Elena has gone through her first year of school. Besides some bumps and bullies, it's time for her to graduate kindergarten and move onto the real changes ahead.
Ch 8: So Long Kindergarten
(Heart POV)
I was honestly so happy when Elena came one day from school with a piece of paper. As I looked at it, I was almost on the verge of crying. They were having a small graduation for the kindergarten students and Elena had passed with the highest grade in the class. The girl was also excited to hear that news but only the graduation part. She didn't care about the grades.
I was so excited to tell everyone about it. Those at the hotel were happy to hear. Even at my other place of work they were so excited. I was just happy my girl made it through her first year of school.
They were even giving them little caps and gowns. When I heard that I got so excited. I couldn't wait to see her in it. I wanted to take so many pictures. I might have Nifty take some too. It was an important day in my opinion.
Alastor didn't see much of it as a big deal but I knew deep down he was glad for Elena. Of course, he was glad she passed with good grades. He was glad that she was passing kindergarten. It just didn't help that she would still possibly have to deal with her bullies. That was life though, he just hated for her to go through it.
It was a Wednesday, and I was picking Elena up from school. Her last day was this Friday coming up and it was crazy how fast a school year went. Felt like it was forever but went so fast at the same time. Her little graduation was next week on Monday. So even though their last day was this week they still had to come to school on Monday for their little graduation.
I stood by the car as the school bell rang for the kids to leave. I waited a few minutes before I saw Elena walking out of school with Sam beside her. The girls looked to be carrying something in their hands. I was wondering for a moment what it was until I probably realized it was their small cap and gowns. My tail wagged with excitement.
The girls laughed as they walked up to me. When Elena saw me, she ran the rest of the way. "Mommy, mommy! Look, I got my outfit today. Isn't it cute?"
Laughing slightly, I answered, "It looks absolutely adorable my pup. I can't wait to see you in it."
"Can I try it on later?" She asked me as her tail wagged.
"Sure you can. At the hotel once daddy is done at the radio station today." I answered.
Elena jumped up and down with excitement.
I looked at Sam who was also laughing at the girl's excitement. "I see you got yours too. Are you excited?"
The imp girl nodded. "Yep! My Ma and Pa are excited to. Maybe you'll finally get to meet them." She said with a smile.
I have been wanting to meet Sam's parents, but she says how they are always busy with work sometimes. So, it's hard for them to be home. Even so I was happy that she was just as excited.
"Maybe so! I'm sure they are proud of you. It's only kindergarten but it's still a steppingstone into school life that is great." I told them.
"And we can't wait for it!" Elena cheered.
"We can face it together!" Sam added.
Soon I heard the voice of Sam's mother calling over to her. "Sam! Time to go!"
The Imp smiled and gave us a wave before going over to where her mom was parked. We waved back to her and I took the uniform from Elena and we got her into the car. Once in the car we headed back to the hotel. Elena sat in the back seat with a smile on her face. I could tell how excited she was about this small graduation thing. Made me smile wide.
We got to the hotel and once I had the girl out of the car she ran through the front doors with her small gown in hand. No one was really in the lobby at that time, but Husk was there at the bar playing with a deck of cards. Since the winged cat was the only one there, Elena ran up to him first.
"Uncle Husker! Look! Look what I got today." She cheered as she ran up to him.
The demon looked up from his cards to see that girl. His usual grumpy expression melted for just a small moment to smile at her. Husk didn't want to admit that he had a small sliver of his heart that cared for Elena. I'm sure if he ever had the opportunity, he would save her in a heartbeat. The cat had feelings in there somewhere, it just took him a small bit to reach in and pull them out.
"What you got their squeaker?" Husk asked her.
"I'm graduating! Isn't that exciting?" The girl cheered.
"Graduating? Are you a little young for that kid?" I could hear the playfulness in Husk's voice.
"Graduating kindergarten silly." Elena corrected him with a laugh.
I laughed and walked up behind her. "That's right. You still have a long way to go before you actually graduate."
"I'm actually excited to be doing more school. I like learning." She told us.
That made me smile and I'm sure if Alastor was here he would be proud. I looked at Husk and asked. "Where is everyone else? Elena would like to show everyone her gown."
"Don't know. Nor do I care." Husk answered grumpy.
