ZorraVixen: Well as you already should know I do not own My Candy Love, I do own my Candy, to some extent. Overall I hope this is does not imply that I show favoritism towards any character. Now I will be addressing to my commentators at the bottom. Big ups to my Beta reader, Marilyn Lowell, for helping me edit this chapter!
Lienda held Jace close to her; she looked up to Missy, her elder cousin, with patient eyes. "Honestly Cosette I wish you can stay, but those Holbrooks won't stop until they have Jace." Missy awkwardly scratched at her dyed ebony locks. "It will be awfully quiet without you and Jace." Missy embraced her cousin, "I will miss you." Lienda returned the embrace.
"I will miss you too, Missy," Lienda smiled. Jace crooned hold out his arms, begging his aunt to hug him too.
Missy grinned and cooed at her nephew, "Oh my little prince." Missy kissed his cheek; Jace squealed and hid his face within his mother's pink locks. Lienda giggled. "Oh before I forget, I got something for Jace as a going away present."
"Don't spoil him," Lienda pouted and protectively held her son in a tighter embrace. Jace whined.
"Relax," Missy chided as she withdrew a gift bag. She fished around and pulled out a plush bathrobe and matching hoodie. "See it is not extravagant, it even says his initials, J-E-M¸ Jem."
"It's cute and so thoughtful," Lienda admitted, "thank you." Lienda grabbed Jace's diaper bag and headed inside the bus. Missy watches with sadden eyes as the bus departed. Lienda waved one last good-bye towards her cousin; Jace mimicked his mother's actions. Missy silently wept at the fleeting bus.
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Lienda immediately got off towards her designated stop. She awkwardly carried her son, luggage, Jace's gift, and Jace's diaper bag. "Lienda," exclaimed a loud and cheery voice. Lienda averted her attention towards a fuchsia haired woman.
"Auntie Faye," Lienda smiled despite lugging around the many items.
Faye looked over her struggling niece, "Oh my." Faye grabbed the gift and her luggage. "Come now, I want you to look at your new home." Lienda followed her aunt to her car. Faye showed Lienda the new car seat and immediately strapped Jace in. Lienda placed the items on the car's floor and took her seat, passenger side. "So how was the trip?"
"It was kind of exciting," Lienda admitted, "I've never been out of my hometown before."
"Oh Lienda you will love it here, beautiful weather, elegant shops, and you will love the high school, and your new home." Faye raved. The car came to an immediate, abrupt stop. "Here is your new townhome."
Lienda looked out the window to see her new home. "This is amazing." She noted the townhome overlooking the ocean and the neighboring city. She heard her aunt let out a strained grunt pulling out her luggage and undoing Jace out of the car seat. Faye let out a coos, while Jace giggled. Lienda grabbed the diaper bag and headed outside.
"You should see the inside, dear," Faye smiled stoking Jace's golden blond hair. Lienda grabbed her luggage and Faye led her inside her new home. Lienda eyed the new plush carpet in the living room and pale mango paint.
"It's beautiful," Lienda smiled as she looked towards her aunt.
"Upstairs is your room and Jace's room, as well," Faye beamed. Lienda eyed the safety gates both at the bottom of the stairs and at the top. Faye led them up the stairs. "Now the first room on your right is your room, Lienda and the one across from you, belongs to Jace."
"Let's look at Jace's room," Lienda begged, giddy with excitement. Faye giggled and led them inside. Lienda let out an 'awe' noticing the brand new nursery styled after Beatrix Potter's. Lienda shed happy tears noticing the mural of all Beatrix Potter's beloved characters. "It's beautiful."
"I knew you would love it," Faye beamed. Lienda walked over to the dressers and closets, eyeing the brand new baby clothes for Jace. "Your grandparents did this for you and Jace, along with the rest of the family."
Lienda looked at the mural of Peter Rabbit, "I see." Lienda sheepishly smiled.
"Now you should see your room," Faye encouraged. Jace let out a yawn. Lienda crooned and motioned to hold her son. Faye passed her nephew over to her niece. Lienda followed her aunt out of the door and to see her new room. The wall was colored in a pale pearl pink hue, plush cream-colored carpet; the bed was a wrought iron canopy bed with hot pink butterfly bedding. She looked over to see both the white closet door and dresser sporting similar pink butterfly markings.
Lienda sat down on the bed spread, she let out a squeal. "I see you like it," Faye beamed. "I will be living in the building right next to you. Also to let you know this entire townhome is toddler proof and I got you a little surprise."
"Auntie Faye this is so generous," Lienda blushed. "I don't know what to say."
"Just follow me and leave your bags here." Faye gushed. Lienda held onto Jace as they followed their aunt outside to the backyard. "Now close your eyes." Lienda obeyed and Faye let out a whistle. Barks responded followed by a meow. Faye immediately went over to the bushes to pull out her last gift.
"Oh Auntie what is it," Lienda pouted.
Faye smiled, "Patience." Faye led the moped to and propped open the kickstand. Faye whistled again and immediately two dogs and a cat strolled into the yard and sat down next to the scooter. "Open your eyes."
