So school's out, and I'm sorry, but this chapter came out later then I had anticipated.
Hopefully, you'll enjoy this!
Disclaimer: Darkest Powers belong to Kelly Armstrong!
March 20, 2022 was the day Ethan learned he wasn't going to have the same relationship with his sibling like aunt Tori and uncle Simon have.
Of course, though, that realization didn't strike so quickly.
As Ethan sat in his chair, he couldn't help but to feel...apprehensive. Then again, maybe that was due to the fact he was in an actual hospital. A real, real hospital, with shiny floors and rushing nurses and screaming kids and the horrible stench of blood consuming his sensitive nose. The uber shiny everything hurt his eyes and the cries of babies made his ears ring. This was Ethan's first time in a hospital. And already, he hated it with a biting passion. All in all, it was living hell.
Anyways, he was sitting in between his aunt Tori and aunt Simon, their arguing not helping Ethan's already bleeding ears.
"I'mma look for grandpa Kit!" He suddenly exclaims, thumping his fist to grab their attention. They stop, blink, then Simon nods. Ethan, excitedly, jumps off his chair and jogs away, just in case they remember he's still only three and this was his first time in this enormous hospital.
As if. Ethan snorts.
But trying his hardest, he strains to find his grandpa's scent in the big group, but to no avail. When they got here, dad had drove like crazy, and even though Ethan enjoyed that heart racing exhilarating ride, it came quickly to an end as they arrived to their destination.
Mommy was carried in as nurses came rushing to Derek for help. As if he needed help carrying mommy.
There was no stopping dad as he rushed through the hallways, the others trying to catch up with him. That also included Ethan, who was practically running around blind ( might he add.) When Derek remembered Ethan was still trying to follow, he simply pointed to a waiting room and told Ethan Simon and Tori and kit were on their way.
And so, in conclusion, Ethan knew nothing of the structure of this building.
And as he wondered, still searching for his grandpa, no one even noticed the small boy.
Maybe that was due to the fact that Ethan stumbled in another room where it was filled with kids of 7 and below.
"Everyone, please take a seat!" A voice roared as the door opens again
and a head peaked through the open door as her hand was still on the handle. When everyone turned to look at which nurse had scolded at them, all the kids scrambled to find a sit immediately. Not wanting to get in trouble, Ethan quickly took a seat. Most were still searching for a sit when they realized the nurse wasn't leaving until all the kids were seated. Ethan told himself that once the nurse left, so would he. He will just have to wait awhile.
Ethan looked around to look at his surroundings.
A boy about seven was sitting next to Ethan on his right, talking to another boy about his same age.
"Naw, I'm getting stupid sister."
"Really? Sucks, I'm getting a brother!" The other stuck his tongue out at him, an Ethan couldn't help but to get angry.
"Don't call her stupid when you don't even know her." He said with an icy tone, not even looking at them.
"Like it matters if I don't yet. They all come out the same." The kid sighed as he slumped deeper in his chair. The way the boy sighed made Ethan's mild anger turn to confusion.
"What do you mean?" he asked, now looking at the boy.
The two boys actually laughed before replying. "You know, new baby comes along, and suddenly, you're not the Golden child anymore. No sir, they'll forget all about you and turn all their attention to the new baby."
Ethan frowned at that comment. "My parents said they'll love us equally."
The boy snorted. "Yeah? They always say that, just so you get excited about it. It's all a lie. You won't be the favorite anymore. You'll have to take care of him or her, let them borrow your toys, give them the remote. It's horrible, I tell you."
"Trust us." the other chimes in. "We should know. We are now the forgotten child in our families. Right?" He turned to his other friend, and they both nodded sadly. Something inside of Ethan broke, and he regretted even talking to the boys.
"But, they can't forget about you. You're family." Ethan said pathetically, wanting to hear something positive. Really though, their parents can't forget about them. Maybe it's the excitement of the newborn baby, but after a while, their moms and dads will remember them as the first child, right? Even to his ears that sounded pathetic.
"Psshh, of course they don't forget about us." The boy said and the sparkles in Ethan's eyes were resurrected. "I mean, its always you who they scream to go change the diapers of the new baby when their too busy. Its always you who they 'ask' to quiet down the baby when they start crying. So only when they need you do they remember you." Ethan frowned and was about to speak up when he realized the nurse had left, and a lady in the room was about to get up and open the door to leave. He had to take the chance, because God knows when that door will open once more. So, giving the boys that had spoken of wisdom one final look, Ethan got up to leave.
But as he stepped through the door, there was a new feeling in the pit of his stomach he was ashamed to admit.
It was dread.
"Ethan! There you are!" Ethan turns around to see his grandpa Kit come running to him. "God, what are you doing here?" He asked once he captured one of his hands.
With melancholy, Ethan followed his grandpa as they walked. "I was looking for you." he replies quietly, not really caring that he'll get in trouble.
Kit though, seeing his grandson's sad expression, didn't decide to chastise him. Instead, he gave him his coke to drink (the one that was the reason he left Ethan with Tori and Simon), which Ethan didn't even look happy to drink, considering his parents rarely gave him caffeine.
They go back to where Tori and Simon were last at, still in the same positions.
Both standing, faces red with anger, and pointing to each other as they shouted. Kit sighed deeply and let go of his grandson's hand as he began to walk to a different set of empty chairs, a few rows down.
The farther the better. he thought to himself, glancing back at his arguing son and daughter. Seriously, they were fighting more then a
set of five years old, and it was quite embarrassing. As much as he dearly loved them, he wishes they could just shut the hell up and act like the grown ups they are supposed to be. Here they are, arguing about God-knows-what while Chloe's off in a different room giving birth!
Kit waved to his grandson after sitting down, to realize Ethan hadn't followed him like he thought he would. Instead, he remained standing in front of his uncle and aunt, watching them as they fought, head cocked, first expression confusion, then suddenly turning solemn.
Ethan was sure they didn't even realize he was back as Tori jabbed a finger in Simon's chest.
"So what?" she exclaimed, baffled.
"So what?" Simon asked as if he heard wrong. "You promised you would!"
Tori wiggled her pointer finger. "No, no, no. I never promise anything! You just assumed I did, because of course, Simon believes everything should go just as he says."
"Wh-what?" he sputtered. "so you mean, I did all of that for nothing?"
His eyes widen as Tori began to pick at her nails.
"Yup." Simon's face turned red from anger.
"Damn, why the hell did you come back anyways, Tori? What do you want?"
"I wanted to escape. Isn't it obvious?" Tori made a duh motion, even though she was suppressing her memories with her ex. And how badly that ended. And how stupid and pathetic it was of her to get away from the state they were previously living in. Because getting out of their shared house wasn't enough. Of course, she didn't dare say any of this. So she just continued on. "Besides, dad wanted me to come back for a long time. You know how he is, paranoid."
"Yes, so you decide it's best to finally listen to him after all those years of playing a rebel?"
"You know what Simon? If you hate it that I'm here so much, why don't you just move? Yeah, yeah, Derek included you and dad in on that treaty with the Pack, but they don't care about us. Just that Derek remains under their surveillance. Which, of course, includes Chloe. So just go away."
Simon is about to retort, when suddenly a tiny voice yelled. "Why do you two always fight so much?" They both stumble from the surprise before blinking and looking down at the boy who was sitting criss-cross in front of them.
Has Ethan always been there? "Well?" he asks, innocently curious for an explanation. Simon and Tori glance at each other, then look down at the boy. How are they supposed to explain they've been at each others throat for the past seven years?
"Well...um...because we're related.". Simon says after racking over words.
Ethan blinks before frowning up at them. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Er...it's a sibling rivalry. Every one has one!" Tori exclaims.
"Will me and my brother or sister?" Ethan asks, tilting his head up at his aunt.
"Of course!"
"-not!" Simon adds feverently.