There he goes, like a switch. One moment he is nice, the next he doesn't have a care in the world. I just gave a sigh and pulled out my phone to just sent a text everyone. Angel wasn't at the hotel today because him and Russ were getting ready for a new play. Charlie was busy in her office with Vaggie, ok that might have been too much information. Then Nifty seemed to just zoom into existence after I sent the text.
"Oh my gosh your graduating?" The cyclops girl said as she held Elena by her shoulders. "That's so exciting!"
Elena gave a giggle from her excitement. "Graduating from kindergarten Aunt Nifty."
"That's still super exciting!" Nifty told her.
The young girl looked towards me. "Mommy can I put it on to show everyone?" She asked.
"Not yet pup. Charlie is busy and daddy isn't here yet." I told her. Elena's ears went back sadly. I smiled to reassure her. "Don't be upset sweetie. We'll show them all when they're ready. How about we work on that bit of homework you brought?"
All the girl did was nod.
We went over to the one couch and sat down. We put the gown on the back of the couch and she pulled out her homework so we could work on it.
After a little while, maybe an hour and a half we were all done with the homework and just relaxing until we heard the door to the hotel open. I looked and saw Alastor walking in.
Elena's ears went up and looked to see Alastor as well. "Daddy!" She cheered and jumped off the couch and ran towards him.
I stood as well when Alastor caught the young girl and lifted her up into the air. "Ah my little light! It's wonderful to see you my bright star." He said as she hugged him.
"Hello Al, how was your broadcast today?" I asked as I walked up to him.
"It went well my dear." He answered and then put Elena down and got down on one knee in front of her. "Now, I hear you got something at school today that you want to show everyone."
Elena was excited and jumped up and down. "Yes! I have been waiting for you in order to show everyone." She ran back over to me and held me hand. "Mommy will you help me?" She asked.
I gave her a chuckle. "Of course, dear." I answered and headed back to the couch.
"Now you stay right there daddy and no pecking." Elena said sternly to Alastor.
"I'll stay right where I am my fawn. I'll even turn my back." Alastor said as he turned on his heels and looked the other way.
Elena giggled and turned around to me. "Ok mom, let's do this."
I gave a giggle from her as she was so determined and had her mind set. So, I sat on the couch while Elena stood in front of me. I took her gown out of the bag they had it in. It was a simple one just like you would always see. It was orange with a strip of red down the side. I honestly thought it was cute. I took the gown and slipped it over her head since it just went over her clothes anyway. Once that was on, I managed to get her cap to fit on her head. It covered her antlers since they were small enough to cover.
"There we are." I said as I straightened out the outfit. "Now you can show everyone."
Elena's tail wagged and she went up to Alastor. She pulled on the end of his coat, "Take a look daddy. What do you think?"
Alastor turned around and went he looked down at her, he looked surprised. It wasn't a face surprise either, I think he was actually shocked by how she looked. His smile got wide and his eyes lidded softly as he looked at his daughter. "You look absolutely astonishing my fawn. You look so smart in your outfit."
"You think I look smart?" The girl asked as her eyes lit up with joy.
Alastor chuckled. "Of course, my light! You practically look like you could pass all of school."
Elena laughed. "I am not that smart yet dad. I got to keep trying."
The deer shrugged. "If you say so." He played along.
Elena shook her head and then went over to the bar to show Husk. "Uncle Husker look at me!" She said with a twirl.
As she talked to Husk, I went up next to Alastor. "She seems to be growing up too fast. It's crazy to think she is passing kindergarten already. Soon enough you'll be in high school." I said as I shook my head.
That made Alastor chuckle. "Indeed, my love. It seems all so fast." He wrapped his arm around my shoulders.
I placed my hand on top of his. I was lost in thought for a moment. I was thinking the other day of what if we had another besides Elena. At the same time could we handle having another baby around. Plus, how would the girl react. I stopped really thinking of it though, I shouldn't be focusing on wanting another right now when Elena was needing me right now.
After I was out of thoughts, I felt eyes on me and looked up to see Alastor looking at me with a small smile. "You seem to have something on your mind dear? Is something wrong?"
I gave him a reassuring smile and shook my head. "It's nothing Al. Don't worry. Just thinking."
