Chapter 13
"No!" Miss Peregrine says determinedly.
"I'm strictly against these new things and you're still too young."
"But Enoch and Jake have one too," Hugh keeps arguing.
"Yes but they are a lot older than you are," Miss Peregrine insists.
"But the others in our class have one as well and they are as old as we are," Millard debates.
"He's right, Miss P.," Hugh agrees. "And Jake was younger too when he got his first mobile phone."
"Yes but that was the decision of his parents at the time as well as it is for the parents of your friends at school. And as long as I'm responsible for you it is my decision and I say not until your 18th birthday."
"But that's not fair!" Hugh keeps arguing. "How is it my fault that I don't have any real parents like them. I wish I had, though. They wouldn't be as unfair as you!"
"That's enough Hugh!" Enoch stops him before he can say anything else.
"You didn't really mean that, did you?" Emma says shocked. She can't understand why Hugh can say something like that. Miss Peregrine does so much for them and she's the best mother she can imagine. What Hugh has said really hurt her and Emma could see it in her eyes.
So did Ethan who placed his hand on Alma's knee under the table and squeezes it gently.
They are all sitting at the table, eating dinner. Ethan has picked up the boys from soccer training so Alma invited him to stay for the evening and eat with them. But since they sat down together, there hasn't been another subject than mobile phones.
The older boys have been keen to have one for some time now. But that some other boys in their soccer team showed them new tricks with their phones today, aroused the enthusiasm again.
Miss Peregrine sticks to her rules, though, no matter what the boys use to pressure her.
"I'm sorry, Miss," Hugh says finally and looks at his lap. "I didn't mean it. But I'm so sick of being the only one in school who still hasn't got a phone of his own," Hugh explains.
"I can understand you, Hugh," Miss Peregrine says. "But please try to understand me as well. I don't want you all to play with your phones the whole day like the others do. It's just not good for children your age. Besides, I'm sure that you're not the only one. Only recently I've talked with the mother of Lena about it and she has the same opinion," Miss Peregrine says.
"Oh, Lena, yes. But she's an outsider and her parents are just strange," Hugh laughs.
"Hugh!" Miss Peregrine cuts in. "I don't want you talking about others like that. Lena is a nice girl and her parents are very sensible, which seems to be rare in these times."
"But a phone can be useful as well," Millard tries to convince his ymbryne. My friends use their Smartphones to research something for school. And since we've got no internet here at home I'd say it's really important."
"You have internet in the school and if you want to know something you can go into the library and read a book," Miss Peregrine answers.
"But that's so old-fashioned," Hugh argues. "And not everything we need to know, can be found in books anymore, Miss P.," Millard explains.
The other children have stayed quiet so far. They don't want to be involved in this fight but they can understand their brothers as well.
So does Ethan. But now he thinks it's time to say his opinion.
"I understand you," he says to Alma. "I'm not a big fan of all the children who have their phones in front of their faces the whole time either, let alone when you think about all the consequences it has on one's health. But I have to agree that it can be useful sometimes. And in a time like today all children need internet access for school."
"Yes, if we could at least have internet here, it would be a lot easier, right Hugh," Millard says and Hugh nods enthusiastically.
"So, you've joined forces against me now," Miss Peregrine laughs. "I'm not convinced. I've heard a few things about the internet. It can be quite dangerous for children."
"That's right. But not when they know how to use it correctly. Maybe you can think about it again when they promise to be sensible?" Ethan tries to mediate between the two sides.
"Yes, I can do that. But it's no promise!" Miss Peregrine warns her boys. She doesn't want to argue any longer. Both boys smile at that comment and finish their dinner.
As they are all ready, Miss Peregrine sends them to bed. It has been a long day for all of them and she's way too tired to watch another movie with them.
Only Horace is allowed to stay a little while longer because he wants to practice the piano before going to sleep. He is taking part in a music competition in school. He has already won the local competition and is now the representative for his school in the finale. It will take place on next Wednesday and therefore he practices every free minute.
After Miss Peregrine has cleaned up, she gets a bottle of wine as well as two glasses and sits down on the couch next to Ethan, who has watched Horace intently. Horace has just finished and stands up to go to bed.
"Well done," Miss Peregrine says to him. "You have even improved since you're last audition. I don't see any reason that it won't be perfect on Wednesday!"
"Thanks, Miss. I hope that," Horace answers before wishing both adults a good night.
"He's already quite a little pianist," Ethan says to Alma and sips at his wine. Alma smiles.
"Yes, he is. But he worked hard for it. None of the other children has ever practiced as much as him," she tells Ethan.
"It's interesting how all your children are quite similar in some ways but so different in so many others. They all have so different things they really love."
Alma nods after drinking some more wine. Ethan wants to say something else but gets distracted by a faint thump at the terrace door.
"Uh, who's that?" he asks Alma with a smile on his lips.
"Oh, that's just a stray cat, who's been coming here lately," Alma answers a little bit annoyed.
"Which doesn't please you," Ethan guesses laughing.
