CHAPTER EIGHT:
ISLA CARTERS.

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BROOKLYN, NEW YORK was one of Birdie's favorite places to visit. She didn't get the chance to travel to New York very often with most monsters staying within the midwest region, but she usually enjoyed it whenever a case brought her to the East Coast——even if she left still while covered in blood and guts from a bloodthirsty monster that she'd killed.

It'd been quite some time since she was last in New York. With so much going on and Dean's time coming closer to an end, she was trying to spend as much time with him as she could (and also help Sam try to find a way to save the oldest Winchester). But when the opportunity struck for her to get just a couple days to herself without having to hunt down a monster, she decided to head to New York for a few hours. The sun beat down on her, causing a small smile to grace her lips as she took in the views like she was visiting for the first time.

While some people would've preferred Manhattan over Brooklyn, or even New York City, Birdie wasn't one of them. In fact, she'd only been to Manhattan and New York City once or twice in her twenty three years of life.

Her father was the one who introduced her to Brooklyn. He brought her there when Serena went on a Wraith hunt somewhere in Louisiana with a fellow hunter which left them a chance to get away from both hunting and Serena for a few days. Birdie's eleventh birthday was only a few days away at the time, and Reese saw it as a chance to celebrate and have some fun with his daughter her special day.

He took her all over the dazzling city with neither of them even thinking about monsters. He showed her dozens of parks where she was able to run free and enjoy the things she hadn't gotten to experience yet. They didn't have much money even with fake credit cards, but Reese bought her as many pieces of clothing and toys, almost unable to fit it all in her suitcase. They both promised not to tell Serena about the shopping spree, knowing that she wouldn't have liked them spending money on clothes when Birdie "had enough", as Serena said the last time Birdie asked for just a few new pieces of clothing to replace the ones that were becoming worn and torn. They went out to eat every day, more than happy to have something other than gas station food that was always two days old at the least.

But, Reese made sure to save the best place for last on her actual birthday——an ice cream shop called Halcyon Swirl where they had every ice cream flavor imaginable and over 100 kinds of delicious toppings. That was years ago though and Birdie hadn't gone back there since Reese died.

However, when she saw the shop was still open as she wandered down the crowded sidewalk, she decided to head inside.

It looked the exact same as it did all those years ago, the tall walls painted in stripes with every color of the rainbow. Vibrant drawings made by hundreds of children were pinned to a wall that stretched across the entire width of the shop, some starting to creep onto the other wall as more and more kids added their drawings.

Birdie remembered drawing a picture with her father as they ate their ice cream, but she couldn't seem to find it amongst all of the pictures. That was okay with her, though. She still had the memory and that was more than enough for her.

A fond smile appeared on Birdie's lips, letting out a heavy sigh as memories played through her mind. She quickly shook her head as soon as they did, eyes shifting over to the menu that was placed behind the counter. There were only a few other customers seated inside, many people deciding against eating ice cream when it was already chilly enough outside and they craved something warm.

Birdie twisted her lips as she wiggled her fingers, reading over the different flavors. There wad even more added since last time. A ghost of a smile graced her soft lips, spotting her father's favorite flavor near the very end——hot fudge coconut swirl. Birdie absolutely hated it, but Reese swore that it was delicious. He had even attempted to get Birdie to try it, but she just stuck to her own ice cream while claiming she didn't feel like puking on her birthday.

"Ma'am?" Birdie suddenly blinked back to reality, seeing one of the employees looking at her with a warm smile etched on their lips. "Would you like to try a sample?"

Birdie cleared her throat, offering the girl a tiny smile as she stepped up to the pristine counter, peering down at the different flavors. "Uh, no thank you," she kindly denied, looking back up at the list of flavors. "Can I get two scoops of cotton candy in a. . .cone?"

"Yeah, 'course," the employee answered, smiling as she moved down to where the tub of cotton candy ice cream was located. Birdie's eyes carefully followed her, curiously glancing around the shop like she was double checking there wasn't anyone or anything unusual inside. That was when her eyes suddenly fell on a father and daughter. They were laughing together in a corner booth, each of them holding a waffle cone with napkins wrapped around them so their ice cream didn't drip onto their hands. She watched the little girl beam at her father, her bright blue eyes lit up with pure joy. It reminded Birdie exactly of how she was with her father. She shook her head after a few seconds and returned her attention to the employee, smiling as the girl finished up scooping the ice cream into a rather large cone. "Do you want any toppings?"

