𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐒𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐄𝐄𝐍;
LONGING

— WINTER BREAK CAME FAST; Reese opted out of school for the two weeks before the holidays, not wanting to go into school with the thin scar running from her hairline to the top of her right eyebrow and the gnarly black eye that was taking its sweet time to heal from the way she had hit her face. Her teachers were more than accommodating, having Flynn or Emmett drop her assignments off and hand them in. Reese hated being in the house.

In the weeks after her fall, Reese had begun to fear her own reflection. The mirror in her bathroom had been covered up with a spare sheet, she avoided looking into any reflective surface (including her cell phone and windows at night) afraid that it wouldn't be her looking back; it would be Morgana, with her dark green eyes and cruel grin. Or maybe Reese would hallucinate again and hurt herself, she didn't want to scare the twins any more than she already had. Or Elizabeth. Or Flynn, for that matter.

Annmarie and Taylor had become more clingy to Reese since her return home from the hospital, trailing after her like baby ducks. It had irritated her at first, they slept in her bed and played in her room and would cry if she left them for more than ten minutes without saying where she was going. But then Reese sympathized with them: they had lost their parents, left for a little while and then they were gone, and then they had almost lost their sister — the only person they had from their days on Sunrise Street. Reese had cried herself raw in the shower thinking about them. What would happen to them when she died? Elizabeth, bless her soul, was not cut out to raise two small children who had known too much loss in their very short existence. What would happen when they were older and wanted to know more about how their big sister had just died; been healthy one day and then gone the next. For a split second, a moment of weakness really, Reese had contemplated finding the spell her mother had used on her to take away any memories of witchcraft and using it to erase Reese from their lives. But that was a stupid idea, they would find out eventually (the same way she had with the witchcraft) and then they would be in exactly the same position as Reese: hurt, alone and angry. So she ditched that idea.

Flynn had also practically made the living room her new home. She had a laundry basket filled with her clothes and books piled up on the glass table. The twins loved having her around, Flynn brought a sort of light into the house that they hadn't had since their parents had perished. Reese was thankful for that, knowing that when she was gone at least they would have a replacement for Reese (not exactly the same thing, but Flynn cared for them just as much). Flynn was there as much for support during the research of new spells as much as she was to make sure that nothing got out of hand on Reese's end. She fell into her role quickly, just like Elizabeth knew she would, and the more they worked together the stronger the bond they had grew. Elizabeth had called it an empathy link, allowing Flynn to gauge Reese's emotions and know when her assistance was needed (which was practically always).

Two days before Christmas, flurries fell from the sky leaving a soft coat of white dust on the ground. Reese sat on the front porch, watching the snow begin to stick to the roads, a lit cigarette in one hand and the grimoire in the other. She didn't usually smoke out in the open like this, worried what her aunt would think if she caught her, but Elizabeth was working late that night and the twins were a couple houses down playing with some neighborhood kids. Reese perused through the pages, reading through the spells and marking ones she wanted to go over with Elizabeth with pieces of newspaper. The front door pushed open, Reese glanced up to see a shivering Flynn take her place on the opposite bench. Flynn stuffed her hands into her coat pockets and eyed the Marlboro pressed between Reese's lips.

"Those can kill you, you know," Flynn reminded her. "And as the person who is linked with you, I would like you to know that I can feel the smoke in my lungs," she coughed for emphasis.

Reese rolled her eyes but put the cigarette out anyway. "No you can't."

"That's besides the point," Flynn waved her answer off. "It's still bad for you."

Reese shot her an unimpressed look. "I'm going to die regardless of if I smoke or not."

"Will you stop saying stuff like that!" Flynn hissed, her blue eyes flashing angrily for a moment before she relaxed. "You're not going to die, Reese. Elizabeth found the loophole—"

"Which we're not doing," Reese interrupted, her fists clenching and the pot with the fake plant shuddered.