Tori scowls at him. His look is clearly telling her "he's only three!"
"So...let me get this straight. You two fight because you're brother and sister?" Ethan concludes.
The two adults glance at each other, and it is evident, they themselves don't have that answer. Is it because they are witch and Sorcerer blood? Or because they just...enjoy it?
"I guess so." Tori shrugs while walking to take a seat, where she causally crosses her legs and searches her purse for her lipstick.
"Like Tori said, it's a brother-sister thing." Simon concludes as he also takes a seat while taking out his cell.
"Pass me a magazine." Tori stretches out her hand, waiting for the paper as she applies lipstick, not even looking at Simon. As if she can't be bothered.
"No. Get it yourself." Simon replies gruffly as he looks for text messages from Leah. Tori huffs as she gets up, but not before thumping Simon on his head. "What the hell was that for?" He asks childishly as he rubs his forehead.
Tori smirks at him "Figure it out yourself." She walks in front of him, and Simon sticks out his leg and she stumbles.
She glares at him and Simon stands up, sizing her up. And then, the yelling begins once more.
Ethan is now even more worried for his relationship with his new sibling. If that's even possible.
"Oh my god! She's beautiful!" Ethan hears Tori exclaim as she bends over Chloe, getting a better look at the baby covered in the bundle of pink sheets.
"Well, well, well, you two out did yourselves once again!" Simon winks over at the couple, and Chloe still blushes.
"I wonder if she'll let us hold her?" Tori wonders out loud, remembering the time Ethan was born. They came to see Chloe the next day, and even though Ethan didn't cry as a newborn, he did once someone other then Chloe or Derek tried to hold him. Yup, it was very difficult to separate him from his parents. But after two weeks, he finally let them without thrashing and kicking. He was as stubborn as his father.
Ethan feels his grandfather tugging on his hand. They still haven't seen the new born baby, because Ethan stopped at the door way, his feet unable to move. "Don't you want to see your sister, Ethan?"
Ethan looks straight ahead of him.
Everyone is staring at the baby girl, his great aunt Lauren leaning over with grandpa Steve laughing (they both just arrived)Simon and Tori trying to see over them as Chloe gushes and Derek smiles broadly.
Ethan can't help but to think of what those two boys had told him.
No, it wasn't because of the attention she was attracting now. He didn't really care for that. He never really liked getting all the women's attention from everywhere. That was a spot Ethan wouldn't mind sharing.
No, it was the way mom and dad were staring at their daughter. Mom holding her in her arms, and Derek actually growling when Tori tried holding her and the baby gives a whimper.
Would they fight for attention from their parents? Will Ethan have to share that with her? Will they forget about him, and have fights over her safety?
Will they hate each other? "Not now." He mutters to his grandfather.
But at his voice, Derek lifts up his head to see his son at the doorway, and his smile brightens more so, as if that is possible. Chloe, sensing her husband sudden rise of happiness, also looks up to see Ethan.
"Ethan! Come here!" Chloe waves frantically with her arm that isn't cradling the baby. Ethan takes very slow steps, hating how he is acting. So...childish.
Also hating how his hesitation sets a slight frown upon his father's lips. And maybe that's why his father comes striding to Ethan and stands in front of him.
"Ethan?" Ethan can't even look him in the eye.
He knows he's acting highly selfish, because all of his sinuous thoughts are effecting his parents' happiness.
And suddenly, he's being picked up by his father, thrown over the shoulder like a rag doll and Ethan help but to let out a muffled laugh.
They walk to Chloe's bedside and Tori and Simon make room for Ethan.
Still in Derek's arms, being held by one arm like he's one instead of a boy who looks four, Ethan leans forward to get a better look. He takes a breath, bracing himself, as if by one glance, he would know if their relationship will turn out like his aunt and uncle,
or if they'll fight for attention from their parents. It's a moment of truth.
And there, staring right at him in warm pink blankets, is a petite baby girl with little dark hair. Her eyes are shut closed as her arms wave around blindly.
