Chapter 1.7: Relationship Central

Varinia has got this potty training thing under control.

It's gotten to the point where Varinia is very aware that she's afraid of love.

Maeve works hard on her homework as Selma grows up. The sooner Maeve finishes school the sooner she can get out of this place.

"Mommy is going to have to beg her bosses not to fire her because mommy has been on maternity leave for ages."

There's a line at the potty.

 Leila and Selma spend their days on the porch playing with toys while Varinia practices guitar.

On weekends Maeve stays with her father so she can spend time with him and her brother.

Everett is very nice though he occasionally says inappropriate things that hurt Maeve's feelings.

Claude visits for Varinia's birthday. It's just the two of them dancing on the porch.

"I hope you don't break my heart."
"I could never do that to you."
The promise is sealed with a kiss.

"In fact, I was thinking we should make it official. It would be the best birthday present if you say yes."

Varinia has a lot to celebrate.

Claude casts a secret charm on her as she grows a little bit older.

Birthday woohoo makes Varinia very happy.

And then. . .

Claude insists on showing Leila the duck walk.
"It's much easier to learn," he insists.

Maeve gets dropped off my the Bayless place and decides to wade through the swamp to get home. Maybe she can find some algae to study.

One step closer to going to med school.

Maeve gets a job so that she can start saving up for college. She knows her mother won't be able to afford it.

Varinia can't decide if it's the pregnancy or the smell of the stove that is making her feel sick.

Music music music!

Maeve visits Israel for the first time ever. She finally understands why they were drawn to each other. They've been growing up in the same situation.

Israel's dad is awful.
"You can do better, Is." he says grumpily.
"I'm so sorry," Israel says. "Now you know why I've never had you over before."

"Israel, we've always been perfect for each other. Will you be my boyfriend?"
"You didn't even have to ask."

Despite his father's yelling and cursing, the young couple embrace and share their first kiss.
"We'll get out of here together," Maeve promises.

More than half the time she spends at her father's house is spent alone. They're always running around doing this activity or that. Maeve misses her mother and her sisters. In that moment she realizes that while she hasn't had the most affluent lifestyle her mother and sisters love her unconditionally. That's worth more than marble floors and expensive paintings. She calls her mother just to hear her voice.
"I'll be home after school on Monday. I miss you guys."
"We miss you too, Maevey."
"Tell Leila I said happy birthday."
"I will sweetie. We'll see you tomorrow."
It breaks Maeve's heart that she's missing her little sister's birthday and is instead spending it alone in a giant, empty mansion.

Leila's birthday is rather uneventful. She finally gets to move into the big girl room and that is exciting!

Gala comes home with Janel.
"Oh, you are still here. Watch her. I have a party to get to."
Maeve doesn't even get a chance to answer before Gala disappears into the limo.

"I guess it's just you and me, kid."

"We'll build a tower and then we'll knock it down!"
Leila shrieks in delight as they start the demolition.

Leila has to call Maeve first thing Monday morning.
"Mom's having another baby!"

 Claude is thrilled with the news.
Leila is taking a break from reality.
"Vroom vroom. Eeeeeeechhhh. Wheeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Thumbs up, baby. Well done."

"HHHHOOOOONNNNNKKKK"

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Maeve Van Hofwegen
Good
Genius
Daredevil
Absent-Minded 

Leila Van Hofwegen
Insane
Clumsy
Loves to Swim

Israel Drudge
Brave
Genius
Perceptive
Technophobe

I sent Maeve to visit her father for the day and then she stayed over there from Friday to Monday morning. I let it happen because I felt it fit the story.