"No, not really. Don't get me wrong. I'm not a cat hater or anything. But cats and birds - it's not a good combination. Unfortunately my girls seem to be in love with her, though, " she explains her predicament. But Ethan just laughs harder.
"She's just a young cat, she wouldn't attack you and I bet she'd be rather afraid herself," Ethan keeps laughing.
"Hey!" Alma says while slapping Ethan playfully on his leg. "Are you making fun of me?"
"Never!" Ethan answers and finishes his glass of wine.
"Do you want some more?" Alma offers, stifling a yawn.
"No, I'm fine. And it's already quite late and you're tired," Ethan answers.
"It's not that late," Alma insists winking at him. "But you're still tired," Ethan repeats.
"Yes, it was an exhausting day and these endless discussions during dinner gave me the rest," Alma sighs.
"I can believe that and you have some stubborn boys," Ethan says. "But no wonder with a role model like you."
"What did you mean by that?" Alma says offended.
"Nothing, nothing," Ethan saves himself. "I just meant that you didn't give in to their pleading."
"And you think that was wrong?"
"No, not at all," Ethan says. "It's important to stick to one's conviction when it comes to the education of children."
"But?" Alma asks as she can tell that Ethan wants to say something else.
"But...I think that today it's quite important for a household to have internet access. You don't have to let them use it whenever they want. There are ways to lock it with a password that only you know and therefore you can control who uses it when," Ethan explains.
"Really?" Alma asks interested. She knows that she has no idea about these technical stuff and that Ethan can help her. But so far she preferred to avoid it all.
"Yes and it's really easy. I can install it for you if you should decide to do it," Ethan offers and raises his eyebrows.
"Ok, ok, I got it. Internet is import in 2017," Alma gives in. "But I still want to think about it as there are so many dangers in the internet for young children."
"I understand that," Ethan assures her and takes her in his arms. Alma is happy about this affection and snuggles into his lap and Ethan starts caressing her head with his hand.
"Ok, than let's change the subject," Alma suggests.
"I think we should rather stop talking at all," Ethan says. "You're tired and I don't want to keep you from your bed."
"But you could come with me," Alma suggests with a mischievous grin.
"I'd rather not," Ethan says and Alma's smile is replaced by disappointment.
"I'm sorry but I've been here most nights of the last week and I should be at home sometimes. Besides, it's easier for me in the mornings when I have to go to work early."
"I see, I'm sorry," Alma says and sits up, leaning against the couch and drawing her knees up to her chest.
"Don't be disappointed," Ethan says and takes Alma back into his arms.
"Maybe you could come and stay at my place for some nights in the future. Then we can see each other more often and no one has to stay away from home too often," Ethan suggests to cheer her up again.
"You know that I can't do that, Ethan," Alma sighs, sitting up once more. "My children need me in the mornings and also during the nights."
"I don't think that's true, to be honest," Ethan says. "Emma always says that she can take over more responsibility and Olive too. You just don't let them. Besides, they have been really independent while you were in the hospital. Maybe it's just you who can't let them go, not even for one night," Ethan guesses.
"What do you mean?" Alma says. "That I don't want to sleep at your house and that I use my children as an excuse?"
"No, Alma. Of course not. But I mean that you can get quite protective with them..."
"And that's bad?" Alma says.
"Again no! Alma you want to get me wrong, do you?" Ethan accuses her, half laughing, half angry. "I understand you completely, especially after all you've been through. But you're safe now. No one will come and take your children away over night."
"How do you know that, Ethan? You have no idea what kind of enemies we've faced and what they are capable of."
"But they are not here. You've defeated them" Ethan insists.
"You can never be sure of that," Alma says and stands up to bring their glasses into the kitchen.
"Alma, please don't be like that," Ethan begs. "I don't want to argue but I think it's best for the children if you let them to their own sometimes. It's important for their development and necessary in the world you're living in now. You can't forget that you're not living in a loop anymore. You're all getting older and one day your children will be grown-ups and have to be able to live on their own," Ethan explains.
"So you think that I bring my children up to be dependent on me? That I don't want them to have their own lives?"
"For heaven's sake, Alma, no!" Ethan retorts, raising his voice and jumping to his feet.
"If you want to hear what I think: In my opinion you're a wonderful mother and you've raised your children brilliantly. Most of them are very independent and the others are still young but will get there, too. But I also think that you make it unnecessarily hard for you all. You can take some time for yourself, too. And no one will blame you, I'm sure. And as a side effect, the children get used to be without you for some time. Don't you think that it sounds good and not bad? " Ethan asks desperately.
Alma sighs and turns around again.
"And furthermore it leaves us with more time for ourselves," Ethan says winking at her to lighten the mood again.
Alma tilts her head slightly and looks at Ethan while taking a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, Ethan. I'm tired and I may have overreacted. But I'm still not ready to leave them alone for the night," she admits.
"That's alright. As long as you remember that it's mostly your feeling about it and not your children's needs, ok?"
Alma nods. "I will try to be more relaxed about it in the future."
"Good!" Ethan says and approaches her to kiss her forehead. Again Alma yawns and tries to hide it.
