urdbell18

[urdbell18]

gofundme

So I’m not sure if this is the right place to put this but here it is. I started a gofundme to try and pull myself out of debt. I don’t know if it would work at all and I kind of don’t expect it to because I’m not a pushy person or popular in anyway. My full story is in the description of the gofundme post. Thanks, Kacy

https://gofund.me/3bee83b3

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 7: Little Bear turned Little Fish

Being in a relationship came with one great advantage. Zelda no longer had to enroll her daughter in daycare. Though her sister was more than capable of watching Vida, Zelda couldn’t rely on her solely on Hilda. Zelda’s only other good option was Sabrina and it was getting increasingly harder for her to get her niece to watch her daughter. Sabrina was a teenager who wanted to go out and spend time with her friends, she didn’t want to be saddled with the responsibility of watching her preschool cousin. Zelda really couldn’t blame her and she gave Sabrina something that she herself was never really given at that age; freedom. So while Zelda worked in the summer Vida was enrolled in daycare, it was a bit expensive but a necessity. However, now that she had Mary she didn’t have to enroll Vida in daycare. Mary was more than happy to watch Vida and before summer started they compiled a list of things that they could do. One of those things was teaching Vida to swim.

Technically, Vida was supposed to learn last year. Vida reached the age that Zelda no longer feared for her personal safety as much as she did when her daughter was a toddler. The problem was that she couldn’t match her’s or her sister’s schedule with the swim lessons. The instructure insisted that a person over the age of sixteen be present during the lessons and with Sabrina only being fifteen Zelda couldn’t enroll Vida in the lessons. Now it wasn’t a problem because Mary, who wasn’t taking a summer job beyond the odd tutoring session, was totally free to take Vida and be with her for the lesson. When Zelda told her daughter she was excited and eager to start swimming.

But before Vida could start swimming she first needed a bathing suit. It meant that much to Zelda’s carnage a trip to the mall. Zelda hated the local mall. It was no offense to the mall itself, Zelda hated any place that held large crowds of people so the mall became one of the many places that if she could she avoided it. This was not one of those times. Yes she could have ordered a suit online for her daughter but there were two problems with that. One, Zelda didn’t know which suits would fit her daughter the best and the last thing that she wanted was to give her daughter a suit that was too big or too small. Two, she enrolled Vida late in swim lessons and the suit wouldn’t arrive in time. Hence, the trip to the mall. Not really knowing what her daughter would want Zelda let Vida peruse the swim section on her own. After a while though Zelda and Mary got a general idea of what Vida liked. Vida gravitated towards bathing suits that were more simple. She looked more closely at ones that weren’t brightly colored or looked overly complicated. That, unfortunately, eliminated a lot of options but none of them were known for giving up. They tried two other stores before Vida found something she liked. In a store that sold more athletic wear the suits that Vida liked had rashguard style tops and were one solid color or had a side band of color. Zelda liked these options a lot, she picked out two so Vida would always have a dry suit. One was a one piece with a short sleeve rashguard like top that was a medium blue color with a black side band. The other was a two piece set with a purple rashguard top and bottoms. Along with the suits Zelda bought a towel, a tote bag, life jacket, cover up and swim shoes. With that Vida was set for swim lessons.

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On the day of her first swim lesson Vida stood next to a group of kids her own age as they waited for the swim instructor to finish with another lesson. Vida looked at the other kids all dawning their own swimsuits and lifejackets. Vida fiddled with the strap of her own life jacket and turned to where she last saw her mamma. Her mamma was sitting in a lounge chair with a book in her lap and large round sunglasses over her eyes. Seeming to sense that Vida was looking at her she looked up from her book and gave a little wave. Vida gave a small wave back and turned back to look out at the large pool in front of her. She had been so excited to start swimming lessons but now faced with the large pool of shimmering blue water she was a bit scared. At least she wasn’t crying like another boy two kids to the left of her. With the instructor’s current lesson finished he stood in front of the group of kids that Vida was in.

“Who’s excited to go swimming!” A few kids cheered, raising their hands and shouting ‘me me me!’ while others like Vida stayed silent. “Well before we get into the water lets go over some pool safety.” The instructor went over some basic rules like no splashing the other swimmers, don’t go into depths that they couldn’t touch with their feet unless with an adult, no pulling other swimmers underwater, no running around the pool, and most importantly listen to the instructor at all times. When the rules were given they were now allowed to go into the water. One by one they step into the pool to the second step that extends into a ledge inside the pool. Vida and the other kids all lined up on the ledge, some sat down but they made sure to keep their heads above the water. Vida remained standing, she was still a little timid but the water felt nice and cool. “So we are going to start with some basic arm movements. Let’s start with the butterfly.” The instructor made wide side circle motions with his arms. Vida along with the other kids copied what he was doing and though there was some splashing it was relatively calm. “Good. Now let's windmill.” Now the instructor made large circular motions with his arms, moving them as though they were propellers. Unlike the last stroke this one caused a lot of splashing and general chaos. It took a few minutes for the instructor to regain control back from the kids. “Okay that’s enough. Let’s try some kicking. Is everyone comfortable sitting in the water?” He looked over the ones that like Vida chose to stand instead of sit. A few of them deeming it safe tried sitting down. Vida took a deep breath and still holding onto the stair railing sat down on the ledge. It wasn’t that bad, the water made her feel floaty and it wasn’t that much different when she was taking a bath. Now everyone was sitting down except for one boy, the same one that was crying. He was still crying and the instructor was trying to sooth him and coax him into the water but the boy just shook his head. He then scrambled out of the pool and ran, breaking one of the rules, to his mom. The instructor sighed but turned back to Vida and the others who were still eager to learn. “So, kicking.” Kicking was fun. It created big splashes and after a few minutes the instructor brought out kickboards and he supported each kid circled them around into open waters but not taking them any further than a few feet from the ledge. That ended the first swimming lesson and all of the kids went to their respected guardians. Vida’s mamma smiled at her when she went over and hugged Mary’s side minding the book that was still on her lap. Mary took the towel that Zelda packed and wrapped Vida in it.

“Did you have fun, baby bear?” Vida nodded, causing little droplets of water to fly everywhere.

“I was a bit scared at first but it turned out to be fun!”

“Good girl! I knew you would be a good little swimmer, bears are pretty good swimmers.” Vida smiled and nuzzled the towel a little. When she was sufficiently dried Mary handed Vida her cover up and they left to get some lunch.

_____________________

Half way through her lessons Vida was becoming more confident in her swimming. She got more and more confident in the water no longer fearing going in. The fourth lesson required a more hands on approach. They were starting to learn how to swim without the aid of the kickboard. The instructor wanting all the kids to have as much practice as possible asked all guardians if they would like to participate in the lesson. Of course Mary said yes which sent Vida over the moon. After applying sunscreen on herself (Zelda personally applied sunscreen on Vida every morning before her lessons) Mary joined Vida and her class in the pool. Mary’s job was to steady Vida in the water to the point where she could swim on her own. Though the kids were still required to wear lifejackets the goal was to get them swimming without it.

“Are you ready baby bear?” Vida nodded and reached out for Mary. Mary carried Vida to a different part of the pool that was still in the limits of Vida’s class but was far enough away that they weren’t going to be bumping into someone else. Adjusting her hold on Vida Mary moved her so that Vida was on her stomach practically floating on the water's surface. Vida immediately started kicking but her arm movements were a little lax and hesitant. Mary encouraged her as much as she could and eventually Vida’s arm movements became stronger. Soon Vida was barely in Mary's hands and feeling confident Mary let go of Vida. Vida, unknowing that Mary let go, kept swimming until she reached the wall and not seeing Mary next to her. Vida looked around until she saw Mary who remained where she let go of Vida and waved. Vida looked at Mary then the space of open water that separated them. She swam that distance all by herself? She swan by herself! That was the greatest thing ever! She went over to where Mary was, or at least tried to. She couldn’t get back in form and was left half splashing and half bobby in place. Mary gave a little chuckle and swam over to Vida.

“Did you see me Mamma? I swam all the way to the wall!”

“I know! You’re getting the hang of it baby bear! Before you know it you’ll be doing it by yourself.”

By the end of the lesson Vida swan three more times by herself. Three out of five, it wasn’t bad odds.

_____________________

Graduation day came and Vida was nervous. Though she was swimming pretty well on her own she never attempted more than a few strokes without her life jacket on. This test required her to swim from the wall to a lane divider. It was a bit intimidating but her mom was here that day and she was also eager to show her what she learned. One by one they were called to swim out into the open water. Vida was the fifth kid in line and soon it was her turn. Taking a deep breath she lifted off the ledge to attempt her first solo swim. Keeping her head above water and her focus on moving her arms and legs in a way to keep her afloat she didn’t even know that she made it to the divider until her fingers touched the floating barrier. Holding onto the barrier for dear life she saw the instructor giving her a thumbs up and her moms were clapping. She did it! She swam all on her own!

The ending ceremony was that all the kids were given little metals and a certificate that they completed the lessons. When it was over Vida went to her moms. Her mom wrapped her in a towel and gave her a big hug.

“Vida that was great! I’m so proud of you baby.” Vida smiled as Zelda kissed one of her sun kissed cheeks.

“I guess I got to start calling you little fish now instead of baby bear.”

“No! I’m a bear! Always have been and always will be!” Vida shrieked when Mary swooped her up and started to tickle her. When she started to wiggle away Mary stopped but gave her a quick kiss on top of her head before letting her go.

“So lunch?” Vida nodded and after slipping on her cover up she left with each of her moms’ hands in her own excited about her future adventures in the water.

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 6: The Birds

Vida was a lot like kids her age. She was curious, harbored an active imagination, and was easy to please but there were things that separated her from other kids her age. For one she was independent. She didn’t require heavy attention because she wasn’t known to get into trouble. She was smart, she appeared to understand things that most kids her age wouldn’t. She caught on to things like Susie being Theo much faster than anyone expected her to. She was kind to everyone and tried to extend that courtesy to anyone she met and thanks to Zelda she had impeccable manners. Despite all of her quirks she wasn’t immune to one thing.

She wasn’t immune to fear.

It wasn’t her fault, it was human nature to have fears. But most kids her age, like the ones in her class were scared of things like the dark or spiders or thunderstorms. Vida didn’t fear any of that. She didn’t mind the dark, not when she had Oso’s paw to hold and her mom in the next bed over. She wasn’t fond of spiders, not like her Aunt Hilda who kept a pet tarantula, but she wasn’t scared of them either. And she quite liked thunderstorms. She liked the way the lighting would light up the sky and the way the thunder made the clouds rumble as though they were putting. She feared something that was worse than any old thunderstorm or spider.

She feared birds.

It wasn’t all birds. She didn’t fear strange looking ones like flamingos or penguins or brightly colored ones like parrots. She feared small birds. The kind that made high chirping noises and made sudden movements like pigeons. Whenever she encountered these kinds of birds she tensed up and would hide wherever she felt safest, usually behind her mom or a loved guardian. There was only one person that she didn’t trust and that was Sabrina. She didn’t know why, just like she didn’t know why she was afraid of birds in the first place, but something just told her not to trust Sabrina when it came to birds.

No one caught on that she was scared of birds probably because they never got close to her for her to show real fear. That was the great irony about birds, one of the main things that made her fear them ment they never got close enough. There was that one time but Vida chose not to think about it, that day at the zoo was one for her favorites and she didn’t want to think about that one fleeting moment towards the end of the day.

However, in a cruel twist of fate it would appear that she would have to face her fears. Her class was doing a project to prepare for their end of the year trip to the zoo. They were each assigned an animal and despite Vida’s greatest wishes she wasn’t assigned any kind of bear but ravens. Ravens! Could you believe it!? But maybe it wouldn’t be so bad. It wasn’t like she had to find a raven, be near it or interact with the bird in any way. She just had to look up raven’s in a book or on the computer and she could do that, right?

Wrong.

It wasn’t like she didn’t try. The nice librarian at her school had the books all prepared for them to use and when she was handed her book she started to shake. She tried to move past it, to open the book and read what she needed to know to complete her project but found that she couldn’t move. She was just frozen in place, unable to look at the photo of the ravens in her book and yet couldn’t look away. Had she gotten any other animal she would be fine but she was anything but fine right now. She also tried to explain why she couldn’t do a report on ravens to Ms. Green, but how could you really explain something that even you didn’t understand? Ms. Green didn’t believe her and the conversation only served the purpose of further upsetting her. She couldn’t go through that again so that only meant one thing.

She didn’t do it at all.

How could she! She couldn’t even think about ravens without shaking or freezing up in fear. And after what happened with Ms. Green she didn’t feel comfortable explaining why. So on the day that they were going to present their projects she dreaded her name being called on. When she stood in front of the class expected to present her project she showed the small square of construction paper with a worksheet glued to it almost completely blank. All that was on there was her name and her shaky lines in her attempts to do the project.

Needless to say, Ms. Green was very disappointed in her. Her teacher kept her inside during recess but that was only part of her punishment. She waited with Ms. Green in dread for the second half. Ms. Green called her mom to discuss her actions.

__________________

The seniors graduating was a blessing in disguise.

Zelda’s workload was reduced to two periods, Spanish 1 and French 1. She used her newly acquired free time to revise her lesson plans and was for the first time all year, ahead of her grading. With the end of the year coming up fast she started out making up the final exam for her two remaining classes. She just finished the rough outline for her French 1 class when her bottom right desk drawer started to vibrate. It was her cellphone and by the time she dug it out the call was rolled to voicemail. She didn’t think much about it until the voicemail came through.

Vida’s teacher called, something happened with her daughter and if she could come in as soon as possible. It didn’t sound urgent but rather important.

Calling it a day Zelda gathered her things to leave. Locking up her office she ran into Mary. Her girlfriend had a stack of papers under her arm and a coffee mug in her hand. She looked at Zelda, who was ready to leave for the day with question and concern.

“Is everything okay?”

“I’m not sure. Vida’s school called and her teacher had something that she wanted to discuss with me.”

“Is Vida okay?” Mary tensed up and Zelda couldn’t help but smile. Though the incident with Faustus’ son happened several months ago it was still fresh in both her and Mary’s minds and getting called to your child’s school usually wasn’t a good thing.

“Physically she’s fine but I don’t know what happened. Ms. Green didn’t go into detail. I’m heading over there now. I’ll come get you and Sabrina at four.” Mary nodded. This was her last W.I.C.C.A meeting of the year and they wanted to go over everything that they discussed over the year and have a little party to celebrate.

“Okay. Let me know what’s going on?” Zelda nodded and with a quick kiss she left for her daughter’s school. After checking in with the office she went to her daughter’s classroom where her daughter’s teacher, Ms. Green, and Vida were waiting for her. Ms. Green was at her desk appearing to be grading students' work. Vida was sitting at a table, looking down obviously upset. When she saw her Vida smiled for a moment before it fell and she turned back to looking down on the table. Ms. Green got up from her desk, rounding it so she could meet Zelda.

“Ms. Spellman, thank you for coming in when you could.”

“Of course. It sounded serious so I wanted to come over as soon as possible. What’s wrong? What happened?”

“Vida, would you like to tell your mom what happened?” They both turned to Vida. Vida sunk into her seat, trying to make herself smaller than she already was. Zelda went over to her daughter and gently lifted her chin up so she was looking at her.

“Vida tell me what’s wrong.” Vida fidgeted, whatever it was that she needed to tell Zelda she was afraid how her mom would react.

“I didn’t do a project for school.”

“What project?”

“I was supposed to do a report on ravens and I didn’t do it.”

“Vida that isn’t like you. Why didn’t you do it?”

“I just… couldn’t!”

“What do you mean Vida?”

“I...I… I don’t know! But I couldn’t do it! I just…” Vida broke down completely after that. She curled into a little ball and started to cry. It pained Zelda to see her daughter like that but there was more to this than what Vida was telling her. Zelda turned to her daughter’s teacher, hoping to get more of the story.

“What is going on?”

“I assigned the class a project to prepare for our trip to the zoo next Friday. Each student was given an animal and they had to do a little report and a sketch of the animal. I gave Vida ravens and from the very beginning she was reluctant to do the assignment. Has she mentioned the assignment to you at all?”

“No. I wasn’t aware that anything was wrong at all.”

“This whole thing is so out of character for Vida that I’m unsure how to proceed. This assignment was to prepare for the trip so the right course of action should be to not allow her to go on the trip but I know that you have signed up as a chaperone so I think that would be a bit unfair.”

“Could she do the assignment again? Now that we know there is an issue perhaps we can work past it.”

“I don’t see why not. However, because she didn’t do the assignment the first time she would be graded for her first attempt but it shouldn’t affect her overall grade. Vida is an excellent student, this was just as surprising to me as it is for you.” Zelda nodded and with Ms. Green’s permission she was allowed to take Vida home. Vida was still upset when they arrived home, Zelda decided to give her some time to herself before discussing the issue again. This whole thing was so unlike Vida and yet kind of wasn’t. Vida was too much like her, they were both reluctant to say when they were hurt or uncomfortable with something. They rather suffer in silence and try to work things out themselves even if it meant failure. Hilda was still home, one of her very rare days off, and she asked what was wrong. Zelda told her not to worry about it and she went into the kitchen to do some work before going to pick up Mary and Sabrina. When a few hours had passed Zelda went to check up on her daughter. Vida was in their room on her bed, she was curled onto herself with a book on her lap. Her Madeline book, a sign to Zelda that she was still upset about what happened. Zelda knocked on the doorframe to catch Vida’s attention. Vida turned to her with a small smile but her eyes were still sad. Zelda returned the smile as she joined her daughter on the bed.

“Vida we need to talk about what happened.”

“I know.”

“What happened baby. Why couldn’t you do the project? Did you not understand it?”

“No that wasn’t it.”

“Then what was it?”

“I don’t know! I tried to do it but whenever I tried I would freeze up and shake and I just couldn’t do it!” Vida was becoming upset again, tears formed in her eyes and she was starting to shake a little. Zelda took her daughter into her arms, rocking her gently and humming softly in her ear. When Vida calmed down enough Zelda pushed Vida away slightly.

“Vida why didn’t you tell me you were having these problems?”

“Ms. Green didn’t believe me. She thought I was just upset over not doing bears. I was afraid you wouldn't understand and would take Ms. Green’s side.”

“Oh Vida, you have to understand that you could come to me with whatever problems you have.”

“I understand.” Zelda smiled and kissed the top of her daughter’s head. She turned her wrist to see the time. It was almost time for her to pick up Mary and Sabrina.

“Okay Vida I have to go pick up you Mamma and cousin from school. In the meantime why don’t you set up your project in the kitchen and we’ll work on it together. Okay?” Vida looked at her, still a bit shaken but nodded.

“Okay. Hug?” Zelda smiled, nice and big, and brought Vida in her arms in a tight embrace. With a kiss on her cheek Zelda left Vida, she knew her daughter trusted her enough to leave her to do what she asked. She knew this was hard for Vida but so long as she was willing to try Zelda was going to follow her lead.

_______________________

“What happened with Vida?” Mary asked Zelda not long after they were back on the road heading home.

“She didn’t do a school assignment that was tied into the field trip that she’s taking next Friday.”

“Aren’t they going to the zoo? Vida loves animals.” “Yes she does except for ravens apparently.”

“Ravens? What do ravens have to do with it?”

“That’s the animal she was assigned but couldn’t do it and never told me about it.”

“What did her teacher do?”

“Failed her but she didn’t kick Vida off the trip and is allowing her to submit her assignment.”

“Is Vida okay though?”

“Honestly, no. I wish I knew what was going on with her. She says that anytime she thinks of ravens she starts to shake and freezes up. She can’t explain why it happens, it just does.”

“Sounds like she’s scared of ravens.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Well do you remember when we took her to the zoo and I took out Stolas? She practically hid behind you. Something must have happened for her to be so scared of birds.”

“That makes sense but I don’t know what could have caused such an intense fear.” Stopped at a light she looked in the rear view mirror. Sabrina, who was looking at her phone the entire time, looked up and her eyes widened in the same way when she knew she did something wrong. “Sabrina? Is there anything you care to share?”

“I think I might know why Vida’s scared of birds.” Zelda raised an eyebrow, a sign for her to continue. “A few years ago when you asked me to babysit Vida Roz and Theo came over and we had a Hitchcock marathon. One of the movies we watched was The Birds and Vida might have gotten a glimpse of the scene where the birds start attacking people. I didn’t think much about it at the time but that might be why she’s so scared of birds now. I’m sorry Aunt Zelda.” Zelda opened her mouth to say something but closed. It wasn’t totally Sabrina’s fault, she didn’t know. No one knew. Now that they knew why Vida was acting like she was they could figure out the next step.

Doing the report was easy thanks to Mary. It might have only been for a short time but she remembered a lot from when she had to take care of Stolas. They helped Vida write out what she wanted on her report but the drawing took a little more effort. The picture had to be done to the best of Vida’s own ability. How could she draw a raven without shaking? Mary and Zelda encouraged her as much as possible and the end product turned out shaky but it was something. That was good enough.

Ms. Green thought so too. She saw the effort that Vida put into it and accepted it. She also apologized to Vida. She didn’t know it was something so serious and Vida accepted the apology.

So that was that. Right?

So why did Vida still feel bad? She did her report yes but her moms had to practically prop her up to do it. She didn’t learn anything other than that she was scared of birds. She could have told them that, it’s nothing new. The real question is, what is she going to do about it?

It turns out going to the zoo was a great thing. Yes, she was able to see the bears and the frogs and the penguins again but the zoo also had a raven. She remembered from when she went with her mom and mamma. The raven that lived there looked friendly enough, maybe he could help her? It helped that both her mom and her mamma were on the trip, their school ended a day before hers and they were both willing and happy to go with her. She told her mamma what she wanted to do and she thought it was a great idea. When they reached the bird sanctuary, it was their last stop before lunch, Mary arranged with the zookeeper on duty to let out Stolas. Stolas perched obediently on her hand and in front of her class Vida gave her report.