Birdie thought for a brief moment, her eyes glancing over towards the toppings on the counter placed against the wall. Sprinkles were usually one of her go to topping choices, but she didn't want anything extra added this time. She shook her head, reaching into her purse for some cash. "No thanks."

The girl nodded, wrapping some napkins around the cone with her gloved hands, handing it over to Birdie. "That'll be $5.24."

Birdie quickly rummaged through her wallet, pulling out some cash. "Just keep the change," she said.

"Thank you," the girl said, watching Birdie begin to walk away. She stole a glance to the side, letting out a sigh as she moved to a two-person table off to the side. She chose a chair facing the rest of the shop and the main door, wanting to make sure she didn't have her back to those who came and went——a hunter's habit her mother had implanted in her head before she even started kindergarten.

She took a few licks of the colorful ice cream, reaching into her pocket for her phone as the sweet flavor attacked her taste buds. She skimmed through her text messages as she enjoyed the time to herself, chuckling under her breath when she saw Kaiya had sent her a picture of herself looking rather annoyed at work. It also included a message that said she'd rather be hunting than dealing with her boss's newest assistant who was making one mistake after another, leaving Kaiya to constantly clean up after her. Birdie shook her head and sent a quick response, reminding Kaiya that it'd most likely only be a few days before the assistant would be fired and a new one would be hired——-hopefully one that was much better at their job than the current one.

Birdie frowned when some ice cream dripped down on her hand, making her let out a faint huff in annoyance. She stood up and made her way back over to the counter, grabbing some extra napkins. Her eyes briefly flickered to the door when it opened, seeing a mother and her young daughter entering the shop. Birdie let out a sigh, carefully wiping at her hand with the napkin.

"Birdie?"

Birdie's eyes slightly widened, cautiously turning around at the sound of her name. Her eyes fell on the woman who was holding her young daughter, a growing smile beginning to appear on her lips as she stared at Birdie. "Uh, yeah?"

"H-hi!" the woman chirped, walking closer to Birdie. Birdie's brows furrowed together in confusion, taking in the woman's gorgeous appearance. She had long brown hair, stopping just below her bust. Her makeup was delicately done, making her stunning features stand out even more. Birdie's eyes flickered over to the dark haired little girl that was curled into her side, seeing she was maybe just a little over one year old. There was a hint of blue in the little girl's soft eyes, a bright shine in them that only a child could have.

Birdie's gaze returned to the woman, suddenly realizing who she was. "Holy shit," she said in disbelief, wincing seconds later as she realized what she'd just said. She stammered, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes as her eyes shot back to the little girl and then the woman. "Oh sh——I-I'm sorry. I——"

The woman chuckled, her smile never faltering as she stood in front of Birdie. "It's okay, Birdie," she assured her.

Birdie breathed out a forced laugh, adjusting her grip on her ice cream cone. "Isla. . ." Birdie murmured, taking in the woman's appearance again now that she knew who she was. She looked the exact same as she did when Birdie first met her. "It's, uh, it's been a while."

"Yeah, it has," Isla warmly agreed, stealing a glance at her daughter who gave Birdie a shy smile.

Birdie nodded her head, still reeling in the fact that Isla Carters was standing in front of her again, and with a little girl of her own attached to her hip.

It was just a few years ago Birdie first met Isla, having been introduced to the woman by Dean amidst his and Sam's extensive search for their father. Birdie believed Isla could have been the one for Dean, but after she was reunited with her husband, Benjamin Ellison, or simply Benji, who she'd thought had been killed by the same demon who was formerly after her, she and Dean split up. It was an amicable breakup, both Dean and Isla agreeing they were better off separate as Isla had a chance to get away from hunting and resume her life with her husband. Dean knew that letting her go would've given her a better life——a life he couldn't give promise her. And, as Birdie's eyes lingered on the sparkly ring on Isla's finger and the little girl, she could tell that Isla's life was going rather well for her.