That was another thing that had happened in the two weeks since Reese had set the living room ablaze: her aunt had learned of a loophole that would save her. At first glance, the spell had appeared to be the answer to everything. It would allow Reese to stay strong on the other side and also return, but it came with too much of a cost. Magic was beautiful but it was also dark; powerful spells were dangerous, especially one that allowed a soul back from the dead. A life for a life, the grimoire had said. No one was going to die for Reese.

Flynn blew air out of her nose indignantly. "Wake up, Reese! This is our only option—"

"No it isn't," Reese denied. "The only option is the one that was written into the stars a long time ago: the one that says the Chosen One will die."

"Well what about the whole cold one part? They could—"

"No."

Flynn stomped her foot and Reese felt the anger rush through her, but she ignored it knowing it wasn't her own emotions she was feeling. "Why do you have to be so stubborn?"

"I'm not being stubborn, Flynn," Reese's green eyes narrowed (Flynn would never tell her, but Reese looked like Morgana in that moment). "I'm just trying to keep everyone alive."

"Everyone except for you."

"Yes," Reese agreed, sighing softly. "Yes, Flynn, everyone but me. I'm tired. Tired of all of the pain and the anger and feeling so un-fixable."

The conversation ended there but Reese could still feel Flynn's irritation seeping into her, but her mind was set. Reese was also telling the truth; these past months had been so hard, she felt like she was walking with the would on her shoulders and cinder blocks chained to her ankles. Everything ached and all the parts of her that she used to love had been stomped out and replaced with a shattered version. She knew how frustrating it must be for those around her, those that wanted to help, but could they honestly blame her. Reese wouldn't die or disease or an accident. She would simply die. She would be with her parents again.

"Stop thinking like that," Flynn snapped. "I know when you start thinking about dying."

"I wasn't thinking about that."

"Yes you were," Flynn frowned at her. "Your mood changes. It's like a feeling of longing goes through you."

"Sorry," Reese said, although she didn't sound very apologetic.

The cold was finally beginning to make Reese's joints hurt, the bitter wind seeping through her leggings and making her skin burn. She stood up to retreat back into the warmth of the house when an all to familiar monstrous Jeep pulled cautiously into her driveway. Reese cocked her head to the side in confusion, she hadn't been expecting him to show up that day. Emmett smiled at her as he stepped out of the truck, waving at Flynn when he spotted her as he jogged up the icy path to the porch.

If she was going to be frank though, Emmett became her only escape. He was the only one, besides the twins, who was out of the loop on the whole dying thing which meant that he was the only one who looked at her like a person and not like a body being prepped for a funeral. Reese had grown to rely on his company, which bugged her more than she would care to admit.

"Hey," he greeted Reese, grinning happily and then his golden eyes flickered to Flynn's snickering face. "Hey, Flynn."

"Prince Charming," she smiled, and dodged the elbow Reese directed at her gut.

"Hey," Reese greeted, a small spark of joy lighting within the darkness that constantly plagued her. Reese ignored the gasp Flynn let out when she felt it, her blue eyes widening. "What are you doing here?"

Emmett ignored her question, his dark eyebrows furrowing as he took in Reese's appearance. Her feet were in some fuzzy slippers with a pair of wool socks but her legs were covered in only a thin material and the light jacket wasn't enough to stop her lips from turning blue and goosebumps to rise on her exposed flesh. "You must be freezing!"

"I'm alright," Reese's words were soothing, a wave of calm rushing over those around her. That was another thing she'd developed, her magic sometimes had a way of effecting other subtly.

Emmett didn't buy it. "No you're not, Reese, you're practically blue."

"Reese doesn't like getting help from others," Flynn dropped a loaded remark, her blue eyes staring unrelenting into Reese's green ones.

Emmett ignored their stare down and removed the thick coat he wore for show and draped it across Reese's shoulders. The light blush that warmed her cheeks didn't go unnoticed by anyone either. Emmett grinned looking unusually sheepish, rubbing the back of his neck. Flynn coughed uncomfortably.

"So," Reese started again. "What are you doing here today, especially in weather like this? Is everything okay?"

"Fine," Emmett assured her, his golden eyes shining. "I was just wondering if we could talk."

"Go ahead," Flynn spoke, motioning for him to continue. "Pretend I'm not even here."