“This is Stolas. Stolas is a raven. Ravens are medium size birds usually black in color but some can be purple. Ravens are often confused with crows but they are two different types of birds. Ravens are very smart and one of the only birds that can fly upside down. What makes raven’s special is that they like shiny things and will collect them in their nest.”

“That is a very good point Vida.” The zoo keeper chimed in. He took a step forward to address Vida’s class. “Stolas is like any typical raven of his kind and does what Vida just mentioned and hunts for shiny objects. It has become quite an attraction here and thanks to our guest and Stola’s expert skills he has raised almost $2,00 for the zoo.” The students ‘wowed’ and some of the adults rolled their eyes in disbelief. “Is there anything else you would like to say Vida?” Vida nodded and turned to Mary. That was Mary’s sign to kneel down so Stolas was closer to Vida.

“Mr. Stolas I’m sorry but I’m scared of you and others like you. I hope you can forgive me because Mamma says you’re a very good bird. I hope one day we could be friends.” Stolas squawked and spread his wings. That freaked out Vida and she ran straight to her mom. Zelda smiled and wrapped her arms around her child. Vida’s bravery was spent but she did really good, much better than she expected. Mary straightened up to place Stola’s back in his cage. She threw a quarter, one she asked Zelda for, to make him go inside. Bird sanctuary done it was time for lunch.

“Vida you did so well. I think you’ve earned a bear Popsicle.” Vida squealed and thanked Mary for helping her. That’s how Vida ended up with ice cream on her cheeks but she wore it with pride.

She took her first small step in conquering her fear and boy was it hard but it was kind of worth it. Hopefully.

[urdbell18]

Those Moments In Between Chapter 5: Daughter, Aunt, Mother

AN:So like I said I don't know what day it is or how much time has gone by sorry? But I had this chapter written out and have been dying to post it for obvious reasons. Happy Mother's day to all those moms out there especially mine who has to work during this crappy time. Enjoy!

When Zelda was five she learned about something that was at the time the greatest thing ever. She told her sister but she didn’t understand. Hilda just smiled and said, “No!” her new favorite word. Regardless, Zelda was excited and wrote out her plan. It was important to plan these things out. On the second Sunday of May Zelda gently woke up her sister and the two of them went downstairs. They made breakfast, Zelda only knew how to make eggs and toast so that’s what she made. To keep Hilda from bothering her Zelda tasked her with making a card which she placed on the left corner of the tray. With carefully calibrated balance Zelda climbed the stairs. Hilda hadn’t quite mastered the stairs yet so she crawled them up. When they reached the door to their parents room Zelda brought a finger to her lips, a sign that even Hilda knew to be quiet. Hilda covered her mouth with her hand but her giggles could still be heard. As softly as she could Zelda opened the door. Her mother was still asleep, her father… she didn’t know but he wasn’t her target. Laying the tray on the flat surface of the bed she, once she was sure that the tray was balanced, went over to her mother and gently shook her shoulder. When her mother woke up she turned her blue eyes to Zelda, then to Hilda, and finally the try at the foot of her bed.

“Happy Mother’s day.” Zelda kept her voice low and soft, trying to be considerate of the fact that her mother just woke up. Hilda copied her but it sounded more like ‘baby brober say’ it was close enough. Their mother looked at them, her eyes narrowed and then Zelda’s heart broke. Her mother kicked the tray, causing it and what it held to fall to the floor. The sound of the ceramic plate and glass breaking startled Hilda causing her to cry.

“Get out.” Zelda registered that her mother but didn’t hear what she said. She was too overwhelmed with the scene that was before her. Hilda crying her little eyes out, the tray in shatters, and the card that Hilda was so proud of slowly being smothered by orange juice. “I said get out!” Zelda tensed, not so much by the words but because of the tone. That tone only spelled out bad things and Zelda always avoided her mother when she sounded like that. She took Hilda by the hand and led her out. In the safety of their room Hilda cried her little eyes out until she wore herself out. She fell asleep with her head in her sister's lap sucking away at her thumb. Zelda had her own cry, her tears fell silently down her cheeks. She vowed then and there to never do anything like that again, the pain was just too much.

She kept her promise even when Hilda, now age 5, took their brother Edward, who was age two, led him to celebrate their first mother’s day. She stayed out of it, waited in her room for the inevitable. She waited for the heartbreak, for her siblings to come running to her in tears. They didn’t and that just made things worse.

It confirmed one thing though. She made the right decision after all.

__________________

Sabrina was seven when she came up with the greatest plan ever.

Though she’s known for a while what the second Sunday of May meant it wasn’t until now that she found a way to imply it to her. Up until this point she was the only one in her class who didn’t have a mother. It was more common to not have a father but Sabrina was completely orphaned. Despite what her classmates thought she knew it wasn’t her fault, her parents didn’t abandon her on purpose. If they knew they wouldn’t have gone but they did and now they’re dead. It’s what happened and as her Aunt Zelda always says, better to look forward than to dwell on the past. This year however, she wasn’t alone. Susie Putnam was also motherless. This time period was awkward for the both of them. They didn’t have ‘mothers’ to make cards to or to honor. So when their class time was dedicated to making these tokens of appreciation Susie made her’s for a neighbor saying that she was the closest thing to a mom so she’ll honor her.

Light bulb.

Sabrina told one other person about her plan, Ambrose. Like her he was orphaned too but it was different. She was never given the full explanation as to why but she knew the important part. Ambrose was a Spellman, his place was with them and that was that. Because he was older he was allowed to touch things, like the stove. They made pancakes, or tried to. They burned them, setting off the smoke detector and thus waking up both Aunt Zelda and Aunt Hilda.

“What is going on!?” Aunt Zelda stood in the entrance of the kitchen while Aunt Hilda went over to the smoke detector, waving a napkin at it. She asked Ambrose to open the back door and that got rid of the remaining smoke rendering the smoke detector silent.

“We’re sorry Aunt Zelda. Ambrose and I were trying to make breakfast for you and Aunt Hilda but we burned it.”

“Not that we don’t appreciate the thought lamb but why would you do that?”

“I know I don’t have a mom but Susie gave me a good idea. She honors the mother in her life even if she isn’t her mother. So… Happy Auntie day!” Sabrina gave her aunts an awkward smile and held out her hands, jazz hands to hopefully make everything okay. Aunt Zelda looked at Aunt Hilda. Aunt Hilda just nodded but that small action placed a small smile on Aunt Zelda’s face.

“Thank you Sabrina but next time could you come up with a plan that won’t potentially burn the house down?” Sabrina nodded enthusiastically.

“Promise.” Sabrina rushed over to Aunt Zelda and gave her a tight hug. It knocked the wind out of her but Zelda just smiled and kissed the top of Sabrina’s head.

“Now, stand aside and let the master show you how it’s done.” Sabrina chuckled and looked at Aunt Hilda who was already getting to work on fixing their mistakes with breakfast.

In the end they sat down to a Hilda prepared breakfast with conversation flowing freely between them. It was a great first Auntie’s day.

________________

May marked the final stretch for Zelda.

In a few short weeks she would get to meet her baby, her little girl. The last eight months have been hard. There was the usual stuff like the morning sickness and the cravings, that was all normal, even expected. It’s just that usual stuff seems twice as hard when you’re doing it on your own. Yes, she had her sister and her nephew was a strapping young man but Zelda chose to continue with the pregnancy and thus her burden to bear. There was no one there to hold her hair or to rub the kinks out of her back. Everything was all on her and she was fine with that. However, that didn’t mean it made it any less exhausting.

On Saturday Sabrina had choir practice. The choir was having a spring concert, the last for the school season, and this was the last practice before the big event. Zelda didn’t mind taking her, it was something that Sabrina enjoyed. It’s just… she was tired of all the stares that got when she showed up from the parents, usually the women, of some of the other kids hung around like she did. Zelda only stayed because practice was only two hours and she didn’t feel like driving all the way home just to turn around to pick up Sabrina. She didn’t know if that was the case with the other parents but she honestly didn’t care enough to give heavy thought. She just knew that they looked at her with an air of shrewdness. They were judging her because she, a single woman with no confirmed partner, was nine months pregnant. Zelda didn’t care before and she certainly didn’t care now. The only reason that she’s never put on end to it was because of Sabrina. Regardless, Zelda sat in a chair, one hand rubbing her large stomach and willing that the next two hours go by quickly.

Half way through practice she began having some discomfort. It wasn’t quite full blown pain but it was close enough. She didn’t think about it too much but didn’t flat out ignore it either. When the thirty minute mark hit the discomfort grew to full blown pain and that caught Zelda’s attention. She did her best to portray that nothing was wrong. Practice was soon to be over, she just needed to hold out for ten more minutes. It was just her luck that the teacher announced that practice was going to be extended another half hour. Zelda couldn’t wait that long. She called out to Sabrina who reluctantly followed her out.

“Auntie Zee what’s wrong? I know practice was extended but-” Sabrina’s sentence died right there as Zelda leaned against a wall. Her breathing was shallow and her face was scrunched in pain. The pain must have been significant, Zelda never showed when she hurt. After a minute or two Zelda took a deep breath and they continued on their way.

The drive to the hospital seemed longer than it actually was. It was physically made longer because Zelda had to stop the car when a contraction hit. She got honked at a few times but she didn’t care. There was no way that she could drive the car during a contraction and she wasn’t going to risk her’s, Sabrina’s, or her unborn child’s life to try. When they arrived Zelda handed her phone to Sabrina telling her to call Hilda, she would know what to do. Sabrina just nodded. The nurse stationed at the desk took one look at Zelda and instantly knew what was wrong. She was immediately brought into the maternity wing and just in time too. Her water broke.

However, it would take several excruciating hours before she got even close to delivery. Zelda knew it was a while because Hilda had enough time to collect Sabrina, bring her home, and then come back. Though she appreciated Hilda being there her soft murmurs of encouragement were getting on her last nerves. So she snapped, it was expected, she can’t be blamed. After nine hours she was entitled to be a bit of a bitch, to put it nicely. The time to push came and if it was possible the pain grew even more intense. All she felt was white blinding pain and her heart beating so hard in her ears she couldn’t hear anything else other than a low humming buzz.

And then just like that it was over.

There was this silence and then she heard a cry. A small cry and then a tiny baby still white from birth was placed on her chest. It was her baby, that was her baby’s first cry's. She cried herself and turned to her sister who was smiling sweetly at her with tears in her eyes. She looked at her baby again, still in awe over the fact that she was here.

And then everything went black.

The next thing that she registered was a soft sound. It wasn’t quite singing but it was pretty close. It was Hilda and she was speaking to someone in a high whispery tone. Hilda was sitting in the rocking chair holding something. Hilda noticed that Zelda was looking at her and got up, taking extreme care of the bundle that was in her arms.

“Here you go Mom.” Hilda transferred what was in her arms to Zelda. It was her baby, now swaddled in a blanket made out of soft blue yarn. No longer white, her skin was a soft pale color and her cheeks were now a soft pink. When Zelda ran a gentle fingertip across her baby’s cheek the skin felt soft and smooth. Her baby made a little noise but didn’t wake, just settled further into her mother’s arms. Zelda looked at her baby, smiled, and then started to cry. Her baby was here, she was real, and never in her life has she felt so much love for another. Now and forever Zelda was no longer just aunt, she was mom and this little life in her arms meant everything to her.

“Happy Mother’s day.” Zelda looked up at her sister. Hilda nodded and Zelda knew what she meant.

On a day that used to hold no meaning for Zelda Spellman, she was given the greatest gift one could get. She was given her daughter Vida Phiona Spellman.

____________________

Unlike all the other mother’s days in her life this one was the most important to Vida for one simple reason.

She now had two moms instead of one.

She recruited Aunt Hilda to make breakfast. Being little came with a lot of disadvantages and one of those was that she could touch the stove. She couldn’t even reach it! But that didn’t stop her from helping. Aunt Hilda let her crack the eggs and stir the batter that they needed for french toast. Earlier that week they bought a loaf of a special kind of bread called brioche. Aunt Hilda said it was delicious and Vida trusted her opinion. They bought the loaf to make breakfast for everyone not just Vida’s mom’s but she was okay with that. Aunt Hilda fixed her up a tray with three helpings of french toast, some scrambled eggs, bacon, a glass of orange juice, and two cups of coffee, one black and one espresso. Aunt Hilda had to help her carry the tray up the stairs, it was way too heavy for her to lift let alone carry it up three flights of stairs. Together they silently entered her moms’ room. By some luck they didn’t wake up before her mom, Vida’s mom was a notorious early riser. Aunt Hilda found a safe place to set the tray down and then left. She winked at Vida before leaving. As carefully as she could Vida climbed onto her moms’ bed. It was really hard as she had to climb over Mamma and do so without tipping over the tray. Somehow she managed and was right where she wanted to be, in the middle. Now all she had to do was wait. At nine o’clock her mom’s alarm clock went off just like it does every Sunday. Zelda wasn’t expecting her daughter in her bed but it wasn’t an unwelcome one. Zelda happily took her daughter in her arms and kissed her cheek.

“Happy Mother’s day Mommy. I brought you breakfast.” That’s when Zelda noticed the tray loaded with food and drink at the foot of her bed.

“Vida thank you.” Zelda brought the tray closer to her. She removed the drink wear, placing the two mugs and glass on her nightstand. Then using the flat surface of the mattress she cut up all three portions of french toast before adding the syrup that was in a little bowl. It too ended up on the nightstand. With everything now set up Zelda rested against the headboard with the tray in her lap. Just as they were about to dig in they heard a groan coming from next to them.

“Do I smell coffee?” Zelda smiled and picked up the mug that just had coffee in it and held it closer to Mary. Following the scent Mary got up in a sitting position. Her hair was a wild mess but that seemed to be the furthest thing from her mind as she took the mug from Zelda and took a generous sip.

“Your hair looks silly Mamma.” Mary looked at Vida and smirked. Now sufficiently caffeinated Mary placed the mug on her nightstand so she could attack Vida. She scooped Vida up, hugging her close and blowing raspberries any wear that she could reach.

“That’s enough.” Mary looked at Zelda, who was smiling so she wasn’t mad but Mary knew enough to not push it. She set Vida now, settling her in her favorite place, between the two of them.

“So what’s the occasion?” Mary took the offered plate that Zelda held out to her and started to dig in.

“It’s Mother’s day! I wanted to do something extra special.”

“So you made us breakfast baby bear?”

“It was mostly Aunt Hilda. I’m not allowed near the stove.”

“Good girl.” Zelda held out a fork with a piece of french toast on it which Vida took. “I remember one Mother’s day when Sabrina and Ambrose nearly burned the house down trying to cook something. Thank you for not repeating that.”

“Well thank you for including me on this special day.”

“You’re the reason why I asked Aunt Hilda to do this.”

“What do you mean baby?” Zelda handed Vida the glass of orange juice when she noticed that Vida was looking at it. Vida took a few sips before handing it back to Zelda who placed it back on the nightstand.

“I wanted to show Mamma how happy I am that she's with us and the only way that I know how to do that is with french toast and we make french toast when we’re happy. So thank you Mamma for giving me two mommy’s instead of one.” Mary looked away so Vida could see the tears in her eyes. Vida hasn’t seen her cry and she didn’t want to start today. After whipping a tear or two from her eyes she turned back to her two favorite Spellman’s.

“The person who deserves this credit is you baby bear.”

“Why?”

“Well, I don’t know if you know this but your mom is kind of a mamma bear. If you don’t like something or someone she notices. So if you gave any inkling that you didn’t like me I wouldn’t even be here. So thank you baby bear.”

“What does mamma bear mean?”

“It just means that she’s really protective of you.”

“You mean like how you were with that wormy man at the apple farm?” There was a choking sound as Zelda spit out the mouth full of coffee that was in her mouth back into the cup. She was in full blown laughter and Vida didn’t know why. Mary just smirked, let it be told that Vida was a good judge of character even if she didn’t know it. When Zelda calmed down she took a few deep breaths to get rid of her excess laughter and turned to her daughter.

“Just like that, yes.”

“So I have two mamma bears instead of one?”

“It would appear so yes.”

“Yay!” Mary and Zelda smiled at each other and shared a quick kiss. Everything was absolutely perfect. When breakfast was done Zelda carried the tray back downstairs. Vida was next to her chatting away. Mary was behind them holding the coffee mugs. She looked at the two loves of her life and that’s when she knew what she had, no wanted, to do. Even if it went against her very nature.

Zelda Spellman was worth it.

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 4: Blanket Forts to Candy Castle

AN:Set in those blank moments in chapter 9 The One With the Blizzard. You don't need to read that to understand this.

P.S. Apparently I don't know where my mind is and never gave the chapter a proper title. Sorry!

Sabrina woke up to a jumping like motion. It would have been more concerning if she didn’t know who it was that was causing it. She cracked an eye and it confirmed her suspicions. Vida was jumping on her bed. And though being in her room violated the rules she knew that Vida wouldn’t be in her room unless it was important. It was kind of unfair. Aunt Zelda said that she wasn’t going to school today which meant she could sleep in but she felt like she just got back to sleep and now she was woken up again by Vida. And Sabrina knew Vida, she wouldn’t stop until she was up. Aunt Zelda taught her too well. Sabrina groaned and sat up. Vida stopped her jumping and launched herself at her cousin.

“Sabrina!” Though she didn’t appreciate the rude awakening, Sabrina did love her cousin and liked spending time with her.

“What are you doing here Vida?”

“Aunt Hilda said I had to come get you because she’s leaving and I can’t be left on my own.” Ah, makes sense. Vida took the rules seriously and she never enters anyone’s room other than her own without expressed permission. It’s something that Sabrina should do, and you think she would after she caught Ambrose doing she didn’t even want to know what, but for some reason it has stuck. She should really start doing that because now that her aunt was dating her teacher there were some things that she shouldn’t see. It wasn’t to say that she was against Aunt Zelda dating Ms. Wardwell, she thought it was awesome and she could tell how much happier her aunt was because of Ms. Wardwell. It’s just… Aunt Zelda was practically like her mother and there were just some things a teenager shouldn’t see. Deciding that she was up Sabrina got out of bed with Vida on her hip but had to put her down. Vida was heavy and she didn’t have the same strength as Aunt Zelda. Also deciding that getting dressed was just a wasted effort she went downstairs fully intending on staying in her pajamas. Vida was also still in her pajamas so why not make it a pajama party? It was the perfect day for it.

Now downstairs Sabrina turned on the TV. With it being so close to Christmas TV stations were running Christmas specials almost 24/7. It was kind of annoying but it was only for a month, she could put up with it for that long. One of the commercials advertised that they were going to be showing How the Grinch Stole Christmas that night. The good one with Boris Karloff as the Grinch. They were only allowed to acknowledge this version because Aunt Hilda refused to believe that anyone could replace the Man of Horror and Aunt Zelda couldn’t stand Jim Carry. Regardless, it was something to keep in mind and wrote a note for her to mention it to Aunt Hilda. In the meantime, what were they going to do now? The chill that settled in their house could only mean one thing. Blanket fort.

While Vida rounded up the spare blankets and pillows Sabrina moved around the furniture. The furniture didn’t need to be rearranged too much, the distance of the couch with the armchairs were perfect but the coffee table had to be moved so it wasn’t in the middle of their fort and the armchairs had to be moved in just a bit so they lined perfectly with the couch. Oh, and she can’t forget about the lamps, if anything happened to those her Aunt Zelda would have her head. When Vida came back Sabrina started to drape the blankets while Vida spread out the pillows. Vida was really good at that, she found the perfect pillow for each spot so that the entire floor inside their fort was now an even pillow floor. A blanket fort was never complete without some popcorn so Sabrina made some before joining Vida inside. One of the great advantages of having high back furniture was that they held the blankets high enough that Sabrina didn’t have to be hunched over. It was nice and warm, they just ate popcorn while watching Christmas specials and Ambrose even joined them with a bag of M&M’s that they definitely weren’t telling Aunt Zelda about.

When Aunt Hilda came home she didn’t yell at them about the fort but to pay for her silence they had to help her unload the car. That was fair and she warned them when they had an hour before Aunt Zelda would be home. She would yell at them and they made sure that everything was back to normal, blankets and pillows back from where they came from, furniture back in place, and all messes cleaned up. It was like none of it ever happened but what really worked in their favor was that Aunt Zelda seemed extremely distracted. It got to a point that Aunt Hilda couldn’t take it anymore and kicked her out.

She wouldn’t be back until Sunday.

________________________

As much as Zelda acted like it, the world didn’t stop when she wasn’t around. Hilda was more than capable of taking care of things in Zelda’s absence.

Though she would admit she’s a little nervous. Vida has never spent time away from Zelda, not significant time like this. Zelda was stuck at Mary’s house, it wasn’t worth risking her life to come home in this weather and Hilda agreed with her. Vida also agreed, she was smart enough to know that it was better to be without her mom for a day or two instead of running the risk of never having her ever again. So Hilda asked what Vida wanted to do, they had two days to do anything. Within reason. She was surprised when Vida brought to her a board game that even she didn’t know they had. But if Vida wanted to play Candyland then by all means.

Hilda brought the game into the parlor setting it up on the coffee table. It attracted the attention of Sabrina and Ambrose but in a way that they rolled their eyes and wanted nothing to do with it. They believed that the game was beneath them. Oh, well. Their loss. Hilda set up the game, reading the rules while Vida picked out what gingerbread kid she wanted, it was a heated decision between red and blue. She settled on red and Hilda chose green. With a quick shuffle of the cards they were ready. As the youngest player Vida drew first. She drew a double yellow and moved her piece the required amount of spaces. Hilda went next, drawing green and moving, her piece just a few spaces behind Vida’s. It went on like that until Hilda drew a double yellow, landing her squarely on a ‘cherry pitfall’ space. She was stuck there until she drew another yellow card. She looked at Vida who was laughing at her aunt's misfortune and said, “Watch as I draw every color other than yellow.” Sadly, she was right and Vida ended up winning the game with a quick swift victory.

