Maryland, 20 years ago 

“It’s New York this time huh?” Persephone chuckled as she glanced around the café, noting the patrons and the busy bodies just trying to get their dose of caffeine before going to work and the college students who had one too many cups. They were in a secluded corner not to conspicuous. 

“It seems a nice place to finally settle down and raise Azail.” Athry said replied as she took a cookie from the plate before them and handed it to the toddler that was sitting quietly with them. The baby took the cookie. 

“Thank chu, Awthwee.” The baby replied enthusiastically. 

“That’s what you said ten years ago in London, and then years before that in Rio, and before that, Kyoto and ten years before that in Sc-“. 

Before she could finish, Athry stuffed Persephone’s mouth with a cookie. 

“I know Seph. I just can’t seem to let her grow out of it and it’s such a convenience that I could just pick her up and carry her around.” Athry said, half joking. 

“That’s not even funny.” Mnimi seconded. “How long are you gonna keep her in that form? It’s been several millenniums, you can’t keep her a baby forever.” 

Athry replied stubbornly. “I can’t risk them finding her.” 

“We know that but Athry, keeping her in this form for more than a couple of thousand years is kinda over the top don’t you think?” Mnimi retorted. 

“That’s why I’ve decided to raise her there. This place is crawling with mortals and no one will even bat an eye at her. She’ll grow up just like any other normal kid.” 

“You do realize that’s what you said to us a few decades ago.” Persephone said, raising a brow. 

“This time, it’s totally different.” Athry assured. 

“So you’re planning to send her to school then?” 

“Of course not. That’s too dangerous.” 

Mnimi sighed in defeat. “Then what’s the point?” 

“I’ll have her home schooled like everyone else.” Athry replied confidently. “She’s a smart kid and a fast learner too.” 

Mnimi pouted. “Who’s gonna teach her anything when you’re out working as your ‘normal’ self and ‘earning’ for a living.” 

“Well I guess, I can ask one of you guys to look after her while I’m at work.” Athry smiled sheepishly. 

Both Persephone and Mnimi gave her a droll stare. 

“Are you serious?” They chorused. 

“Come on you guys, you’re the only persons in the universe I’d trust to take care of her.” Athry pouted, looking like a wounded pup at her friends. This strategy always worked. 

"Alright…but I have to warn you, I can babysit her but I'll have to bring her to wherever my mom or my Snuggle Bunny is. Got that?" Persephone conceded.

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

Athry turned to Mnimi with pleading eyes. 

“Fine! I’ll have the girls take turn in watching her. They don’t have anything much to do anyways.” 

Athry smiled broadly and gave Mnimi a tight squeeze. “You guys are the best friends anyone can ask for.” 

Present, New Orleans 

“Rain rain go away, come again another day, little Azzy little Azzy wants to play~.” Azail sang over and over again as she skipped behind Athry. They were heading towards Athry’s studio. 

Athry chuckled as she heard her sister singing. Since she was small Azail would sing the song when they would go out and to prevent it from raining, Azail would sing the song. She was amused by it, after all she loved the rain and if it wouldn’t make Azzy cry, she would want it to rain every time. 

“Hey squirt hurry up. I have to set up the studio in an hour.” She said turning to Azail. 

“Stop calling me that.” Azail pouted as she stopped skipping. “You know how much I hate that word.” 

Athry would call her a midget or anything synonymous to the word whenever she can and she hates it when she does. She envied her sister’s height and awaits the time when she gets taller. 

“What word are you talking about squirt?” Athry asked grinning mischievously. 

“I’m not coming with you in the studio. I’m going out to explore. . I’m gonna check out the house of the rising sun.” She then started an invisible guitar solo and then broke into song. 

“There is a house in New Orleans, they call the rising sun…” Azail sang in a loud voice, loud enough that even the people from across the street stopped and stared with amusement. 

Athry couldn’t do anything but hide her face with her hands. The brat had used her secret weapon, the ‘embarrass-my-sister-in-public-so-i-can-go-play’ tactic. 

Shaking her head in embarrassment, Athry stepped forward to put a hand over her sister’s mouth. “Okay, okay you can go. Just stop singing!” She hissed.

Azail stopped. She removed her sister’s hand over her mouth and gave her a shining beam.

“You evil little imp.” Athry said pinching her sister’s cheek. “Call me okay? I want to know where you are at all times.”

"I will," Azail replied, nodding enthusiastically.

"Do you have enough money with you?"

"I do. I'll be fine. You worry too much."

Athry smiled. "No, I worry just enough." She ruffled her sister's hair.

Azail gave her a hug, burying her face on her sister's stomach. "I love you Athry." She declared as she looked up.

"I love you too kiddo." Athry smiled in reply, kissing her forehead. "Now go play."