"So, now time for bed," Ethan says and hugs her before steering her towards the corridor.
"I feel bad when we part now after fighting so much," Alma sighs as they reach the front door.
Ethan hugs her even tighter and Alma presses her face into Ethan's shoulder.
"I know, me too. But I hope I'm right, when I say that we've resolved everything?" he asks.
"Yes," Alma answers honestly. "But I'll still miss you as soon as you're gone."
"Me too. But don't think that I leave because I'm angry at you. It's just that I have to be in my office earlier tomorrow and if I stay here it will get too stressful," Ethan explains.
"It's alright, Ethan. And I'm sorry. I never thought about how it is for you to stay here all the time."
"Don't worry, Alma. It's fine and I like being here. And don't think I'm so obsessed that I count how often you stay at my house and the other way round or that I'm jealous of your children. Besides it's just logical that I come to you as there's no one waiting for me at home. But I just wanted to help you. It will be good for you to go out and don't think about your children sometimes."
"I know," Alma admits again and looks up into his face.
"Thank you for today and also for being always there for me, no matter how stubborn I can be," Alma laughs.
"It's my pleasure. And I know that it's not always easy with me either."
Kissing again both of them say goodbye before Ethan leaves and Alma closes the door behind him.
A bit depressed but too tired to think about it any longer Alma goes to bed herself. She briefly thought about checking on her children like she used to do it but Ethan is completely right. Her paranoia has to stop. They are all save here. Totally exhausted she slumps into her bed and falls asleep immediately.
But she doesn't sleep peacefully. Too many thoughts are in her head after this discussion and furthermore she's plagued by many nightmares again. It's just incredible what an effect Ethan's presence during the night has on her.
But Ethan as well doesn't sleep much. He's lying awake and already regrets what he said earlier. Alma is such a good mother but she always doubts herself. What he said to her may have increased these doubts. And he hasn't even thought about everything they all have been through. It wouldn't be normal if a mother didn't react like Alma after that.
For a moment Ethan thinks about calling her to apologize and say this to her but he thinks better of it. He wouldn't want to wake her as she needs her sleep.
Way too soon, both of them are ripped out of their sleep by their alarm clocks, though.
Quickly Miss Peregrine gets ready and starts preparing their breakfast and her children's lunchboxes. A couple of times she yawns. Luckily it's already Friday she can get more sleep on the weekend.
Meanwhile it's quite chaotic in the living room. Some children are running around, Emma, Olive and Enoch are fighting over the bathroom and Horace tries to get Hugh and Millard out of their beds. They seem especially tired today and only as Miss Peregrine stands in front of their bed they start moving.
As Miss Peregrine walks back into the living room to serve the food, she sees Bronwyn and Claire outside in front of the terrace door.
"What are you doing there?" she asks annoyed as Millard sprints past her to bang at the bathroom door.
Quickly both girls turn around, hiding what they've been doing behind their backs and look innocently back at their ymbryne.
"Nothing," they say in unison.
Miss Peregrine approaches them doubtfully.
"Show me," she demands in a strict voice. Claire bites her lip and Bronwyn looks down at the ground. Slowly they both move apart to allow Miss Peregrine a free view.
"This cat again!" Miss Peregrine exclaims angrily. "You haven't been feeding her, have you?"
Bronwyn shakes her head vehemently but Claire is faster.
"I'm sorry, Miss P. but I think she's hungry and thirsty," she explains in her childish voice.
Miss Peregrine just shakes her head in disbelief.
"I've told you, that she cannot stay here. If you feed her she will come back every day."
"But wouldn't that be nice?" Claire exclaims beaming until Bronwyn nudges her with her arm.
"No it wouldn't!" Miss Peregrine sighs. "Where did you get the cat food anyway?"
"Bronwyn got it from a friend at school who has got a cat at home," Claire explains and turns around to feed the kitten again.
"See, Miss P., she really likes it," Claire says while the cat licks off her whole hand.
"And she drank something, too," Bronwyn adds, finally having overcome her fear of Miss Peregrine's reaction, and steps aside so Miss Peregrine can see the little bowl on the ground, which is filled with some water.
"Oh dear," Miss Peregrine sighs again. "At least you haven't fed her with milk." She walks past Bronwyn and takes the bowl.
"I've already told you that I don't allow her here, so please do me the favour and stop feeding her. And now go inside and get ready, otherwise you will be late for school," she says and shoos away the little cat.
Pouting both girls go back into the living room.
"And don't forget to wash your hands, especially you Claire!" Miss Peregrine shouts after them before following and closing the terrace door.
All the children eat their breakfast quickly while Miss Peregrine scolds them for spending too much time for other things in the morning.
"It's very unhealthy to gobble the food down and rude as well!"
But none of the children react to it. Emma is still in her room, getting ready as she was the last one to take a shower, the boys are still too sleepy and the others deep in thoughts. Bronwyn and especially Claire haven't looked at their ymbryne, still angry at her for the way she treated the cat.
Sighing Miss Peregrine stands up and gets the lunchboxes. All the children pack their bags and soon they are all gone, leaving Miss Peregrine alone in the house.