Chapter Nine
Night had finally descended on the sleepy town of Cherry Blossom. In the small Griffin cottage home Jennifer and Virginia, with some interesting help from the children, had started preparing dinner. Outside Wolf and Tony were helping Jack to feed some of the farm animals they kept. The cottage was lit up brightly by a multitude of oil lamps. In the corner of the cottage a fire burnt brightly.
Virginia was busily peeling a bowl of potatoes. It was a practice that she found helped her to relax. Even back when she was working as a waitress in the Grill on the Green, she would often help them in the kitchen. She peeled smoothly and naturally, creating a near perfectly round potatoes. Virginia was entirely engrossed in the act of peeling. Although her peeled potatoes did not go unnoticed by her host, Jennifer.
"My word, I have never seen anyone peel potatoes so roundly," Jennifer said with amazement. "Where did you learn to peel like that?"
"Oh, I used to work in a restaurant," Virginia answered passively, "Everything had to be done perfectly. The vegetables, the meat and even the presentation had to look perfect."
"How strange," Jennifer remarked, "I cannot believe anyone would only eat food arranged perfectly."
"Where I come from people try make food really fancy. It used to be about the flavour, but now it's as much about appearance as anything," Virginia added, "It is one of the things I admire most about the kingdoms. People live simply. They don't care about stress or diets. They only care about there families and there friends."
"They are the most important things in ones life. Until my children were born I felt incomplete. It was as if a part of me was missing and I was unfulfilled. My life had no meaning until I became a mother for the first time. Of course, when I met Jack I felt as though I had found an important piece of my life. I think that we both felt a void in our lives. We both wanted a family as soon as possible. But it took a few years before we were blessed with our first child. When Kathy was born we were both overjoyed," Jennifer said as she rubbed her daughters hair warmly. The young girl giggled in response before running away with her siblings. "I'm certain that you feel the same."
"I guess that I do. My pregnancy was a complete surprise and I didn't believe it was true. Then the realisation, the reality of it began to sink in, and I was both terrified and ecstatic," Virginia replied, "Wolf has been so supportive. I think he's more excited than I am at becoming a parent. For him, having a child was something he had always wanted. Personally, my childhood was difficult and as a result I was wary about bringing a child into the world. My world was filled with such evil and danger that I felt it was wrong to subject a child to it. Yet, here in the Fourth Kingdom I feel I have found a new home. I feel safer here than back in my world."
"I know how you feel. You begin to see the darkness around you and think that you can't possibly bring a child up there. Yet I think that Cherry Blossom is the safest place to bring up children," Jennifer said, "Jack's family has lived in this house for generations. The Griffin's were among the founders of this town. So our family is a part of this town. It has been our home for generations, and we have never had any problems."
"I envy you for that. My mother." Virginia paused a moment, "She left when I was young. My father raised me by myself. It was tough at times, but I eventually got over it."
"Family is the most important thing. Regardless of what you want, the needs of your family are more important. Knowing who your family are can be a strong element of raising a child," Jennifer said as she began chopping some carrots, "Your family is nor simply what's in your blood, it's people who care for each other and help each other."
"It's my hope that I can leave my past behind and I can start a new family," Virginia sighed, "I have no idea how to achieve that."
"Every mother wants the best for their child," Jennifer remarked, "I think if you remember that your child is only starting its life, that it has its own destiny, you'll do fine."
"I know this may sound silly, but when did you learn to take care of a child?" Virginia enquired delicately.
"There's no line that you suddenly cross that makes you a mother. When you have a child they call you a mother. It is time and experience which makes you a mother. You make mistakes. For a time you forget that you are taking care of more than just yourself," Jennifer replied. "I hadn't the slightest idea what to do when I was pregnant with Kathy. I was constantly afraid I'd mess up somewhere, that I'd be a bad mother. Yet when I held in my arms for the first time I knew that I would try my absolute best."
"I'm sorry to bother you with these questions. It's impolite of me to intrude on you like that. I am your guest here after all!" Virginia said.