"Flynn," Reese sent her a look that read beat it.

Flynn puffed her chest, all evidence of their last argument forgotten for the moment. "As your protector, I must stand here and guard you so nothing happens—" Reese grabbed Emmett's arm and tugged him away from her pesky friend. "Hey! Where are you going?"

She lead him off the porch and into the onslaught on snow, the flurries stark white against his dark hair. Reese blinked a couple snowflakes off her lashes and nudged Emmett softly, noticing how he eyed Flynn warily. "She won't follow, she thinks that she can read lips so she'll try to keep up with the conversation that way."

"Can she?"

Reese shook her head. "No, it's really sad how bad she is at it."

Emmett let out a laugh — one that made Reese's stomach lurch as butterflies fluttered — and grinned down at her. "So, um, I was thinking, would you want to, maybe, go out with me?"

"Now?" Reese asked, eyes widening at the thought of driving in weather like this.

Emmett eased her concerns. "The Jeep's got four wheel drive and I'm a great driver, I've had lots of practice."

Reese didn't answer for a second, letting her mind go over the pros and cons of accepting. She wanted to say yes, more than anything, but that ever present reminder that she was going to die in less than two weeks time played on repeat in her head. But then again, one date was harmless. "Yes," Reese said finally. "Yeah, that sounds great."

Emmett beamed, and Reese felt her lips twitch again — his smile was contagious. "Great!"

"Do you have anything planned?"

"How do you feel about surprises?" Reese used to like surprises; surprise parties and surprise dates, but not so much anymore. Not since she'd been surprised when she turned down Sunrise Street and saw the remains of the house she'd loved more than anything. Her love of surprises had died along with her parents. Emmett noticed the look on her face — recognizing that she was thinking about her family — and softened his voice to comfort her. "I was thinking about going to Port Angeles."

The panic that had been slowly rising up from the pit of depression she kept locked away sank back down. "That sounds cool, do you know anything fun to do down there?"

"There's this place where you can make sculptures and clay bowls and stuff," he seemed genuinely excited. "Esme is really into pottery, and has been decorating the house with all sorts of things lately."

Reese attempted a smile, and was glad when Emmett didn't say anything when she failed. "Elizabeth's house could use a terribly made vase."

He followed her back up to the porch, keeping one arm close enough that if she slipped on the hidden ice he would be able to catch her. Flynn was still standing pressed against the railing with her hands placed on her hips and eyes darting back and forth between them. "You guys are going to a strip club?" She guessed, eyes narrowed as she glanced over at Emmett. "I take back everything I said about you being a gentlemen."

Reese rolled her eyes. "We're not going to a strip club, Flynn."

Flynn gasped dramatically. "You're going to be the strippers," she let the disgust roll off her face. "Wait, I might pay money to see that," she lowered her voice to a not so quiet whisper. "Have you seen the muscles on him? I mean, I bet he would make bank."

Reese ignored her friend, turning back to Emmett. "Let me just change really quick, oh, here's your coat—"

He shook his head. "You can use it today, I've seen the coat you have it won't do much with this."

Reese agreed silently and stepped into her house, holding the door open for Emmett and Flynn to pass through. Poppy greeted them happily, jumping up at Emmett who patted her head affectionately. She rolled on her back, whining to get his attention so that he would rub her belly. Reese felt her lips twitch again, as she trotted up the stairs and to her room, Flynn following behind her.

"So," Flynn started, flopping down on Reese's bed and the blonde exchanged her thin leggings for thick wool ones, slippers for boots and the light zip-up for a thick sweatshirt that fit comfortably under Emmett's jacket. Reese pulled a cotton hat on over her hair (being cautious to ignore her reflection in the television) and grabbed a piece of gum from her desk to hide the scent of smoke on her lips. "You like him."

"Yeah," Reese agreed absentmindedly. "Emmett's great."

Flynn groaned. "No, Reese, I meant you like him like him."

Reese turned around to face her friend, raising an eyebrow. "What are you twelve?"

"Don't deflect!" Flynn reprimanded her. "C'mon, tell me!"

