Chapter 1.8: Family Over All

"You and mom aren't married. It's because of shanshu, right? The prophecy won't be denied."
"No, sweetie. It's because mom and I aren't ready. Hopefully, one day we will be."
Claude worries for Leila and her bouts of insanity. She loses touch with reality too often.

She's just a child. Claude tries not too worry too much. They need to be able to just enjoy life too. A game of tag brings Leila back to reality.

"Why won't you just please just go to the hospital?"
"I can do this. . .don't worry. . . so much, Maevey."

Claude takes Leila and Selma to his house so that Varinia can labor in peace. With Maeve's help, Varinia gives birth to twins Amira and Moira.

Varinia starts to think that having these babies back to back wasn't such a good idea.

Leila brings this scary faced child home from school. Her name is Carina Pincher-Peddler and they've been tasked with becoming friends for extra credit.

She stayes there way past bedtime.

"Crying trees will never cease. Never cease."

It's prom night. Israel picks Maeve up from work.
"You didn't have to pick me up from work," Maeve says as she blushes. "I still have to get dressed."
"You can dress in the limo. I promise I won't look, I'm a gentleman."

Prom time!

Maeve is feeling impulsive and decides she needs a fresh change.

"Your ears are too big. You should get them trimmed."
Maeve worries about putting her life in this crazy woman's hands.

Cool cat coming through.

New hair was in order as well. Varinia feels very fulfilled when she sees her new look.
"I love it!"

Selma has some words with her babysitter.
"I want a real goldfish one day but I don't really like water."

Everett comes over to see Maeve but she's still at prom. He decides to wait. Sometimes his house is too loud and too quiet all at the same time.

Israel and Maeve had an amazing time at prom. They chicken danced all night.

The following day brings the twins' birthday.

Moira in all her glory.

Amira's turn.

Bam!

Varinia doesn't waste time when it comes to teaching her children life skills.

"And then Juanita was all, blah blah blahditty. Gnnnng! Robot decent imminent."
Lost in her own little world.

Finally a moment alone.

"Happy birthday. Sorry you had to spend it alone."
"Thanks for coming by and bringing me a cake. I thought everyone would have been too busy to even remember."
"You're my little brother, I'll always remember."

Maeve heads to karaoke with Israel even though it's getting late.

This is the only time they have alone together since they both work after school jobs. They're just getting into the second chorus when a policeman enter.
"You two are out past curfew," he booms.
Maeve drops her microphone in panic.
"Run, Maeve. I'll distract him!"
Maeve and Israel take off running without a second thought.

They disappear into the night.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Selma Van Hofwegen
Angler
Hydrophobic (unfortunate)
Genius

Amira Van Hofwegen
Athletic
Clumsy (yech)

Moira Van Hofwegen
Good
Artistic


The 5th and last child has been born. Now to get them all to YA!