After a month of utter silence from Heather, the phone rings throughout the house, followed by Vivis racing footsteps. I hear oak in the living room jumping up and down in excitement while the click of the telephone being picked up is heard.

"Heather?" Vivid voice is stained with strain. A few heartbeat pass and she replies to the other line. "Wrong number." Oak stops jumping, his hopes of Heather calling crushed.

I wait for Vivi in the family room, the sound of the TV playing dimly in the background. I set aside the chips I was eating to make room for Vivi. Oak make room for himself on Vivis lap and I fold my arms over her shoulders, offering what warmth I can.

"Give her time." I say softly.

"I have!" She sputters out and reaches out to grip my hand. "I thought one months was enough for humans."

"I'm still not over my going to Faerieland. Heather has a lot to take in Vivi. Let the wound heal." Her grip on my hand relaxes.

"Since when did you get so smart?" She sniffs.

"I think it's just all the dramas I've been watching during my stay here." I manage to laugh it out abbot. I haven't quite finished wallowing. In self pit as Vivi has tried avoiding with Heather.

"You know what? I think I'll go out for once. Get some fresh air." I've barely stepped foot outside after the incident.

"Can I come too?" Oak asks, giddy with excitement.

"No Oak," she answers for me "Maybe give Jude some time too, okay?" I silently thank Vivi and grab my coat. Fall has started and the chill flows around the city air. I grab some spare change off the kitchen counter and head out to the bus stop. When I reach Heathers house, I take a few breaths before rapping on the door.

A middle aged woman answers the door with a smile. When she sees me, it falters.

"Are you Vivianne?" She asks and squints her eyes in suspicious.

"No, I'm her sister. Jude Duarte, it's nice to meet you-"

"Heather is still upset over what happened. She needs time. Please don't bother again."

"I understand, but please- just give me a few minutes with her?" She seems resilient to comply. "Please. At least tell her I'm here." She closes the door softly. I stand waiting in the chill counting my breaths like seconds. A few leaves rustle on her lawn.

When the door opens again, it's Heather. Her pink hair has dulled from time and she's wrapped in a green coat.

"Hi Jude." I answer back with a smile and she walks me to her car. "There is a near by cafe. We can talk there." I hop into the car and sink into the leather seats.

"So how's Oak?" She asks, starting up her car.

"He's good. His reading is getting better." I wait a few uncomfortable seconds before answering the question looming heavily in the air between us. "Vivi is alright. She's worried about you Heather." Her hand grip the steering wheel harshly and we immediately accelerate out of the driveway.

"I'm sorry- I'm just so. Argh!" I let her cool down. "She wants to talk to you. But I have to talk to you first. "

Heather blinks in surprise at my response. She turns back to the wheel and staleys driving. The rest of the ride is silent and when we reach the cafe, Heather orders us a few pastries.

"I know what you feel like and I know what Vivi did was not ok. Sometimes things in Faerie make me feel so frustrated." I think of Sophie. "I know it'll take some time to heal. There is no rush. But I'm here if you need me." She swallows a few times but nods.

"Thanks. And how are you and Cardan." She must have seen my surprised look because she adds "Vivi told me a few details." I close my open mouth and sigh. I rest my head on my hand and a wave of tiredness hits me. I look down at my other hand playing with my napkin. The ruby ring still sits there. Helen follows my line of sight and gasps.

"We're married now." I try to keep my face straight.

"Only a day after bough, he banished me from Faerie." I can't look at Heathers face so I get up and hug her.

"You know I'm here if you need me. Vivi too." Heather numbly nods and hugs me back.

"Don't forget I've got your back too, Jude."

She dropped me back at Vivis after we finished our sweets. She promised me she would talk to Vivi soon.

I have to remember that mortals may be able to lie, but Faries are the true masters of deceit.