Alastor leaned closer to my ear. "About what?" He sang.
I giggle. "Don't worry your fluffy tail over it. It's not important."
Alastor blushed a moment slightly and cleared his throat. "Let's not bring that appendage into this conversation."
"I'll do it even if you don't want to." I laughed and reached under his coat to blush my fingers against his tail. I felt it wag at the touch even though he gave me a stern look.
We turned back to Elena who was now talking to Nifty and Charlie had officially come out of her office with Vaggie beside her to see her as well.
Next week was the big day for her and I couldn't be more excited.
Before I knew it, it was Friday afternoon, and I was picking up Elena for her last day of school. Alastor came with me as well. He took the day off so that he could be there for his daughter's last day of kindergarten. We sat in the car waiting. We were a bit early, but we didn't mind as we looked up at the school.
"It's hard to think today is her last day." I said out loud.
"Then she gets to go to her graduation on Monday. That should be exciting." Alastor told me.
"Let's hope so." I sighed. "That hellhound has been nothing but trouble for her since the first week." I sat back against the seat and closed my eyes. "I hope he does not start anything there."
"Everything will be fine dear. You'll see. I'll make sure nothing ruins the fawn's big day." The deer demon reassured me.
I opened my eyes and looked over towards him. "I'll take your word for that Al."
The radio demon reached his hand over and grabbed a hold of mine that lay on the seat. "Maybe my shadow can watch over her while she is away. Keep an eye on her. Keep her safe." He suggested.
I was happy that Alastor was still wanting to try and do his best at keeping Elena safe. I lifted my head up and nodded. "That sounds like a good plan to me." I gripped his hand back.
Alastor smiled and took my hand to place a kiss on top of it. "I'd do anything for her. You know this. Just like how I'd do anything for you."
I blushed a small bit and gave a chuckle. "Yes, I know. I don't know what I'd do without you Al."
He leaned closer to me to kiss me on the temple. "Probably still at the hotel trying to get redeemed." He gave a soft chuckle.
"I guess that's a point. I'd rather have what I do now then have that." I admitted to him.
"All the bumps included?" Alastor made sure with a smile.
"Absolutely." I smiled back and then leaned over and kissed his cheek.
The bell rang for the kids to be done and we got out of the car to stand in front of it. Not long after kids started to pour out of the school as fast as possible. It was the last day after all so I'm sure they were eager to leave. Soon enough I saw Elena running out with Sam right behind her. The girls ran down the steps and to the car. The two went their separate ways, waving goodbye and Elena continued to run towards us. Alastor was surprised then when the girl jumped at her father and he managed to react in time to catch her. Almost knocking the deer demon over because of it.
"Well, where is the fire my light?" Alastor asked her as he put her down from the hug.
"I got excited when I saw you were here daddy. I thought you'd be on your radio today." She said excitedly.
"Not today, my fawn. I'm here just for you on your last day of school." He told her.
Elena's tail wouldn't stop wagging. She was happy that we both would be here. It was Alastor doing to want to surprise Elena by being here and I'm sure she was happy about that.
"So, you finished Kindergarten, how do you feel?" I asked her as I smiled wide.
"I'm ready to move on and learn more!" She answered happily.
We both chuckled from that.
"How about we go home and make something you want for dinner? To celebrate." Alastor suggested.
"I think that sounds like a wonderful idea Al." I added on then looked down to Elena. "How does that sound? We can make anything you want pup."
The girl's eyes looked like they sparkled and her mouth hung open from shock and excitement. "Yes!" She turned to Alastor. "Daddy can you make your jambalaya tonight?"
The deer demon gave a chuckle. "If that is what you wish then I will grant it." He said with a small bow.
Elena clapped with excitement and then hugged her daddy. She ran to the side of the car and opened the door before jumping in. We both shook our heads as she tried to get into the car. Alastor went to her and helped her buckle in and then we drove on home. The drive was filled with Elena talking. Saying how excited she was for Monday and talking about other things in school. How she was excited for first grade already.
I just looked at her through the rearview mirror and all I did was smile. Even through all that happened to her at the beginning of the year, she was still excited for school. I was grateful. Sure, this was hell, but it was nice to have days when it didn't feel like it. At least when we were home, we were safe and we had our own spot away from hell. It might as well have been my little spot of heaven.