"I, uh, how've you been?" Birdie softly asked, breathing out a faint laugh. Despite having to talk to victims, witnesses, waiters and waitresses, and occasionally a fellow hunter, Birdie's social skills weren't the best (she had Serena to thank for that). It was easier to talk to Bobby, the boys, and Kaiya, and once that had been Isla, but that was before she and Dean broke up.

"I've been doing really well," Isla answered with a grin, noticing how Birdie kept glancing towards her daughter. "Work has kept me pretty busy lately, and so has this little one."

Birdie's eyes moved back to the little girl, offering her a faint smile when the little girl grinned, showing off a few teeth that were starting to come in. "She looks a lot like you," she said, eyes lighting up when the little girl reached her tiny hand out towards Birdie. Her lips curled into an even brighter smile, her free hand reaching to gently touch the little girl's hand. "What's her name?"

"Aliana," Isla said, her smile widening as her daughter seemed to take an interest in Birdie.

"That's really pretty," Birdie softly replied, slowly lowering her hand as Aliana laid her head on Isla's shoulder with a smile still on her lips.

Birdie met Isla's warm gaze again, a lingering question quite obvious though she wasn't voicing it. "Benji's her Dad," Isla told her, shifting Aliana on her hip slightly. "He's at work at the moment."

A look of relief washed over Birdie's face with Isla's response, faintly nodding her head as adjusted her grip on her half-eaten ice cream. "That's-yeah, that's good. I'm glad," she said, eyes flickering to the side when she saw someone entering the door just off to the side of them. "Do you. . .do you wanna sit?"

"Yeah, we'd love to," Isla answered, happily nodding. "Let me just order some ice cream for us first."

"Yeah, sure thing," Birdie nodded, giving Isla another smile. She turned on her heel and sat at the table she'd previously been at, sinking into the same chair so she was still facing the front. Her gaze remained on Isla, a faint smile still apparent on her lips as she watched the woman interact with her daughter, making her giggle as she picked her out some ice cream for them to share. Birdie licked at her own ice cream as she patiently waited, taking a few bites of the cone as the ice cream got lower and lower into the cone.

It didn't take long for Isla to return, Isla grinning as she held a small bowl of a multi-colored ice cream for her and Aliana. She sat across from Birdie, carefully nestling Aliana in her lap as the little girl hungrily eyed the ice cream that was decorated with sprinkles. "That's the same look I had on my face when I got mine," Birdie snickered.

Isla peeked down at her daughter, letting out a laugh when seeing how wide her daughter's eyes had gotten. "I don't blame her," she said, scooping a small bite into the bowl for Aliana. "This place is supposed to be one of the best ice cream shops in the country."

"Who said that?" Birdie curiously wondered.

Isla breathed out a chuckle, glancing up from Aliana towards Birdie. "You did."

"I did?" Birdie asked, brows furrowing together as she tried to recall telling Isla that.

Isla nodded, scooping a bite for herself. "It was a long time ago, but I remember you told me that your father took you here when you were younger and you loved it. I never got the chance to see for myself, but today I had some time to spare and remembered it wasn't too far away from the store we were just at."

"You've never been here until today?" Birdie asked, a hint of skepticism etched in her voice.

Isla gave her a playful look, giving Aliana another bite of the ice cream that she was greatly enjoying. "I did not know you were here, Birdie," she truthfully said.

"I didn't say that," Birdie innocently replied, munching on more of the cone.

"But you were thinking it," Isla said; if there was one thing Isla remembered about Birdie, it was that she didn't trust people easily. "It happened the first time we met."

Birdie chuckled under her breath, leaning back in the chair. She'd never taken well to strangers——especially after her father died and she started hunting by herself——no matter if someone she knew already trusted them. Though, it did help that it was Dean who had become acquainted with Isla out of the few people Birdie still spoke with. However, Birdie still hadn't been entirely sure about Isla. But, when the woman proved she wasn't a threat (nor a monster as both Sam and Birdie hadn't been very sure at first), Birdie grew to like the woman. She didn't get to know her very well as Birdie had her own life to live and bounced around from place to place much like the Winchesters so their paths only crossed a few times, but she'd never forgotten the woman.

