had said before that the job would pay well, but I guess I didn't know exactly how much.

When we made it inside he gave me a quick tour of the house, said that he could give a more thorough one tomorrow. I'm guessing he had to get up early for work, so I also didn't want to keep him up for something like a tour of the house. It was only when we got to the guest room that I realized that I didn't really have any nightwear to sleep in.

"Uh, Al?" I asked as he was about to walk away.

"Yes?" He asked, turning back around.

"I don't have anything to sleep in." I said.

"Well, I suppose you could borrow one of my shirts for the time being until we get your clothes from Mimzy." He said.

"Wait right here." He said as he walked over to his room, and coming back with a dark red button up.

"It might be a little big on you but here." He said with a chuckle as he placed it in my hands.

"Alastor." I said.

"Hm?" He asked.

"Thank you for this." I said with a small smile, but he looked confused.

"For..the shirt?" He asked as I laughed a little.

"No, well I mean yes. But for everything, especially letting me stay here." I said as he let out an "Oh".

"You're quite welcome, dear." He said.

"Goodnight, darling." He said to me.

"Goodnight, Alastor." I said before turning and walking into my room. I wonder, does he call everyone those nicknames?

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Hello! I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, I had a lot of fun writing this one and I also have some drawings I did!

⇩

Also don't mind the middle drawing of her I drew this at like 2AM lmfao

Just replace the girl with whatever you look like

Hope you enjoy the art! (๑>ᗜºั)✧˚ · .*ೃ༄

Word count: 3335