As soon as we got home, Elena jumped out of the car and ran inside the house. Rufio was happy for her to be home. She was excited just as much as the hound was.
"Mommy can I go play with Rufio outside?" She asked me as the hound kissed her like crazy.
I gave a small chuckle. "You may, just stay in the backyard, ok?"
"Ok." She said as she started to run to the back door, the hound on her heels.
I shook my head as I watched the two run out of the house. I felt arms warp around me from behind. I jumped a moment in surprise but relaxed soon after because I knew it was Alastor. I look over my shoulder to see the deer leaning his head against me. He leaned into my neck to start kissing there. I felt a shiver go up my spine and my hair stood on end.
"Al." I said in a warning tone. "Not while Elena is home."
"I wasn't trying to start anything, you naughty wolf." He whispered. "Always in the gutter."
I blushed. "Shut it. You know I like it when you kiss my neck."
He chuckled deep in his throat. "I know."
I growled and twisted in his arms. I pushed him up against the front door and then leaned up to kiss him. I'm sure he was surprised by the action as he didn't react at first. Soon enough he kissed me back and then wrapped his arms around me. He brought me closer to his body and his hands stayed on my hips. I took my hands from his shoulders and put one to his neck while the other went to play with his hair.
We pulled apart a moment.
"Well, this was unexpected." Alastor breathed. "But certainly not unwelcomed." He grinned.
"Sorry, didn't mean to be pushy." I breathed out as well.
Alastor chuckled. "Your fine, my love." He then leaned back in to kiss me.
This kissing lasted for a good bit, but we didn't mind since Elena was outside. It honestly had been a while since we kissed like this, so it honestly felt nice. Of course, we couldn't go any further than this but that was ok, I just wanted this. It was what I wanted. To be stuck in the now.
Finally, we pulled apart and we were both out of breath.
"I believe I should go start dinner." Alastor said breathing heavy still.
"Leaving so soon?" I grinned.
"If you help me, I'll give you more kisses." He suggested.
I hummed in thought. "Ok, I'll keep you to that."
Alastor chuckled. "I know you will."
The deer demon gave me another kiss before walking into the kitchen. Me close behind him.
(Third Person POV)
It was Monday before they knew it and Elena was getting ready for her small graduation. They were at home and Heart was helping Elena get ready. They didn't have to wear anything specific under their gowns, but the girl wanted to wear a dress. They finally decided on a cute black one with red stripes. They wouldn't put her gown on until they got to the school so it wouldn't get ruined.
Heart was brushing her daughter's hair. "You excited for today?" She asked her.
Elena bounced in the chair. "I am. Definitely can't wait."
"To think you can do it all again once you get done with high school."
"I get to do it again!?" Elena's mouth was agape.
Heart laughed. "Yes, you get to do it again." He then started to curl the girl's hair a little. "Then if you go to college you get to do it again."
"What's college?" The young hybrid wondered.
"College is somewhere you go to learn about certain things. Where you can get a degree in something to further your education in one subject you choose. It's all for working when you get older." Her mother explained.
Elena's eyes widened with wonder. "Wow, it sounds fun. Did you go to college mom?"
Heart shook her head. "I didn't want to do it. Besides my family would have never been able to afford me going." Her ears went back slightly. "Not like it would have mattered anyway."
"Why not?" Elena was curious.
"Well, I died young and back in my time it wasn't normal for a woman to go to college. They wanted them to stay home, get married, start a family and all that stuff. I died before I had that chance." Heart told her with a sad smile.
Elena paused as she processed her mother's words. "How did you die mommy?"
Heart bit her lip and looked away. "That...That's a story I don't want to tell you. Not yet. When you're older I will." Her ears pinned back against her head. The last thing she wanted to tell her was how she went on a killing spree on her parents and then went and killed herself. She wasn't ready for that story. Not to her daughter.
Heart didn't even realize she stopped her movements. Elena turned in the chair to look at her mom and saw how sad she looked. She kneeled on the chair and hugged Heart around the waist. That knocked the woman out of her thoughts, and she just smiled and hugged the girl back.
"It's ok mommy. You don't have to tell me." Elena whispered to her.
"Thank you, Elena." Heart whispered back. "I'm just not ready."
