Forbidden

Memory Lane

Van

"Oh my goodness! I completely forgot about that outfit. Xandra patched those jeans a hundred times, never mind that she could afford another pair. I told her a hundred times that she would regret it, and then on our last day of eighth grade, sure enough, her pants split during a presentation on the Revolutionary War."

Nancy Francis wiped tears from her cheeks as she flipped to the next page in the photo album. Hailey's mom was an older version of her daughter, right down to the va-va-voom body and baby face, but they had more than looks in common. Nancy possessed the same innocent, sincerity as her daughter, and Van could easily see why she was her mother's best friend.

"You know..." Nancy rubbed her bottom lip before dropping her finger to the page, her nail clicking as she tapped the plastic covering the photo. "I think that's how your mom and dad started dating. Abe jumped up from his chair while the other kids laughed. He tied his jacket around her waist and waited for her after class."

Hailey and Van gaped at Nancy. Though the last few days had revealed a different side to her father, that behavior spoke of a level of kindness she didn't think he possessed. Unless he was a master manipulator, even that young. That thought settled better in her stomach, easing the sour taste in her mouth as it reminded her of the flash drive in her purse.

"Yep. He was different back then. Responsibility and pressure changes a person," Nancy said, her expression becoming guarded as she flipped to the next page. "Now, here-"

"Did my mom know?" Van interrupted.

The older woman wouldn't look her in the eye. "Know what, dear?"

"Mom," Hailey groaned, and jealousy shot through Van. What she wouldn't give for another moment like this with her own mother. Even irritated, there was no mistaking the love Hailey had for Nancy.

"No, Xandra was an Unknowing."

"And the Slayers were okay with that?"

"I suppose. Your mom never mentioned that his family made any comments to her about being unsuitable. In fact, your grandmother was rather fond of Xandra, if I remember correctly. I think it was just assumed that if things progressed to something serious, they would introduce her to the Slayers. We are humans, and Xandra was strong and athletic. She would have done well as a Slayer."

Van looked at the photos in front of her, but didn't really see them as she mulled over Nancy's explanation. She'd always assumed being a Slayer was a family business, but it would make sense that they would recruit fresh blood. Humans were short-lived and vulnerable compared to the supernatural world they fought against. Numbers would dwindle without bringing in new members, but she couldn't imagine her mother as a Slayer. Not with her open heart and kindness. It made her think maybe her mother had discovered the truth, and that was why she'd run away.

Another question burned on her tongue. One Hailey had promised would be safe to ask, but Luca's plea for caution almost stopped her. Finally, she shook her head- a physical response to the internal battle.

"Mrs. Francis... you said the Slayers are human."

"That's right."

"But are there any hybrids or supernaturals working in the Asylum?"

Her blonde hair fell over her face as she closed the book, but as she settled back on the sofa, she brushed it out of the way so she could settle a pair of serious blue eyes on Van.

"Why do I feel like that's not the question you're really asking?"

Hailey nudged Van's shoulder. "Go on."