"Why does it matter so much to you?" Reese asked, not wanting to tell her friend. Mostly because she knew that Emmett could probably hear them and also because she was afraid that if she admitted that she had light feelings (barely there, really) for the guy then the curse would strike him down.

Flynn's face became serious all of a sudden. "Because, Reese, if you truly like him, then you won't leave him. Not like all your ancestors before you did to those that they loved."

Reese felt like the floor came up to greet her. Flynn's words hurt to be honest, because they were true. Reese could leave her siblings and friend and aunt in good conscious because she knew that she would be saving them in the long run, but the mere thought that she would be doing to Emmett what every Piedmont had done to their husbands (the ones that survived that is) was like a kick to the gut. It caused tears to spring up in her eyes.

"I'll be back later," Reese whispered, tugging a scarf around her neck. "Please watch the twins if they get back early, I don't think I'll be too late."

"Think about what I said!" Flynn called after her as Reese found Emmett in the living room. He was squeaking Poppy's favorite toy and laughing loudly as she did tricks to impress him.

"You ready?" Reese asked, desperate to get out of the house and away from Flynn and her stupid comment.

"Yeah, let's go," Emmett once again followed Reese outside, steadying her as she nearly slipped on a patch of ice.

Reese quickly jumped into the warm Jeep, careful not to look in any of the mirrors, and pretended that she couldn't see Flynn through her bedroom window. She breathed in through her nose and forced all of Flynn's emotions out of her, concentrating on the closeness of Emmett and the snow hitting the windshield.

□ □ □ □ □ □ □ □

— PORT ANGELES POTTERY WAS almost completely empty by the time Emmett and Reese got there. A few older couples stood over their pottery wheels, hands coated in clay as they formed all sorts of things. A woman a few years older than Elizabeth was directing an old man on the correct way to move his hands to get the shape vase that he wanted. She grinned when she saw them.

"Hey guys," she greeted, pushing a strand of curly red hair out of her face with the back of her hand. "Grab an apron and find a wheel anywhere you want, I'll be with you in a sec."

It was a cute little place, with two long wooden tables in the middle of the room flanked by numerous pottery wheels. It had an antique feel to the place, almost as if it had been here for quite a while. It was warm and smelled of clay and wood shavings, Reese felt some of the tension in her shoulders deflate. Emmett and Reese strolled around until they found two wheels towards the back, where the could be by themselves, and took off their coats, draping them over their stools. The red headed lady came over to their section with a some balls of clay and a pale of water. She dropped down on the stool in front of them, wiping her hands on her dirty apron.

"Okay," she said. "First things first, my name is Laura and I'm so glad that you guys are here even though the weather is crappy. Second, pottery is a great way to relieve stress and tension so it's a pretty relaxing activity. Do you know what you're doing?"

"A vase," Reese told her, and Emmett stifled a laugh.

Laura smiled brightly. "Well, good to know you've got a plan. I meant do you know how to throw clay?"

Reese flushed bright red and opened up her mouth to say no when Emmett answered first. "Yeah, I've done this before."

"Awesome," Laura grinned. "Well, I'll be around if you have any questions."

Once she was out of earshot, Reese turned to Emmett. "Well, I sounded stupid and I have no idea what I'm doing."

"No you didn't," Emmett denied, smiling at her. "And it's easy," he pulled his stool to sit in front of Reese's wheel. "Here, first you take the clay and center it on the wheel."

Butterflies erupted in her stomach as Emmett's large hands guided her small ones. "Then I start building my shape?"

"Not yet," Emmett's voice was soft, like a warm breeze in summer. "Add some water first."

Reese used the water from the bucket and splashed a handful onto the hard clay. She glanced up at Emmett for further instruction. He pressed a button on the side and motioned to the foot pedal. Reese rested her boot on it gently, watching the clay begin to spin. Emmett gripped her hands, holding them against the smooth clay. "Now I make my vase?" Reese whispered, watching the way his palms pressed into the backs of her hands to add pressure to the molding clay.

"Mhm," Emmett hummed.