Lienda opened her eyes to see two Great Pyrenees and a blue British shorthair cat. "They are so cute!" Lienda gently place Jace down to play with their new pets. "Are they my pets?"
"Yes," Faye stated motioning towards the poorly wrapped gift, "As well as this." Lienda played with the two Great Pyrenees and British shorthair. Lienda looked at the gift. "Go on ahead, open it. This is a gift from Missy and me."
Lienda carefully pulled away from the wrapping paper to reveal a classic 1957 Vespa scooter. "The new townhome, the pets, my and Jace's room, this all so much," Lienda embraced her aunt. Faye stroked her niece's pink hair. "No words can describe how much this means to me, thank you, Auntie."
"You are welcome, my dear," Faye smiled. Jace let out a series of giggles when the two Great Pyrenees began to lick his face. "Jace even likes them."
Lienda giggle, "I will name them Chou Chou and Naga, as for the cat, Chester." Lienda squatted down and whispered into Jace's ear, "You like them, my little prince?" Jace looked up to his mother, emerald green eyes brimming with excitement. "I will take that as a yes."
"Now Lienda you start school on Monday, so you have tomorrow to explore the town," Faye explained. "And to let you know there is a daycare just down the street, it is called Sunshine Love Daycare/Night care, and they are open 24 hours, seven days a week. I already enrolled Jace in there and he starts Monday like you."
Lienda looked towards her aunt she embraced her again; "Thank you for everything."
Faye smiled and returned the embrace, "It's nothing Lienda¸ you are my niece and you are the only thing left of my sister, you and Jace that is. Now you should go rest you look exhausted." Lienda smiled. Lienda headed inside, with Jace in tow, she began to setup the safety gates and placed Jace in his new crib. Jace immediately fell asleep. Lienda smiled and kissed the crown of his head.
"Good night, my sweet prince," Lienda crooned and made her way to her bedroom. She didn't bother of changing out of her clothes and immediately fell asleep.
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Lienda groaned refusing to get out of bed, but reluctantly got up to make breakfast—she looked towards her clock on the wall—brunch for her and Jace. She quietly snuck into Jace's room to see him still asleep. Lienda quietly snuck into the kitchen to make pancakes and a simple fruit salad. She setup the table and made her way back upstairs, she heard some wails and croons. "I am coming Jace."
She changed Jace out of overalls and left him in his yellow colored onesie, she then proceeded to change his diaper. Jace pouted and with outstretched arms begged for his mother's attention. Lienda gently ticked his stomach, Jace giggled, Lienda quickly tossed the used diaper and strapped on his new one. "We are going to go on an adventure." Lienda held him descending down the stairs, she pointed to the stack of pancakes, "Lookie brunchie!" She placed Jace in his highchair, and handed a small plate filled with fruit and cut up pancakes.
Jace messily ate his brunch, Lienda smiled at his antics. Lienda looked into her son's emerald eyes, "What shall we do today?" Lienda pondered, "Well, auntie did say to look around the town, so we can familiarize ourselves with it, and I would like to Chou Chou and Naga out for a stroll, so what do you say Jace?" Jace tilted his head letting out a cute babble and a syrup stained smile. "After a bath," Lienda sighed.
Lienda placed the dishes into the sink, picked up her son, and made their way into the bathroom. She began to adjust the water temperature to tepid and proceeded to undress her son. Jace squealed when he entered the tub, laughing at the bubbles. Lienda carefully scrubbed at his golden blond hair and at his peach colored skin. She quickly picked him up and began to dry him and got him dressed for the day ahead. "Okay you stay here," Lienda stated as she placed him in his crib. "My turn to shower," Jace smiled at his mother, Lienda returned his smile as she made her way into the bathroom.
"Auntie Faye did mention points of interests," Lienda pondered as the water clothed her. "The day care down the road from our house, and school was a twenty minute walk from home. I guess it is time for some wandering around." Lienda stepped out of the shower and proceeded to her room to get dressed and picked up Jace. Lienda placed sunscreen on her son and called for Chou Chou and Naga, Chester watched the scene in amusement. "Okay"— she tied the dogs' leashes onto Jace's stroller—"now to get going." Lienda made her way outside to explore her new town.
Lienda walked down the street to see the new daycare center that would watch after Jace. Lienda pointed to the moderate size buildings decorated with popular children's characters, "Look a new place where you can meet new friends!" Jace looked towards the building. "It certainly is cute, but they are closed today." Lienda continued to walk around, she noted right by her townhome was a jewelry store and a clothes shop, and behind the clothes shop was a Dollar store.
Chou Chou and Naga let out barks, "I guess you guys want to go play in a park." Lienda let the dogs guide her to an open field. Lienda looked through the diaper bag she brought with her; she pulled out a Frisbee and a faded quilt. "Now you two, get to go play"—Lienda undid their leashes and released Jace from his stroller sitting him down on the quilt—"Jace and I get to watch." Lienda threw the Frisbee out, while Chou Chou and Naga bolted after it. Jace squealed laughing at the masses of white fur running after the Frisbee, and for Naga catching it in midair. Lienda giggled as the dogs brought back the Frisbee, Jace hugged and Naga licked his spiky blond hair.
