Chapter 2.12: The Transition

"We have a symphony to play tonight, shouldn't we eat something more substantial than caramel brownies?"
"I luff brunifs!" Varinia says around a mouthful. "It's great to have baked goods in the fridge again."

Dahlia feels like Jelly Bean is the only one she can talk to even though he can't talk back. Vera always has her nose buried in a book and her parents spend more time arguing than not.

Michael hides out in Vera's room where he is relatively safe from Amira's current wrath. He updates his blog while Vera reads a new book.

When he's had enough of listening to Amira gripe he loads the girls into the car he inherited from his mother. He has no idea where they are going but he needs to get out.

Amira realizes she's been an absolute beast on her day off. She just has so much anxiety about not being at work. To make up for her terrible mood she decides to cook a fantastic meal for her family. Homemade tomato sauce from the tomatoes in her garden. It smells delicious and she can't wait to share it.

Amira screams in frustration when she realizes that everyone is gone. Michael and the girls must have snuck out when she was having a tirade about the dirty sink.

Varinia and Claude arrive as Amira is finishing her meal. She leaves the table as they sit down to eat.
"Don't you want to hear about tonight's symphony?" Claude asks.
"I'm sure it was great. I'm going to the warehouse to put in some overtime. Enjoy the spaghetti."

Michael finds himself at his father's house. They have a poor excuse for a relationship but he feels like his daughters should get a chance to meet their grandfather.

"So this is my house."
"I see. I just wanted to come by and say hello. Brought the girls by so that they can spend some time with you."

The girls raid the fridge and have some cereal.
"I could make you something," Jeffrey says. "There's some leftovers in the fridge."
"Cereal is fine," they reply in unison.

Amira spends some time in her garden before going to the shipping company. She feels angry and hurt and she just needs to get her mind off of it all.

"The best comic book series is Neo-Knight Noir that Freezer Bunny Stories is for little kids. I mean, I understand why you two would like it but when you're a little older you'll know what I mean. The suspense of Neo-Knight is unmatched!"

Michael, Vera and Dahlia return home late. The girls go straight to bed but Michael wanders into the backyard. He needs some air and some time to think. It seems like things will not be getting better with Amira and he's at a loss as to what to do. If he sticks it out will it just be constant misery for everyone in his life?

Michael is deep in thought when the flashing lights appear in the sky. He doesn't even notice them at first, not until he is standing in a spotlight and feels his feet leave the ground. He reaches out for something, anything but only grasps air.

A few hours later, Michael stumbles inside unsure of where the last few hours went or why he was standing in the back yard.

Amira leaves work and immediately feels the effects of a birthday. The explosion of sparkles surround her and she frowns deeply. She's an adult now and she has no idea what she's doing with her life anymore. Even her promotion to Safecracker is no consolation.

Umbrellas. This spring has been particularly wet.

It's Vera's birthday. Amira puts off running to work so that she can watch her daughter grow up. She knows she's already missed so much. She doesn't want to miss yet another important moment.

Vera is excited for what is to come. She'll be able to get a job if she wants and stay out late. She'll be able to spend more time away from home and away from all the arguing.

Dahlia, on the other hand, is absolutely terrified about what is happening to her sister.

How is this happening? What does it mean?

Vera becomes a teen but she is in no rush to leave childhood behind.

As soon as Vera ages up Amira is heading for the door. She shoots Michael an angry glance when he lets out a deep sigh. This argument will have to wait for later, right now she is off to crack safes.

"Can I have your copy of Unicorns for Audrey?"
"No."
"Why not? You're too old for that book now."
"Because it's mine!"
"Stop bickering," Michael snaps.
His patience is worn.
"Sorry," Michael sighs. "I'll get you a copy when I go to the bookstore. Lets try to enjoy some birthday cake."

Vera takes some time to fix her hair. She tries a dab of lipstick but has trouble finding a color that doesn't clash horribly with her skintone.

Michael experiences some unexpected weight gain. He can barely fit in his clothes anymore. He feels like his eating is out of control. His huger drives him to Amira's garden. He was hoping for a watermelon but there are none. Disappointed, he returns inside to eat some cookies.

Michael's birthday catches him by surprise. He's just stepped out of the shower when the tingling and sparkles begin.

It makes him feel sick and queasy.

In the end he is fine. Larger than when he was younger but fine.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Vera Van Hofwegen
Brave
Genius
Bookworm
Childish