Elena pulled away a little bit, "I understand."
Heart just smiled. "You are sweet my pup." She said and kissed the girl's forehead.
The young hybrid's tail wagged with a smile. "Your welcome mommy."
"Ok, let's get you finished up so we can head out. Don't want you being late." Heart said as she made the girl sit back down.
Soon enough Elena was ready, and they headed out to go. They didn't want to be late. It started at 1pm and as they got into the car Elena was just so excited. Her gown was next to her on the seat. The girl looked out the car window humming in delight. Heart had a smile on her face while Alastor drove. His hand holding hers and on his lap.
When they got to the school, they parked in the parking lot and headed inside. Other kids were going into the school with their parents or guardians. Once they got inside, they had to drop them off by the music room so they could get ready.
Heart handed her gown to her daughter. "Do you need help putting this on, baby?" She asked.
The girl shook her head. "Nope, I can do it. I practiced yesterday to put it on myself. Plus, I'm sure Sam can help me if I need it."
The woman nodded. "Ok, well you behave yourself and we'll see you soon." Heart patted Elena's head.
The young hybrid hugged her mom and then hugged her dad as well. "Do you want a shadow with you just in case?" Alastor asked.
Elena looked to the floor as his shadow opened his eyes. She shook her head though. "No, I'll be ok. Thank you, daddy."
Alastor chuckled. "Alright then. Go ahead then."
Elena then ran into the music room and the parents stood there a moment before walking off. Heart put her hand into Alastor's.
"Did you give her a shadow anyway?" Heart asked as they walked.
"Yep." Alastor responded quickly.
She gave a sigh of relief, "Good. Just in case."
"She won't know it's there, but it will keep an eye on her." The deer reassured her.
"Thank you." Heart leaned on him more.
The two entered the auditorium where they were hosting the graduation. They took a seat in the back and got comfortable.
Back with Elena she was getting her gown on but was having a little more trouble zipping it up in the back then she thought. Luckily as she tried to struggle, someone took the zipper and pulled it up for her.
"Oh thank you." She said cheerfully.
"You're welcome."
Elena froze for just a moment before looking over her shoulder and seeing CJ. She felt fear grip her heart a moment at seeing the young hellhound but calmed. She didn't want to show a weakness to him. Not today. So, she put on a smile as she turned around fully.
"Oh CJ, nice to see you. You look handsome today." She complimented as she gestured to his gown.
CJ huffed. "Whatever. My dad is in the audience today. Hopefully, your dad doesn't make a scene again. Mine got pissed at the play."
"Not my fault my dad did what he did. He was just protecting me." Elena explained as her tail flicked back and forth.
The shadow Alastor had left with his daughter looked at the young boy with slanted eyes. The shadows didn't trust the hellhound after what had happened to the master's young spawn before. They held grudges but that was because deep down Alastor despised the boy and his shadows held onto that displeasure.
CJ growled. "Be lucky. I was told to be on my best behavior today. So you get to make it another year…. alive." The hellhound then just pushed past Elena, shoving her to the side.
Luckily, she had ok balance and caught herself before she fell. She glared at the boys back as he walked away. Before she could react though, someone had hugged her from behind. She heard an exciting squeal.
"Elena, I found you!" It was Sam, she could make out her voice anywhere.
"Hey Sam." The girl greeted the Imp.
"You ready for today?" The small Imp asked with excitement.
"I sure am. It might just be kindergarten, but it just shows that we are ready for what school has in store." Elena said.
"That's a good way to look at it." Sam paused. "Hey Elena, can we make a promise?"
"A promise?" The hybrid tilted her head.
Sam nodded with determination, "Yea. Something that will make us stick together."
Elena paused to think, "Well...ok. What kind of promise?"
Sam thought a moment with a finger to her chin. "That, no matter what, we will always be friends and we'll always stay by each other's sides."
The hybrid smiled and nodded. She held out her hand. "I think I can make that promise."
Sam smiled wide and shook her hand but then went and hugged her friend. Elena wasn't expecting that but then hugged her friend back.
Soon enough the principal of the school appeared into the room as well as the kindergarten teachers. The principal, Ms. Webner, was kind of scary, she was a spider demon with a spider body and the top half of her was human like except for her pinchers on her face. When she entered the room, everyone got quiet. No one ever wanted to mess with her.
