Chapter 29 - Raven or...

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The house they drove up to was buzzing with activity. A pleasant melody was coming from inside and the children were playing in the yard. Julie had just appeared with some cookies when she saw Marina's truck. Her eyes were practically glued to Raven the minute they got out and remained so even while she was hugging Marina. 'And who's this ready-to-be-served dessert?'

The devilish grin that spread over Raven's face almost made Julie collapse. 'Jules, this is Raven. He's—'

'Hi there' she cut Marina off, 'I'm her cousin Julie. Nice to meet you!'

Raven took her outstretched hand and made a small bow over it. 'The pleasure is all mine, Julie' he said placing a feathery light kiss on her knuckles. If his smooth voice wasn't enough to win her over, the elegance of that gesture made Julie giggle like an idiot. Marina had to clear her throat to bring her back to earth and the purpose of her coming to greet them.

'Oh, sorry, I almost forgot! I need a favor! George won't be able to make it and he was in charge of the cake-'

'Hmm, then we'll just have to bake one'

'I already did!'

'From scratch? Julie I'm impre—'

'No, honey! Pillsbury - Devil's Food! You know I can't cook worth a damn' Julie giggled, 'I also don't know a thing about decorating it… that's where you come in!'

'Okay, but can we get inside first? It's kind of freezing out here' Marina smiled.

'It's not that cold yet… Oh, oh how rude of me! Raven, please come in—Girls, I want you inside in a half hour okay! We don't want you to get sick' Julie set the tray of cookies on the balustrade and followed the others inside.

The garden was beautifully decorated with balloons and garlands and Marina was just about to ask who did it when Julie left their side to attach a bow to the wall lamp; instantly answering her question.

Introductions were made for both Raven and another man Marina learned was called Dante. She left the men to talk and went to find her other cousin Jane. Only one place to look for her of course. Cupcakes, cookies, macaroni & cheese , greens and a rack of lamb in the oven by the smell of it. 'There's the kitchen-princess'

'Marina? I didn't even hear you come in' Jane broadly smiled, removing her oven mitts. 'Did you have a safe trip? Tell me you'll help Julie with the cake? I'd do it, but I'm doing these already' she pointed at the food table with enough food to feed 25 people that Marina saw on her way in.

'The trip was fine and yes, I'm helping with the cake… but first, where's the birthday girl?'

'In her room! She says she'll come out when she feels like it- you know how she is!'

'All too well' Marina laughed, taking the cookie Jane handed her. She looked up at the mentioning of Raven's name and watched him help both Dante and Julie to push the couch back.

She was about to turn her face when their eyes met. Even if it was for no longer than a minute, it was enough to make her feel all warm inside. Was he always this charming? Or was it the fact that her family warmed up to him so quickly that made him stand out more? Certain feelings of longing and be-longing grew stronger in her every time she looked at him. She closed her eyes and leaned against the wall; imagining her and Raven together. Am I really falling for Raven? Is this—

'Love…'

Marina's eyes snapped open at the sound and looked at Jane, now standing exactly as she was with a fake dazed look on her face almost like mocking her; Marina could do nothing but laugh. 'So, what's his name?'

'That's Raven, I'll introduce you as soon as Julie lets him go'

'Raven huh, nice mysterious name! His looks are intriguing too… I'd say you've quite a catch and I haven't even met him yet, go figure! But then your dazed look just then says a lot… are you in love with him Cuz? Or are you still falling?' Jane asked, watching Raven steal glances of his own every now and then.

'I don't know what I feel Jane, I honestly don't… Sometimes I feel comfortable being around him and then there are times I get the feeling I should stay away from him, like he's trouble. Or that getting involved with him could lead to… I don't know, maybe I'm over thinking it' Marina sighed.

'Maybe you are… a 'friend' of mine told me the exact same thing two days ago. He said to just give it a chance and see what comes out of it. And that advice I'm giving to you now'

''Friend' huh?' Marina squinted her eyes at Jane, 'Will I be meeting this friend at the party today?'

'No, he's in Belladonna Cove! But seriously, if there is something going on between the two of you, act fast or my little sister there might try to steal him away from you. Even if she is with Dante right now… or maybe I might steal him, who knows' Jane joked, pinching Marina's shoulder before checking on the lamb again. 'The lamb looks okay, just a bit longer and we're good to go! I'll go check on grams now, It's time for her vitamins'

And with that she left Marina alone with her thoughts.

Not that she was alone for long… As soon as Raven found his escape from Julie, he was by her side. 'Your cousin is quite a handful. I did not think someone as small as her could exhaust me even a little bit' he faked breathlessness. 'Tell me the one you were talking to is not the same, apart from appearance?'

'Looks and sarcasm are probably the only thing they have in common, don't worry!'

When Raven heard Julie call out his name, he quickly ducked inside the kitchen making Marina laugh.

'What is it?' he heard Marina say, realizing he's zoned out listening to her laughter; he was amazed she could make him do that.

'I just enjoy the sound of your laughter, that is all' he confessed, making her cheeks color. 'Well, do not stop now…' he teased.

'Hmm, what's going on here?' Jane said, catching the two in what seemed like an intimate moment.

'Nothing…' Marina was quick to deny.

'I'll bet! Hi, I'm Jane!' she said taking Raven's hand.

'Raven'

'Yes, I know!' she said side-glancing at Marina, whose cheeks were still a bit pink. 'Well, she's had her vitamins and she's asking for you Marina. You and the young man that is creating all the commotion. I tell you, nothing escapes that woman' Jane said throwing her hands up. 'Go on, don't keep her waiting. She already grilled Dante at his introduction. So, good luck! I'll go finish the food'

Marina heard Raven sigh and turned towards him in front of Rosalie's door. 'Relax' she said, more to herself than actually to him, 'She may be old, but she's not a witch'

Raven nodded and followed her inside her grandmother's sitting area.

'Grams!' Marina walked up to Rosalie and relaxed her head on her grandmother's lap, while Raven remained at the door. 'I've missed you so much!'

'Well, that's your fault. You know where I live and you could've visited at any time, but no, a lady has to give a party to see you' Rosalie said with a scoff, patting Marina's head.

'I know Grams, but a lot has happened recently and it's pretty hectic at home. Part of which is him…

Marina said motioning for Raven, 'Grams, I'd like you to meet R—'

'Yes, well, we'll have plenty of time for introductions later' Rosalie interrupted 'and why you haven't been visiting, but I want to talk to him first. Marina, be a dear and go help Jane in the kitchen'

Marina was confused and it showed on her face. Grams had never shooed her out of the room before and what added to the confusion was that she was being shooed so that her grandmother could talk to someone she had not even been properly introduced to.

'I…uh…'

'Yes dear?' Rosalie answered, raising her eyebrows.

'…nothing… uh, happy birthday Grams' she leaned over and kissed Rosalie's cheek.

'Thank you my dear! Now run along!'

She nodded and moved for the door. Raven was still standing there and she looked up at him, still confused. He simply gave her a reassuring smile before opening the door for her. His eyes remained on her as she disappeared behind it and he heard the door close with a soft click.

'Patrick…'

He closed his eyes briefly and turned towards the old woman on the other side of the room.

'Hello Rosalie'

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To Be Continued

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A/N:
Way to come back with a cliffy huh, I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I know it was short and more pictury than texty, but don't hurt me!

Evaluations at school are done, so I can do Tamed again, Yay!