Her face looks so graceful, cheeks tinted rose and with a small nose.
Ethan reaches to touch her cheek, so Derek sets his feet on the bed, keeping his hands on his waist in case he stumble, not wanting him to fall on his wife and daughter. He smiles at that. His daughter.
When Ethan touches the back of his pointer finger against her warm cheek, her eyes flash open. That is quickly followed by aw's and gasps. And staring right at him are two orbs that Ethan is so accustomed to seeing everyday in the mirror.
Except, she has the rich green eye on her right and the sapphire blue on her left.
She gives off a noise that sounds like a giggle and she holds one of Ethan's fingers. And Derek smiles.
And in that instant, Ethan makes up his mind. He suddenly knows that he and his sister won't turn out like Tori and Simon.
It's a weird connection and vibe he gets, his insides tingling with happiness and excitement. He feels protected of this baby staring at him with wide eyes.
That's his sister. His sister that he will make sure he would protect. His sister that he will make sure to walk to school. His sister that he will make sure to keep from bullies at school.
And if Ethan's subtle wolf is feeling this, can you imagine what Derek must be feeling?
His wolf now not only has a son, but a daughter as well. A daughter for crying out loud! The very girl he will see crying at the littlest injuries (because she apparently didn't get any of his werewolf blood.) Or the very little girl wearing a pink fluffy dress for her first birthday. The very girl he will comfort when she will see her first ghost. The very girl who Derek can already see will grow up to look as beautiful as his wife.
God, who would have thought that having a daughter would make a werewolf feel like jumping up and down?
And then, the very girl who would come crying to him after some stupid kid breaks her heart. Well, that's not something Derek has to worry about until sixteen years…Hopefully…Derek frowns, already internally growing at the future idiot who will break his daughter's heart.
"What's her name?" Ethan forced his eyes off his sister with much force to look up at his mother.
But as Chloe's mouth opens, a voice calls out, "Anything but Cameron or Elizabeth." and they all turn to see Jackson Simmins rush in, his already shaggy redhead more windblown because he probably ran here. He takes his stance besides Tori as he gives her a quick peak on the lips and mutters an apology for being late. He knows better then to place his hands on her stomach, the consequences will be having another argument where Tori says she's not 'fat' yet to show she's pregnant. Because she doesn't want to know she has already gained weight. Typical Tori behavior. And yet, Jackson can only smile as he gives her another quick peak.
"Oh! Don't forget Collen!" Tori adds.
Chloe nods before looking down at Ethan to answer his question.
"Her name is Clarissa. Clarissa Jennifer Souza." Chloe says lovingly and turns to her beautiful new born child, snuggled in her arms, who's
eyes are now closed. Ethan recognizes her middle name: his mother's deceased mother.
"Clarissa" Ethan tests the name on his tongue, and he sees the comers of Clarissa's lips pull up the slightest.
Ethan couldn't wait to teach her about pirates.
I dropped, (hopefully) enough hints about Clarissa, Tori's past, and that treaty with the Pack. But don't worry, later, I'll explain the pact with more details.
Thanks, and please, more reviews!
School's out, and I wished that meant more frequent chapters. But my summer is going to be busy! So I'll need those reviews to keep encouraging me!
Meaning of names:
Clarissa: I chose that name because it has a lot of nicknames : Clarissa; Larissa; Lissa (NOT Lisa, but as in the beginning of lisp )
Her birthday because that makes her a Pisces; her mode is Mutable, which means Alternating; adaptable, flexible. And her element is water, which means Soul, Emotions; power of the unconscious mind; connecting to the source; reception. And her best qualities includes; People person, and excellent sympathizer. Are those good hints?
Ethan: I just love that name * plus, it means One who is firm and steadfast...
That birthday because it means he is an Aquarius. He has a fixed mode, which means he is Persisting; gets things done. And his element is Air, which means; Intellect; the energy that shapes the pattern of things to come; communication. best qualities include: Determined, perceptive and clever. That's my Ethan!
Review!