"Hello kindergarteners. Welcome to this small graduation that is meaningless, but we host it every year anyway." She said in a monotone way. You could tell she didn't want to be doing this. She then gave a sigh. "Anyway, congrats blah blah blah, have a good year. Whatever. Now line up." She waved her hand around and then just left.
The kids looked at each other and then the teachers helped them line up by name. After they were all set and in their rows, they started walking out and heading towards the stage. The kids filled up the stage and onto rows of stands so that they all could be seen. The curtain was open, music was playing and the people in the audience got to see them. Once Elena walked out, she looked around to see if she could spot her parents. Eventually she spotted them, and she smiled with her tail wagging.
Eventually the music stopped and all the kids were now up on the stage. Heart was in the audience taking pictures already and trying not to cry. The teachers stood in front and the principal was on the ground level of the auditorium. She had a microphone on a stand.
Ms. Webner gave the microphone a tap to see it was working. "Welcome one and all to the kindergarten graduation. We thank you all for coming." She said with a monotone voice. "We have three sets of classes up here this year. Each class had a high-ranking student from each."
The room clapped a little.
A little imp came up to the principal and gave her a list on a card and then ran off again. The principal put reading glasses on and looked down at the card. "From Mr. Richer's class we have Zimo Zippo. Mr. Clip's class is Micro McDoodle. Then in Mrs. Argo's class we have Elena Ledet. May these three students step forward and retrieve a special certificate for their work."
Heart and Alastor started to clap instantly as everyone else did. They were very proud of their daughter getting high enough grades this year to get something like this.
Elena's ears went up when they said this. She slowly stepped down from the stands and walked forward with the other two kids that were mentioned. As they walked people clapped and she could have sworn she heard her dad whistle. She still smiled and walked to the front of the stage. The same little imp from before came forward with some certificates that each had their names on them. Elena looked at it and was amazed to see such a thing. She was so happy and excited.
Heart made sure to take a good number of pictures as the kids turned forward to show them. The woman was starting to cry at this point.
"My love, calm down." Alastor soothed her as she sat back down.
"I'm sorry I can't help it." Heart said a little choked up.
The deer demon wrapped an arm around his wife.
The kids all went back to their spots.
Ms. Webner cleared her throat. "Now to give out these diplomas, saying how you survived kindergarten. Congrats. We will call each child's name one at a time and they will come forward and then exit the stage."
Soon enough the imp again appeared and gave her another card with all the kids names on them. The teachers on stage had the little diplomas wrapped up with a yellow ribbon. As the principal called each kid's name in order, they made the way over to the teachers, took the scroll and exited the stage.
When they got to Elena, she walked up to Mrs. Argo and she handed the scroll to her. "I can see you doing very well in the future Elena, keep up the good work." She whispered to her.
The girl nodded. "Thank you, Mrs. Argo. I'll try my best." She said as she took the scroll.
Heart managed to take a good number of pictures and watched as her daughter walked off the stage. The adults could leave if they wanted to when their kids left the stage. The two stayed a little longer to see Sam get her scroll as she wasn't too far behind Elena. When the Imp walked off the two went back to the room they dropped them off at.
They spotted Elena and Sam sharing a hug in the room. The two walked into the room and up to the girls. "You two want a picture together?" Heart asked.
"Yes please." They both said together.
Heart smiled and laughed. She took out her phone and took a picture of them together. "Alright, time to head off. We are going to the hotel. Charlie is throwing a little celebration dinner for you." She told her daughter.
Elena's tail wagged happily. "Can Sam come?"
"Sorry Elena, I have my own plans." Sam interrupted.
Elena looked at her friend sad but understood. "Maybe next time then?"
"Next time." The imp said with a stern node.
The hybrid girl gave her friend one last time before she turned to her parents. "Well let's go! I want to show everyone my diploma and certificate I got!"
Heart and Alastor nodded. They took her papers off her so they wouldn't get lost. Then each parent grabbed one of her hands and headed off to the car. Elena had survived Kindergarten, but that was only the first step of many to come. There were things planned for her ahead. She just had to discover them.
I haven't had much time to write like I used to, so I am a little behind on my writing. I will apologize if I have any future delays.