They played several more rounds with Hilda winning as much as she lost. It was fun and Hilda couldn’t remember the last time she laughed so much. Their antics caught the attention of Sabrina and Ambrose, they piqued their curiosity and it wasn’t long before they caved in and joined them. Ambrose caved first, he sat down on Vida’s left and asked if he could join the next round. They more than happily agreed, he picked blue and Vida even let him draw first as the new player. Despite that, Vida and Hilda crushed him after he drew a card that sent him all the way back to the gingerbread plum trees. It took longer to break Sabrina, she was stubborn like that but after watching a few rounds she caved in as well. She got yellow and was lucky to win her first game but on the second landed on the molasses version of the cherry pitfall spaces and Hilda swept right by her and ended up in third. Her groaning and fake tantrum sent everyone in hysterical fits of laughter. Before they knew it it was time for Hilda to make dinner but they all agreed on one thing. It was the best afternoon ever.

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 3: A Day in the Life of Vinegar Tom

Vinegar Tom’s morning started when the sun rays hit his basket. He got up and stretched, first his front legs and then his back. He took inventory, his ball was where it was supposed to be but his lamb was missing. He sniffed and found it on the other side of his basket. Silly thing must have rolled out of bed again. He placed his friend where he belonged, in his basket. The lamb squeaked in thanks. Satisfied that everything was in place he went up the stairs to his people. He’s gotten better at the stairs, he no longer tripped or slid when climbing them. When he reached the door that led to his people he pressed his nose to the surface hoping it would budge. It didn’t. That meant his madam or mistress firmly shut the door behind them last night. He was saddened that he couldn’t see his people but he also knew better than to whine or scratch at the door to be let in. That only led to trouble and he was a good dog. So he laid down and waited.

His mistress came out first. His mistress was always the first one up. His head snapped up and his tail started to wag widely. His mistress just gave him a small smile and a little head pat before heading for the stairs. Vinegar Tom followed her. Back in the kitchen his mistress opened the back door to let him out. He didn’t need to go out but he went because it made his mistress happy. It turns out he did kind of need to pee but that’s besides the point. He spent most of the time soaking up the morning sun and feeling the dewy grass on his paws. There was a heavenly scent coming from further back in the yard but didn’t move closer to it. He knew that the nice lady who set up his bell spent a good time there and that it was a ‘no go zone’ for him and he respected that. Eventually the back door would open again, telling him that it was okay for him to come back in. He happily did so because he knew what would be waiting for him when he came back, breakfast. His food bowl would be filled and there would be fresh water in his other bowl. By then most of the family would also be awake. His little miss would call his name every time she sees him and he would always come. He went over to her and he would receive some nice head pats in return. Just like how his mistress would always be the first one up his madam was always the last one up. She would have enough time to eat some breakfast before it was time for his walk. He would come up to her with his leash in his mouth and give a little wine just to drive the point. His madam would sigh but relent, clipping his leash onto his harness and out they went.

Heavy woods surrounded the front of the house but there was a walking path that remained clear and well traveled on. He and madam would walk that path all the way to the little wooden bridge before bounding back. She would let him look at the water for a minute or two before heading back. Normally that would be the end of his morning. They would go home and then he would spend time with his little miss or the taller girl. He really should learn everyone’s name, that would make things so much easier. Today however, his mistress was waiting for them. She was standing next to her car and his tail started wagging. Was he going for a ride in the car!?

Please say yes... please say yes... please say yes!

His mistress held open the door and called out to him. That sounded like a yes to him! He jumped in and did a happy circle before sitting down. His mistress got in on one side and him madam on the other. His mistress was the one that started the car and he looked out the window soaking in everything that passed him. How could this day get any better!?

Going to the vets wasn’t better. Vinegar Tom did NOT like the vet. It smelt wired and it was too noisy with all the other dogs barking and cats mewling in protest. However, he knew that going to the vet was a necessary evil and that the people there were only trying to help him. So he’ll behave, it would go by much faster if he was good then if he was bad. The nurse (that’s what they are called right?) was nice, he gave him a treat for getting on the scale and then another when she was done examining him. They weren’t the best treats in the world but it was a little compensation for sticking he didn’t even know what in a place it shouldn’t go. The vet came in and looked him over as well. He confirmed that he was up to date with his vaccines, whatever those were, he was neutered, that was apparently very important not that he knew why, and he was heart-worm free. So all around a healthy, and now, a very happy dog. His people seemed pleased with this news and they left. It really wasn’t so bad but he still didn’t like it. He did however get a good treat out of it, a nice chew bone that he happily ate in his basket when he got home.

____________________

Apparently him going to the vet was a big deal because now he could be enrolled in something called ‘doggy day care’.

He didn’t know what that was or if it was a good thing. It was something important because his mistress was adamant about him going. She didn’t want him in the house by himself when there was no one home which he found ridiculous. If his people weren’t home and he was home, who was going to guard the house, the plants!? He didn’t think so. But the decision was out of his paws so to speak so he was going to ‘doggy day care’.

Though it meant a car ride for him he was still wary of going to this ‘doggy day care’. He could already hear the barking of several dogs so he wasn’t a fan of this. His mistress was talking to a woman behind the desk. Apparently she wanted to enroll him into ‘doggy day care’ four days a week! Was he going to be away for home all that time!? Was he even going home!? There were so many questions and he whined so his mistress would know that he didn’t like this, didn’t want to go, and to take him home. She just said that it was going to be okay and left. She left! She left him here and he didn’t like it! He was led to a room filled with other dogs who he’d admit looked pretty happy. They ran around chasing each other and there were things for him to climb on and toys to play with and or chew. Maybe this wasn’t so bad.

He found a rope toy and an isolated corner and started to play fetch by himself. He wasn’t a big fan of rope toys but it suited his purpose. His play caught the attention of another dog. A fellow camper by the name of Pepper. Pepper was bigger than him with white fur covered in black ticks. They weren’t solid patches like Dalmatian spots but his ears and one eye were the darkest parts on him. Pepper stretched out his front legs leaving his but high in the air. His tail was wagging telling Vinegar Tom that he wanted to play. Vinegar Tom tossed the rope toy to Pepper thinking that’s what the other dog wanted. But when Pepper had the toy he tossed it back to Vinegar Tom. It took Vinegar Tom a second before it dawned on him. Pepper wanted to play with him, not just the toy. That was new but he embraced it. They spent a majority of the afternoon together, mostly chasing each other and sleeping. So maybe ‘doggy day care’ wasn’t so bad?

One thing was for sure, his people came back for him. His mistress, madam, and little miss picked him up and though he had a good time he was happy to see them. They went on one last walk in the park before heading home where everything was back to normal. He had dinner and then joined his madam and mistress on the coach for their night time reading and then it was bed for everyone. He climbed into his basket with his ball next to him and his lamb friend by his head. He sighed in content and slowly dozed off.

Yeah, life was pretty great.

[urdbell18]

Those Moments in Between Chapter 2: Boo to You

AN: So I’m not sure how often I would post new chapters but I’m starting a new project (not writing related) and decided to post this chapter before I completely forgot about this. Also I want to hear from you guys. I want to know what you guys want to see. My box is open and ready for your ideas. Everyone stay safe out their and enjoy.

Mary wouldn’t admit it to Zelda, not when the other woman had so much on her mind already, but she was nervous. She had never taken care of a child as small as Vida and though Vida seemed to like her that could all change in a heartbeat. This was the first time that the two of them would be alone together, without Zelda. To say that Mary was under some significant pressure was an understatement. This one night could make or break her budding relationship with Zelda. Was she overreacting? Maybe. Was it justified? 100% Mary hasn’t known Zelda long but the one thing that Mary did know was that Vida came first. If tonight went south that was it, she was done.

So far things seemed to be going okay. Vida took to her mom leaving very well and was still excited about going out for trick or treating. If that’s what Vida wanted then so be it. Well… trick or treating was part of the deal but Mary wasn’t going to force Vida to do something that she didn’t want to.

The advantage of Greendale being such a small town was that everything was in walking distance. From the town center you could easily walk to any of the housing neighborhoods. That made things a whole lot easier for Mary, she could park her car in one spot and not worry about its safety or where she left it. Mary managed to convince Vida that they should start with the furthest neighborhood.  As they approached the first house Mary turned to Vida.

“Do you remember what you have to do Vida?”

“Yes. I ring the doorbell and wait for someone to answer and then I say ‘trick or treat’. Right?”

“Very good. And what do you say after they give you treats?”

“Thank you and happy Halloween!”

“Excellent! Your golden.”

“But my dress is black.” Vida looked herself over, yup everything was black. Her dress, her tights, her shoes. What was gold?

Mary mentally slapped herself. Of course Vida wouldn’t understand. Mary stumbled on her words for a second. She paused and took a deep breath, she can’t let this phase her.

“It’s nothing Vida. Are you ready?” Vida nodded causing her pigtails to bounce from one side of her shoulders to the other. They walked up to the house, Mary hung back but kept a close eye on Vida as she stepped onto the porch. Vida turned to look at her, there was a tiny bit of fear on her face. “It’s okay I’ll be right here. You got this.” With a small smile Vida turned back to the door and rang the doorbell. A few minutes passed by until a middle aged woman with wheat colored hair that was in a neat bun answered the door.

“Trick or treat!”

“My aren’t you precious. Is this your first time?” Vida nodded.

“Yes, but my mommy sometimes lets me help my Auntie Hilda hand out candy. She works at the bookstore.”

“Dr. C’s? I think I know who you are talking about. And since you are my first trick or treater I have a special surprise for you.” Mary tensed and stepped closer to Vida. Though this woman didn’t set off any alarm bells it never hurt to be overly cautious. And if anything happened to Vida Mary was sure she would never see the light of day again and her body would never be found. The woman brought out a spellbook but when she opened it several large candy bars were nestled inside. Vida’s face glowed bright and she turned to Mary and then back at the woman.

“I can really have one!?” The woman nodded. Now came the hard part, which one? Mary scanned the bars over. They were all pretty basic, none of them contained nuts or a filling, but some had extra like the big Crunch and Kit Kat bars.

“These seem to be a good option Vida.” Mary brought Vida’s attention to the king size Hershey milk chocolate and dark chocolate bars, they were the simplest and would most likely appeal to Vida’s pallet. Vida looked between the two bars clearly torn between which one she should get. The woman smiled softly.

“How about this. I give you both but promise you won’t eat them both at once. I don’t want your mom hunting me down.” The woman looked at Mary and gave her a wink. Did she just... no... but she had to…

With her candy bars in hand Vida tried to fit them in her plastic jack o'lantern bucket with little success. Mary chuckled and held out the tote bag that she brought with her. Did she expect to fill the whole bag? No, Zelda might murder her. But Vida’s bucket wasn’t very big and would fill up pretty quick. The tote bag was there to help with that, as well as hold the flashlight that Mary brought with her just in case. Vida got the hint and placed the bars in the bag.

“Thank you very much! Happy Halloween!”

“Happy Halloween!” Vida and Mary waved the woman goodbye. One house down several more to go.

______________________

Mary decided to call an end to the trick or treating at seven. They have been out for a few hours and Vida was starting to get tired. They took a break when they finished the first neighborhood but that only stalled the problem for a little while. Halfway through the town center Vida started to complain that her feet were hurting. While yes she was tired it was bigger than that. Her shoes were physically hurting her. Mary understood and called it a night, she picked Vida up and walked back to her car. Despite that, Vida had a pretty good haul. She had to empty her jack o’lantern twice and it was half full when they called it quits. It stacked up to a nice size pile that Mary could just see Zelda scowling at.

When they arrived at Mary’s house Mary helped Vida remove her tights to see if there were any injuries. The back of the poor little girl's ankle was scraped up. It wasn’t bleeding but it looked pretty raw. After relieving Vida of her shoes they had some dinner. Mary wasn’t a cook by any means so the best she could manage was pasta with some sauce. Vida didn’t make a big fuss. While Vida was eating Mary went through the backpack that Zelda left for Vida. Inside was a change of clothes, pajamas, a stuffed bear, a blanket, hairbrush, toothbrush and toothpaste in a zip lock bag, and a DVD, a double feature of The Addams Family. What wasn’t in there were bath supplies so Zelda wasn’t expecting Vida to bathe while she was with Mary but Mary decided to let Vida decide.

“Vida did you want to take a quick bath or shower? I can get the movie set up while you do that.” Vida tilted her head back in thought.

“What’s a shower?”

“It’s like a bath but you stand and the water comes down in a continuous spray.”

“I still don’t understand but I’m willing to try it.” Okay, alright, now what?

Deciding that it would be too inappropriate for her to be in the bathroom with Vida Mary got the bathroom ready. She started the shower, laid out a towel, and left Vida’s pajamas on the counter top. The last thing she did was brush out Vida’s braids, if she left them in water would get trapped and it would dry stiff. With one last check of the water temperature, it was ready for Vida.

“Okay Vida it’s all set up for you. There’s some soap and a sponge on the wall and I have a towel laid out for you. I don’t have any shampoo for you so don’t worry about washing your hair. Don’t worry about shutting the shower off. I’ll do it. I’ll be right outside if you need me. Okay?” Vida looked at her, she was a little scared but nodded. In she went, the door closed softly behind her. Five minutes later she was out, dressed in her pajamas and hair laid out on her shoulders in damp ringlets. “Finished?” Vida nodded.

“It was nice. Thank you Mary.”

“You’re welcome. I’m going to get changed myself so you can wait here for me or you can head downstairs if you like.” Vida nodded and she brushed past Mary to head downstairs. Mary gave a sigh of relief when she shed her Gomez costume. Between the stiffness of the actual costume and the clip digging into the back of her head it felt nice to let the slight breeze that was in her house wash over her. She really wanted to shower but decided that she couldn’t leave Vida on her own for that long. She would just have to live with her cotton sleep shorts and tshirt and her robe. It still felt refreshing. Vida was on the couch when she came downstairs. She wedged herself between the pillows and her bear was on her lap.

“So how about that movie?”

“Yes!” Mary didn’t need to be told twice. Turning on the DVD player Mary popped in the movie. She debated on whether or not she should make popcorn but decided against it. She didn’t want to feed Vida too much and make her sick nor did she want to end up on Zelda’s bad side. They made it though half of the first movie before Vida was out like a light. Mary carried her upstairs and settled her in the middle of the bed with the comforter tucked around her. It was still too early for Mary so she went back downstairs. After some light cleaning Mary poured herself a glass of wine and picked up the book that her W.I.C.C.A. club was reading, The Bluest Eye by Toni Morrison. Rosalind Walker already read the book, led a protest on the books ban which was why they were reading it. Mary wanted the group to touch on the elements of the actual book as well as the politics behind it, mainly why it was banned. It wasn’t a school requirement nor a group one, participation was purely voluntary. Mary was proud to be a part of it. Though it wasn’t a school read, Mary was treating it as such so her plan was to read it once, absorb it, and then make notes. As the advisor she felt obligated to be prepared.

At around eleven her eyes started to get tired. So she finished the chapter that she was on and called it a night. There was a little bit of wine left so she downed it and then placed the glass in the sink to soak for the night. That’s when there was a knock on her door. How odd. Her house was out of the way, so she wasn’t the one to get casual visitors. With caution she opened the door and was met with an exhausted Zelda Spellman. Mary wasn’t expecting to see Zelda, and she definitely wasn’t expected to be kissed within an inch of her life but you won’t see her complaining. However, they didn’t have the pleasure for things to escalate any further. It was late and Vida was just upstairs. Mary led Zelda upstairs and set her up with some night clothes just like she did on their first date. Mary climbed into bed but waited for Zelda. Vida murmured a little and scooted closer to Mary. When Zelda climbed into the free side of the bed she leaned over Vida to give her a quick kiss and then kissed her daughter’s cheek goodnight. Mary settled down and before she knew it was fast asleep.

__________________

When Mary woke up the bed was empty but the house didn’t feel empty. Though it was faint, Mary could detect some noise coming from downstairs. Mary followed it and was kind of taken back. Vida was on the couch, the movie playing where it left off last night. Zelda was in the kitchen, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of bacon simmering in the pan wafted from the kitchen. Vida was the first to notice her. She smiled and held her bear close to her chest.

“Morning Mary!” That caught Zelda’s attention. She smiled softly at her.

“Morning.” Mary nodded and made her way over to Zelda. On her way she ruffled Vida’s hair. Vida pulled back but she giggled and remained smiling. When Mary reached Zelda she hesitated. Though they have slept in the same bed and Vida has witnessed some moments between them that line hasn't been laid out yet. What was considered okay and what was considered inappropriate? That was up to Zelda, and Zelda decided that kissing was okay. She kissed Mary squarely on the lips and Mary was totally okay with that. She knew enough that it couldn’t escalate any further than that, it couldn’t be like last night, and that was okay too. Mary returned it, kept it nice and simple, that was enough.

“What are you making?”

“Eggs, bacon, and pancakes. I figured you earned a little reward for what you did last night.”

“It was no trouble. It was fun. Hey Vida!” Vida’s tiny head popped up over the armrest of her couch. “Do you want to show your mom all the candy you collected?” Vida nodded enthusiastically and scrambled to get the tote bag that Mary left near the front door. She brought the bag to the table and dumped it onto the wooden surface. The result was a good sized mountain made of pure sugar and chocolate. And Zelda turned as white as a ghost.

Mary was right, she did give it the scowls to end all scowls. Vida just smiled and Mary popped a candy corn into her mouth to try, and fail, to hide her smirk. Zelda turned the scowl onto her and her smirk cost her being hit in the hip with a kitchen towel.

Worth it.

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Those Moments In Between The Problem with Mary’s Hair

AN: So thanks to this virus I’m out of work for the next too weeks and I’m bored out of my mind. So I got this great idea about creating a mini series to my main fic A Seed Hidden in the Heart. This is the first story but f you guys have anything that you want me to write about just message me! I think this might be fun. 

Zelda loved a lot of things about Mary. She loved how Mary could anticipate her needs before she even needed them. She loved how Mary always had an ear to listen with and if anyone needed help she was willing to lend a hand. Most importantly Zelda loved how Mary was with her family, especially her daughter. Mary was the perfect parent, she was strict yet fair, fun but knew when to be serious, reliable without being overwhelming. Mary took to being a guardian to two extremes, a teen and a small child, almost effortlessly and it was just one of the reasons why Zelda loved her.

Mary had only one flaw however and that was her hair.

Now don’t get Zelda wrong, she loved Mary’s hair. Mary’s hair was soft and full of volume, perfect to tangle your fingers in. It’s just the problem is that ‘volume’ translates to ‘a lot’ and Mary had a LOT of hair. A sort of trail seemed to follow Mary wherever she went as several strands of hair would end up on things, mostly soft surfaces like the pillow cases and the back of the sofa. It wasn’t noticeable at first but over time the build up of loose hair started to become more obvious which triggered something inside Zelda. Zelda wouldn’t call herself a neat freak, she was just the type of person who liked things to be a certain way and that way just happened to be organized. So her reactions when she saw the large collection of hair on the pillow or on the headrest in her car were perfectly normal for her. She bought a large collection of lint rollers and that was that.

Or so she thought.

A month after Mary moved in Zelda noticed that her tub wasn’t draining as it normally would. It wasn’t something that she noticed at first until she came into the bathroom to brush her teeth and the tub would still be filled with water from her daughter’s bath. It gave her pause. She checked the plug and it was fully dislodged so it wasn’t that, so what could it be?

Zelda didn’t think about it again because everything seemed to go back to normal, her tub was draining like it should be until, yet again, it wasn’t. She noticed it first when she was taking her morning shower and found herself in ankle deep water. Curious, and luckily she didn’t break her neck getting out of the tub. The problem got steadily worse until she couldn’t stand it anymore and turned to the only person that she knew who could fix it, Ambrose. Ambrose was their resident handyman, he couldn’t fix big problems like when a tree fell and put a whole in their roof but for small problems he was great. He had an answer for her almost straight away when she came to him, his exact words were, “Again? I just cleared it two weeks ago.”

Two weeks ago? That was the first time that Zelda noticed the tub wasn’t draining properly. It was also, when she checked the calendar, the end of the month. That meant on the first Ambrose completed his monthly chore of maintenance on all of the household plumbing, including the tub in Zelda’s room. So the drain was clogging faster than normal and the only reason why that was that Zelda could think of was because of Mary.

All evidence pointed to Mary. Zelda never had this kind of problem before. Not when she shared the room, and thus the bathroom as well, with Hilda. There’s never been a problem with her and Vida. Mary was the only factor that added up. All that hair had to go somewhere and down her drain wasn’t one of them. So she bought a drain trap to catch it all and it was fine until… this

The drain trap needed to come out. It did its job and that was the underlying problem. A clump of hair and other things that Zelda didn’t even want to think about circled the trap. She was NOT going to touch it. She called out to Mary who came into the bathroom a bit confused.

“What’s wrong?”

“I need you to remove that.” Zelda pointed at the drain trap but didn’t look directly at it in fear of being sick. Mary looked over the edge of the tub and grimaced.

“And what exactly is that?”

“That my dear is a week worth of your hair trying to clog up my drains yet again.”

“Last time I checked I’m not the only one with hair. How do you know this is all my doing?”

“Because I never had to deal with this before until you.”

“What’s that’s supposed to mean!?” Zelda took a deep breath. This was escalating out of proportion.

“I don’t want to fight with you but we can’t have the drain clogging up every other week. Could you please just clear the drain.”

“Fine.”

A compromise was reached after that. Zelda would set the trap while Mary would clear it as well as picking up any stray hair that she could. And everything worked out just fine.

_____________________

Part 2

There were some advantages to living in Greendale. One of them that Mary cared about the most was the humidity or lack thereof. There was little to no humidity in Greendale and thus her hair wouldn’t get staticy or dry like it did whenever she was sent to camp in Arizona. That was hell on earth.

However, Greendale did come with one disadvantage and that was rain. It rained a LOT in Greendale. Their yearly rainfall rivaled that of Seattle and Forks and they were one of the rainiest towns on the east coast. All that rain led to one thing that Mary was starting to believe was even worse than the humidity. Frizz.

When spring hit Greendale there were two things that Mary could count on, her allergies and frizz. Both things were manageable. She had her allergy medication for outside, she didn’t really need it for inside anymore thanks to Zelda’s neat freak nature. Zelda says she’s not a neat freak but she totally is and Mary loves her for it. She still had some off days, mostly it would be her eyes would be too dried out for her to put in her contacts. The frizz however, she hadn’t quite mastered. She tried everything, and she means everything, to try and tame it with little to no results. After years of dealing with the same thing she just accepted it as something that happened and went with it, unless something happened.

Like getting a hairbrush stuck in her hair.

The thing about her hair was that it was always kind of hard to brush. Unless she used a smoothing conditioner her hair would become coarse and make the act of brushing it twice as hard. So meeting some resistance wasn’t that unheard. None of that didn’t matter when frizz was involved and so it wasn’t completely unheard of if her brush got stuck in her hair but this was completely different. Her brush wasn’t just stuck it was stuck. Any other time she could get her hairbrush out of her hair but, nope. Her tugging was only doing one thing and that was causing her pain. As loath as she might want to admit it she needed help. Luckily the first person she came across was Hilda.

“Hilda.” The plump blonde woman jumped a bit, she probably wasn’t expecting anyone to still be upstairs.

“Oh, good morning Mary. Thought you would be downstairs with the others.”

“I’ve had a bit of a set back that has kept me and I’m in need of your assistance.”

“What’s wrong?” Instead of trying to explain it Mary turned around so that Hilda could get a clear view of the blue backing of her hairbrush. “Oh my! How’d this happen?”

“Would you like me to blame genetics or the weather?” She heard Hilda chuckle behind her and a warm hand landed on her shoulder.

“Brace yourself love, this is going to hurt.” Mary took a deep breath and placed a hand on the railing. Without further hesitation Hilda started to yank. She was right, it hurt!

Nether noticed Vida coming up on the first landing nor her eyes wide in horror until…

“Mommy!”

At the same time downstairs:

Zelda closed her newspaper, only one article interested her today and now that her reading was done she folded the newspaper and placed it next to her empty plate. She checked her watch and her eyebrows scrunched in confusion. Mary and her sister should be downstairs by now and yet when she did a head count they were missing. Ambrose was here eating a bowl while stretched out on the bench. Sabrina was putting some final touches on a school assignment. And Vida was next to her downing the last remainders of her milk. Mary’s absence didn’t go unnoticed by her either.

“Where’s Momma?”

“I don’t know, baby why don’t you go upstairs and check up on her.”

“Okay!” With that Vida jumped down from her seat and rounded the corner out of sight. Zelda checked her watch again and sighed. At this rate Mary wouldn’t be able to sit down for breakfast. This wasn’t the first time it has happened so Zelda got up and filled a travel mug with coffee and popped some toast in the toaster. Mary could eat in the car, something that she never allowed, but Mary needed to eat something and her threat of vacuuming her entire car if she saw even a single crumb was enough for Mary to keep things neat.

“Mommy!” Zelda’s blood ran cold and she rushed out of the kitchen to where her daughter's voice was coming from. Behind her she heard Ambrose and Sabrina scrambling to catch up with her.

“Vida what’s wrong!?”

“Aunt Hilda’s hurting Momma!” Zelda opened her mouth to say something else but froze. At the top of the stairs was her sister and her girlfriend. Something was poking out the back of Mary’s head and she had an ironclad grip on the banister. Vida looked at her with big eyes filled with unshed tears. Zelda could only imagine what all of this looked like to a four year old.

“What is going on here?”

“I was just trying to help with…” Hilda’s sentence trailed off and she waved a hand to the back of Mary’s head. Mary just gave a sheepish sort of smile and a light blush crept up on her cheeks.

“Hilda.” Zelda didn’t need to say anything else as she went up one side of the staircase. Hilda went down the other, ushering Sabrina, Ambrose, and Vida to the main floor. Vida looked up at her but Zelda just nodded and gave her a soft smile. She went with Hilda without a whimper. When Zelda reached Mary that blush seemed to have gotten darker and spread higher on Mary’s sharp cheekbones. “Let me see.” Mary turned to show Zelda the hairbrush that was half embedded in her hair. With gentle fingers Zelda observed the damage. “Come with me.” Zelda turned back to her bedroom, Mary followed her. She pointed to her vanity and, after a slight hesitation, Mary sat down. All Mary could see in the mirror was Zelda’s torso and the flexing of her shoulders as her arms moved. Next thing Mary knew the brush that was causing a tugging pain in the back of her head was being held out to her with a smug look on Zelda’s face.

“Frizz?” Mary gave her a side nod and took back the brush. There was a huge clump of hair in the bristles. Mary hates to think about the damage to her hair. “All you had to do was say something.” Mary turned to look at Zelda surprised.

“Really?”

“It’s not as bad as it was when I lived in London but I’d get the occasional flare up now and again. We just need to find the right combination for you but for now...” Zelda went into the bathroom then came out with a tube in her hand. “Try this.” She squeezed some cream into her hand and then ran her fingers through Mary’s hair. It felt good, really good, and Mary gave off a low moan, it almost sounded like a purr. “That’s better wouldn’t you say?” Mary brought a hand to her hair, it felt almost back to normal, it was still a little rough but a whole lot better than it was before.

“Thank you.” Mary got up and gave Zelda a quick peck on her lips. Zelda hummed and kissed Mary back.

“There’s toast and coffee waiting for you downstairs, We need to get going.” Mary looked at the alarm clock and cursed under her breath. She quickly grabbed her shoes and scrambled to keep up with Zelda. Hilda was waiting for them at the bottom of the stairs, she handed Mary a travel mug and her toast. She and Vida sent them off with a hug and a wave goodbye as she, Zelda and Sabrina went off for another exciting day of Baxter high.

After that Zelda found the perfect combination to contain her frizz. Some cream, a little hairspray and she was good as golden. No more dryness. No more stuck hair brushes or cries for help. 

Thank god.

[urdbell18]

Beta reader wanted

So I’m writing this story for the Worst Witch fandom and I’m doing okay plot wise but I’m looking for someone who’s willing to correct any issues that they may come across. I’m not the greatest with spelling or grammar or structure.

It’s a Hecate/Pippa/Julie story, I’m not sure how many people are out there that like that pairing so... yeah

If you are interested message me. Thanks, Kacy

[urdbell18]

WE GET IT. U LIKE MILFS.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 20: The One Where the End is only the Beginning

AN: While I hate to spring this up on you guys I think that this will be my last chapter. I could go on, and maybe I will, but for now I like how neat everything has become. So while I hate to put a damper on your holidays by the sad news I hope the ending was what you were hoping for. Thank you to everyone who has shown me support through these last crazy months and as always enjoy and have a safe happy holidays.

Zelda wasn’t expecting her day to turn out like it did but she wasn’t complaining. She didn’t expect anything out of the ordinary when Mary came to pick her up from her university job and yet here she was sitting in a lounge chair looking out towards the lake. The sun was setting, painting the sky in fantastic shades of pink, yellow, and orange and turning the water into a giant pool of glimmering violet. In the distance she heard the distinct sound of gravel crunching underfoot as someone approached. Zelda didn’t flinch, she knew who it was. Soon enough she felt the familiar warmth that was Mary as she stood behind the back of her chair. Mary placed a hand on her shoulder, Zelda nuzzled it slightly before taking it into her own, bringing it down so that their hands, fingers intertwined, rested on the arm of the chair. Zelda felt Mary press a kiss on the top of her head, then her cheek, then her neck. Zelda hummed, soft and low, as she tilted her head to accommodate Mary’s head now resting on her shoulder. When the sun dipped low enough to appear that it was being swallowed by the lake Zelda got up and with Mary’s hand still clasped in hers they went back to their cabin. After all they had two days to enjoy them, themselves, and us.

In walking distance from their lakeside cabin was a small town. It was touristy and with the summer ending it was a bit crowded but Mary made her promise that they would do something outside the cabin. Why? Zelda had no clue but Mary fixed her with a look that she couldn’t say no to. It wasn’t all that bad. They went to a pottery store and made… something, Zelda thought it was a vase or some kind of pot but she was confused on the instructions and she couldn’t quite get the hang of it. Mary’s wasn’t any better, hers actually exploded and they had a nice laugh about it, Zelda didn’t even mind that a small lump of wet clay that landed in her hair. They ended up purchasing a vase that Zelda knew Hilda would love as compensation for the trouble they caused.  After that they went to a wine and cheese tasting. Again, not something that was in Zelda’s interest but it was nice just talking with Mary as they sipped some good wine. They had, according to Mary, one last thing to do but it wasn’t until later so they went back to the cabin to relax.

The first thing that Zelda did was shower, she was starting to care more and more about that lump of clay in her hair so it had to go. She extended the invitation to Mary, but she declined saying she was comfortable on the couch. At least, that’s what she tried to convince her with but Zelda was buying it. There was something… off about Mary but Zelda couldn’t put her finger on it. Deciding to ignore it for now Zelda went into the bathroom to start a bath. As it filled up she rang home, everything was fine but it was still nice to hear it and hearing her daughter’s voice always placed her in a better mood, though her mood was already doing pretty great. When she was finished with the bathroom, she stepped out in a towel and found a dress laying on the bed waiting for her. How odd, but she put it on and did her makeup and hair accordingly. Mary was already dressed, she handed Zelda her purse and off they went.

Despite it being late August the night wasn’t overly humid and it was the perfect temperature to walk in without sweating on contact. Fireflies were out that night, they blinked in alteration and provided a soft light, almost surreal. Mary led her to a small restaurant that sat on the dock looking over the water. Though the outside of the restaurant didn’t look like much the inside was a lovely mix of romantic and classy. The space between tables and the light created by the single lit candle gave each table a space of privacy. Zelda and Mary were tucked away in a corner that looked out towards the lake. The food, Italian, was excellent and was paired perfectly with the wine. Everything was perfect except for one thing.

Mary didn’t say a word the entire time, at least not to her. Every time Zelda tried to strike up a conversation Mary just hummed and said nothing so Zelda decided to say nothing at all. A lump started to form in her throat and even though she averted her gaze to the window she watched Mary out of the corner of her eye. On top of her unusual silence Mary sat stiff in her chair and there was a slight glimmer of what appeared to be sweat on her skin. Zelda reached over to take Mary’s hand, her skin was indeed clammy.

“Mary are you okay?” Mary looked at her to her hand on top of hers. Mary took her thumb and caressed Zelda’s fingers, from knuckle to tip.

“Excuse me.” Zelda could barely give a nod before Mary was up and out of her seat. She came back around ten minutes later still a little pale but she seemed more relaxed. A waiter came by not long after and dropped off a dessert, cheesecake with strawberry sauce.

“We didn’t order this.” The waiter didn’t appear to hear her as he scurried off. Zelda turned to Mary with a slightly baffled look. “Mary-”

“It’s okay. Here.” Mary turned the plate so that Zelda was seeing the side profile of the cake. What she saw made her gasp. Zelda looked at Mary and in those deep brown eyes that she loved she saw affection and warmth. Her usual smirk was a soft smile and she  gave a slight nod of her head. Zelda took another look at the plate just to make sure that what she was seeing was real. A ring, a diamond ring surrounded by emerald chips with a silver band, sat on the porcelain plate surrounded by a strawberry sauce heart. The tail end of the heart led to a set of words that were also spelled out in strawberry sauce.

‘Marry me?’

Zelda was in complete shock. She didn’t twitch or looked like she was breathing for a whole five minutes. She had to be breathing because she didn’t pass out and she knew she wasn’t dreaming because everything felt too real. Mary was legitaly asking for her hand in marriage. Did she know what that meant? For them? For everyone?

“I know what I’m doing.” Zelda snapped out of her trance and looked at Mary. Mary smirked at her and her eye had that gleam of a person who knew. Mary was always able to read her and it infuriated Zelda. “I have never been more sure of anything.” Zelda picked up the ring, it didn’t weigh much yet it felt heavy, solid, in her hand. She handed the ring to Mary and held out her left hand. She wanted to know what it would feel like for Mary to put it on her. It felt magical, right, as Mary’s fingers glide across hers to settle the ring on her left ring finger. The heart shaped diamond caught the candlelight casting a small rainbow of light on her skin. At some point Zelda never thought that it would happen and her feelings changed from wanting to never but yet if it was Mary the answer was simple.

“Yes.” Mary smirked and leaned over the table to kiss her. Zelda smiled into the kiss, returning it and giving a squeeze to Mary’s hand that was still on hers.

That night as they laid there in bed with Mary pressed against her back Zelda couldn’t help but think. Why? Zelda turned slowly so she was facing Mary. Mary’s skin looked soft and pale in the moonlight and Zelda reached out a hand to cup her exposed cheek. Mary sighed in her sleep when Zelda started to run her thumb over the apple of her cheek. Her brown eyes fluttered open and though they were hard to see there was worry in them.

“What’s wrong?”

“What made you ask me to marry you?” Mary reached out her own hand and she cupped the back of Zelda’s head, entangling her fingers in her hair.

“I had a dream. It was one of those dreams that takes you awhile to realize that it wasn’t real. I dreamed that I came home and you were asleep on the couch on your back. On your stomach was Vida, she couldn’t have been more than a year old. She looked up at me and smiled, she only had two teeth. I picked her up to take her into another room, I remember whispering to her about letting you get some sleep. I took her into another room, I couldn’t quite make it out, and just started to play with her. Eventually she started to stand on her tiny little feet and I was encouraging her and cheering her on as she took her first wobbly steps. You came in as I was cooing at her and I showed you what she did. That look on your face, that complete awe expression as she waddled over to you, I’ll never forget it. You then came over to me with Vida in your arms, cooing and laughing in your arms, and you sat next to me. After that it get blurry and I can’t make out the details. It took me a whole day to realize that it wasn’t real. I honestly thought that it was a memory of Vida’s first steps and when it dawned on me that I wasn’t there I was crushed. I missed so much already I don’t want to miss the next big milestones. I want to be apart of her life, apart of yours for… basically forever.” Zelda’s eyes filled with tears. She remembered Vida’s first steps, how proud she was that her baby started to walk. She pictured it the way Mary described it to her and couldn’t help but feel an ache when she thought about it. Mary wasn’t there, the proud she felt was still there as was the happiness that she shared when she told her family. But when did that old life of just her and Vida started to feel incomplete? Like something was missing and Zelda couldn’t pinpoint what it was. She found it in Mary’s soft eyes and her plump lips and her strong embrace. She found it in Mary, who was always there for her, could read her like an open book, and was the perfect mix of support, caring, and independent. She took everything in stride, joined a family that was too loud and crowded, took on responsibility that she didn’t need to take on and stayed even though she learned the worst parts of Zelda. Zelda knew the worst about Mary and she refused to let go. Wasn’t going to anytime soon by the looks of it.

“I love you.”

“I love you too Zelda.” They kissed, slow and deep, until they needed air. When they broke apart Zelda turned back so Mary was pressed against her back again. Mary’s arm went back around her waist. If it was possible Mary pressed herself  even more against her, Zelda could feel her breath against her shoulder. It was soothing feeling Mary’s chest rise and fall against her back, it lulled her into sleep.

___________________

When they arrived home Zelda and Mary didn’t even make it out of the doorway before they were swarmed by their family. Roz, Theo, and Harvey were even there and they joined the rest in their mob scene. From what Zelda could pick up, because everyone was taking all at once, they were wondering what her answer was. What did she say? How did it go? What was her reaction? Zelda just held out her hand, showing the ring that was on her finger. The combined squeal that Hilda, Sabrina, and Roz made sent Zelda back up into the door in shock and caused Vinegar Tom to howl. Of course it caused another wave of rambled talking as one tried to be heared over another. Zelda just smiled and shook her head.

“It’s not too late to back out.” Mary smirked and shook her head.

“Why would I do that?” Zelda felt a slight tug on her shirt and she saw Vida clenching the hem of her shirt.

“Yes my darling what is it?”

“I don’t get it. What happened?”

“I said yes. We’re getting married. It means that Mamma is stuck with us forever.”

“YAY!” Vida jumped and brought her mom into a hug. Zelda gave her daughter a slight squeeze before releasing her so Vida could do the same with Mary. As Zelda straightened she looked at her family. Her big, crazy, loud, family.

She wouldn’t want it any other way.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 19: The One With the Dog

Wow I'm shocked that I was able to finish this chapter but I did! Yay me! But speaking up as you guys know two of the busiest retail holidays are coming up, Thanksgiving and Christmas. It means that I'm not going to have as much time as before to write my chapters so if my updates are a little slow that's why and I apologize. I just wanted to give you guys fair warning and thanks for understanding. Enjoy!

In the summer months Zelda took a job at the local college. The position was temporary, ending just before regular school started once again but it gave her something to do and a little more money over the summer than the packet that she got when school ended. When she collected her last paycheck Mr. Hawthorne said in so many words that she was getting a little bonus because of the several high scores that her students received. It turned out making her students taking that college level test paid off for her in the end. Mr. Hawthorne took all the credit of course. Zelda couldn’t bring herself to care anymore. Her work schedule was Monday and Friday mornings and Monday and Wednesday afternoon so the earliest she’s ever had to go in was nine and the latest she’d be there was almost 5. It worked well enough for her.

The time that she was at the school Vida was with Mary. Together she and Mary came up with activities that they could do with Vida over the summer. The aquarium and the zoo were on the list because they were things that Vida did and loved and wanted to do again but there were others like some crafts, swimming, and a small local theme park, Vida was excited about that one the most. Bust most of the time Mary kept it simple, spending time at home reading or going to the park. They spent a lot of time at the park. Sometimes Zelda would join them for lunch, usually on Mondays or Fridays but she could pull it off on Wednesdays if she wanted to. Wednesdays were usually the days that Mary and Vida went to Zelda, they would have lunch in the cafe before Zelda had to go to her next class.

It was during one park outing where Vida and Mary met him.

It was early June. The weather was nice but not stifling like July and August would be. Everything was still vibrant with color, the grass, the trees, and the flowers, all brightly colorful swaying in the gentle summer breeze. With it still being nice Mary and Vida took a walk.

There was a jogging path right next to the park and when it was nice like it was that day they walked the path. Vida liked looking at the flowers and Mary just like the soft exercise and time with Vida. Vida was curious about everything, Mary told her what she could like what a certain flower or tree was called and Mary loved how Vida would stop and watch the movements of the current bug or small creature, mostly squirrels, that caught her attention. On that day they were halfway through the walking path when a rustling of leaves from a nearby shrub caught their attention. Out of fear Vida moved behind Mary as the rustling grew louder until a dog appeared out  into the open.

The dog was between medium and small. It was long like a dachshund or a corgi but just slightly taller than either of those breeds. The dog had all the markings of the hound breed, short fur with a white belly, muzzle, and paws and brown and black patches all along its body but Mary couldn’t tell if it was a beagle or a basset hound. The dogs muzzle was too short for either of those breeds but its ears were very beagle-ish. The dog saw them and its tail starts wagging, causing his whole body to wiggle, mouth open to let its tongue roll out to one side.

“It’s a puppy!” Before Mary could stop her Vida was running to the dog. Though it seemed friendly Mary knew that could change in a snap but this dog stayed friendly. It ran in circles around Vida before standing on its hind legs licking anywhere he can reach. Vida giggled even as the dog knocked her to the ground. Mary approached the dog with caution, the dog looked at her and sniffed her legs when she was close enough. He craned his neck hoping for some head pats. “Can we keep him Mamma!?”

“We don’t know where he came from.” Taking advantage of the dog butting his head against her hand Mary felt the dog's neck hoping to feel for a collar. She didn’t find one, which didn’t really mean anything but it just meant that it would be harder to get the dog to follow them. Mary took the belt from her jeans and the ribbon from Vida’s dress to fashion a leash and make shift collar. The dog allowed Mary to wrap the belt around its middle, the belt was too thick to hold in place around the dogs short neck. After securing the ribbon to the collar Mary took two tentative steps to see if the dog would follow. He just stood there, wagging his tail like nothing was wrong. “Come here boy.” Mary tried to coax the dog but he didn’t budge. After a few minutes Vida took the slices of watermelon she was saving to lure the dog. It worked, the dogs nose twitched as it tried to keep up with the scent of the watermelon that was in Vida’s hands. Sometimes when the dog was close Vida would let the dog take a bite before moving more away. When she was down to her last slice they made it back to the main opening of the park. What was going on in the large side field gave Mary a good feeling on where the dog came from.

In a field that was sometimes used for soccer was currently holding what looked like a little fair. It was an adoption fair for a local animal shelter. There were dogs of various kinds and sizes in pens and a board with pictures of other animals, like cats and rabbits, that couldn’t be at the event but were also available for adoption. Naturally people flocked the fair, surrounding the pens to awe over the dogs. In the sea of people Mary located a volunteer for the shelter due to the light blue shirts they wore with the shelter name on one side and volunteer on the other. Mary approached a girl who looked to be in her late teens or early twenties with long black hair that she tied back in a ponytail.

“Excuse me.”

“Yes?” The girl turned around and before Mary could ask her next question the girls green eyes lit up at the sight of the dog that was still trying to get the last few bites of watermelon from Vida. “Vinegar Tom! You found him! Thank you so much. He got loose when we were setting up. Bad boy.” Taking a slip leash the volunteer slipped it over the dog’s neck so that Mary could detach the belt.

“Vinegar Tom? That’s an interesting name.”

“Yeah. Sometimes we rename the animals when they come in. I’m a history major and I reviewed the play for a paper I was doing at the time. Vinegar Tom came in on my first day almost a year ago and I don’t know something just felt right about the name.” There was an empty pen not that far away so the volunteer placed Vinegar Tom inside, scratching his head in comfort. “Thank you again for bringing him back. We have a new volunteer who’s never done an adoption fair before and he kind of lost control over a few of the dogs and he slipped away. Actually, now that I think about it Vinegar Tom has never done that before.”

