Chapter 15

"Nice work. What's the story behind this?"

Angie shrugged and went about explaining the emotions behind this particular painting that she had recently done and submitted to the art gallery. Again, it wasn't good enough to be in the main room, but she had to restart somewhere. Her art was changing just as she had, and to say that she deserved to be in the main room just because she was an already established artist was elitist. She had began to think of herself as a brand new artist that was just starting out. She needed time to get into the main room again, and she was excited to travel that journey again.

For the past month Angie hadn't seen Jasper. He had told her that she needed to rest; that she needed a break from that world. She was still able to call him whenever she wanted or visit the sanctuary, but decided against it. When the time came for her to re-enter that world, she would. Although, Cordelia was still with her so she wasn't totally free from the demons. For now, even though she had lost her humanity, she wanted to live in the world that she knew all her life. Just like her art, she started anew. Angie sold her big house in that small town in Washington and moved to a smaller home in a more rural setting. She got a cat that she named Jasper. She goes for long walks in the woods surrounding her little home each day. She has a cup of tea in the morning and at night while meditating for an hour. She has a room now, not a shed, dedicated to her craft, but instead of forcing herself to sit down and try each and every single day, she takes her creativity in stride and now creates more than every before.

Angie is thankful for everything that has happened throughout the year even if, in the beginning, she wasn't.

"Oh, I like this new piece of yours. You really out did yourself this time Angie."

"I know that voice," Angie muttered and turned to smile happily at the demon that stood next to her; admiring her art. "Hello Jasper. It's been a while."

"It has," Jasper nodded. "You've been well it would seem."

"I have."

"And you named a dumb cat after me."

Angie laughed, nodding her head. "That's right! I sure did!"

"What did I expect?" Jasper sighed but rather than seeming annoyed, he was more than glad. "The rest did you well. I hope you're ready to return to our world."

"You know," Angie said with a hum. "I really thought that I wasn't going to be after that whole James thing, but honestly? I've missed you."

"Same here Angie. Same here."

"So, what? We just start up again tomorrow?"

Jasper shook his head. Brows furrowed. "No, no. I'll give you another week. Snatcher populations have been decreasing ever so slowly ever since James was apprehended, so that is no rush."

"It'll be nice to get back into it," Angie told him. "No matter how nice this has been, it feels like I'm missing something in my life. My life still doesn't seem complete."

"That'll happen," Jasper said. "We've created a bond over the past months. It doesn't surprise me that you're feeling it being stretched thin."

"Is it common for demons to create bond with one another?"

Jasper shrugged. "I don't know. Mother once told me that if a bond is created among demons, they're humanity will be returned to them eventually. Although, I don't really believe that to be true, but-," He shrugged again. "Who am I to say otherwise?"

"Do you want your humanity returned?"

"Eh," Jasper clicked his tongue and bobbed his head back and forth in thought. "It's been such a long time since I've felt the emotions of being human. I don't think I could handle them."

"Well," Angie said in a breath. "I've already started to feel the effects of losing my humanity. So, if it did return, we'll both be on that journey. Together."

Jasper looked at her through his peripherals with a nod. "Are you ready for another journey like that?"

"Is anyone truly ready for life journeys?"

"I mean, one could argue yes."

"Well, I'd argue no."

Jasper laughed with a shake of his head. "No matter what happens, you'll never change... but that's what I like about you. Predictable yet not."

"You'll never change either, Jasper," Angie said. "Never explaining shit, but always being there. You really don't act like a typical demon... well, I guess a stereotypical would be a better word."

"Do you want me to be one?"

"I thought I told you in the beginning I didn't and I haven't changed my mind about that."

"Ya' know, you still haven't really met any of our colleagues before. Maybe that's what we'll do for the first week or so after you get back."

Angie's gaze finally fully shifted to him and she gave him a soft, gentle smile. "Yeah. I'd actually like that." She held her hand out to him. "The exhibit is almost over. Want to get some dinner? My treat."

Jasper grabbed her hand with a squeeze. "What demon pays for anything? Dinner is absolutely free."