"Sorry," Birdie apologized, offering Isla a sheepish smile; she had been thinking it, but she didn't want to say it out loud. "Force of habit."

Isla nonchalantly shrugged her shoulders, taking another bite of the ice cream after dabbing some from the corners of Aliana's mouth with a napkin. "It's okay, Birdie. I get it," she said.

Birdie nodded as well, letting out a faint sigh. "So, how has. . .life been goin'? Are you back to doing the same job you did before?"

"It has been absolutely wonderful. It. . .it was difficult at first——both for Benji and I——but we're very happy where we're at now. And yes, I am back to teaching. It's in a different area and an entirely different school district, but it's a beautiful school and the kids are all so wonderful," Isla gushed, eyes lighting up as she thought of her job that brought so much joy into her life. When Birdie met Isla, she'd been a kindergarten teacher in New York until she took a leave of absence after her husband went missing and a demon started making trouble for her——which was how Isla and Dean first crossed paths.

When Isla and Benji were reunited, they packed up their things and moved a few cities over, managing to find a new kind of balance for their lives that had been flipped upside down without warning. It wasn't easy after everything they both had gone through, but they were doing rather okay now it seemed. "And Benji's started to work on a new design for a school just down the street since the one a few blocks away is getting torn down once summer starts. He wants to make sure the kids still have a school to go to since the district is trying to close down a bunch to make room for more corporate buildings."

"Wow, that's really amazing, Isla. Not-not the school closing because of some dic-people, but I'm glad you and Benji are doin' good. . .after everything. You guys deserve that much," Birdie said with a soft smile evident on her lips, nearly finished with her ice cream with only a few bites left. "Is——"

Birdie's lips smacked shut in surprise when Aliana suddenly frowned in Isla's lap, expectantly holding her tiny hands out towards the blonde woman across from her. Isla's smile noticeably widened, a laugh escaping her lips as she saw her daughter trying to reach for Birdie. "She must really like you," Isla said, adjusting Aliana in her lap. Her gaze returned to Birdie, slightly tilting her head. "Would you like to hold her?"

Birdie glanced down at her ice cream, offering Isla a small smile. "Sure. . .let me just——" Birdie stuffed the last of her ice cream in her mouth, trying not to laugh as Isla chuckled as her cheeks puffed out like a chipmunk. She wiped her hands off on a napkin to make sure there weren't any crumbs or smeared ice cream on her skin before looking back to Isla. "Are you sure——"

"Yes, I'm sure," Isla assured her. She shifted in her chair, giving Aliana an encouraging grin as she carefully set the little girl on the ground, pointing towards Birdie, "Look, there's Birdie. Why don't you go see her?"

Birdie gave the little girl a small grin for encouragement, nervously holding her hands out like she was asking the little girl to come to her. Aliana's face lit up, a joyous babble escaping her lips as she waddled over to Birdie. One of her hands held onto the edge of the table as she slowly but surely made her way over to the woman.

Birdie carefully scooped the little girl into her arms once she reached her, softly smiling as she placed Aliana in her lap. "Hello, little one," Birdie softly greeted her. "How're you doin' huh?"

"Hiiii!" Aliana managed to say as her wide eyes gazed up at Birdie, speaking in what could've only been gibberish seconds later. Birdie giddily chuckled, eyes flickering back to Isla.

"She can say Mama, Dada, and hi," Isla proudly beamed, eyes sparkling with pure joy and love as her gaze remained on her daughter.

Birdie made a cooing sound towards Aliana, gently poking the little girl's nose, causing her to giggle and curl into the older woman. "That's adorable," she said, securing an arm around Aliana to make sure she wouldn't fall from her lap. "I think one of my first words were fu——shi, uh, I mean the f word."

Isla laughed at Birdie's words, easily remembering how much the woman cursed during their brief time together. Birdie wasn't around toddlers and children often either, and censoring herself wasn't something she was very used to doing. Sometimes she had to bite her tongue when speaking to witnesses or law enforcement to try and remain professional, but that wasn't too often as their interactions were usually short.

