36 - Forbidden Fruit

As summer moved on and the days grew colder, Maia went to the community garden again to put up a supply of fresh fruits and vegetables before the first frost of the season arrived.  She figured she’d also use some of them to grow a few plants indoors so her family could have fresh ingredients year-round.

Having teenagers meant she didn’t have to leave her toddler twins with a sitter or keep an eye on both of them herself while she gardened, and Maia enjoyed the quiet serenity.

As she worked her way to the end of a row, Maia noticed a leafy plant growing where she was certain one had never been before.  She went over to investigate.

As her shadow fell across the plant, it suddenly burst from the ground!

It was a Plantsim, and Maia found him very attractive.

He introduced himself to Maia as Kale Denley, and explained he had been taking advantage of the peaceful garden setting to photosynthesize.

“I’m Maia Lee, and I apologize if I’ve disturbed you,” she told Kale.

“Oh, you didn’t bother me at all, and I’m pleased to meet you,” he said.

They spoke a bit more about the garden and the best types of seeds for planting.

But suddenly, Kale started flirting with her. Kale breathed deeply and told Maia she had a lovely scent.

Maia was nonplussed. “I smell like I’ve been out gardening all day.”

“Yes, you have the fragrance of sun-warmed soil and your skin is as soft as flower petals,” he said as he stroked her cheek.  “I find you very tempting.”

And in the heat of the moment, Kale pulled Maia in for a kiss.

Despite the cool fall temperatures and the growing lateness of the hour, things became very heated.

Kale and Maia made excellent use of a nearby leaf pile.

Afterwards, Maia headed home, hoping she was pregnant this time.

A few days later, it was time to celebrate the fairy twins’ birthday along with their IF’s and half-brother Zane.

Happy birthday, Shea!

Happy birthday, Orin!

Happy birthday, Fluffs!

Happy birthday, Rags!

Happy birthday, Zane!

Shea asked Zander to teach her to drive, while Maia taught Orin.

Later, Maia also taught Fluffs and Rags.

In the following weeks, she spent some time planting some of the produce and seeds she had gotten while gardening. 

She came across one seed from her pocket that she was unfamiliar with, but she planted it with the rest out of curiosity. Starting her indoor garden reminded her of her afternoon with Kale. But by now, Maia had come to the conclusion that, yet again, she hadn’t become pregnant. And on top of it, she missed Hamilton deeply.

Feeling a little depressed, she went to her hidden magic room to improve her alchemy skill, but her heart wasn’t in it.

As she turned to head back upstairs, Maia caught a glimpse of a face in the mirror that wasn’t her own. It was a magic mirror, and it offered her a makeover in the hopes that it might help her feel better.

Maia decided to take herself out for a night on the town in her new outfit.  She went to a local pub called The Toadstool to hang out with some of the other townsfolk and relax with a drink or two.

She met a few other supernaturals there, including another witch named Jaxen Miles, whom she thought was blindingly stunning.  He bought her a few drinks and they talked.

And they danced.

And they laughed, especially about the security guard who had obviously gotten some plastic surgery. 

So that’s why they call them bouncers!

After a few more drinks, Maia found herself making out with Jaxen.

She invited him to join her in the photo booth.

Perhaps this encounter would finally give her the baby she’d been hoping for, but the pictures that had been taken were quite shocking.

Maia tore up the photos and looked around.

The bar was nearly empty, but for a single patron sitting at the bar. He was staring directly at her.

Maia felt a bit unsettled by the intensity of his gaze, but brushed it off.  As seldom as she went out, it was unlikely she would ever see him again.  But even if she did, she doubted it would matter...