"What if it's ugly?"

Emmett smiled at her. "It won't be. Art isn't ugly."

Reese concentrated on her clay, trying to shape it like the one she'd seen Laura showing the old couple sitting in the front. Her tongue poked out of the corner of her mouth as she focused on the way her fingers dipped into the clay and the way the material reacted. Emmett began working on his own piece, his big hands worked deftly and Reese realized how right he had been: he knew what he was doing.

It didn't take long to shape her vase, although it was a little wonky if looked at from the right angle but Reese was proud of herself. She let her foot off the pedal and watched Emmett add intricate designs onto his wet clay with a wooden shaping tool. It was beautiful and Reese could have watched him all day but then Laura's voice interrupted her peaceful thoughts.

"Are you all set?"

Reese jumped slightly, turning to face the woman. "Yes."

Laura motioned for Reese to follow her. "Here, we'll put it aside to dry and then when he's finished we'll put it in the kiln and then you can paint it once it's hard."

Reese held her vase delicately, careful not to ruin it as she trailed after the woman who commented on an older woman's beautifully crafted mug. She opened the lid of one of the smaller kilns and placed Reese's project inside. Reese turned to go back to her stool when Laura spoke again.

"So," she mused. "How long have you two been together?"

Reese blushed furiously and glanced back at Emmett knowing he could hear. "Together?"

Laura blinked in surprise. "You're not dating?"

Reese shook her head. "Uh, no."

Laura whistled lowly. "Honey, marry that boy."

Reese hadn't thought her face could get much redder, but she was wrong. "Okay?"

"Sorry if I'm making you uncomfortable," Laura apologized, but she didn't sound very sorry. "It's just, I've never seen someone look at someone else the way he looks at you."

"I'll keep that in mind."

"You look at him the same way, just so you know," Laura informed Reese, who shuffled her feet to look busy.

Laura didn't any anything more because Emmett brought his gorgeous vase over to Laura who quickly placed it inside, pushed a number of buttons and let it fire up to let the clay harden telling them it would be ready in roughly two hours. She gave Reese a wink and walked in the direction of the middle aged couple who just stepped in, greeting them happily.

"What did you think?" Emmett asked, avoiding the conversation he'd overheard to let Reese keep her dignity. "Of pottery?"

"It's was very relaxing," Reese answered after a second (pushing away thoughts of how his hands had felt pressed against her). "I hope my vase doesn't look as ugly dry."

Emmett laughed and together they washed the clay off their hands in a large farm sink. They walked back to their stools and collected their jackets, pulling them on after hanging the aprons up on the hooks. Reese was now acutely aware of every move Emmett made; how close he was to her, how his hands sometimes brushed against hers, how his eyes shined when he looked at her. It made her queasy to think that in less than three weeks she would be gone and he wouldn't even know why, after all he'd told her and she hid something this big from him.

"Do you want to get some dinner while we wait?" He asked, holding the door open for Reese as they stepped back out into the accumulating snow storm. "There's a great restaurant up the street."

"But I thought you didn't eat regular food?" Reese asked, snowflakes stuck her lashes making her eyes gleam.

"I don't mind, Reese," he seemed surprised that she'd remembered that detail about him. "It's still nice to sit down at a restaurant sometimes."

"Okay," she agreed, stepping closer to him to avoid the deep snowdrift (she pretended she didn't notice him step closer too). "But I have something I need to tell you when we get there."

authors note: soooooo it's been a hot second since i've updated this but here we are !!!!!! so you guys know a little about the loophole that elizabeth found and the new empathy link that's formed between flynn and reese due to them basically already being connected so what do you guys think about that ??? also in the coming chapters and until part 2 reese will have a very unhealthy relation with her death,,,she longs for it and it will be very unhealthy so trigger warning ahead just beware . . . . also emmett and reese are so cute and i love them and their chemistry is *chefs kiss* !!! who do you guys think the life for a life thing is for and what do you think emmett is going to say when reese tells him ?? also this is dedicated to eileen and kara thank you both so much for your support and constant love for my books it means so much to me and ily guys (((: