Cursed Fables - Generation Three - Chapter Twenty Six
Well…I don’t think this chapter took AS long to come out as previous ones…right? I’m still sorry though. I’m not going to repeat the same excuse though. You’ve heard it all before XD
So this chapter is kind of a filler chap? You know..one of those light hearted character building ones…but Calen doesn’t have all that much he can do as a child…so teens soon, okay? ;D
Anyway, thanks for reading, and onwards!!!!
At first it didn’t hit me that I had been moved from the staircase to my bed, nor did it occur to me that someone had changed me into my pyjamas. For a blissful moment I was half asleep, half awake and had no worries or thoughts plaguing my mind.
And then all at once, all of a sudden it all comes hurtling back to me. I bolt up in my bed, looking around the room as if I was expecting it to be different. I look down and sure enough, yes I’m in my own bed, and yes my clothes have changed.
But who would have done it? Rose might have, but I remembered hearing her enter her own room, and once she fell asleep, she slept through the night. Then who?
No sooner have I mentally asked the question, am I throwing the covers aside and heading out the door.
I take the stairs, 2, maybe even 3 at a time desperate to see them. To know it’s them. I’d feel bad for waking the twins and Rose up later. I’d focus on later later, in that moment I was just going on instinct alone.
My rational mind was already shouting at me, telling me not to get my hopes up. if they were on a mission it was impossible for them to get out of it and arrive here so soon.
And yet…was it so wrong for me to hope and pray that for once logic didn’t apply? Was it wrong for a kid to want his parents? I didn’t think so. I froze when I heard voices coming from the main room, not only the voices of Rose, and Stefan and his father….but theirs.
I was torn between hearing what they were talking about and announcing that I was awake. I practically jumped for joy when I saw my parents here right in front of me. Although despite the excitement I felt I tried to remain silent so I could listen in. Because there was no way that they had all heard me thundering down the stairs.
“I understand your concerns Opal. But there is no need to burden him with all of the information right now.” Stefan said wearily.
“But I think you both also need to consider that you can’t keep him out of all of this either. For one thing he’s been raised surrounding it. Not to mention how betrayed you felt learning all of this so late in life. I don’t think we need to worry to much about his eyes at this point.” Jace followed, face in his hands.
As much as I wanted to continue to listen in…I knew it was the wrong thing to do. So I coughed loudly, although none of them reacted immediately. So they did know. Slowly my parents rose from their seats and the others looked away.
“Hey….guys…” I can’t keep the grin off my face, and before either of them can so much as talk I’m running towards them. Dad is closer, so I fling myself into his arms.
He laughs and squeezes me gently, his arms going around me protectively. When I look over his shoulder, Mum is smiling at us happily. They look fine! Absolutely fine and not only that, but they aren’t in their normal ‘work’ gear. I didn’t dare to even believe it….but was this long term?
“I missed you guys so much!” I said happily, still holding to my father tightly. He chuckles and gasps for breath over dramatically and pretends to stumble.
“Easy there Kiddo. We missed you too, but don’t worry, Rosie here has been keeping us updated on you. What’s this I hear about someone getting an A on a history test?” He raised a brow as he set me down, a grin in place. I giggled.
“Yeah well…it was easy you know? Especially when you have a family quite like ours…I swear most of our relatives are older than dirt.” Again he smirks and flicks my nose.
“What did I say about being rude?” He reminded me, but his tone was anything but serious.
“When do I get a cuddle, huh?” Mum interrupted, and I happily ran to give her a hug also.
“I’m glad you came back early,” I said as we hugged, her hands coming up to run through my hair. No matter how tough and skilled my mother was to those outside of our family, to me she was nothing more than my mother. And I always felt safe near her.
She hummed for a moment and then pulled back slightly, though she kept a hand on my shoulder. “Well we had to return early. Quinn understood our reasoning. Looks like you’ve inherited a gift of your own Calen.” She spoke gently, though for a brief moment, I swear I saw something in her eyes. What it was however, I didn’t know.
“Is my power bad Mum? I mean…it felt like I was forcing them to tell me stuff they didn’t want to…that can’t be good right?” I asked slowly, worriedly.
But all my mother did was smile. She didn’t judge me, and she wasn’t angry or dismissive.
“No power is either good or bad Sweetie. It’s what you do with it that counts. And I know you’ll do wonderful things with your gift…back when I first leant of my own, I was scared. Angry. All my thoughts were negative. But later…I learnt it meant I had a purpose…and it lead me to what mattered most.” She looked over at Dad who awkwardly looked away.
Stefan and Jace sniggered.
“Oh shut it.” Dad urged.
“Anyway, your father and I realised we haven’t done anything…normal with you. So come on, we’re all going to have a night out. I’ve decided!”
Dad sighed and turned his attention to my two ‘teachers’, “Looks like we’ll continue this chat another time. Sorry bout that.”
Stefan chuckled. “Should have seen this coming from one of my students. It’s fine, judging from what you’ve told us you all have a lot of talking to do.”
I look at them for a moment, trying to figure out what that could possibly mean. But my mother urges me to hurry up and get ready to go outside.
It had been snowing over night.
It was a fun day filled with the normal activities that all families did. Often my classmates would talk about how their families played in the snow with them during group times. Now I was experiencing it for myself.
An hour or less into the morning however I was questioning why anyone would find this fun. My fingers were numb from the coldness, and all we had to show for it was a large ball.
Dad laughed. “To be honest, I never much saw the point in it either. But I’d witnessed a lot of children doing it so always wanted to try.”
“You’ve never done this before?” I asked curiously. It struck me in that moment. How little I knew about my father’s childhood.
He shook his head and looked over at my mother, who was speaking to another one of the mothers in the park. “Never. Needless to say I didn’t have a perfect childhood. I’ve been somewhat….sheltered.”
He didn’t elaborate further. I just enjoyed spending time with him like this.
And Mum, ever one to one up my father insisted we build an igloo to use as a fort of some kind. While I did most of the frame for it, lifting the heavy snow blocks into place, she was huddled in the centre, making snow balls to throw at Dad.
I had to remind her who was supposed to be the parent here. And she laughed. Around that point Dad decided to start hurtling snowballs at us.
We spent another hour or so, ducking, dodging and lobbing snow at each other, and I could begin to see how skilled my parents were. They moved quickly, efficiently, and silently. Dad managed to sneak behind me, and lift me up from behind without making a sound. Even in the heavy snow.
We had a blast, and I was reluctant to head home, even if my stomach rumbled and my fingers felt sore. Mum put an arm around my shoulder and promised she’d read to me that night. She also said she had something to tell me.
While she went to go and choose a story I changed and climbed my way into bed. I watched the snow fall outside my window and gripped the covers tight while I waited.
She was probably going to talk to me about my eyes. That much was safe to say. But would she speak differently now we were alone?
And would now be a good time to tell her about Dana’s plan? After spending time with them today…I knew more than ever that I wanted to be like them.
“Deep in thought Calen?” Her voice broke through my thoughts and made me smile as I scooted over.
“Yeah kinda. What did you want to talk about?”
Mum bit down on her lip and then once again gave me the brightest grin I have ever seen. “Calen….your father and I know that we haven’t been around you as much as we could have-“
I sat up on my elbows and shook my head. “But I don’t mind! I know you and Dad are doing good. Helping people. And I love living with Rose and Duncan and Dana! They’re like my siblings!” I said entirely to fast, but with all the emotion that I felt.
She laughed again. “And I’m happy that you are happy…but Daniel and I are going to be around you a lot more from now on okay?” She said slowly. And I felt the world slow to a pause around me.
This is because of my eyes. Were they coming back to watch me? How bad could my power be? “Because of my eyes?”
“No Sweetie. You see….your father and I…well we’re getting married next month. And we asked Quinn for some time off to properly spend the time with you after the wedding.” I could tell by her tone she had barely contained her excitement and happiness. Sure I was young….but I understood what the implications were.
So…my parents were going to be married. I was happy for them. Even if it made no difference to me. But if it made them happy. And it bought me more time with them.
“That’s really cool Mum! But wait…does that mean I need to wear one of those stupid suit things?” I asked cautiously. Those things looked stupid. And tight.
“We’ll cross that bridge when we get to it Kiddo…I’m just glad your okay with this.”
After that my mother read to me, just like any other mother would. It was clear the story didn’t interest her, she didn’t follow it like I did. But she put everything she had into it. She did over the top actions, high squeaky voices…everything for the only reason as to make me laugh.
I fight the exhaustion as long as I can, I don’t want this day to end. This day where everything was normal, I was normal.
When I start to feel it all becoming to much for me to fight, I yawn. And figure that if I’m going to tell her…it may be better to hint at it first. See her reactions and all.
“Mum?” I ask tiredly and continue on once she smiles softly. “Could I be like you and Daddy someday? Going out and saving people?”
She sat back suddenly, and yet her expression didn’t change. “Sweetie, our jobs aren’t always good. Sometimes we don’t save people, sometimes…you’re just to late. But I know you are going to be a good courageous person one day.”
I nod and let my head fall back on the pillow. It was a start.
“Oh Sweetie…I wish you had the option not to get involved in this. But this curse just won’t let you. Goodnight Calen.”
“Look I didn’t mean to offend you! All I said was it’s weird to see you in a dress. I never said it looked bad!”
Dana grit her teeth at me and growled. “You’re the worst Calen!”
What did I do? When Dana burst into my room, twirled, and asked me what I thought, I was honest. I’d never seen her dress….well like other girls in our class. I said it looked weird. That’s not mean is it?
“Do I get to yell at Calen for hurting my baby sisters feelings now?” Duncan added in a little to cheerily about the idea of fighting with me.
Dana only growled louder. “You are older than me by all of 3 minutes!”
“If we are going to complain about anything, shouldn’t it be these suits? I’m all itchy!” Alex complained. But then most human made fabrics caused his skin to be irritated.
On the day of my parents wedding, everything was urgently being prepared around the venue, while Alex, the twins and I, were allowed to roam around the grounds. Provided we didn’t mess around with anything.
Dana clasped her hands together and sighed. “But we have to wear them! For Aunt Opal and Uncle Daniel! It’s their big day!”
I give her a suspicious glance. “Do you actually know what that means though?”
Dana seemed to ponder this, and then pointed a finger at me. “It means they’re guaranteed to stay together silly!”
I gently move her hand away. “But they already have me.” I remind them.
Duncan shook his head. “You know Sadie from our class..her daddy lives in another country.”
Butterflies started to flutter in my stomach, or at least that’s what it felt like. Why was we talking about this, here of all places?
“Did you tell your Mum yet?” Dana leant over and whispered in my ear. I shook my head. She’d asked me every single day, since we promised we’d enter the Young Agent program together.
“Not when all of this was on her mind. You should have seen her earlier-
She asked me to come and see her in her room. She looked nervous and couldn’t keep still. Her hair had been styled, Mum usually can’t stand to even straighten her hair most days. She called me over and offered her hand out to me.
“What do you think little man?” She squeezed my hand tight.
“Um…good? Pretty I guess. But you always do.” I told her honestly, feeling awkward in the situation.
She bent and kissed my forehead. “You are just like your father. Such a kind soul. Thank you Calen. This day is only the more special because you are here to celebrate it with us.”
“Wow,” Duncan dragged out with a whistle. “Your mum never talks sappy like that. I don’t see what the big deal is.”
Dana nudged him in the elbow. “It’s a day when every bride is happy. I’ve already got mine planned out. Big pink balloons. glitter, unicorns.”
“They don’t exist,” Alex interrupted, in what must have been the most bored tone ever. “Wait, who else is coming?”
I count them all off on my fingers. “All of her old team are coming. Your mothers of course, Fern, Edward. My Aunt Astrid and Uncle Corey are flying over, as well as my grandparents. Grandma Formetia also promised to be here….some of my Fae relatives responded too.”
“Oh, your mothers cousins. Surely not the one who is currently ruling over a Fae Realm?” Alex probed.
I shrug my shoulders. “I don’t know. I’ve been taught basic history of the races, but nothing to thorough. Why, how much do you all know?”
The twins look at each other. Dana appeared to look over at Duncan, desperation in her eyes. “What?”
“Nothing….and don’t use your eyes on me either.” Duncan snaps. Before I even realise what I’m doing, my chair is pushed back against the stone path. I’m on my feet with my fists clenched.
“I would NEVER use them on my friends. I thought you knew that Duncan!” I shout back angrily. It causes several heads to turn their direction to us, and I skulk off. The grounds outside of the chapel weren’t all that big, but I found a bench that had shrubs high up enough to block me off from everyone.
I let out a deep sigh, feeling my hair fall out of place and into my face, despite everyone's best efforts at keeping it ‘smart’.
“I hate my eyes…I hate them.” I mutter angrily, throwing a stray stone across the path.
“Now why would you hate something that makes you special?”
I crane my head, and smile at the familiar voice. “Hey Grandma!” I was old enough now, to know that she wasn’t my grandmother by blood. I also knew the woman beside me was very powerful, a witch of the highest level.
But still my father said he considered her the only parent he had, even if sometimes he hated the fact. And she thought of him as a son in return, and I as her grandson.
In response she clucks her tongue. “What did I say about calling me that?” She teases lightly, gently herding me along the bench so she can sit beside me. “He feels bad about what he said you know…kids your age can be so…temperamental…especially when they loose a parent so young.” She spoke softly, placing a hand on my knee, I felt her send some positive ‘feelings’ my way.
To calm me down images of my childhood flooded my brain, not only of me and my parents, but also of me and the twins. I loved Duncan and Dana both, I loved them dearly. Like the siblings I didn’t have. And I understood why Duncan was sometimes so hard. He lost a father, a father he never even got the chance to know. My anger faded…he was just as confused about all of this as I must be.
“Who are you Grandma? I mean really. I know there are things that I’m not old enough to know yet, but-“ She silences me by putting a hand on my forehead, and moving a finger to her lips, smile in place.
“You’re right. You aren’t old enough yet to really understand it. But you’re also right, by saying that you need to know. For now…let’s just say that I look after a lot of children…children who have no one else. And I guide them into finding what they need…at least that’s the aim now. Thanks to your father.”
Instead of getting irritated by the lack of information, I could now appreciate that my grandmother was on my side, she supported me and was looking out for me in the long run. Everyone was.
“You worried about your parents marrying?” She asked after another pause, looking right at me, patience on her face.
I recoil slightly at the question. “No. I mean…it’s not the wedding, I’m thinking about…it’s after. Does anything change? Are they giving up everything because of me? Because of my eyes? I don’t want that.”
Again, her face is filled with glee. “Such a considerate young man. You are going to make someone very happy one day. And don’t worry about the future, only focus on the now.” She said wisely. I laugh and push myself to my feet.
“Okay, promise! Now I better get going…I don’t want to miss the wedding!”
“No kidding, your mother would fret over your whereabouts enough to cancel.”
I would have laughed..but it was true.
We both hurried inside and took our seats, mine of course was right at the front by the arch. Dad crouched down and adjusted my tie with a smile. His hands shook.
“Nervous Kiddo?” He asked me while looking around the room quickly and then looking back at me. Half of the people there, he had only met a handful of times.
I grin back smugly. “No, but it sounds like you are…don’t be Daddy.” I reassure him, kissing him on the cheek, the guests around us ‘aww’ and Dad wraps his arms around me for a moment before returning to his position.
I’d never been good at sitting still for long periods of time, but I was determined to make an exception for this. When the music began to play, I turned in my seat to get a glimpse of my mother.
When she was close enough for me to get a good look at her, I noticed that she too, appeared really nervous. Yet she smiled widely, meeting everyone's gazes and looking like she was about to cry. When she reached me, she paused and took a hold of my hand. We’d spoken earlier that very day, she’d asked me if I would sit with her while she got ready.
And yet somehow she looked different now. Absolutely beautiful.
“You look great Mum.” I said loudly, loud enough to carry around the room. She could only mouth ‘thank you’ as a response before walking up to my father, who took both of her hands into his and kissed her softly.
“This is it Opal, no second thoughts? I know you always wanted to graduate college before tying the knot.”
She swatted at his shoulder playfully, her voice all flustered. “Oh stop. Would I have gone to all the effort of wearing a dress to turn you down now? Nu uh Daniel.”
The service I’m told was pretty standard, my parents both repeated lines back to everyone, promising to be together through everything and always stick together. Every so often, looking my way either making me smile or sink down in my chair in embarrassment.
When they were asked about vows to each other, my mother told everyone how thankful she was that Dad came into her life. That she changed into a different person with his help, a more confident and strong person. Yet I couldn’t imagine my mother ever not being those things.
Dad said that my mother taught him how to feel, and gave him a purpose to change and live on, not to live in the shadows. Which got a chuckle from my grandmother for some reason.
Once that was done, everyone stood and clapped for my parents. Just like that, they were married.
Then they kissed…which is supposed to be romantic.
Yuck is all I will say.
Then came the after party. Which consisted of a lot of talking, laughing and dancing, none of which really interested me all that much. The younger guests such as myself simply filled our plates filled with food and found a table to eat at.
Dana would occasionally sigh aloud and wonder if she would ever dance like that with someone. I offered to try it with her but she called me an idiot.
Duncan laughed, but he did sit near me. When he caught me looking over at him, he offered me a half smile, and ran a hand through his hair. We didn’t need to communicate, he was telling me he was sorry and that was enough for me.
“Well, today wasn’t so bad. I mean, we got free food out of it.” Alex declared around a mouthful of food. I roll my eyes as half of it ends up on the table in front of him, as I continue to eat my own food.
My parents look so happy. I wondered if this was what they wanted. A normal life. If they did…would it be selfish of me to ask them if I could start training as soon as the summer?
“Never mind the food,” Duncan said kicking at me from under the table and gesturing behind me. “What are they doing over there?”
I turn and see several guests, including my aunt Astrid, giggling as they blew coloured bubbles from this…thing.
I scrunch my face in confusion. I can’t see any reason for people of their age to do so? And to…laugh about it?
“Huh…your family is weird.” Duncan concluded.
I groan and push my plate away, I’d eaten enough. “I hate to admit it…but you’re right.” I concede with defeat.
Uncle Corey, who had wondered off to the bar as soon as everyone partnered up, turned and tapped a glass against his own causing everyone to turn and face him.
He smirked and held his drink out to my parents. “Well I’ll be the first to openly say it. Congrats to my sister and her lucky man…break her heart, and I curse you so badly your ancestors will feel it.” Half of the people laughed. Half groaned.
“Really Corey? You have to threaten my husband mere hours after we’re wed?” Mum joked, nestling closer to my father. “Don’t worry Baby, I’ll protect you.” She added.
Corey gave a lopsided grin. “C’mon. Speech! We’re all waiting for it. Then we can have a toast, to the newest Tale couple!”
That did get everyone cheering…until my mother held a hand up.
“Well….we’d love to give you am amazingly cheesy but heartfelt speech about how happy we are that you could all be here for our big day…and then wait for a respectable hour before taking a drink with all of you….but alas I have to skip the toast this time around….because I’m 3 months pregnant.”
Oh.
Firstly…sorry that the wedding was rushed and not as detailed as I’d like. It took a whole day to get everyone on the lot, dressed up and in position..just for them to all move again. So I lost patience. And the lag. Never again will I have 18 sims on a lot!
Secondly…yeah, there is another Tale baby on the way :D I wasn’t actually planning on it, but all these two ever roll wants for, is a baby. And this is all about them and their desires right? So I’m just going to let little baby Tale be :D