"It wouldn't be the first time she heard it," Isla confessed, causing Birdie to raise her brows with surprise.

"Really?" Birdie asked. "From you?"

Isla playfully rolled her eyes, head slightly tilted to the side. "Thankfully it's not very often, but every once in a while. . ."

"I can't say I blame you," Birdie said, watching Aliana lift one of her hands and gingerly touch one of her curls. "God, if I had a kid. . .their first word would most likely be the f one."

"And that wouldn't be much of a surprise," Isla teased, making Birdie chuckle under her breath. Aliana grinned and moved some more of Birdie's curls, the woman hoping and hoping she wasn't going to suddenly pull on her hair like she'd seen many kids do to their mothers. "Have you ever thought about it?"

"What? Havin' kids?" Birdie asked, brows slightly furrowed at Isla's question. Isla faintly nodded, briefly glancing towards her daughter as she lowered her hands from Birdie's hair when her eyes fell on something placed on their table. Birdie sighed, lips smacking shut when she saw Aliana trying to reach for the ice cream Isla had pushed to the side, just a few bites left. "Do you want me to feed her?"

"No, you don't have to——"

"It's okay," Birdie said, the corner of her lip tweaked upwards into a small smile. "I may not be the best with kids, but I can promise I at least know how to feed them."

Isla laughed, sliding the ice cream to Birdie along with some spare napkins. "Okay, but if you don't want to or she becomes too fussy, just——"

"We'll be fine, won't we?" Birdie asked Aliana, picking up the container. Aliana's only response was opening her mouth as Birdie picked up the plastic spoon. "See? That's a yes."

"For someone who says they're not very good with kids, you seem to be doing rather well," Isla commented.

Birdie faintly shrugged, feeding Aliana a bite of the ice cream. "I've thought about it a few times here and there, but the last time was a looong time ago. I don't think that's really for me anymore. . ."

"Why not?"

Birdie sadly smiled across the table towards Isla, feeding Aliana another scoop. "It's. . .when I was younger, I always wanted out of this life, hunting and fighting. . .things. I thought I could get an actual job that I actually enjoyed once I was old enough and could head out on my own, maybe even have a family after a while, but I also thought I'd eventually marry Leonardo DiCaprio or Winona Ryder before I turned thirty and I've yet to meet either of them still so. . ."

Isla giggled at the end of Birdie's response, leaning her elbow on the table as she placed her chin on her hand, watching Birdie feed Aliana the remaining ice cream. Birdie may not have thought she was very good with kids, but she was doing exceptionally well; she was a natural despite what she believed. "Who says you still can't do either of those things?"

Birdie forced out a laugh, carefully shifting as she set the container back on the table as Aliana finished the last of the ice cream. The little girl giggled, curling into Birdie as the woman leaned back in her chair. "I don't know about you, but I don't know anyone who's actually managed to get out of the life, and keep it that way."

"There is a first time for everything, Birdie," Isla reminded her.

Birdie partially returned the woman's smile, feeling Aliana leaning against her chest with her head on her shoulder. "I don't think it's for me. . .not anymore. But, uh, enough about me already. Don't you wanna hear about Bert and Ernie?"

"Of course," Isla sighed with a small smile. She didn't blame Birdie for changing the subject; she'd done it many times herself. If Birdie didn't feel like opening up, Isla was going to pry or force her into doing it——not that she thought it would've worked with how stubborn Birdie was capable of being. "How are they doing?"

"They're both still little. . .stinkers," Birdie replied, catching herself before she could say another swear word in front of Aliana. "But, they're both doin' alright. Still keeping the "family business" alive just like John taught them, oh, and of course, causing trouble wherever they go."

Memories of Isla's time with the Winchester brothers——specifically Dean——flashed in her mind as her thoughts drifted to the oldest Winchester, causing a sad smile to grace her plump lips. She was happy with her husband and the life she was living, but what she and Dean had when they were together was incredibly special whether they realized it or not; right person, wrong time.

