Jackie was perched upon her usual spot on the couch, blankie and some snacks in hand with Diablo resting his head on her lap, watching a recently released movie - something about a town haunting and vengeful spirits.
Her mother came in through the opening that led into the kitchen and snatched up the remote, changing the channel to a more slapstick, kid-friendly movie.
“Mommy,” Jackie whined, looking up at her mother, who just shook her head and gave her a quick peck on the forehead.
“That’s not something children should be watching. And I told you Diablo can’t be on the couch!”
Diablo looked up at the woman and chuffed, sliding off dramatically. Where most people would see a wolfdog, Jackie saw a Hellhound - the sharpest canines and four eyes, scales, ears curved to look like horns… She absolutely adored him.
“Now, can you help me set the table? Your father’s picking up Bruno and his girlfriend for dinner.”
Jackie perked up immediately and scrambled off the couch, blankie and snacks left behind, Diablo puttering behind her. She made quick work of setting the table.
Annot Marsh - apparently she was British, so Bruno had told them. Jackie was the only one who hadn’t seen the lady, but she’s been told so many great stories - ‘She helps out at the animal shelter’ and ‘She’s studying psychology’, even the time she nursed a whole litter of kittens and a few chicks back to health!
Jackie couldn’t wait to meet her.
About an hour had passed when the two heard the door open.
“Sorry I’m late!” It was her father. “Traffic was a- Jacquelynn!”
“ Papí!” Jackie laughed and ran straight to her father, who picked her up and spun her around. “Where are they?”
“They’re getting their things out, just wait,” he laughed, then set her down.
Bruno was behind them. “We already got everything out.”
Jackie squealed, rocking on her feet, trying to peek towards Annot. Her father finally stepped out, and Jackie looked up, eager to see her, then faltered.
Warm, dark skin, black eyes, and black hair pulled into a ponytail with her layered bangs just grazing her eyelashes. She wore black platforms, white jeans with a gold belt, striped yellow and white shirt, and a gold necklace.
But Jackie didn’t see any of that. She swallowed, trying to make sense of it.
She didn’t know what she was.