“Really?”

“Yeah. Tom’s really sweet but he’s usually not so energetic like this. I always think that he would fit in so well with a single person or a small family but whenever he’s considered for adoption he just… stands there or lays there not doing anything. It’s why he keeps getting turned down every time. It’s kind of depressing.” Vinegar Tom was pressed against the wire of the pen licking Vida’s fingers.

“We best be going. Vida.” Vida turned to her, she looked reluctant to move away from her new friend.

“Bye Vinegar Tom.” That’s when Vinegar Tom started to whine. He sat down on his hind legs and looked at both Mary and Vida with his big brown eyes. Vida in turn looked at Mary, jutting her lip out in a quivering pout. Between the pathetic whines of the dog and the look that Vida fixed her Mary could feel her resolve slowly dissolving away.

“What do we do to adopt?” The soft look that the volunteer gave Mary was matched with the squeal that came from Vida and the happy barks of Vinegar Tom. As Mary filled out the form Vida and Vinegar Tom played, mostly Tom rolling on his stomach while Vida gave him belly rubs. Though Mary loved to make Vida happy and Vinegar Tom was cute a cold feeling tickled in the back of her mind.

Zelda was going to kill her.

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Zelda arrived home a little after five. She had a staff meeting where all seasonal staff members were given some general info about the short semester. This wasn’t anything new to Zelda but it was necessary. In the end she couldn’t really complain because she got out the same time Hilda got off work that day so she swung by to pick her sister and niece, Sabrina saw some movie with her friends, before heading home. Everything seemed normal, Zelda had just enough time to place her keys on the table before Vida ran into her.

“Mommy! Mommy! Guess what!?” Zelda smiled at her daughter’s enthusiasm. Vida took so much joy out of anything that it truly was a guess on what made her so happy this time.

“What Vida?”

“We got a puppy!”

“You what?” Zelda might not have wanted it to come out so harshly, but out of everything that she expected that wasn’t one of them. As if on cue a dog came bounding into the entrance hall. He lost his footing on the hardwood floors, slipping and half flopping onto the floor, but it didn’t stop him. He came to a full stop in front of Zelda, sitting almost at her feet and wagging his tail so hard his whole body was wiggling. Though Zelda looked at the dog dumbfounded Hilda and Sabrina awed and surrounded the creature to shower him with affection. “Vida where’s you Mamma.” Vida pointed in the general direction of the kitchen before returning her attention back to the dog. Zelda stormed off not giving the scene before her a second glance, Mary had some serious explaining to do. “You got a dog!?” Mary’s shoulders hunched over and she turned around to face Zelda, whipping her lips from of excess tea. Apparently Zelda surprised her mid sip. Mary placed her cup in the sink before placing them on the counter.

“Don’t be mad.”

“I have every right to be mad. You got a dog without consulting me first.”

“You weren’t there. Vida fixed me with this look.” Mary mimicked the look before continuing. “How was I supposed to say no to that?”

“You’re going to have to because the last thing that I want is for this house to become a glorified petting zoo.”

“It’s not. I doubt something like this is going to happen again. It might sound cliche but I think Vinegar Tom chose us.”

“The dogs name is Vinegar Tom?”

“One of the volunteers is a history major. Anyway, the one day that the dog went against his usual behavior is the day that Vida and I were in the park. The volunteer even said that he showed no interest in anyone except Vida. So here we are.” Zelda sighed through her nose. She really didn’t want the dog but Vida was attached she couldn’t say no now.

“He’s your responsibility.” With that Zelda turned on her heel out of the kitchen. Hilda, Sabrina, and Vida were still in the entryway with the dog. They were throwing some kind of soft toy for the dog to fetch. Zelda just rolled her eyes and went up the stairs to her room. She refused to have any part of this.

___________________________

It has been about a week since Vinegar Tom joined his new family and he could safely say that he’s never been happier. He yawned and stretched before stepping out of his basket. His madam got him his basket along with his toys when he first came and he genuinely loved them. He always made sure that he kept his ball next to his basket and his lamb close to him. He went to his water bowl for a small drink and then rang the small bell that was attached to the door. He didn’t need to go out, he just liked ringing the bell. Satisfied, he left the kitchen to the stairs. There was a lot of them and he climbed them as best as he could. He wasn’t used to stairs but anything to be close to his people. Still learning his way around he used the scent of his people to find their location. When he reached the door he gently pushed it open with his nose. In one bed there was his madam and mistress, he tried to climb up but it was too high. In another bed was his little miss, he went over to her and started to nudge her with his nose. His little miss moved and murmured before she sat up, rubbing one eye.

“Tom!” Taking that as an invitation he climbed into his little miss’ bed. Well, tried, he wasn’t very good at climbing. Little miss got out and helped him, she struggled a little under his weight but it was enough to get him on. Once he was in little miss joined him, laying down. Vinegar Tom did the same, laying his head near the pillow and a stuffed octopus. He gave a contented sigh and fell asleep.

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Though most of the family was smitten with Vinegar Tom there was one family member he hadn’t won over.

Zelda.

Zelda wanted nothing to do with the dog. She didn’t feed him and refused to walk him or acknowledge his presence. The only thing that she has ever done for the dog was let him out when he was ringing the bell and it was only that one time. All other duties and needs were regulated to Mary. She was the one who agreed to getting the dog she was going to do the brunt of the work. Though she must say she was impressed with the amount of responsibility that Vida showed. She helped Mary feed, walk, and bathe the dog and even learned some commands to help train him. Despite her disinterest Zelda recognized that Vinegar Tom was a good dog. He was fully house trained so they never woke up to any accidents in the house, Hilda even trained him to ring the bell that she tied on the door in the kitchen to be let out. Didn’t chew anything but his own toys, he liked rolling around his ball and squeaking his lamb toy. He listened to what they told him not that he misbehaved often. His only crime in Zelda’s eyes was that he kept trying to climb onto the sofa when she was on it. She didn’t know why he looked at her for attention but she was consistent and kept kicking him off. Keeping herself at arms length worked until one fateful day.

Everyone in her family was busy. Hilda had to work, Sabrina had plans with her friends, and Mary and Vida had a scheduled activity that they would enjoy but Zelda necessarily wouldn’t. Hence why they scheduled it when Zelda had to work. This was of course before they got the dog.

Vinegar Tom had been with them only a couple of days. It was why they, mainly Mary and Hilda, didn’t feel comfortable in leaving him on his own for so long. And with his veterinary check up not for another week they couldn’t enroll him in doggy daycare. There was only one viable option that was available and it was that he went with Zelda.

“Absolutely not!” Zelda abruptly got up from her chair and looked between Mary and Hilda. Apparently, Mary felt like she couldn’t ask Zelda on her own and called for reinforcements. Zelda couldn’t really blame her, she and Mary weren’t fighting but Zelda was adamant in proving her point. Mary wanted the dog she was going to take care of it.

“Zelda it’s just for one day.” Her sister pleaded in that soft tone of her, the one that she uses to try to calm her down with. It worked about 70% of the time. Zelda ranged in her anger a little but she wasn’t backing down.

“No.”

“Come on Zelda what’s the harm?”

“For one it’s against the rules. Animals aren’t allowed unless they are a service animal and I’m not about to commit a criminal offense just because there is no one to watch the dog that I didn’t even want. And before you even ask no I am not going to cancel my class.”

“Zelda it’s just one time. Do this for me and not only would I not ask this of you again but next date night is on me. Please? I would do it myself but the plans that I made with Vida can’t be changed.” Zelda turned her glare onto her girlfriend. Mary was being extremely unfair at that moment. Her expression was soft and her tone was pleading. It was a rare combination and it made Zelda cave in every time. And Vida was thrown in, it was dirty move and sadly, it worked.

“Fine.” Mary smirked and got up to give her a kiss on the check. It was supposed to be on the lips but Zelda turned her head to the side. Mary has not earned that privilege back yet.

And thus here she was now, driving to work with Vinegar Tom in the back seat. Though Zelda couldn’t stop thinking about everything that could go wrong, she could get fired, claw marks in her seats, dog hair EVERYWHERE, the mutt was having the time of his life. After dropping of Hilda at work he got up on his hind legs to look out the window. His breath fogged up the windows, his muzzle was that close to the glass, and his tail was wagging up a storm. There was even drool on the glass when Zelda went to let him out. Sneaking the dog into the building wasn’t that hard, the office that she used was on the first floor and the other teacher that she shared it with taught not only on days that she didn’t work but evenings as well. She had the whole space to herself but to make sure that Vinegar Tom didn’t get into anything he shouldn’t she brought a portable crate to create a temporary pen. Vinegar Tom circled his enclosure but he seemed content with the small water bowl and pillow that Zelda gave him. He was happiest with his lamb, he wiggled in eagerness when Zelda pulled it from the bag that Mary set up for her. He squeaked it a little before settling down near the pillow. The last thing that Zelda set up in Vinegar Tom’s pen was a pee pad, Mary walked him before she left but it was better safe than sorry. By the time that Zelda finished setting everything up it was time for her to head to her lecture. Before leaving she took one last look at the dog. He looked up at her with his big brown eyes and his goofy expression that had everyone in her family in love with but gave Zelda a slight jagged feeling in her stomach.

“Don’t get me fired.” With that Zelda left and acted like nothing was wrong.

________________________

When his mistress returned to her office Vinegar Tom was sleeping peacefully. He woke up when she closed the door behind her. He yawned and stretched before watching his mistress. She set down something before coming over to him. His tail started to wag, he was hoping for some treats or a belly rub for being such a good dog. He was slightly disappointed when all she did was take away the barrier that kept him in one corner of the room. It wasn’t quite what he wanted but he was free! It was something. He explored the best way he knew, by smell. He let his nose guide him but after a while of not finding anything he turned back to his mistress. She was sitting behind something big and wooden. She was looking at something but he couldn’t tell what. Her head was bowed, was she sad? Tom couldn’t let that happen. His lamb made him happy so maybe it would make his mistress happy.

Picking up his lamb he brought it over to his mistress. She didn’t appear to notice him so he got up on his hind legs, using the side of the desk for support. When she still hadn’t noticed him he squeaked his lamb. That got her attention.

“What?” He squeaked his lamb again and wagged his tail. He wanted her to know that it was okay to take it. She just looked at him funny. “What?” This time she turned slightly in her chair giving him a space to place the lamb. He dropped it in her lap. However, instead of being happy she looked even more funny and threw his lamb to some corner. Oh! She was playing with him! She must love fetch too! As fast as his legs could go he went to get his lamb and then brought it back, squeaking it twice so she knew that he got it. She threw it two more times, when he came back the third time she ignored him completely. Oh, she was done playing. That’s okay, he was a bit tired so he’ll take a little rest. He dropped his lamb on the floor and then rested his head next to it. He gave a soft sigh in contentment.

______________________

By the time that Zelda was done  she still had half an hour before Hilda got off work, great. Gathering everything that belonged to the dog she clipped his leash onto his harness and out they went. The dog still showed the same enthusiasm as before though Zelda wished he didn’t, she just cleaned her windows of his drool and there he was fogging and slobbering them up again. With twenty minutes still on her hands Zelda had to figure out what to do about the dog. It was pointless to drive all the way home when she would have to drive right back into town to pick up her sister, it wasted both time and gas, both of which she loathed. She decided to take the dog to the park. She didn’t know how tired Mary was going to be and she had the time so why not suck it up and walk the dog once.

The dog seemed happy about it. His tail wouldn’t stop wagging and he sniffed every tree that he got close to. He wasn’t that much different than Vida in that regard. Now that she thought about it he and Vida were a lot alike. They knew how to listen, could entertain themselves, didn’t get into much trouble, and were very loving and sweet with people they liked and a bit closed off with people they necessarily didn’t like. Maybe that’s why Vida fell head over heels with the dog because Zelda would have known if Vida wanted a pet. Yes, she wasn’t exactly forthcoming with Telling Zelda what she wanted but there were signs that as her mother she was able to pick up. There was nothing. Getting the dog was a completely last minute, spontaneous thing. Maybe that’s why Zelda was fighting so hard. She didn’t like spontaneous change. Yet that explained her relationship with Mary perfectly. She didn’t plan on falling in love with Mary, or moving their relationship so fast that they were living together in such a short time. There was no rational reason other than it just felt right. It’s what Mary felt when she agreed to get the dog, so maybe Zelda could work on changing her attitude towards the dog.

She knew just where to start. Since Vinegar Tom behaved himself so well at her work she decided to get him a special treat. There was a small dog boutique not far from where Hilda worked so Zelda took him inside to let him pick out a treat. She held her breath because there was a possibility that the dog could stick his head in a container and either destroy it or eat everything and take every last dime that she had. But as he sniffed through the selection of treats he didn’t seem interested in any of them until he found one he liked. He pawed at it and then turned to her with that same goofy expression and wagging tail. Zelda paid for it and tucked the trat in her purse, he could have it later after his dinner.

Home was very peaceful. Well, more normal than peaceful, and for that Zelda was grateful. As chaotic and as crowded as their household could be it was theirs and Zelda loved it. Vida wouldn’t stop talking about what she did that afternoon with Mary and they all sat around the table for dinner. That night it was Mary’s turns to wash the dishes, they tried to rotate who did what kind of cleaning. Zelda stuck around, she was finishing the last little bit of wine and it was the first time she could talk to Mary alone. Vinegar Tom was circling her, he barked softly and wiggled as he looked up at her. Zelda instantly knew what he wanted.

“Okay fine.” Zelda tossed him his treat. It was some kind of bone thing that smelled vaguely like barbeque. It was what he wanted and was safe for him so Zelda didn’t give it much thought. Vinegar Tom happily took his treat over to his basket and started to chomp away. Finishing up the last of her wine Zelda placed her glass with the rest of the dishes that haven’t been washed yet which was when she noticed Mary looking at her with a smirk and a gleam in her eye. “Not a word.”

“Well your attitude has certainly changed.” Zelda just huffed and walked out. Mary shook her head and went back to the dishes. Zelda would never say out loud if someone was right, she would stay silent and if she could walk out of the room. Mary smirked and looked at Vinegar Tom, he was halfway through his treat. “She’s warming up to you big guy.” He woofed lightly and went back to his treat.

Later that night Vinegar Tom padded into the living room where Hilda sat in an armchair knitting, and Mary and Zelda sitting on the couch reading. He went over to the couch and climbed up on it. Every other time he did that Zelda instantly kicked him off but instead she, without looking away from her book, took one hand and gave him a few head pats. Mary saw this out of the corner of her eye and smirked. It looked like Vinegar Tom was staying for good.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 18: The One Where the Fight Ends

AN:Because I'm unoriginal, the second Judge in the story is the anti-pope from the series. So just picture him when you read that part.

The rest of the school year was smooth sailing for Zelda. All but two of her classes have been cleared out when the seniors graduated. It gave her time to catch up on whatever grading she needed to do and to revise her lesson plans, scrapping ideas or making adjustments based on how well her students did or didn’t do or where they struggled. Though she was spending more time in her office than in her classroom there was one added bonus. She got to spend more time with Mary. Mary’s classes were upper and honor or GT level, she had two of her own classes end when the seniors graduated. Along with her planning period Mary and Zelda’s free periods lined up with first, third and sixth. It meant that when they arrived in the morning Mary didn’t need to leave until second period and they would meet up at the end of the day. They still had lunch together, of course, it was the only time that they didn’t have to talk about work. They, despite what Shirley thought, didn’t do anything scandalous. They sat together, mostly in silence, as they worked on their respective subjects. Occasionally Mary would ask Zelda to decipher a students handwriting but that was the extent of any influence that they may have had on the others grading.

The night after her first day in court Zelda sat down with her family after she placed Vida to bed. She was ready to talk to her family about the looming issue but still wasn’t ready to talk to her daughter. She didn’t think her heart could take it. Her family was understanding and they all kept their eyes out for the social worker that was supposed to come. She came the following Wednesday morning around the time Hilda left to drop Vida off at school and then goes to work. According to Hilda she talked to the social worker at the book shop, completing her interview, and scheduled another visit when Zelda would be home. Zelda thanked her sister for what she did, they might not have always gotten along but Zelda trusted Hilda with something greater than her own life and she knew Hilda wouldn’t let her down.

The social worker’s impending visit meant that Zelda had to talk to Vida. Since this was something that she needed to do on her own Zelda did Vida’s usual nightly routine alone. It didn’t take much convincing to get Mary to step back, she just knew and gave Zelda a quick kiss before letting her go. After bath instead of setting Vida in her own bed Zelda took her to hers. Vida didn’t seem to mind, she snuggled against her mother as she read. After a while Vida noticed that there was something wrong. Her mom kept trailing off and she never seemed to realize when she finished a page.

“Are you okay Mommy?” Zelda took a deep breath through her nose and softly closed the book. It was now or never.

“Vida… have you ever wondered why you don’t have a dad?”

“You mean like Sabrina?” Zelda nodded. She explained to Vida about Sabrina’s mother and father a while ago when she wondered why she and Hilda were ‘aunt’ than mom. It lead to a conversation about their family but surprisingly Vida didn’t ask about her dad. At the time Zelda didn’t question it, the less she had to think about Faustus the better. Vida tilted her head to the side in thought.

“Nope. I have you and Aunt Hilda and Ambrose and Sabrina and now Mamma.”

“What if I told you that you did have a dad?”

“I don’t think I’d like it. I like my family how it is… Is Mamma going away!?” Vida’s eyes shined with freshly sprung tears and it broke Zelda’s heart, just a little because it also swelled over how much Vida loved Mary.

“Mamma isn’t going anywhere.” Vida nodded and rubbed her hands over her eyes.

“I don’t understand.”

“Before you were born Mommy was special friends with a guy. At one point I found out that I was going to have you. When I told him, he told me that he never wanted to see me again so I left. I had you and it was the happiest day of my life. You are the best thing that could ever happen to me. The guy that I was seeing has gone to a special place called a court to try to take you away from me-”

“I don’t want to go away!”

“I know you don’t baby and I don’t want you to go away either. Remember when you and Mary went to the park and I went to Dr. C’s book shop? I met someone there that is helping me make sure that you are staying here with me and Mamma and your Aunt Hilda and your cousins. But Vida know that whatever happens I’m your mother, nothing is going to ever change that, and whenever you feel scared or unsafe or alone I’ll be right here okay?” Vida nodded and hugged Zelda, clinging to her. Zelda tightened her hold around her daughter. She didn’t like to think about losing her daughter but it was important to say, she needed Vida to know that she will always be there. When Vida calmed down she loosened her hold and pulled away a little. “There is going to be someone coming to the house to ask questions. When that person comes I want you to answer anything that they ask you honestly okay?”

“Okay Mommy.”

“Bedtime.” Zelda carried her daughter to her bed, tucking her in and placing a kiss on her cheek. “Goodnight my darling.”

“Night. I love you Mommy.”

“I love you too baby.” Vida closed her eyes and went off to sleep. When Zelda turned the light off she noticed that her daughter’s night light was missing. How long has that been gone? Zelda joined her family downstairs. Mary was waiting for her at the edge of the stairs with a tumbler of whisky in her hand which she gave her. Zelda took it with a small smile. They went to the couch where Zelda curled herself against Mary. Mary wrapped her arms around Zelda’s waist, resting her head on Zelda’s shoulder. When Zelda was done with her tumbler of whisky Mary took the glass from her, setting it down on the table.

“How’d it go?”

“Taxing but I think she understands. How long has Vida’s night light been missing?”

“Oh! I knew there was something I was forgetting to tell you. When you were away her night light burned out. I offered to fix it but she said no. So we buried it.”

“I’m sorry did you say that you buried the night light?”

“Yes. Vida wanted to give Ellie a proper burial so we found an old small empty box, put the night light in it, took it outside and buried it.” Zelda looked at Mary completely flabbergasted. She never heard anything like it but it was 100% something that Vida would do. She could just picture Mary and Vida with a shovel of some kind as they dug a hole in the yard all for a night light.

“Did you give it a headstone? A eulogy?” Zelda almost couldn’t say it with a straight face. The laughter inside her was bubbling up so much just waiting to come out.

“No.” Mary said it with the straightest face, like she couldn’t understand why Zelda was snickering. But that look on Mary’s face was enough to send her into full blown laughter. It took Mary a while to realize that Zelda wasn’t laughing out of malice but out of just general ridiculousness of the whole thing. When Zelda’s laughter died down she turned around so that she was facing Mary.

“Thank you.” Mary smirked and nodded. Zelda didn’t say what she was grateful for but Mary knew. Zelda kissed Mary, it was soft and slow. They shared several kisses, Zelda would never call what they did making out but it was closest to what they were doing. When the clock sounded the eleventh hour they made their way to bed. After Mary was dressed she kissed the top of Vida’s head and whispered to her ‘goodnight’. When Zelda and Mary settled into bed they shared one last kiss. Of course the second that Zelda moved to her side Mary’s arm was around her waist. Zelda just hummed in contentment and drifted off to sleep.

___________________

The social worker came the next Thursday. It was a day that Mary was supposed to advise her W.I.C.C.A. meeting but she was able to switch it to Wednesday. She was serious about wanting to be there and she proved it. The social worker came a little after five. Everyone, minus Hilda, was home at that time so it was perfect. The social worker, a middle aged woman with pale blonde hair in a plain black suit was let in by Sabrina and led into the kitchen where Zelda was.

“Ms. Spellman.” Zelda and the social worker sat down at the kitchen table. Mary set down a cup of tea for everyone before taking a seat next to Zelda. “I’m Janice Lewis and as you know I was asked by the courts to visit you. It’s rather unusual to be called that way. Normally there is an issue that needs to be addressed and from there I know what I’m looking for and what questions to ask. So, I’m just going to ask some basic questions now and when we look around if I have any additional questions I’ll just ask. Is that alright with you?”

