Page 18 of Finding Answers For Confused Succubi

"Is that possible?"

"I've known a few who like to make comments about people's emotions," I admit."It makes people a bit uncomfortable, especially when they out people as having crushes, or secret relationships."

"Oh.Well no, that's not it."She bites her bottom lip and almost looks as if she's going to cry."I'm a succubus."

It takes a moment for the words to sink in."I wouldn't have guessed."

"Because I'm not walking around in a short skirt or something?"A bitter note comes through her question.

"I mean, you did say you were a cheerleader, so you must do that sometimes."My attempt at a joke is rubbish, even if it's meant to make her feel more at ease.Why am I doing this?It's not making a good impression on her, despite the fact I'm trying to.

Luckily, she laughs."You might be disappointed to learn that the short skirts have shorts underneath."

"Hardly disappointing.It makes sense when you're doing all of those flips and tricks and stuff.So, what do you think I can do to help?"

Unease crosses her face."You know what?This is a mistake.I'm sorry for wasting your time."She starts to move.

"Mandy..."I trail off, uncertain of what I'm going to say to her.

She hesitates, looking at me with such hope in her eyes that it's hard to ignore.

A part of me wants to reach out and touch her arm, to give her some comfort for whatever is running through her mind, though I don't know exactly what's causing me to think and act this way around her.

"Do you want to go for coffee?"I blurt out.

Surprise flits over her face, the same feeling that's echoing through me right now."Coffee?"

"Well, mint tea for you.Maybe tomorrow?We can grab a coffee as friends and not in a weird cupid-advice session."I hope she says yes.And not just because I want to help, but because I want to spend time with her too.

She shifts her bag on her shoulder."I have cheer practice until three."

"So say four?At Pixie Cups?We can just chat and if you want to talk about what's bothering you, then we can.If you don't, we can just talk about class or something."

For a moment, I think she's going to say no, but instead, she nods."Okay."

"Great.I'll message you?"

Mandy smiles at me."Thanks, Darius."

"I didn't really do anything."

"I appreciate it all the same."She gives me a hesitant smile."I'll see you tomorrow?"

"You will," I promise.

She waves and gets up, leaving me to watch her go with a slightly confused feeling within me.I don't know why the idea of not being able to help her hurts, just that I want to make whatever is bothering her disappear.

Though I know it probably isn't as simple as that.

I groan and rub my hand over my face.What am I getting myself into?It's clear I'm not immune to Mandy, and I know it's not her succubus side having an effect on me.It's just her personality that seems to be drawing me to her, and I don't really know what to do about that.

I guess the two of us having coffee together will be a good start on that front.

Eight

Mandy

I pushdown the gnawing sensation inside me, hating how much it's taking over my life when I have no outlet for it.I wish I could have seen through my conversation with Darius yesterday, but at least I have coffee to look forward to.