It was a relief to hear that both Sam and Dean were doing rather okay for themselves——a relief they weren't dead. Though, Birdie wasn't going to mention that Sam had died and Dean made a deal with a crossroads demon for him and that he was going to have to pay the price for it soon as she doubted that she or the boys were going to run into Isla again; it wouldn't have done any good telling Isla either as there wasn't anything she could've done to help, and Birdie feared even she wouldn't be able to do anything for him either. "If there is one thing I know for sure about those boys, it's that trouble constantly follows them."

Birdie snorted, nodding in agreement. "You could say that again."

Isla chuckled along with Birdie, a moment passing between them before she finally spoke again. "Can I ask you something?"

Birdie twisted her lips in thought, playfully eying Isla. "What about?"

"Nothing bad, I promise," Isla reassured, dismissively waving her hand.

"Okay then," Birdie slowly said, one arm still carefully wrapped around Aliana as the little girl fought off sleep as she'd been out for most of the day with Isla and hadn't been able to take a nap just yet. And, according to Aliana, Birdie was the perfect napping spot it seemed. "Is there still something going on between you and Sam?"

Birdie shook her head in disbelief, unable to stop a small smile from appearing on her lips. "I-what is it with me and Sam?" she wondered. "Everyone thinks there's something going on with the two of us."

Isla tilted her head, giving Birdie a pointed stare. "Do you really not see it?"

"See what?"

"You and Sam," Isla answered like it was rather obvious. "As soon as I met the two of you, I thought you were a couple. And even after I. . .after I left, I thought you and Sam would have finally gotten together."

Birdie faintly smiled, shrugging. "Well, I'm very sorry, but there's nothin' going on with the two of us."

Isla simply grinned, folding her arms over her chest as she peered back at Birdie. "It's okay, Bird. There's still time for something to happen."

"Don't hold your breath," Birdie teased.

Isla shot her a teasing glare. "I'll try not to," she replied. "But, can you at least tell me if you see them often? I think about you guys every now and then. . .I know how hard things can be, and being alone through it really sucks."

Birdie slightly shifted, freezing when Aliana stirred, but her eyes remained closed as she started to fall asleep against Birdie. Birdie relaxed and returned her attention to Isla, nodding her head. "We all come and go, but we're always there if needed. Though, lately it seems we can't get away from each other."

"How so?"

"I don't——this is the most I think I've ever been around them. We weren't exactly close growing up, but we did grow closer over the years, but even then, we only saw each other a couple times a month."

"That's still a lot more for most hunters," Isla noted. "Don't most of them go months, or even years, without seeing a fellow hunter?"

Birdie faintly nodded her head. "Yeah, I guess."

"Maybe that's a sign then," Isla replied.

Birdie made a face, clearly not believing the woman. "Have you been talking to my friend Kaiya lately?"

Isla chuckled, shaking her head. She'd met Kaiya once during her time with Dean, but sadly, she didn't remember much of Birdie's close friend. "No, I haven't," she honestly answered. "Why? Has she said something similar?"

"Yes," Birdie huffed. "You and Kai are the only women I actually like, and you're both the most philosophical people I've ever met in my entire life."

"Thank you, Birdie."

"How do you know I didn't mean that as an insult?"

"Because you save all your insults for Dean, and sometimes Sam," Isla retorted.

Birdie smacked her lips together, nodding in agreement. "Alright, fair enough. They usually deserve them, too."

"Oh, I'm sure," Isla giggled, having heard many snide jabs and insults be thrown at the Winchesters by Birdie. There were many swear words thrown into the mix as well, but there weren't many times where she actually meant what she said. "Oh, and please tell me Dean is still driving Baby."

"He'll probably drive that damn thing even after the wheels fall off," Birdie snickered.

Isla chuckled along with her, twisting her lips as she stared across at Birdie. "Does he still have his cassette player?"

"Oh yeah," Birdie answered, faintly nodding her head. "Sam's tried getting him to upgrade, but Dean won't do it."

"Has he——"

Isla's lips smacked closed as Birdie's phone suddenly began to ring from inside her pocket. She winced, reaching into her pocket that she could thankfully reach as Aliana was more on the other side of her, keeping her left arm free. She hastily pressed the volume button, hearing it was Kaiya's ringtone. "Here, I can take her," Isla said, starting to stand.