“Yes that’s fine.”

“Okay. So I know from court documents that the child is a four, almost five, year old female. Is she your only child?”

“Yes, but I share custody of my niece Sabrina with my sister.”

“I see that. How long have you lived in this house?”

“All my life. The only time I wasn’t here was when I was in school.”

“Out of state?”

“Over seas.”

“You are currently employed?”

“Yes. I’m a teacher at Baxter High as is my girlfriend Mary.” Zelda indicated to Mary. their hands were on the table clasped together. Since no questions were directed her way Mary let Zelda take the helm. “My sister also works at a local bookstore.”

“I’m aware of that. I conducted Hilda’s interview at her place of employment. Lovely lady. Is Vida currently enrolled in school?”

“Yes. I was able to enroll her into an all day preschool. Though she goes in after I have to be in for work Hilda takes her when she leaves in the morning and then I pick her up when her school ends.”

“Who currently resides here?”

“Myself, Vida, Sabrina, my nephew Ambrose, Hilda, and Mary.”

“Mary...?”

“Wardwell.”

“Ms. Wardwell is this your address on record?”

“No. I moved in in April. By then not only were my taxes filed for the previous year but with the school year over half way over I didn’t feel the need to start a process that wouldn’t finish until the school year would conclude. By then I would have to fill out the same information again so I rather just wait. My license also expires in July, I’d rather only deal with one trip to motor vehicles than two.”

“Understandable. What is a typical day for Vida?”

“Well, I have to be in work by seven but I usually don’t wake Vida until eight thirty so I assume that’s the time that Hilda wakes her. From nine to four in the afternoon she is in school, I pick her up from there no later than five. Around six thirty or seven we have dinner, until then Vida does homework. If Vida’s homework isn’t done before dinner she’ll work on it and if she needs help I’ll assist her. If she’s done then we do something like a puzzle or a game. By nine I take Vida upstairs to get her ready for bed. Before settling her down we read a book and then I tuck her in.”

“Okay. May I see her room?” Zelda nodded and led her to her room. Ms. Lewis looked around, taking note of Vida’s bed in one corner against a wall and Zelda’s bed almost in the center of the room. “She shares this room with you?”

“Yes. We’re tight on space so there was never any room to set up a nursery so she has always been in here with me.”

“If you don’t mind me asking you are actively dating again and your partner is also in this room. What do you two do for privacy?”

“Mary still holds ownership of her house whenever we need alone time we go there but we always make sure that someone, either my sister or my niece, is here to watch Vida.”

“Okay. If you had to move Vida from this room where would she go?”

“That depends. Next year Sabrina would be starting her junior year of high school and would start looking at colleges. If she is thinking about going out of state then we will move Vida into her room. If not… I don’t know. I guess we will clear out a space.”

“Okay. Can I have a look at the rest of the house?” Zelda nodded and gave Ms. Lewis a complete tour of the Spellman house. No room was left out, Ms. Lewis got a look at everything from the attic, one they used for storage the other where Ambrose resided in, to the basement that was their laundry room. Occasionally Ms. Lewis would ask a question, mainly if Vida was allowed in this room, why, and how much time did Zelda spent in said room. The only one Zelda spent any real time in was the basement. Mary refused to leave Zelda’s side, she was always there right behind her. Zelda didn’t mind, she liked the support that Mary gave her. When the tour was finished Ms. Lewis asked if she could talk to the rest of the family. Zelda consented and let Sabrina then Ambrose talk to Ms. Lewis. Ms. Lewis asked them the same questions, mainly how home life was, how was Zelda with Vida, was Vida happy. Basic stuff that didn’t take more than ten minutes each. The last person that Ms. Lewis talked to was Vida.

Vida was in the parlor, she said hi to them when Zelda was giving Ms. Lewis her tour but left them be. Unlike Sabrina and Ambrose’s interviews which were held in the kitchen Ms. Lewis interviewed Vida in the parlor, she knew that children Vida’s age were more open when they were comfortable and she was comfortable in the parlor. Since she was a stranger Zelda didn’t feel comfortable leaving Ms. Lewis in the room alone with Vida. Ms. Lewis understood and Mary, who was the perfect loophole because she technically wasn’t family, was allowed to be in the room, her presence would be comfortable to Vida but not interfering.

“Hi Vida.”

“Hello.”

“Do you remember who I am?”

“I know that you are the person who was coming to ask us questions.”

“That’s part of my job yes. Are you happy here?”

“Yes.”

“Do you like your Mommy?”

“I love my Mommy. I would like to stay with her please.” Ms. Lewis smiled. She didn’t know Vida for long but could tell that this was a girl that knows what she wanted.

“What did you do today?”

“Aunt Hilda woke me up like she does every morning, we eat breakfast, and then I got ready for school. She then takes me to school where I stay until four which is when Mommy and Mamma pick me up. Sometimes Mommy drives so we go straight home.”

“What about the other times?”

“We walk back to her school and then drive home.”

“Okay, what do you do after you get home?”

“I do my homework then we have dinner. Sometimes we can do something fun like a game but only if I finished all my homework. At nine Mommy gets me ready for bed and we read a book and then I go to sleep.”

“How about on the weekends, what do you do?”

“I wake up, eat breakfast with my family, and then I help Mommy.”

“What do you help you Mommy with?”

“Laundry, she lets me fold stuff, or when we go to the food store she lets me pick out the produce. It’s gardening season so I also help Aunt Hilda in the garden.”

“How do you feel about your Mommy’s relationship with Mary?”

“I love Mamma and Mamma loves us.”

“Do you have any friends at school?”

“No. I have a bully his name is Judas, he’s mean. He tried to take Oso away from me.”

“Who’s Oso?”

“My bear. I’ve had him since forever.”

“Okay Vida thank you for talking with me.”

“Sure.”

With her last interview completed Ms. Lewis wrote down a few more notes before announcing that she would be leaving. Zelda walked her to the door which was where Ms. Lewis remembered a question that she almost forgot to ask.

“Ms. Spellman I have one last question for you if that’s okay.”

“Sure.”

“What is Vida’s relationship like with her father?”

“Nonexistent. Faustus had never even met Vida.” Ms. Lewis nodded, tucking the information away until she could write it down.

“Thank you for letting me come in and asking questions.”

“Of course, You are just doing your job.” With a nod Ms. Lewis took her leave. Zelda closed the door behind her, breathing a sigh in relief. The hard part was over, now it was back to waiting.

___________________

Faustus didn’t sit on the information for long. Not even a week after the social workers visit another court date was set. On Zelda’s behalf Mr.Webster fought for a late time, which she appreciated. After fifth period Zelda and Mary left to go to the courthouse where Hilda and Ambrose were waiting for them. An added bonus of Mary moving in was now they weren’t a one car household. That day Zelda and Mary took Mary’s car and Hilda and Ambrose took Zelda’s. Sabrina wanted to go but Zelda refused, someone needed to pick up Vida and she was the only one available. Faustus and his attorney were already sitting at their table. Mr. Morningstar’s eyes gleamed in interest when they landed on Mary, it made Zelda’s blood boil just looking at him now that she knew what he did to Mary. Mary for her part did not waver or acknowledge him, she sat on the bench right behind Zelda. The silence of the courtroom was deafening as they waited for the judge to take the bench.

“All rise for his honor Judge Pope.” They all stood as the judge entered. Zelda raised an eyebrow when she noticed that it wasn’t the same judge as before, was this normal? According to the confused expression on Mr. Webster’s face it wasn’t.

“You may be seated.” Everyone but Mr. Webster and Mr. Morningstar took their seat.

“Your honor what happened to Judge Methuselah?”

“Poor Methuselah suffered a heart attack yesterday. I as well as a few other judges have been covering his docket until he returns. Unless you gentleman object?” Though Mr. Morningstar hesitated Mr. Webster didn’t waste a single moment. The facts of his case didn’t change regardless of the judge, if anything this change was an advantage for him.

“No your honor. Ms. Spellman is eager for this matter to be resolved as quickly as possible.”

“Mr. Morningstar?” It took Mr. Morningstar a minute or two before nodding in affirmation. “Excellent. Now, starting with you Mr. Morningstar I must admit I’m… perplexed by your claim on behalf of your client. I read it and couldn’t find any real evidence to support your claims to sue for custody over the child.”

“In all due respect your honor we already proved that part of our case with Judge Methuselah. We must have made enough of an impression if he ordered a social worker visit.”

“Yes I know. I have read not only transcripts from the first appearance but the visit as well. The social worker found no evidence of neglect, abuse, or toxic environment in Ms. Spellman’s household. Did you receive the report Mr. Morningstar?”

“Yes but-”

“And did the report support the claims that you have mentioned?”

“No-”

“So why are we here Mr. Morningstar?” For the first time Mr. Morningstar didn’t have a response already prepared. “I’ll tell you what you are doing and that is wasting the courts time. I’m not quite sure exactly what is going on but if this case was presented in front of me the first time I would have tossed it and do you know why?”

“No your honor.”

“Read this.” Judge Pope gave the bailiff a piece of paper which he proceeded to give to Mr. Morningstar. Mr. Morningstar read it but not knowing what he was looking for he looked at the judge confused and a little lost. “That is the copy of the girls birth certificate. Tell me what it says on the box for father.”

“Unlisted, has expressed wishes to or terminated all rights. Your honor that doesn’t mean anything. That option was added in regards to sperm donors not two people who have been in a relationship. A woman shouldn’t be able to use this to hide her child from their natural father.”

“If Mr. Morningstar is arguing that my client deliberately kept her daughter from Mr. Blackwood I would like to see evidence that proves it. Ms. Spellman has not moved from the area. She has had the same address for the last twenty years and the child has been enrolled in a public school for almost a year. I see no proof of this so called hiding.”

“Mr. Webster is right Mr. Morningstar. If you want to make a claim you need evidence to back it up. So if you have any let us see it.” The judge waited a few minutes for Mr. Morningstar to make even the slightest of movement. He didn’t even twitch. “That’s what I thought. Being a father isn’t something that your client can turn on and off at his leisure. Either he is a father to this child or not. As I see it your client has two options. Option one he asserts his rights as the father and he follows whatever supervised visits with the child that the court deems fit on top of paying Ms. Spellman not only back child support payments but future ones as well. Option two your client officially signs away the little rights he has and only pay whatever he is paying you. Which is it Mr. Morningstar?” Mr. Morningstar conversed with his client in hushed whispers. Though it couldn’t be heard what they were saying Zelda knew that Faustus was not pleased with the situation, the tone of his whispering increased and became harshed. Eventually Faustus slumped back in his seat and waved his hand as to wash his hands of the situation.

“My client has informed me that he wishes to sign away his rights.”

“Excellent.” Judge Pope handed over the documents that Faustus would need to sign. He signed it in such a huff that the paper tore slightly. “A bit heavy handed are we Mr. Blackwood? Now before you think that you have 45 days to appeal my decision I am putting a rush on this order because your client has had more than enough time to assert these rights and have not done so. As of right now Mr. Faustus Blackwood has no legal claims in regards to the child Vida Spellman. That means Ms. Spellan you can now rest knowing that no one can take your child away from you. Also, if you feel that the time has come you can have Ms. Wardwell adopt the child with no challenge from her father. This case is concluded.” With a bang of his gravel the judge left his bench.

Zelda sat there in shock. She couldn’t believe that this was over. Her little girl was hers forever. She shot out of her seat and turned to her family in the gallery. They had the same happy shocked expressions as she did. Mary was the first to stand and like magnets she and Zelda came together. Mary’s hold was warm and strong and her perfume spicy. It was 100% Mary and it was all the confirmation that Zelda needed to know that this really happened. The stress and emotions that has build inside her over the last month came out and she cried deep and hard into Mary’s shoulder. Mary’s hold didn’t waver, she held onto Zelda even tighter, making their embrace even more awkward due to the railing between them. When Zelda had composed herself enough she loosened herself from Mary to be swept into an embrace by her sister and her nephew.

“Mr. Webster thank you I… I don’t…”

“Say no more. It was my pleasure. I’m glad the right thing was done here. I wish you and your family a successful and happy future.” With a bow, he took his leave, his job was done, there was no need for him to linger longer than necessary. There was a slightly awkward air when Mr. Webster left, Zelda felt like she should have said something more to him. Mary bumped her shoulder, bringing her attention back to her family.

“Shall we?” Zelda nodded and took Mary’s elbow. As they walked down the steps of the courthouse another part of the judges words sunk in for Zelda. Mary was free to adopt Vida if or when they were ready. It was a tempting option, Zelda has never loved anyone like she has Mary and Mary was already part of the family. On the drive back home Zelda looked at Mary as she gazed out the window, she seemed to sense that Zelda was looking at her and turned around with a slightly raised eyebrow. Zelda just shrugged and they both turned away. Zelda concluded that someday it would happen, but not today.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 17: The One Where the Fight Begins

AN: So a few things that I would like to point out:

1) I don't know how the courts or the law works. It's great that some of you guys know how it does but I'm using this for plot only, the whole thing is completely fictional.

2) Towards the end we learn more about Mary and I try to portray it the best way possible but if any of you guys are upset in any way shape or form I'm sorry. I'm not good with the heavy stuff, I'm more fluff but I'm trying.

Thanks and enjoy!

PS: THIS is chapter 17. I didn’t know that I accidentally labeled chapter 16 as chapter 17. Sorry!

With Mr. Webster in her corner Zelda turned all of her attention to her graduating seniors. Around Christmas break she contacted an old professor of hers that was still in the area and he set it up so that her senior classes, her French 3, Russian, Italian, and Chinese, could take a college exam that her students could use towards credits earned at whatever school they choose to go to. Because the test was so intense Zelda decided to use it as their final. A majority of the test would be online but the oral report had to be done in person, Zelda graded them on the rubric that the professor sent her. She recorded and sent those to the professor for a second opinion just to cover all of her bases. Convincing Mr. Hawthorne was harder than necessary. He denied her request twice until he got a letter from her professor that allowing the students to take the test didn’t cost anything. After that Mr. Hawthorne jumped at the chance for her students to take the test. He cleared out the computer lab for an entire day so that her students could take the test. Much to the carnage of Shirley.

Apparently, Hawthorne bumped Shirley out of the computer lab so that Zelda’s students could take the exams. It wasn’t just Shirley, Mr. Thomas was also bumped and they were only bumped because they were covering for another teacher. Unlike Mr. Thomas Shirley made a big stink about it. She raised a fuss with Mr. Hawthorne but he refused to change his mind. That was probably why when Zelda brought down her sixth period Chinese class that Shirley was already there having students set up on computers with a smirk that clearly showed she knew what she was doing. Zelda didn’t even try to deal with Shirley personally, she called Hawthorne so he could deal with her. Shirley’s students, who could read the room, sat in the library so that Zelda could have her students start on their exams. As she closed the door so that her students had complete silence she saw Shirley glaring at her. She just smiled and turned her attention back to her students, they lost enough time as it is.

The day the seniors graduated meant a day off for Zelda. It was a day that she would lie in bed for a bit with Mary before enjoying breakfast with her family and then relaxing the day away with her daughter and Mary. That is how she would spend the day if she didn’t have to attend court.

Thanks to Mr. Webster he prevented Faustus for scheduling a hearing on a day that she couldn’t attend. Though she hated having to lose the day off she was grateful that she could give the issue her complete focus. She deliberately didn’t tell anyone, especially Mary, where she was really going when she left the house right after breakfast. She told her lie and kissed Vida and Mary goodbye. Mary looked at her with narrow eyes but didn’t say anything, she let her go with a soft ‘bye’. Mr. Webster was waiting for her when she arrived at the courthouse and she followed him to whatever courtroom her case was being heard. Faustus and his attorney were already there. When she entered Faustus’ gaze followed her all the way to the free table just left of the gate. Zelda ignored him, she kept her head high and face forward to the empty judge’s bench.

“All rise for the honorable Judge Methuselah.” A bailiffs voice boomed in the virtually empty courtroom but they all shuffled to their feet. An elderly man in judges robes came in with a file tucked under his arm. When he sat down everyone but Mr. Webster and Faustus’ attorney took their seats.

“Mr. Morningstar.” Faustus attorney nodded in acknowledgement. He was a clean shaven young looking man with brown curly hair that was just long enough to not be called unruly. “Your client is suing Ms. Spellman for the custody of her daughter.”

“That is correct your honor.”

“Why does your client feel the need to now obtain custody over the child?”

“Mr. Blackwood has become increasingly concerned over the welfare of his daughter.”

“What concerns?”

“The child’s living situation and the company that Ms. Spellman keeps.”

“What do you have to say about this Mr. Webster?” Mr. Webster straighten his jacket, fastening a button that had come undone.

“Complete fabrication. Ms. Spellman has every right to remain in the house with her family. And the ‘company’ that Mr. Morningstar is referring to is irrelevant to the matter at hand. What we should be focusing on is, is Ms. Spellman an incompetent parent and that answer is no.”

“It should be the courts concern when the ‘company’ that  Ms. Spellman keeps is another woman.”

“Mr. Morningstar last I checked this was the twentieth century not the 1800’s. Dating another woman isn’t a crime and seeing as Ms. Spellman and your client are no longer in a relationship, if you can call what they had a relationship, she is in every right to be seeing someone else, male or female.”

“The woman in question is mentally unstable. I have documented proof that Mary Wardwell has had a long history of mental illness and had even be hospitalized.”

“That is a complete violation of Ms. Wardwell’s privacy and the court shouldn’t even entertain this possibly illegally obtained information!”

“Enough!” Judge Methuselah banged his gavel for good measure. The courtroom went silent minus the last dull echoes of the gavel. “It appears to me that this matter requires more looking into. I’m ordering a social worker visit Ms. Spellman’s house hold in two weeks. After they file their report we will continue. Until then we are adjourned.” Judge Methuselah banged his gavel one last time before standing from his seat and leaving. Zelda remained in her seat her brain trying to work out what just happened. Was it a good or bad thing that a social worker was visiting her home? And all those things about Mary… were they true or made up by Faustus’ attorney? Faustus and his attorney walked by her table, Faustus glared at her but she didn’t acknowledge it.

__________________

According to Mr. Webster a social worker visiting her house was no big deal. She was a competent parent with nothing to hide. The social worker would see that and would report in her favor, Plus, he would get a copy of the report so Morningstar couldn’t twist the facts. There was, however, one fact he had to look into. Mary. Zelda wanted to talk to Mary first, Mr. Webster agreed that was best and to call or email him when Mary was ready to speak to him,

Mary and Vida were in the living room, sitting on the couch while Vida read a book to Mary. Vida was stuck on a word and Mary helped her out when Zelda approached them. She sat on the arm of the couch and wrapped on arm around Mary’s shoulder.

“You’re back.”

“Mommy!” Vida tossed her book to the side and scrambled onto Mary’s lap to get close to Zelda. Mary winced a little but didn’t seem to mind.

“Vida.” Vida looked at Mary from where her head rested on Zelda’s legs. “I need to talk to you mom for a minute.” Vida huffed but nodded. She left saying she was going to work on the puzzle in the parlor. Mary scooted over to create space for Zelda. Zelda slid off the arm to the free space, draping her legs over Mary’s lap. “So how’d it go?”

“I knew you didn’t believe me.”

“Of course I didn’t. Is it over?”

“No. Faustus’ attorney managed to convince the judge enough to have a social worker visit us. Mr. Webster said it wasn’t nothing to be concerned about. However…” Zelda bit her lip. She was almost hesitant to ask Mary.

“However… what?”

“Faustus’ attorney said something… about you.”

“What that I’m immoral for corrupting you into my world of debauchery?”

“Not exactly. He implied that you were mentally unstable.” Mary’s eyes grew dark but the light that flickered there meant that she was thinking about something.

“This attorney…  his name wouldn’t be Lucifer Morningstar would it?”

“It would.” Mary nodded and took a deep breath. They fell silent for a while, Zelda not wanting to push Mary.

“One thing that we have in common is crappy mothers. My mother was apart of this church community, I think they were Mormons I can’t be sure after all this time, and would drag me to church with her all of the time. I hated it, always did, and when she realized that I wasn’t like her, devoted to the church and wanted to learn more, things that she called ‘sinful’ and ‘immoral’ she washed her hands of me. From there I had to fend for myself but she didn’t kick me out, she wanted to allude that she was still a loving mother even though we rarely spoke to each other. When I turned sixteen she pushed for me to find one of the male members to ‘court’ so that we could marry. I was having none of it, even though the boy that was interested in me was nice. I liked Adam but I couldn’t marry him, it wouldn’t be fair to him if I did. I knew for a while that something was off about me but I didn’t know what. Much like you I ran away after I graduated high school but I just ran away to the college that I didn’t tell anyone that I applied to. That’s where I met Lucifer. I still felt off but I was attracted to him enough to start a relationship.

At first everything was fine but when the next year started he became possessive. It started with changing my courses without my consent and moving my stuff into his apartment. He limited where I could and couldn’t go, not that I listened. I still attended debates and parties that interested me. At one of those debates we discussed human sexuality and that’s where I learned what was off about me. To this day I don’t know if I would call myself bisexual or lesbiean but I don’t deny my attractions which to me is more important than the label. I stupidly thought that I could share this piece of me with him. When I told him that there was a possibility that I like women he locked me in a bedroom and when I natural screamed and fought to be let out he called authorities and somehow convinced them that I had a mental disease that was left unchecked and I was a potential danger to myself and others. That gave me a one way ticket to a mental hospital. It took them a whole week of me refusing medication that I didn’t need and talking to doctor after doctor that I didn’t belong there. At that point I was done with him, he betrayed me in a way that I couldn’t ignore. I called the school and said I wanted a transfer and they helped me move to another college. I left straight there not that it did any good. He found me but I refused to be intimidated by him even as he took the same classes as I did. I left after I graduated and didn’t apply for any jobs until I arrived here in Greendale. That was the last time I saw him and I hoped to never see him again.” Zelda nodded and at some point she took Mary’s hand. She was in awe that even though they were so different they shared an almost identical past.