Lienda launched the Frisbee again, and they kept this pattern for some time. Jace giggled at the sight of the dogs running after the gliding plastic. "Yes my prince, Naga and Chou Chou can fly." Jace pointed to an unknown Belgian shepherd. Lienda stood in front of Jace, wincing at the possibility of a dog attacking her and Jace. She heard Naga and Chou Chou barking, sniffing at the intruder, Naga let out a friendly bark followed by Chou Chou who protected Jace. Jace slowly got up and made his way to the Belgian shepherd.
"Jace, no, don't touch him that's a wild dog," Lienda scolded. Jace petted the dog's fur; the Belgian Shepherd curiously sniffed at him and licked his small hand. Jace laughed. Lienda sighed, but quietly made her way towards Jace. Jace looked up to his mother, encouraging her to pet the dog. Lienda hesitantly scratched at the dog's fur, and the dog thumped his tail happily.
Chou Chou rubbed his head against Lienda's leg affectionately, Frisbee still in his mouth. Lienda scratched at his head, "I guess you want to go at it again." She tugged at the Frisbee. Naga, Chou Chou, and the Belgian Shepherd were wagging their tails waiting for the Frisbee. Lienda launched it in the air and the three dogs bolted after it. She watched in amusement as the Belgian Shepherd outfoxed her dogs, and happily placing the Frisbee in her hand. "Good boy," she scratched at this head affectionately. She threw it once again, and smiled at the dogs' giddiness to chase it down.
Lienda pulled out two plastic bowls and poured water in them. The dogs were pulling at the Frisbee, but immediately dropped it to get a quick drink. Naga stayed behind, patiently waiting for her turn. The Belgian Shepherd finished, and Lienda gave fresh water for Naga. She sat down and looked towards the sky. Jace quietly played with Naga and Chou Chou. "It certainly is a different set of pace." Lienda looked at the Belgian Shepherd with curiosity. "Tell me boy, will this town be different?"
The Belgian Shepherd happily barked. Lienda smiled, "I'll take your word for it then." Lienda handed him a rose colored, bone-shaped treat. He began to gnaw at it.
"Demon," called out a masculine voice. The Belgian Shepherd became attentive and barked. He looked towards Lienda, whining.
"So that's your name," Lienda smiled as she scratched his head. "Well, Demon, it was nice meeting you; I hope we can play again. Chou Chou and Naga had fun." Demon barked and let out a whine. Demon licked her face, picked up his treat, and ran towards the direction of the voice.
Lienda looked towards Jace, "We should continue exploring the town, huh?" Jace smiled and he walked towards his stroller. He began to sit down, Lienda strapped him in. She packed up the blanket and Frisbee, and put back Naga and Chou Chou's leashes. They continued to explore the town.
To the south of their home, they noticed a small café and a bank.
Lienda looked towards the massive white building; she noticed the garden and gymnasium, flanking the massive high school's sides. "Sweet Amoris High," Lienda read aloud. Lienda squatted down next to her son and pointed to the building¸ "Look that is where mommy will be attending." Jace gurgled and looked towards the building. I just hope it will be different than, my previous high school.
Chou Chou and Naga barked and let out whines. "I guess you two want to go home," Lienda smiled. Jace yawned. Lienda kept throwing glances back at her new high school. Memories of her past school kept snaking into her mind.
Remember this is a new life for you and Jace, her father explained. Lienda smiled.
Yes dad, I understand. Lienda happily made her way back home.
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"Demon," called out the masculine voice. Demon hurriedly ran to his master and looked up. Demon carefully dropped his treat and nudged it closed to his boots. "Honestly buddy where did you go, and who gave you that treat"
Demon barked. A pink dog bone, Castiel eyed the feminine colored dog treat. He let out a throaty chuckle and scratched at his head. "I don't understand dog, but you seem to have enjoyed yourself." Demon whined and lay down on the grass. "You really are tired." Castiel attaches the leash back onto on Demon's collar. "C'mon we have to go home."
Demon barked and grabbed his snack and followed his master back home.
I know its short and still no face to face interaction with the guys, but it will arrive soon.
Now for my commentators:
Irene and Amy I have never read the Cassandra Clare books, but I have seen them on several occasions. I am persnickety, when it comes to books. (Then again I did read Twilight, before it was "in."). Now when I looked up the reviews and I did glance at her books, they were entertaining and different. When given the chance, I will read her works. Also Lienda only had one child, Jace, however his "aunt" Missy, tends to call him "Jem," due to his initials.
Miluka: Thank you so much for your review, as for the pairings, I have yet to decide, but overall it depends on both you the reviewers, and on my Beta reader Marilyn Lowell and what I decide. I don't play favorites.
~ZorraVixen