PLANS AND NGO-E

Astrid stared at the ceiling and tried to formulate a plan to help Matilda Meyer when she heard a knock on the door. Sleep evaded her mind, despite her body craving for slumber.

`May I?', Enlil poked his head inside. Astrid nodded and he came barrelling in.

Enlil pulled a chair and sat on it, in front of her. She kept her gaze at the ceiling and sighed heavily.

`Can I help?', he asked with sincerity. She nodded her head.

`I am sorry if I was not there at times when you needed me. But I won't let that happen anymore. I –', she cut him short.

`Don't make promises you can't hold to', she responded.

`I meant to say I have a solution for your outburst earlier', he spoke carefully gauging her expressions. She faced him and slowly sat up.

At the same time, Girra appeared at the door and Astrid motioned her to sit on her bed.

`This better be good', Astrid said expectantly with a huff of breath.

`So is it safe to assume it's your friend who has these issues?', Enlil asked, and Astrid nodded.

`There is an NGO group that deals with issues related to women in general. From domestic violence, mind manipulation, violation of women, incest, prostitution and etcetera. You name it and they have each and everything recorded. It is called Wings of Women. WOW in short. I work there. I am one of the board members.' Girra spoke at length. Astrid was stunned.

`We have our branches all over the world. And I oversee the one in USA. Believe me when I tell you that our kinds are helping others, but in a subtle way. You must understand that there are truly little of us, about 100,000 or so and they are scattered all over the world. If one of us were to reveal our gifts, the riot and the violence that precedes is not worth the risk.'

`If you remember the 17th or 18th-century witches were burned and killed. That disaster would repeat if we had revealed ourselves. Enlil was away for a long time, looking for an anecdote to maintain the vampires as dormant. Once he managed to secure it, he took a long-deserved break.'

`And you my dear, I was away partly because of Nammu. I know it is a mistake that I will regret eternally but let me make amends with you if you allow me to. WOW has a branch here in Anubia and I can send in a letter of recommendation for you to work there. That way you can learn how it works, how it helps and how to use your gifts for the benefits of others. There maybe other elemental holders working there but we don't expose ourselves.'

`Usually the elemental bearers take heavier tasks which means a certain degree of violence is involved. Bear in mind, not all of our kinds work in NGOs, some excel in business, some in sports, and etc. But we have a record of each one of them, off the radar and on the radar. Enlil is safekeeping them for now'.

`So, Astrid don't think you are alone. We have the means to help your friend', Enlil concluded.

Astrid absorbed the new information akin to a sponge soaking water. She was ecstatic. For once, she smiled, and it reached her eyes with a twinkle. Enlil who was nervous hugged her and twirled her around the room, relief flooding him with her smile.

He sat her down and held her hands.

`Am I forgiven?', he asked.

`I should be apologizing', she rolled her eyes at him.

`It does not matter. If things are settled, then we can continue tomorrow morning. Perhaps a visit will do to WOW', Girra suggested and opened her arms to hug Astrid. She hugged her sheepishly, having scolded Enlil earlier. Astrid's phone rang interupting their hug.

Hadwin's name emerged on the screen. She swipes it to answer.

Hadwin: Hey

Astrid: Hey to you too.

HAdwin: I'm sober.

Astrid: Sorry can't smell your breath from here.

Hadwin: Not funny. I am. Truly. Sober

Astrid: Try harder.

Hadwin: Arrgghhh. Let me call Butler Lionel.

There were some static at the background and the line went quiet before she heard an older voice over the phone.

Lionel: Astrid?

Astrid: Mr Lionel, how are you doing?

Lionel: I am fine, thank you. That is until Hadwin pestered me. How can I be of help?

Astrid: Is he drunk?

Lionel: Surprisingly, no. Is this some sort of bet (he whispered the last part)?

Astrid: I wish but no. I was invited for this event as a plus one, and he promised he will be sober UNTIL AFTER the event finishes.

Lionel: Well, good to hear he has been keeping it. He is glaring daggers at me now. Excuse me.

Hadwin: So you believe him but not me?

Astrid: I guess. Are you pouting? Big baby boo hoo. Astrid chuckled at him.

Hadwin: No. I am not pouting, and I am not a baby. Perhaps a demo would prove it.

Astrid: A demo to deflate your ego perhaps. Pop there goes your ego balloon! She laughed at her own joke.

Hadwin: (snorted a laugh). Alright. Good night, gorgeous. I am off to work tomorrow.

Astrid: Good night to you too, Hadwin.

She hung up and looked up to see both Enlil and Girra grinning at her.

`What?', she looks at them stumped by their reaction.

`Nothing. Good night, kiddo. Let me tuck you in', Enlil offered and patted her head before closing the room light.

Astrid managed to sneak a text to Matilda telling her to turn her mobile on and she will call tomorrow morning.