“I’m sorry.”

“What for? You didn’t ask for him to be a bastard.”

“I know that. I’m sorry for not asking. I realized that there is so much about you that I don’t know and I hate that this crappy situation is making you reveal this part of you when your not ready.”

“To be honest I wasn’t going to tell you. If I did have a mental illness I would have told you but since it was forced onto me I didn’t think it worthy of sharing. If there is anything that you want to know about me all you have to do is ask.” Zelda smiled and nodded. Using her free hand she cupped Mary’s cheek and brought her closer to her.

“I love you.” Zelda’s breath felt hot against Mary’s lips before she claimed them. The kiss was short and soft, Mary was smirking afterwords. “When you are ready, you need to tell Mr. Webster this.”

“I understand. Do you know when the social worker is going to come?”

“No. I’ll have to tell Hilda about it so she can keep an eye out.”

“Good. I want to be there when they came and I want to be there with you at your next court appointment.”

“Are you sure? This isn’t your problem to deal with.”

“Yes it is. Moving into this house means I’m apart of this family and Vida is family. I understand that you want to appear independent and no one here is going to deny that but there is a difference between being independent and being alone and I can tell you one thing Zelda Spellman you are not alone.” Zelda opened her mouth but closed it. She didn’t have a counterpoint to challenge what Mary said.

“You’re right. I guess since I’m so used to things that I forget.” Mary just smirked and kissed Zelda. Before it could go any further Vida came in to say she was hungry for lunch. Her hands were over her eyes, she said it was to block her from seeing something yucky. Mary gave Zelda a playful smirk before scooping Vida up and blowing raspberries all over her tiny body. When Vida cried uncle Zelda took her from Mary and they went into the kitchen for lunch.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 16: The One With a Little Hope

AN:I'M BACK!!!!!!!!!!!! And with a brand new chapter for you guys. Was it worth the wait? I don't know but here it is! Enjoy!

Since the summons arrived Zelda entered into a state that was a combination of depression and catatonic. She walked around like a zombie, a shell of her former self that could perform her basic humanly functions. Though not lacking in her duties as a teacher her students noticed that Zelda wasn’t herself and Rosalind and Theo asked if there was anything they could do to help but not even Mary knew how to help Zelda beyond just being there. Mary wouldn’t begin to say she understood what Zelda was feeling, yes she loved Vida like her own but the connection that Zelda and Vida had was something deeper. That connection was why whenever Vida was around Zelda painted on a smile to allude that nothing was wrong, acted like everything was normal when every night after tucking Vida into bed Zelda cried. All Mary could do was hold her and wish that there was something that she could do. It came to her one afternoon on a Saturday in April.

That day had been particularly bad. Zelda wouldn’t stop crying, she couldn’t even muster enough energy to get out of bed. Mary shuffled Vida out, saying Zelda was just a little sick and she was okay. Vida looked at her like she didn’t believe her, and to be honest Mary didn’t even believe herself, but she agreed and headed downstairs. In the kitchen Mary and Hilda shared a quick look and a slight nod. Hilda will take care of Zelda, Mary will handle Vida. Armed with a list of errands Mary and Vida left. After stopping at the pharmacy and the home improvement store for some fertilizer the last thing on Hilda’s list was to fix a clasp on a watch of hers that broke. Mary loathed to go into the shopping district on a weekend but wanting to give Hilda as much time as possible she decided to suck it up and go.

The bell on the jewelry store tinkled when Mary entered shaking off her umbrella as it started to rain lightly. Vida who was decked out in her raincoat with matching boots and hat shook her head when Mary took her hat off, causing red ringlets and little droplets of water to fly everywhere. Mary smiled and fussed over Vida’s hair to make it somewhat neat. A salesperson came over and asked how they could help them. When Mary explained that she needed a watched to be fixed the salesperson led her over to one of the glass cases to have a closer look. At first Vida was next to her, holding onto the side of her leather trench coat but becoming bored at having looked at everything in the case started to wonder. Mary was two seconds away from calling Vida back but stopped. Other than her, Vida, and a few other employees there were only two other customers and Vida was smart enough to not go with anyone or out of the store so Mary turned back to the sales person but kept an ear out for the slight ‘squelch’ that Vida’s boots made on the shops carpet. After several minutes of looking through watches they eventually found something that could match the original fixture the sales clerk went into the back to talk to the person who did the actual hardware work Mary turned to find Vida.

Vida was standing in front of a glass case filled with little charms and pendants for necklaces and bracelets. The charms were all arranged by shape, grouped together by metal type, gold and silver mostly, and gemstone options. Mary quickly recognized the birthstone gems as the pieces were arranged in neat double rows of six. Vida was, of course, fascinated with the little bear pendants. The pendants were about half the size of Mary’s finger tip but the detail was impressive. The 3D bears had little eyes and noses and a tail on its sitting bottom plus soft carving marks to resemble fur. On one foot was a small round gemstone that fit perfectly with the pad of the bears paw.

“What do you have here baby bear?”

“Look at the little bears Mamma they’re so cute.”

“That they are.” The longer Mary stared at the bears wheel started to turn in her head as an idea started to form. The sales clerk that was helping them with the watch came back pulling Mary away from the bear pendants. The watch was fixable and Mary filled the work order so Hilda could pick it up later.

“Is there anything else I can help you with Ma’am?” Mary thought about it for a minute. The bear pendants came back to mind.

“There is one thing.” Mary took the clerk over to the bear pendants and he pulled out the little shelving they rested on out so she could have a closer look. The bears were, as Mary predicted, part of the stores birthstone collection so each bear had a different gemstone. A gold bear with a 36 inch chain was almost $200, a little steep but for Zelda it was worth it.

“What do you think baby bear?” Mary picked up Vida so she could see the bears more clearly. “Should we get one for you Mom?”

“Yes!” Vida then told the sales clerk when her birthday was, May 16th, and he pulled out a pre boxed bear with an emerald gemstone.

“Would you like to get it engraved? It’s $10 and we can do it today in about an hour.” Tempted Mary agred, she and Vida could get lunch and come back to get the necklace. Mary told the clerk what she wanted. When she came back for it the necklace was wrapped up nicely in a little box with a blue ribbon.

After some debate Mary decided not to wait until Mother’s Day to give the necklace to Zelda. That next day she recruited Vida to make their special breakfast, french toast light on the powdered sugar and syrup with some egg whites, a small cup of fruit, a lightly buttered biscuit, and a mug of coffee. Balancing the tray Mary and Vida brought it back upstairs to surprise Zelda. Mary hung back with the try as Vida, after setting down the mug of coffee that she was entrusted with on the nightstand, climbed up onto Zelda’s bed to wake her. It didn’t take much, Zelda hasn’t been sleeping well either and it only took a little prodding to wake her.

“Surprise!” Zelda looked at Vida then at Mary as she placed the breakfast tray.

“What is this?”

“Me and Momma made you our special breakfast. To make you feel better.” Zelda gasped a little in shock, she didn’t know that Vida picked up on her mood, but hid it well.

“Thank you baby.” The bed dipped as Mary joined them on the bed and they shared breakfast. When the tray was empty Mary handed Vida the small box that held the necklace.

“We got you this Mommy.” Zelda took the box, not sure what it could be or why she was receiving this gift. After untying the ribbon the dark blue box opened with a soft crack. Zelda’s eyes widened and she gave a faint gasp. “Do you like it Mommy?” The tiny gold bear looked so much bigger cradled in the soft lining of the box, tiny emerald catching the light. The new addition to the bear, the thing that had Zelda almost in tears, was a tiny engraving on the bears other paw that said ‘V.S.’

“I love it.” Vida smiled and snuggled into her mother’s side. Zelda handed the box to Mary so she could place the necklace on her. Sweeping Zelda’s hair over her shoulder Mary fastened the necklace around Zelda’s slender neck. Though not big the bear stood out against Zelda’s pale skin, the pendant resting lightly on her chest. When the necklace was securely in place Zelda turned back to face Mary and brought her close to share a kiss. Mary returned it, making it just a little deeper and longer.

____________________

After that Zelda was in a better mood. She wasn’t 100%, Mary believed that wouldn’t happen until this whole mess was over, but she stopped crying and could muster real small smiles. She also realized that she couldn’t ignore the inevitable anymore. She needed to hire an attorney. Over the next week or so Zelda contacted several law firms that looked to be in her price range and could help her. None of them, even after a respected waiting time, responded back. Zelda started to panic, she knew that Faustus would have an attorney that would destroy her in a single breath. If she wanted even a snowballs chance in hell to keep her daughter she needed her own representation but with no responses she was starting to go back into her depressed state. Just as it seemed that hope was lost Zelda received a very interesting email on Saturday afternoon.

Dear Ms. Spellman,

I heard from the grapevine that you are looking for an attorney for an upcoming custody case. My name is Daniel Webster, I don’t have a law firm nor work for one but I do have a license to practice law with a decade worth of trial experience. An old friend of mine from one of the law firms that you contacted pointed me in your direction and gave me your email, I hope you don’t mind. I would like to take your case pro bono. To prove that I am not a scammer we can meet in a neutral location on your terms and I have attached some links to a few of the cases that I worked on. Write me back when you can.

Signed, Daniel Webster

Deciding to take a leap of faith Zelda wrote back to Mr. Webster that she would meet him at Hilda’s book shop just after breakfast. Vida was with Mary, Zelda dropped them off at the park with a promise that if they got tired or if the weather turned bad to come to the store. Dr. Cee allowed her to use his back office for the meeting, it was quiet and it plus the tea that Hilda gave her helped her remain calm. At five past ten Hilda let in a middle age man with short white hair and beard and dressed in a nice but not flashy navy blue suit.

“Ms. Spellman.” Mr. Webster held out his hand and they shook hands for a brief moment. Hilda asked Mr. Webster if he would like anything but he said no. With that Hilda closed the door behind her and she and Mr. Webster were alone. Mr. Webster opened his briefcase and took out a legal pad and pen. “So let’s begin. According to court documents a Faustus Blackwood is suing you for full custody of your daughter.”

“Yes.”

“Is he the child’s biological father?”

“Unfortunately.”

“And when did your relationship end?”

“About a month after I found out I was pregnant.” After she gave her answer Mr. Weber straightened up.

“You have had no contact with Mr. Blackwood before now?”

“None whatsoever.”

“Good. We can use that. Do you have the girls birth certificate?” Zelda pulled out a folder from her purse that contained all of the important papers regarding Vida. Each family member had their own folder in a locked drawer in the credenza next to the kitchen. Zelda handed Mr. Weber Vida’s birth certificate. Mr. Webster scanned over the document and his eyes widened. Zelda didn’t know if this was a good thing or a bad.

“Ms. Spellman we have nothing to worry about.” Zelda’s heart stopped in her chest but it was a good stop. A huge wave a relief blew over her and she felt like she could breathe again without this crushing weight against her. She didn’t know why she had so much confidence in Mr. Webster but she did and if he said she didn’t have to worry than she won’t. She really hoped he was right.

With their meeting concluded Zelda went out to the main area. Mary and Vida weren’t there, they still must be at the park. Zelda, after debate decided to walk the short distance to the park. The weather was nice, sunny with just a bit of cloud and a nice breeze that was refreshing but not knee shaking. When she arrived at the park Vida was hanging from the monkey bars with Mary close to her ready to spring into action if Vida needed her. Zelda was impressed as Vida made the last four bars to the landing on the jungle gym set. Though too far away to hear Mary said something that made Vida flush with pride and she ran off to the higher part of the jungle gym. When Zelda reached Mary she took the other woman’s hand, lacing their fingers together.

“Meeting went well?” Zelda nodded and rested her head against Mary’s shoulder. Given hope Zelda could relax enough to enjoy physical contact with Mary. Mary let go of Zelda’s hand to drape her arm over Zelda’s shoulder. They stayed that way until Vida called out to them, she was standing at the opening of a slide. Zelda moved to the end so that when Vida reached it she scooped her up. Vida giggled as Zelda pressed her close and kissed her cheek.

“Ready to go?” Vida nodded and they, after Zelda took Mary’s hand again, walked back to the car to go home.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 15: The One With the She-Devil

AN: So I know this chapter is a week late but I literally didn’t have this finished until yesterday but to be honest I probably wasn’t going to post the chapter until this week because...*drum roll* I’M GOING ON VACATION!!!!!! Yay, me!!! Because I’m going on vacation it means I probably won’t post another chapter until October to give me time to write out the next chapter so don’t panic you guys know that I haven’t abandoned you and am working on it. Thanks for understanding!

It didn’t take a genius to figure out what was going on. Zelda knew now that her name wasn’t pulled out of thin air. She couldn’t confirm if it was Faustus who wanted her or if Hawthorne offered her like a sacrificial lamb but the underlined facts were the same. Hawthorne turned to Faustus for a substitute to carry out the remainder of Mrs. Gardenia’s classes but at a price, her head. And thus Shirley Jackson strutting down the halls of Baxter High like she owned them. While she couldn’t confirm that Shirley was always part of the deal her being at Zelda’s school wasn’t a coincidence. Shirley was hopelessly devoted to Faustus for reasons that Zelda could never understand and if he told her to be here she wouldn’t question it. Though Shirley’s presence was a threat Zelda wouldn’t let it affect her job, she had seniors that were graduating in less than a month and two solid months of school left, she couldn’t afford distractions.

At the end of the day when Hawthorne announced that Shirley was a substitute for Mrs. Gardenia Zelda was in her classroom, preparing for the next day like she does every afternoon after school lets out. She was, despite what happened at lunch, buzzing with anticipation because since she didn’t have any grading to do could pick her daughter up from school early.

“Long time no see Zelda.” That happy feeling left Zelda when a cold chill washed over her.

“Shirley.”

“So this is where you ran to.”

“And here I thought you would be happy that I left.”

“Oh I am the Academy is no place for someone like you.”

“I don’t quite care for your opinion of me Shirley. Now unless you have actual business with me I suggest you leave.” Shirley smiled, it was more of a sneer, and left. Right behind her was Mary. She glared at Shirley’s retreating form.

“What did she want?”

“Nothing other than continuing some vendetta that she has against me.”

“A threat?”

“Shirley is only a threat to herself.” Now finished with her blackboards Zelda clapped her hands together to get rid of the excess chalk. “Are you ready to go?” Mary nodded and after Zelda collected her coat and purse from her office they left to pick up Vida.

_______________________

As it turned out, Shirley wasn’t going to go away. Despite her best efforts Zelda couldn’t shake Shirley. Wherever she turned there was Shirley sneering at her as she passed. Occasionally, Shirley would say something that made her blood boil.

Like on Wednesday:

“New blouse Zelda?” The blouse in question wasn’t new per say. It was Mary’s, Zelda accidentally grabbed it out of the wrong side of the closet because she was readjusting herself on sharing a living space with another person. Zelda, though flustered when Sabrina pointed it out, liked wearing the shirt. She would every once in a while get a whiff of Mary’s perfume and it made her smile.

“In a way.”

“A bit inappropriate for a work setting wouldn’t you say?” The blouse wasn’t something that Zelda herself wouldn’t personally wear. Mary liked showing a little bit a cleavage, Zelda not so much and with the cut of the blouse it showed a little more cleavage on her than it did Mary. However, it still wasn’t a lot to be deemed inappropriate. Not wanting to dignify Shirley’s comment with a response Zelda just smiled and walked away.

And Friday:

Zelda and Mary were having lunch in her office like they always do. Sabrina and her friends came in to ask Mary a question. As they left Shirley came around the corner a little too casually for Zelda’s liking. Shirley looked at Sabrina and her friends leaving and gave a look like she smelt something bad.

“Is there a problem Ms. Jackson?” Shirley turned her look to Mary. Mary was, like always, leaned back in her chair with her feet on Zelda’s desk, Zelda has given up the battle to make Mary stop. Mary countered Shirley’s distasteful look with a blank expression and a raised eyebrow.

“You let students around...that.” Mary’s jaw clenched tightly from the way Shirley sneered.

“Around what Ms. Jackson?” Shirley’s face went pale and then a little red. Her mouth opened as though she was going to say something but couldn’t form a working syllable. “I’ll save you the trouble. Zelda and I aren’t doing anything wrong, not once have we been nothing but professional during school hours especially around students. If you could ever stomach to ask properly the students will tell you the same thing that I have. Now if that’s all, could you please go somewhere else where you are wanted.” Zelda bit her lip to stop the snort that was bubbling up inside her. Shirley looked absolutely murderous and not finding anything else to say left with a huff. When she was gone Mary scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Absolutely unbelievable.” Zelda checked her watch, they had five minutes before lunch ended. Zelda got up from her seat, Mary rose an eyebrow as she walked to the door, shutting and locking it. “What are you doing?”

“Being inappropriate.” Zelda kissed Mary deeply. Mary gave off a humm and the buzz felt wonderful against her lips. They broke apart when the bell sounded ending lunch. On her way back to her classroom Zelda saw Shirley, why Zelda couldn’t tell you because the science wing was on the other side of the school. Zelda, feeling bold, fixed her hair that was just out of place and whipped at the bottom of her lips to get rid of some nonexistent lipstick smudges. Shirley gasped and turned away. Zelda just smirked, so worth it.

After that Shirley tried to stay clear of her. Zelda still ran into her from time to time but the second they crossed Shirley would run in the opposite direction. Zelda thought that was the end of it but oh how wrong she was.

__________________

Since Mary moved in and the weather picking up, Zelda and Mary would walk together to Vida’s school to pick her up and then back to Baxter high where their car was to head home. It was nice, Vida would walk between them her hand in theirs as she chatted about her day. Zelda noticed how happy she was since the incident with Judas. She even mentioned that at snack time one day she swapped one of her cookies for another treat with another kid. She was still a loner but it was progress and Zelda could live with that. One day, it either a Wednesday or Friday Zelda couldn’t remember which, Shirley was standing outside in front of the highschool. She was talking with Faustus. Zelda stopped slightly but knowing that it would cause worry from both Mary and Vida continued to her car like she didn’t see Faustus and drove away.

A few days later Faustus was at the school, with Shirley. Though it gave Zelda a bad feeling in the pit of her stomach she ignored it as best she could. After signing for Vida Zelda picked up her daughter, she felt better when Viida was close, and walked away as quickly as she could without showing how panicked she was. Mary, who was still at the school to advise a W.I.C.C.A. meeting, was confused and concerned when she saw Zelda but knew that Zelda wouldn’t say anything until she was alone. That night after Vida was tucked in her bed asleep Zelda cried. It was too much, Shirley and now Faustus popping up like he belonged. What did he want? Something told her that it wasn’t anything good and that’s what frightening her. Last she saw him he wanted her daughter and if he… it was too much. When Mary was close she clung to her, crying into her shoulder and holding on as tightly as she could not that Mary was ever going to let her go. Zelda was so strong, her strength was just one of the things that Mary loved about her but every now and again she would break and Mary didn’t mind picking up the pieces. When Zelda was all cried out Mary led them to her, no their bed, and they curled under the comforter, Mary not letting go of Zelda.

_____________________

“Zelda.” It was the end of another school day. Zelda was finishing up prepping her classroom before moving to her office to finish her grading when Faustus entered. It ticked her off that he entered her classroom without asking.

“How did you get in Faustus?”

“We need to talk Zelda.”

“No we don’t.” Zelda started to brush pass him, papers in hand, when he stopped her by grabbing her elbow.

“You can’t ignore me forever Zelda.” Zelda just glared at him, he had no right to talk to her like this. She didn’t need to tell him off, he, with a huff, left. Zelda, though concerned, didn’t let what Faustus say affect her. After her episode she realized she was letting her fears control her and she was being ridiculous. She wasn’t going to let things that may or may not happen consume her anymore.

____________________

It was about a week after Faustus showed up at her school when she came home from work to find a stranger in her house. He was sitting at the kitchen table with a glass of water in front of him and Sabrina was across from him leaning against the sink.

“Sabrina who is this?”

“Oh, Auntie Z this is-”

“Zelda Spellman?” The boy cut her niece off by standing up from his chair. Zelda taken a back looked at him with caution.

“Yes.” Reaching into his messenger bag he pulled out a brown envelope and handed it to her.

“You’ve been served. Have a nice day.” And with that he left.

“What was that about?” Zelda shrugged her shoulders as she opened the envelope. Around her she could hear Sabrina and Mary talk about something but she couldn’t register what it was not when she read the words that she never wanted to see and made her heart stop cold.

“Zelda what’s wrong?” Unceremoniously Zelda sat in a chair which was when Mary came over to her. Zelda looked at Mary, close to tears as she tried to tell her but couldn’t say the words. Eventually she found her voice but when she did, it was small and weak and she hated it.

“He… he wants to take her.” Mary gasped and behind her blue eye Zelda saw pure hatred but knew it wasn’t at her.

“What do you mean Aunt Zelda. Who is taking who?”

“Faustus is suing for custody of Vida.” Saying the words out loud was enough to break her. Tears started to flow from her eyes and when Mary brought her into her arms she bared her head in her shoulder. She couldn’t believe that Faustus would stop this low. What’s worse, she didn’t know how she was going to beat him. She could lose her daughter, her baby, her everything, and it terrified her.

[urdbell18]

A Seed Hidden in the Heart Chapter 14: The One Where Paris isn’t the City of Romance pt. 3 side B

AN:That's it! Chapter 14 is now done! Just a refresher side B will be told in Mary/ Vida's point of view but it stays in the same time line as side A. Enjoy!