Birdie let out a sigh, having seen the time when she glanced at a clock on the wall behind the counter. It would be dark in a few hours. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea to start heading for Sioux Falls. "I'm sorry, Is," Birdie said, faintly frowning.

"Don't be," Isla sweetly said, carefully taking Aliana back into her arms in hopes she wouldn't fuss from suddenly being disturbed. The little girl stirred slightly, eyes peeling open to see herself back in her mother's arms. She quickly closed her eyes again, leaning her head on Isla's as she fell back asleep. "We are actually meant to meet Benji a few blocks away from here to go shopping for Aliana since she's starting to outgrow her clothes."

Birdie hummed, holding her phone in her hand as the ringing suddenly stopped. "That sounds really nice. I bet she'll like it, too. . .if she doesn't sleep the whole time."

"Yeah," Isla quietly chuckled, softly smiling at Birdie. "It was really good to see you again, Birdie."

"You, too, Is," Birdie said. "And, I'm happy for you, and your family."

"Thank you," Isla said. "Stay safe."

"I'll try my best," she cheekily smiled, starting to head towards the door, but she suddenly stopped. "Oh, wait."

"Yeah?"

Birdie quickly reached into her pocket, snatching a card from inside. She held it out to Isla, warmly smiling as the woman accepted it. "Uh, if you ever need to talk or. . .help, I uh, here's this. . .just in case."

"Thank you, Bird."

Birdie silently nodded, giving Isla one last wave as she started heading for the door again. She softly smiled towards Isla, finally facing forward as she exited the shop. She made it a few more before Kaiya started to call her again. Birdie fastened her pace towards her motorcycle that was parked a little ways down the street with her helmet secured to the side, pressing her phone to her ear. "Hey, sorry I——"

"I have a demon trapped in my basement."

Birdie halted on the sidewalk, unsure if she'd heard Kaiya correctly. "I, wait what the hell you just say?"

"I have a demon trapped in my basement," Kaiya breathlessly repeated.

Birdie shifted, eyes tripled in size with a mix of confusion, horror, and amazement. "What the——what the fuck happened?" she demanded to know, swinging a leg over her bike once she finally reached it, picking up her helmet. "No, just——hold tight, I'm on my way, alright?"

"Right, uh, yeah, okay," Kaiya stammered, some shuffling crackling in the background as if she was moving some things around. "I'll just. . .but what am I supposed to do until then?"

"Don't do a single thing," Birdie quickly answered. "Just. . .make sure you can keep your eyes on them so they can't somehow escape, okay? And for the love of God, do not talk to them——no matter what, okay?"

"Okay, okay, got it," Kaiya said. "No talking."

Birdie let out a shaky breath, running a hand along the side of her face; of all the reasons she thought Kaiya might've been calling her for, having a demon in her basement certainly wasn't one of them. "Okay, I'll get there as fast as I can. Please, be careful, Kaiya."

"Hey, I am always careful," Kaiya huffed, offended by Kaiya's words. "You don't need to remind me about being safe."

"Well, now you know how I feel when you tell me those things."

"Yeah, yeah, just got your perky ass here already, Bird."

"Okay, okay. I'll see you soon."

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Helloooo! I know it's been a bit since I've updated, but I've been trying to pre write for this as much as I can (which is taking longer than I would like, but I'm slowly getting there). But, hopefully the next update won't take as long either (especially when this kinda ends on a cliffhanger lmaoo).

But also, the lovely character of Isla Carters does not belong to me! She belongs to the wonderful latte-to-go!
Isla can be found in Amara's Dean Winchester story, Savior Complex (which you should check out if you haven't already)! Isla has a very special place in my heart——as does Amara——and I can't thank her enough for allowing me to include Isla 🥺. Our stories aren't connected, but our characters do appear in each other's books with a few tweaks to their stories! If y'all aren't reading any of Amara's stories or following her, y'all are seriously missing out! 🥰

Anyways, please don't forget to leave some feedback in the comments and I hope y'all enjoyed!