"Don't be," Jennifer easing Virginia's anxiety. "I take it you don't know anyone who's been a mother."
"Not exactly. I have a few friends in the Nine Kingdoms, and all of them are male," Virginia replied. "I just don't have much time to meet anyone."
"Well, I'd like you to consider me a friend. After all, we are going to be spending some time together," Jennifer said with a warm smile. "Besides, I'll gladly help you with anything you might want to know. I'm no expert on children but I do have some first hand experience."
"Thank you, I'd like that a lot." Virginia replied.
"Then would you like some tea?" Jennifer asked, "Dinner will be awhile and with the two of us cooking well have it served in no time."
"I'd love some tea," Virginia said. "Should I ask the boys?"
"Oh no," Jennifer chuckled, "Best to let them work up an appetite first. Besides, with a feast like we're preparing, it will take a large appetite to eat it all."
"I don't know. You haven't seen Wolf's ability to eat anything put in front of him," Virginia noted, "He eats like a horse."
"Oh my, then I hope we have enough," Jennifer said, "Have a seat by the fire and warm yourself. I'll make the tea."
Virginia smiled her appreciation and thanks. Jennifer quickly began to boil a kettle of water as Virginia sat down beside the fire. Jennifer's three children were playing beside her. The youngest daughter, Rosemary, tugged on Virginia's shirt.
"Oh, what is it?" Virginia asked softly.
"Will you read us a story?" The girl said holding up a large hardback book.
"Of course, I'd love to," Virginia said as she took the book gently from the child's arms. She flicked through it and saw that it was made up of various short stories. "My, so many to choose from. Which one shall I read?"
At that moment the other two children quickly jumped up began arguing over which story to hear. Virginia could not help but become overwhelmed with warmth for these children. Their sweetness and cuteness was infectious. Virginia took a deep breath and thought about her future, as a mother and as a lover. It was all just fancy, but nonetheless she liked to dream.
"Since Rosemary asked for a story, she can choose which," Virginia said stopping the argument. "Well Rosemary, what story shall it be?"
"The Rabbit and The Trolls," Rosemary answered with a giggle.
Virginia repressed a smirk and just hoped it didn't read as strange as it sounded. The other children sat back in slight disappointment. They were still happy that they getting a story. In the kitchen Jennifer watched as she made the tea. She liked Virginia very much and could not help but smile at how natural she was with children. Whatever fears Virginia had herself, Jennifer knew she would do just fine.
Outside in the night-time chill, Jack was being helped by Tony and Wolf. Albeit in a dubious way. Whilst Wolf remained helpful, Tony shied away from the more physical aspects of it. Jack had few animals to take care of. Aside from two cows for milking, four sheep for wool, and a clutch of chickens for fresh eggs, Jack relied solely on his trade as a smith for income.
The moon was high in the sky by the time they had finished. Wolf had welcomed the distraction and had dragged Tony out for some fresh air. The trio were sitting down on some bales of hay in the barn, resting and enjoying the calm. Wolf felt surprisingly relaxed even though Jack was barely more than a stranger.
"So what's life like in the palace?" Jack asked while breaking the silence.
"Not as interesting as you might think," Wolf replied.
"Nonsense, I for one am always busy doing something" Tony defended, "There is not a dull day in the palace."
"Well, while you occupy that dungeon you call a workshop, myself and Virginia pass the time as best we can," Wolf responded. "Since we have no work or other such commitments, we simply pass the time together."
"As much as I'm happy to have Virginia back, I still can't see why you returned to the kingdoms!" Tony exclaimed.
"I can only speak for myself, but I think Virginia felt that the kingdoms was her home now. She told me that her destiny was here," Wolf replied. "I didn't argue as I hated that place you call home. The air chokes you with every breath and aside for Central Park, there is nowhere for a wolf to run free."
"Well I don't care what Virginia's motives were to return, I'm just happy she's nearby." Tony said, "Besides, living in the palace you get everything you want for free. Wendell sees to your upkeep. So why not enjoy it?"
"Because the palace is not our home, it's Wendell's." Wolf said.
"How can you complain about living in a palace, having servants taking care of you. Getting anything you want!" Tony responded.
"Virginia and I want a place of our own. A home where we can raise our family in peace. No palace, no servants and no fancy banquets." Wolf answered. "Much like Jack and his family here."
"Oh my life is not that interesting. Certainly I wouldn't trade it for anything," Jack said, "Still, I would have thought living in the palace would have been amazing. I guess I was wrong."
"I'm sorry if I have tarnished your image of it, but when you actually live there it's not as romantic." Wolf replied, "I envy you for what you have here."
"I am proud of what I've made here, but I can't take all the credit though. My family has lived here for generations. They built everything themselves. All I've ever had to do was patch up things." Jack returned. "Still, I've always wanted to extend the house. It is rather cramped for a family of our size. It's fine for the young ones now, but when they get older it'll be more difficult. But I have neither the time or the money to do anything."
"Perhaps you can get the Royal Inventor her to build you something," Wolf joked as she slapped Tony on the back. Both Wolf and Jack found it funny but Tony glared at Wolf.
"I am not in the business of building homes," Tony defended. "I make things that improve peoples standard of living."
"I hardly think that your electrical generator is going to improve peoples standard of living since they haven't the means to use it." Wolf said, "Besides, shouldn't you be working on things that may be of some actual use?"
"I'll have you know that Wendell himself praised me for my efforts," Tony said with a smug grin on his face.
"Wendell would praise you if you invented a new type of corkscrew," Wolf said wiping the smug grin off Tony's face. "That's what he does. You're his friend and he wants you to be happy. And he'll do that by praising you for anything."
"You're just jealous because I'm doing something productive with my time," Tony responded. "You do nothing all day."
Jack was laughing loudly as Tony and Wolf began to trade insults. They hardly remembered he was there.
"What's so funny?" Tony asked Jack.
"I have never known anyone to argue over something so silly as what they do to pass the time," Jack replied. "Here you're either busy or you're asleep."
"I guess when you look at it that way, it is pointless," Wolf admitted with a laugh. "Still, I would love to live in a town like this."
"Cherry Blossom is a great place to live. It's quiet and everyone here is nice you would be most welcome as neighbours." Jack said.
"I'll take that in mind," Wolf said half seriously. "Who knows, maybe Virginia may like our stay here so much that she might want to live here!"
"Well, there's no rush at the moment," Tony chirped, "The palace isn't that bad after all."
"Don't worry grampa, we won't be moving from the palace," Wolf joked. "At least not anytime soon."
"I'm not stopping you from moving out. In fact I would love it if you and Virginia found a nice place of your own to live in," Tony said. "All I want is the best for my daughter and grandchild. If that means moving to Cherry Blossom, then I wouldn't mind."
"Hey, what about me?" Wolf asked with his mock sad face.
"What about you! I wouldn't care if you fell down a bottomless pit." Tony retorted.
"He doesn't mean that," Wolf said to Jack, "His life would be boring if I wasn't around to entertain him."
"I've no doubt," Jack responded. "You do seem a very charismatic and entertaining person."
The two began to laugh but after a few moments they noticed that Tony was unusually silent. When they looked at him they saw that his eyes had glazed over and he was staring at the floor. There laughter soon turned to concern."
"Anthony, what's wrong?" Wolf asked.
"Mirror," Tony said in a hushed voice, almost like a whisper. "I need a mirror."
"What?" Wolf said, "Why do you need a mirror?"
"Mirror? I need a mirror." Tony repeated.
"There's one in the house," Jack answered.
Tony began to walk towards the house. He seemed dazed and slightly disorientated. Wolf and Jack quickly followed after him.
"Tony wait up!" Wolf said as he grabbed Tony's arm and swung around to face him.
"My god!" Wolf said in shock upon seeing Tony's nose erupting in blood. Tony continued on his way to the house.
Virginia and Jennifer were sitting at the table talking and drinking tea. When Tony burst in the two women rose quickly to there feet.
"Dad!" Virginia shrieked.
Night had finally descended on the sleepy town of Cherry Blossom. In the small Griffin cottage home Jennifer and Virginia, with some interesting help from the children, had started preparing dinner. Outside Wolf and Tony were helping Jack to feed some of the farm animals they kept. The cottage was lit up brightly by a multitude of oil lamps. In the corner of the cottage a fire burnt brightly.
Virginia was busily peeling a bowl of potatoes. It was a practice that she found helped her to relax. Even back when she was working as a waitress in the Grill on the Green, she would often help them in the kitchen. She peeled smoothly and naturally, creating a near perfectly round potatoes. Virginia was entirely engrossed in the act of peeling. Although her peeled potatoes did not go unnoticed by her host, Jennifer.
"My word, I have never seen anyone peel potatoes so roundly," Jennifer said with amazement. "Where did you learn to peel like that?"
"Oh, I used to work in a restaurant," Virginia answered passively, "Everything had to be done perfectly. The vegetables, the meat and even the presentation had to look perfect."
"How strange," Jennifer remarked, "I cannot believe anyone would only eat food arranged perfectly."
"Where I come from people try make food really fancy. It used to be about the flavour, but now it's as much about appearance as anything," Virginia added, "It is one of the things I admire most about the kingdoms. People live simply. They don't care about stress or diets. They only care about there families and there friends."
"They are the most important things in ones life. Until my children were born I felt incomplete. It was as if a part of me was missing and I was unfulfilled. My life had no meaning until I became a mother for the first time. Of course, when I met Jack I felt as though I had found an important piece of my life. I think that we both felt a void in our lives. We both wanted a family as soon as possible. But it took a few years before we were blessed with our first child. When Kathy was born we were both overjoyed," Jennifer said as she rubbed her daughters hair warmly. The young girl giggled in response before running away with her siblings. "I'm certain that you feel the same."
"I guess that I do. My pregnancy was a complete surprise and I didn't believe it was true. Then the realisation, the reality of it began to sink in, and I was both terrified and ecstatic," Virginia replied, "Wolf has been so supportive. I think he's more excited than I am at becoming a parent. For him, having a child was something he had always wanted. Personally, my childhood was difficult and as a result I was wary about bringing a child into the world. My world was filled with such evil and danger that I felt it was wrong to subject a child to it. Yet, here in the Fourth Kingdom I feel I have found a new home. I feel safer here than back in my world."
"I know how you feel. You begin to see the darkness around you and think that you can't possibly bring a child up there. Yet I think that Cherry Blossom is the safest place to bring up children," Jennifer said, "Jack's family has lived in this house for generations. The Griffin's were among the founders of this town. So our family is a part of this town. It has been our home for generations, and we have never had any problems."
"I envy you for that. My mother." Virginia paused a moment, "She left when I was young. My father raised me by myself. It was tough at times, but I eventually got over it."
"Family is the most important thing. Regardless of what you want, the needs of your family are more important. Knowing who your family are can be a strong element of raising a child," Jennifer said as she began chopping some carrots, "Your family is nor simply what's in your blood, it's people who care for each other and help each other."
"It's my hope that I can leave my past behind and I can start a new family," Virginia sighed, "I have no idea how to achieve that."
"Every mother wants the best for their child," Jennifer remarked, "I think if you remember that your child is only starting its life, that it has its own destiny, you'll do fine."
"I know this may sound silly, but when did you learn to take care of a child?" Virginia enquired delicately.
"There's no line that you suddenly cross that makes you a mother. When you have a child they call you a mother. It is time and experience which makes you a mother. You make mistakes. For a time you forget that you are taking care of more than just yourself," Jennifer replied. "I hadn't the slightest idea what to do when I was pregnant with Kathy. I was constantly afraid I'd mess up somewhere, that I'd be a bad mother. Yet when I held in my arms for the first time I knew that I would try my absolute best."
"I'm sorry to bother you with these questions. It's impolite of me to intrude on you like that. I am your guest here after all!" Virginia said.
"Don't be," Jennifer easing Virginia's anxiety. "I take it you don't know anyone who's been a mother."
"Not exactly. I have a few friends in the Nine Kingdoms, and all of them are male," Virginia replied. "I just don't have much time to meet anyone."
"Well, I'd like you to consider me a friend. After all, we are going to be spending some time together," Jennifer said with a warm smile. "Besides, I'll gladly help you with anything you might want to know. I'm no expert on children but I do have some first hand experience."
"Thank you, I'd like that a lot." Virginia replied.
"Then would you like some tea?" Jennifer asked, "Dinner will be awhile and with the two of us cooking well have it served in no time."
"I'd love some tea," Virginia said. "Should I ask the boys?"
"Oh no," Jennifer chuckled, "Best to let them work up an appetite first. Besides, with a feast like we're preparing, it will take a large appetite to eat it all."
"I don't know. You haven't seen Wolf's ability to eat anything put in front of him," Virginia noted, "He eats like a horse."
"Oh my, then I hope we have enough," Jennifer said, "Have a seat by the fire and warm yourself. I'll make the tea."
Virginia smiled her appreciation and thanks. Jennifer quickly began to boil a kettle of water as Virginia sat down beside the fire. Jennifer's three children were playing beside her. The youngest daughter, Rosemary, tugged on Virginia's shirt.
"Oh, what is it?" Virginia asked softly.
"Will you read us a story?" The girl said holding up a large hardback book.
"Of course, I'd love to," Virginia said as she took the book gently from the child's arms. She flicked through it and saw that it was made up of various short stories. "My, so many to choose from. Which one shall I read?"
At that moment the other two children quickly jumped up began arguing over which story to hear. Virginia could not help but become overwhelmed with warmth for these children. Their sweetness and cuteness was infectious. Virginia took a deep breath and thought about her future, as a mother and as a lover. It was all just fancy, but nonetheless she liked to dream.
"Since Rosemary asked for a story, she can choose which," Virginia said stopping the argument. "Well Rosemary, what story shall it be?"
"The Rabbit and The Trolls," Rosemary answered with a giggle.
Virginia repressed a smirk and just hoped it didn't read as strange as it sounded. The other children sat back in slight disappointment. They were still happy that they getting a story. In the kitchen Jennifer watched as she made the tea. She liked Virginia very much and could not help but smile at how natural she was with children. Whatever fears Virginia had herself, Jennifer knew she would do just fine.
Outside in the night-time chill, Jack was being helped by Tony and Wolf. Albeit in a dubious way. Whilst Wolf remained helpful, Tony shied away from the more physical aspects of it. Jack had few animals to take care of. Aside from two cows for milking, four sheep for wool, and a clutch of chickens for fresh eggs, Jack relied solely on his trade as a smith for income.
The moon was high in the sky by the time they had finished. Wolf had welcomed the distraction and had dragged Tony out for some fresh air. The trio were sitting down on some bales of hay in the barn, resting and enjoying the calm. Wolf felt surprisingly relaxed even though Jack was barely more than a stranger.
"So what's life like in the palace?" Jack asked while breaking the silence.
"Not as interesting as you might think," Wolf replied.
"Nonsense, I for one am always busy doing something" Tony defended, "There is not a dull day in the palace."
"Well, while you occupy that dungeon you call a workshop, myself and Virginia pass the time as best we can," Wolf responded. "Since we have no work or other such commitments, we simply pass the time together."
"As much as I'm happy to have Virginia back, I still can't see why you returned to the kingdoms!" Tony exclaimed.
"I can only speak for myself, but I think Virginia felt that the kingdoms was her home now. She told me that her destiny was here," Wolf replied. "I didn't argue as I hated that place you call home. The air chokes you with every breath and aside for Central Park, there is nowhere for a wolf to run free."
"Well I don't care what Virginia's motives were to return, I'm just happy she's nearby." Tony said, "Besides, living in the palace you get everything you want for free. Wendell sees to your upkeep. So why not enjoy it?"
"Because the palace is not our home, it's Wendell's." Wolf said.
"How can you complain about living in a palace, having servants taking care of you. Getting anything you want!" Tony responded.
"Virginia and I want a place of our own. A home where we can raise our family in peace. No palace, no servants and no fancy banquets." Wolf answered. "Much like Jack and his family here."
"Oh my life is not that interesting. Certainly I wouldn't trade it for anything," Jack said, "Still, I would have thought living in the palace would have been amazing. I guess I was wrong."
"I'm sorry if I have tarnished your image of it, but when you actually live there it's not as romantic." Wolf replied, "I envy you for what you have here."
"I am proud of what I've made here, but I can't take all the credit though. My family has lived here for generations. They built everything themselves. All I've ever had to do was patch up things." Jack returned. "Still, I've always wanted to extend the house. It is rather cramped for a family of our size. It's fine for the young ones now, but when they get older it'll be more difficult. But I have neither the time or the money to do anything."
"Perhaps you can get the Royal Inventor her to build you something," Wolf joked as she slapped Tony on the back. Both Wolf and Jack found it funny but Tony glared at Wolf.
"I am not in the business of building homes," Tony defended. "I make things that improve peoples standard of living."
"I hardly think that your electrical generator is going to improve peoples standard of living since they haven't the means to use it." Wolf said, "Besides, shouldn't you be working on things that may be of some actual use?"
"I'll have you know that Wendell himself praised me for my efforts," Tony said with a smug grin on his face.
"Wendell would praise you if you invented a new type of corkscrew," Wolf said wiping the smug grin off Tony's face. "That's what he does. You're his friend and he wants you to be happy. And he'll do that by praising you for anything."
"You're just jealous because I'm doing something productive with my time," Tony responded. "You do nothing all day."
Jack was laughing loudly as Tony and Wolf began to trade insults. They hardly remembered he was there.
"What's so funny?" Tony asked Jack.
"I have never known anyone to argue over something so silly as what they do to pass the time," Jack replied. "Here you're either busy or you're asleep."
"I guess when you look at it that way, it is pointless," Wolf admitted with a laugh. "Still, I would love to live in a town like this."
"Cherry Blossom is a great place to live. It's quiet and everyone here is nice you would be most welcome as neighbours." Jack said.
"I'll take that in mind," Wolf said half seriously. "Who knows, maybe Virginia may like our stay here so much that she might want to live here!"
"Well, there's no rush at the moment," Tony chirped, "The palace isn't that bad after all."
"Don't worry grampa, we won't be moving from the palace," Wolf joked. "At least not anytime soon."
"I'm not stopping you from moving out. In fact I would love it if you and Virginia found a nice place of your own to live in," Tony said. "All I want is the best for my daughter and grandchild. If that means moving to Cherry Blossom, then I wouldn't mind."
"Hey, what about me?" Wolf asked with his mock sad face.
"What about you! I wouldn't care if you fell down a bottomless pit." Tony retorted.
"He doesn't mean that," Wolf said to Jack, "His life would be boring if I wasn't around to entertain him."
"I've no doubt," Jack responded. "You do seem a very charismatic and entertaining person."
The two began to laugh but after a few moments they noticed that Tony was unusually silent. When they looked at him they saw that his eyes had glazed over and he was staring at the floor. There laughter soon turned to concern."
"Anthony, what's wrong?" Wolf asked.
"Mirror," Tony said in a hushed voice, almost like a whisper. "I need a mirror."
"What?" Wolf said, "Why do you need a mirror?"
"Mirror? I need a mirror." Tony repeated.
"There's one in the house," Jack answered.
Tony began to walk towards the house. He seemed dazed and slightly disorientated. Wolf and Jack quickly followed after him.
"Tony wait up!" Wolf said as he grabbed Tony's arm and swung around to face him.
"My god!" Wolf said in shock upon seeing Tony's nose erupting in blood. Tony continued on his way to the house.
Virginia and Jennifer were sitting at the table talking and drinking tea. When Tony burst in the two women rose quickly to there feet.
"Dad!" Virginia shrieked.