It turns out being brave was easier said than done. Vida tried, she really did, but when Aunt Hilda put her to bed the best way she knew how it hit her hard. Her mom wasn’t going to come back. She was away and Vida wouldn’t see her for six whole days. And she was with Judas’ dad. If Judas was mean to her what’s to stop his dad from being mean to her mom? Mary said that her mom would be alright and Mary hasn’t lied to her yet right? So why can’t she sleep? Vida sat up in her bed in the dark, the room felt too big, too empty, its never felt like that before. Whenever she felt scared she would go to her mom but her mom wasn’t there, her bed remained empty. It made her more sad than she already was. Throughout the night she tried sleeping in different rooms but her Aunt Hilda snored too much and Sabrina and Ambrose just didn’t feel... right. She didn’t know what it was but she just knew she wouldn’t be able to sleep there. At the end of the night she found herself in the parlor on the couch curled under her blanket. She was so tired that she fell into a shallow sleep.

That’s where Hilda found her the next morning and her heart broke. Vida was taking her mother leaving hard and Hilda didn’t know what to do. Simple distractions will only work for so long and she doubts that they would work in this case. There were so many things at play that she didn’t know which one to cure first, if she could cure it at all. And unfortunately she can’t just pull Zelda out of a hat to make things better. That’s when it hit her, Hilda might not have Zelda at her disposal but she did have the next best thing. Mary.

Mary came just after breakfast where Hilda tried, and failed, to get Vida to eat something. She was scrapping pancakes completely drenched in strawberry jam into the trash when Mary stepped into the kitchen.

“It’s that bad?” Hilda just nodded, a look of somber on her face. Pancakes and strawberry jam where Vida’s favorite and Hilda used the last of the jam that they had on hand in hopes to getting her niece to eat. It only worked for two bites.

“She’s in the living room. I brought out a new puzzle and it seemed to distract her. I don’t know what to do Mary she’s too much like her mother, stubborn. That’s why I’m hoping you can help she responds better to you than she does to me.” At that point Hilda looked like she was close to tears. In two quick strides Mary was by her side and placed a reassuring hand on Hilda’s shoulder.

“You’re a great aunt Hilda.” They shared a small smile and with a quick nod of her head Mary went to find Vida. Vida was sitting on the floor with puzzle pieces surrounding her. Mary could tell that Vida was trying to complete the puzzle but her heart wasn’t in it, she just picked at the pieces but made no real move to put them together. She didn’t even notice Mary sitting next to her until two pieces that went together connected. Vida whined and laid down to place her head in Mary’s lap. Mary just smiled and ran her fingers through Vida’s hair.

“You really miss your mom don’t you baby bear?” Vida just nodded. It was all that Mary was going to get out of her. Though not her forte Mary started on the puzzle in hopes of getting Vida to join her. She had half of the edges done when Vida lifted her head from her lap and started. Together they did half the puzzle before Mary settled Vida on the couch when she noted that Vida couldn’t keep her eyes open. There was some success, Mary faked putting pieces that clearly didn’t belong to get a rise, it work only a few times because Vida was smart and knew what Mary was doing but it was a start.

While Vida slept Mary brought out her laptop to set it up for the surprise that she had planned for Zelda and Vida. She wanted everything ready before she called Zelda so she made sure that her laptop was connected to the internet and she was signed into the Skype account she set up. She found the connection strongest in kitchen so when everything was set she moved her laptop to a side table to keep it charged and when it was time she’ll move into the kitchen. Having done a lot of math on her part she calculated when it would be a good time to call Zelda, she settled on a block between 3 and 6 their time, it would be between 9 and 12 midnight Zeldas. A small part of Mary believed that this idea wouldn’t work but a large part of believed it would. Zelda and Vida needed each other but between the two Vida needed her mother more. It wasn’t that unusual, Vida was a small child who still relied heavily on her mother but a part of why Vida was so upset was worry. Zelda and Vida both had the same fear, for something to happen to the other. If Vida could see that her mom was okay than it would help her be okay, to power through the week like the spitfire that Mary loved so much.

Vida had a bit more energy after her nap. Mary woke her for lunch, which she ate half of, and they finished the puzzle. That was when Mary asked Vida what they wanted to do during the week, They had a whole week of time to occupy and no plans. Vida wanted to go to the zoo again, Mary didn’t mind taking her but it was something that they already done and she suspected that Vida just wanted to go to see the bears. Bears made Vida happy and right now she wasn’t. Instead Mary suggested the aquarium, for one it was inside so they wouldn’t be cold and two it was someplace new for Vida to explore. After some convincing Vida agreed to go to the aquarium on Wednesday.

_______________

The Skype call could have gone better in Mary’s opinion. She didn’t expect Vida to run off the way she did. She realized now the unrealistic expectation she had placed on Vida. That once Vida saw her mom she would magically go back to her old self instead Mary just opened the wound more. She felt bad and went to find Vida after the call ended. Her heart broke when she found Vida on Zelda’s bed in a small ball crying into the comforter. This wasn’t what Mary wanted, she wanted to make Vida happy not sad. Remembering the advice that Zelda gave her she gathered the items that she need starting with the book. Brown Bear Brown Bear What Do You See? was buried under a bunch of books, almost to the bottom of the stack. Zelda was right, she had the book in Spanish and in English. The Spanish version looked more worn from more use than the English version. Mary took the English version, she tested some of the words in Spanish but felt she couldn’t do it justice. The next part was trickier, she had to move around the room just so as to not alert Vida to what she was doing. She took the baby blanket and Oso to Zelda’s vanity where she squirt a little of Zelda’s perfume on a now wrapped Oso. An Oso burrito, it was adorable. Not wanting to move Vida Mary joined her on Zelda’s bed, placing Oso so he was in reach and started reading. Somewhere between the second and third reading Vida moved out of her ball and closer to Mary. Mary lifted her elbow and Vida snuggled into her side. Half way into the fifth reading Vida fell asleep. Mary smiled and gently picked Vida up to place her into her own bed.

“Goodnight baby bear.” Mary kissed Vida’s forehead before moving away. She didn’t get far until a small sound stopped her.

“Love you Mamma.” Mary was frozen while her heart pounded hard and fast in her chest. Though it was only three words there was a lot to take away from them. It was the first time that Vida said she loved her and she called her Mamma on top of it. She did it while half asleep yes and a part of Mary knew that and told her not to get her hopes up. A bigger part was awestruck and wouldn’t stop mulling over the word. Mamma. Mary really liked it and if that is what Vida wanted she would be the best Mamma she could be.

____________

Vida was more herself the next day. Mary woke up to find her sitting next to her smiling and greeting her good morning with a smile that was uniquely Vida. Mary, happy that Vida was feeling better, brought Vida close to her to blow raspberries on her cheek and tickle her until Vida cried for mercy. It was around eight so the ground floor was completely still, Sabrina and Ambrose, if he was home, were most likely still asleep and Hilda had, according to her note, left early for work. Between Hilda’s note and the cluster of Vida’s Valentine’s cards was a grocery list held by a magnet, Mary took it off and read it as the coffee brew.

“Looks like I can’t make you pancakes baby bear. How about french toast instead?”

“I don’t know what that is but okay! May I watch cartoons?”

“Sure sweetie I’ll call you in when it’s done.”

“Okay!” With that Vida skipped out of the kitchen and a few moments later the sounds of, if Mary wasn’t mistaken, Bugs Bunny filled but not over power the peaceful atmosphere of the house. As she made the french toast Mary thought of what to do for that day. If the list was anything to go by Hilda had plans on running to the store and was either going to go before work or was going to go after and forgot the list. Mary decided as she was placing the final touches on the french toast, sprinkling on some powdered sugar and cutting Vida’s portion into smaller pieces, that she would help Hilda.

“Vida after breakfast would you like to go to the grocery store with me? It would help out your Aunt Hilda.”

“Sure! Can I pick out the produce?”

“Of course. I don’t know a better produce picker than you.” Vida smiled and placed her last piece of french toast into her mouth, getting more syrup on her face and some powdered sugar on her nose. Finished, she set her fork on her empty plate and pushed it slightly away.

“I like french toast. Thank you for making it Mama.” There was a pause as Mary tried to calm down her racing heart. With Vida now in a better mood it was looking less likely that her calling her mamma was a mistake. But Mary was still trying to figure Vida out and deep down she still might be hurt and was latching on the one thing that she could. If that’s what it took to make Vida happy than so be it.

“You’re welcome sweetie.”

“May I start getting ready?”

“Sure but…” Mary took a napkin and whipped off Vida’s face. Vida squirmed a little but made no real move to get away. “Off you go.” Vida jumped out of her seat and ran most likely back to her room. With breakfast done Mary washed the plates and left them on the drying rack before heading up the stairs. With still no sight of Sabrina she decided to poke her head in to check up on her. Sabrina was still snoozing away and Mary debated if she should wake her but decided against it. She didn’t know what Hilda or Zelda would do in this case and she didn’t have any responsibility or power over Sabrina, not like the kind she had with Vida. So Mary let Sabrina sleep on but if she wasn’t awake by the time they got back then she would do something. Perhaps Vida would know what to do. Speaking of, Vida was almost fully dressed when Mary entered the bedroom. The only thing that Vida didn’t have on was her sweater, she was trapped and was grateful when Mary freed her.

“You and sweaters don’t mix very well do they baby bear?”

“Nope!” As Mary got ready Vida patiently waited on Zelda’s bed as she played with Oso. When they were ready to go Mary lifted Vida off the bed and they set out to go. As Mary double checked that she had everything, purse, keys, list, Sabrina came down mumbling a morning on her way to the kitchen. They said goodbye to her, not that they got an answer, and left.

______________

Unlike Zelda Hilda’s leaving went over a lot smoother. Dr. C arrived Wednesday morning just after breakfast and they left with very little fan fair. Though Mary was supposed to take Vida to her house at this point Hilda said she was more than welcomed to stay and thinking that Vida would be more comfortable in her own house Mary remained where she was. With Hilda now gone and Mary the only responsible adult remaining she was left in charge with the running of the house. It wasn’t all that bad, the only one who really needed her was Vida, Sabrina and Ambrose were competent enough to look after themselves. The only problem she had was Sabrina liked to sleep in late but as someone who likes to have a good lie in Mary saw no harm and let her but made a cut off hour. At ten she would wake Sabrina by letting Vida into her room and letting her jump and yell at Sabrina to wake up. Sabrina was never amused when they did this but it wasn’t often that they would have to so all was good.

Something that Mary noted during her stay was a calendar that was hung just outside the kitchen. On it the Spellmans would write their events for the month like Hilda’s and Zelda’s trip. Everyday Vida would ‘X’ out that days date so she would know how many more days she would have until Zelda came back. Now more excited Vida had Mary write down they were going to the aquarium and now with it being Tuesday there was only one day left before they’d go. That morning before Vida ‘X’d out that day’s date Mary saw an entry that Zelda made. Mary didn’t know when Zelda made it but it was different from her trip entry, the ink was a different color.

“Vida what does this mean?” Mary pointed at the entry and after some thinking Vida’s face lit up in revelation.

“Sheet changes!”

“What?”

“Mommy changes and washes the sheets every season. She goes around and strips the beds to put on new sheets and washes the ones she takes off. When it’s nice she hangs them on the clothesline outside. She says it saves energy and when they are drying outside she could continue using the machines. She lets me help.”

“Good because I will be needing as much help as I can get.”

“We’re changing the sheets?”

“We’re changing the sheets. Lead the way baby bear.” Though Mary gave Vida an encouraging smile inside she cringed. Laundry, she hated laundry, but this would help both Zelda and Vida so she’ll bite her tongue.

Their adventure started with the linen closet on the second floor. The closet was right next to the shared bathroom, making it the perfect distance between all of the bedrooms. The closet was organized in a way that Mary knew Zelda had complete control over it and it made her smile. The closet was arranged so that the top three shelves held all of the towels neatly folded and grouped by color. The two remaining shelves had the bed linens in neat little baskets and it took Vida explaining it to Mary how they were arranged. Each basket was a season and it was arranged in order of winter, spring, summer, fall. The smaller baskets had the pillow cases and the larger ones the flat and fitted sheets. Mary and Vida took the winter baskets where the dirty linens would go and the full spring baskets to redress the beds. Mary didn’t think she couldn’t have done it without Vida. Vida was practically an expert, she was the one who suggested that they completely strip the bed, redress it, then do the pillows so everything remained nice and organized. Mary was very impressed. By the time they stripped all of the beds it was lunchtime so while they went through the wash Mary fixed her and Vida some lunch. Because it was nice out Mary agreed to hang the sheets on the line. At first Vida didn’t know what Zelda did with the clothes pins but they eventually found the container they resided in. While Mary was in charge of the sheets Vida was in charge of the pins. Whenever Mary needed a pin Vida would hand her one until all of the sheets were securely hung on the line, fluttering gently in the early spring breeze. Periodically Mary checked on them, they finished drying completely just before dinner.

Apparently Mary doing the sheets was a bigger deal than her agreeing that they could order a pizza for dinner. Mary would admit that her cooking ability is limited and Vida, to Mary’s shock, never had pizza. Mary didn’t know why Sabrina acted shocked hearing this, they lived in the same house and ate the same meals, but she somehow managed to convince Mary to order one. While they were waiting for that Mary came back with the sheets, neatly folded in their basket and Sabrina’s jaw dropped even more. No one in the family did the sheets. Sabrina couldn’t give a clear reason as to why but with matters concerning Zelda sometimes ‘just because’ is the only reason you need. Zelda liked things done a certain way and it was just easier to let her do what she wanted than argue. Mary understood that but she didn’t regret doing the sheets. She didn’t know how much stress Zelda was going to be while in Paris but the more stress they could eliminate in Greendale the more time Zelda could use to enjoy being back with her family.

_______________

“It’s aquarium day!” That was the first thing that Mary’s brain registered when something woke her up. It was Vida practically jumping on the bed. “Wake up Mamma! I want to see the fishes!” Mary groaned into her pillow and turned her head just so to look at the clock. It was not even 7.

“Too early.”

“Mamma!” Mustering as much strength as she could Vida pushed Mary. Mary just stayed as still as possible, maybe if she didn’t act at all Vida would give up and settle down. It worked with Zelda until she set that alarm and as far as Mary knew Vida didn’t know how to do that. Eventual Mary picked up a small huff as Vida settled down onto the bed next to her.

When Mary decided to get up it was twenty to nine, perfect. The aquarium didn’t open until eleven and it was about an hour drive there. Now that she was up Vida excitedly got dress so she was ready to go. Mary followed suit and knowing how eagar Vida was made them toast, regular toast from the toaster, so they could eat in the car. Through out the car ride Vida chatted on about what she thought the aquarium would be like. Mary told her little details but they would pale in comparison to the actual thing.

The small gasp that Vida gave when they entered made Mary smile. Vida looked around wide eye like it was the most amazing thing ever and Mary had to admit it was pretty impressive. The centerpiece of the lobby was a large cylinder fish tank that stretched from several floors below to what appeared to be to ceiling. Several tropical fish swam by in an array of moving color against the crisp blue water and gently swaying plant life. Vida was in total aww and Mary didn’t mind slowly making their way down as Vida tried to take in every little detail. Occasionally there was a plant or a fish that Vida found fascinating and would pause to just watch, almost studying it. Mary didn’t mind, it gave her a pause to take in what was going on around them. Zelda intrusted Vida’s safety to her and Mary took her job seriously. When they got to the lower floor Vida broke away to look at some of the other tanks. Mary loved that Vida liked reading the plaques as much as she liked looking at the animals inside. Whenever she was stuck on a word Mary would help her or explain something that she didn’t understand. Like with the large tank in the lobby there were moments where Vida just wanted to stay and watch a certain tank. Mary never minded, she loved seeing the emotions and expressions that crossed Vida’s face. One of Vida’s favorite tanks was the large sea turtle tank, she did the same thing with the bears at the zoo, watching them with big eyes and saying ‘tortue’ that Mary suspected meant turtle in some language.

“Your daughter is lovely.” Mary turned her attention to a middle age woman. Instinctively Mary moved closer to Vida who was fascinated with the tank that house the seahorses. “She’s so well behaved and polite. My kids aren’t like that on a good day.”

“You are placing your compliment  to the wrong person. That’s all her mother’s doing.” The other woman’s jaw dropped and Mary smirking turned to Vida.

“Are you hungry baby bear? Do you want to get some lunch?”

“Yes Mamma!” Vida held out her arms and Mary picked her up, settling her on her hip. As they walked away Mary heard a gasp. In the reflection of one of the tanks Mary saw the woman had a horrified look as she put two and two together. Mary smirked and they went to lunch.

__________________

There last stop for that day was the shop. Mary decided that she would get Vida something small, she’ll let Vida pick it out of course. Vida gravitated towards the books but after a while realized they were either too babyish or too difficult for her so they moved on. Next to the books was a display of stuffed animals, Vida rounded the fixture until her eyes landed on something that made her gasped.

“Mamma look!” Vida held out a stuffed octopus. It was mostly head with big purple eyes and tiny legs on the bottom. The top of the body was a medium blue color while the bottom was green.

“You want the octopus?” Vida’s smile turned soft and she brought the octopus close to her small body, fingers stroking a tuft of fur on the creatures head.

“Yes.” Mary held out her hand and Vida gave her the octopus. Mary glanced at the toy and then at the tag that was attached on some webbing between two tentacles. It wasn’t that much and the octopus was a part of a special, two for twenty. “Did you want to get him a friend or just him?”

“No just him.”

“As you wish baby bear.” With that they paid and left. Since they were already out Mary asked Vida if they wanted to eat out. Vida didn’t mind but didn’t know where to go so Mary took her to a small Mexican restaurant that she saw on the way down. It was a good pick, Vida loved the cheese quesadilla and Mary laughed at the face Vida made when she tried the refried beans. On the way home Vida fell asleep with her new octopus friend in her arms. Mary smiled at her through the rearview mirror and when they got home she carried her all the way upstairs and placed her in bed with a kiss on her forehead. It was a good day.

________________

Vida stuck to Zelda like glue. She refused to be put down and Mary recognized that Zelda didn’t want to let her daughter go. It was understandable, they missed each other but Mary caught something in Zelda’s eyes that gave her a feeling that it was more than that. Vida talked Zelda’s ear off about what she did that week, mainly the aquarium where she showed off Octo her new octopus that Mamma bought her. When Vida said that Zelda looked stunned and Mary couldn’t tell if it was a good thing or a bad.

“Vida, your mom is tired, how about we let her get some rest?” Vida whined and pouted a little, she just got her mom back she didn’t want to leave.

“Just an hour baby and then we can do something okay?” After a moment Vida nodded and let Zelda put her down on the sofa. Mary followed Zelda to her bedroom. Mary cringed a little because she was going to straighten up a bit just to make it look nice and neat but as Zelda scanned over the room she didn’t seem to mind.

“Something happened.” Zelda sighed and sat on a corner of her bed. Since the bed was still unmade Zelda had view of the sheets and she picked up a corner examining it as though something was off.

“Did someone change my sheets?”

“I did but that’s not what we’re talking about. What happened Zelda.”

“He wanted her.”

“What?”

“Faustus. He tricked me into having dinner with him and he at first wanted me back but when I refused, he then wanted to get to know the daughter that he didn’t even want. But I know Faustus and the only reason why he wants anything to do with Vida is because I won’t be his mistress again.”

“Do you think he…” Mary couldn’t finish her sentence as a lump formed in her throat. The idea that someone could take away Vida sent a cold chill down her spine.

“Over my dead body.”

“Good.”

“How long has Vida been calling you Mamma?”

“Since you left.”

“I see.” There was a pause. Mary watched as Zelda started to unpack her suitcase not saying a word.

“Zelda-”

“I’m not upset.”

“Not what I was going to ask. I’ll be down stairs.” Mary halfway stepped to where Zelda was but stopped and turned to leave.

“Move in with me.” Mary gently closed the door and turned around to face Zelda. Zelda also turned around she looked dead straight at Mary.

“What?”

“When I was in Paris I missed you and Vida so damn much. I would find myself thinking what you two were doing and never thought it would be things so mundane as grocery shopping and changing the sheets. Deep down I know it’s not fair to you, living in this house is a struggle some days but you have assimilated yourself so flawlessly that I… its hard on me when you’re not here. Maybe I am selfish for wanting everything but I want you here every day not just every other weekend. I don’t expect an answer or for you to accept but…” Mary was in front of Zelda in two quick strides. Mary took Zelda’s face in her hands, her thumb stroking the apple of Zelda’s cheek.

“You’re not selfish and I would love to move in. When things get too overwhelming we can always go to my house but I love being here with you and your family. We’ll start slow though.” Zelda nodded and they kissed for the second time in over a week.

_______________

Tuesday came much too fast. It took most of the weekend for the family to readjust with both Zelda and Hilda back. Zelda set out to reclaime some of the organization that she felt was lost in the house, it wasn’t much and she even thanked Mary for doing the sheets. Hilda’s day was Sunday, she made a big meal that was never called ‘Easter dinner’ but Mary suspected it was the reason why. Throughout the weekend Mary brought stuff over, mainly things that she would need for work so when they went back to work she dressed and got ready with Zelda. Though it shouldn’t have come as a surprise Zelda and Mary just moved together effortlessly. Zelda always woke up first, she would be downstairs by the time Mary would wake up, and by the time Mary was ready they would kiss Vida goodbye and leave with Sabrina. They carried on like nothing changed because nothing really did. At lunch they had a staff meeting and Zelda arrived a little after Mary. Mary saved her a seat towards the back. The meeting didn’t go over anything new, Mary was bored half to death by the end of it. At the end of it Hawthorne announced that he had an important announcement.

“As some of you might know Mrs. Gardenia left just before break to undergo a not life threatening but necessary procedure. Her usual substitute is unavailable so I had a limited time to find a qualified replacement. As of right now Mr. Thomas would be taking her morning classes while her afternoon classes will be taken by the substitute. Though only with us part time and until the end of the school year I would like you all to treat her as she is part of the Baxter High family. Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to introduce you to Ms. Jackson.” A woman with a sharp angle face came in and the staff gave her a respectful applause. Mary joined them but there was something about Ms. Jackson that she didn’t like. Next to her Zelda went rigid in her seat. Mary was going to ask what was wrong when she heard Zelda say with such venom that it concerned her.

“Shirley.”