Magdalene Masters zoomed to her favorite human coffee cafe, "Brooke's Brew." Thankfully she was a speedy flier and invisible. After all, most people would freak out to see even an alluring young woman in a tangerine crop top and hot pants soaring.
Plus, she didn't want to get in trouble with the Ghost Warden, Walker. He'd drafted several recent decrees concerning all hybrids who resided in the human world. Thankfully not all have gone into effect, as that was solely up to the Ancients.
All the same, Mag wasn't about to let her family secret get out. Her husband, two daughters, and son were all half-human, half-ghost due to her husband's freak accident at university. Not that she wanted to think about it. She checked the new timepiece her husband constructed for when she transformed.
Her sister-in-law was waiting for her, and she didn't want to miss her coffee date with her. So adding a burst of speed, she arrived at her familiar hiding spot. A pair of turquoise rings enveloped her. Her sensual costume switched to a dark brown coat and plum sweater with khakis.
Darting around the coffee shop, she spotted her husband's older sister, Nayda. She had medium-length wavy chocolate-brown hair with stunning light blue eyes. The young woman had attractive features, moreover, looked extremely nice in her aubergine cashmere sweater and cream-colored trousers. "Mag! Over here!" her sister-in-law called her over.
Mag bolted over to the table where Nayda had already ordered everything. "I'm so sorry for being late!" gushed Mag as she slid her handbag around the back of her chair. "Mag, you are only late by eight minutes. I figured you got caught up in traffic," Nayda replied coolly.
Mag knew what her sister-in-law meant by that comment. Her husband's family was of the select few who knew the truth about them. Therefore, she knew she meant air traffic. She took a quick sip before replying. "There was a low-flying aircraft that I had to get around. Plus, some baffled birds. But I'm here!"
"I'm delighted you were able to make it. It's been ages since it's been just the two of us. I only wish Mom could've made it. Yet you understand that she's occupied with the new school year at the university."
Mag nodded in agreement, "Well, I wish I had her as my philosophy professor. Anastasia is quite a remarkable woman," praised Mag. After all, her parents passed years ago, so Anastasia was all she'd left in terms of a mother. Nevertheless, Mag remained forever grateful her parents lived to see her get married, even if they didn't witness their grandchildren's birth.
"Yes, Vlad and I were blessed to have a saint for a mother. Particularly since our father cared more about narcotics then anything else," she muttered bitterly.
Mag winced, "Let's not drudge that up, please. Vlad is still dealing with his daddy issues with the Therapist. I rather not upset him accidentally when I get home."
"Well, I also have daddy issues myself," Nayda reminded Mag she'd also been abused. Mag went to apologize, but Nayda assured her she didn't need to. She sipped her latte before continuing, "They're one of the many things I talk to my therapist about. However, I've spoken to him recently concerning a few other things."
"Like what precisely? Don't feel you don't have to tell me," Mag didn't want to intrude on her sister-in-law's private life too much.
Nayda brushed a thick curl behind her ear. "Well, I've been thinking my husband and I require more couples counseling, to be honest, Mag. Ivan's not gambled in three years. He still goes to GA, thank the Lord," she paused to sip her beverage some more.
She sighed heavily before resuming, "However, I feel we could still communicate better. I sense there are some issues he's not discussing with me. I don't want our marriage to be on the rocks again. I've been questioning my therapist if I should request him to increase our couples therapy some."
Mag traced her mug once, asking, "You don't think he's cheating, do you? Some people presume cheating only impacts the couple. But, it influences everyone the couples know to some degree."
"I don't believe Ivan is a cheater. I don't try to be too paranoid. I know he's had a gambling problem. Yet, I've never believed he's cheated on me."
"Still, in this day and age? Plenty of people cheat. Not to say everyone is a cheater. However, thanks to the internet, its much more effortless nowadays."
"Regrettably, yes, it is. I still prohibit letting my children have social media accounts. I don't want them exposed to it. It's too much drama and too dangerous, in my opinion. So they don't have Facebook or any of those other accounts."
"Neither do my children. Vlad and I agree social media is just asking for trouble. It's challenging to keep your children safe as it is in the real world—no need to put them in more jeopardy online. I know we should trust our children to make the right choices. However, every true parent takes all necessary precautions."
Nayda stated, "Far too many people don't deserve the privilege to anoint themselves as parents. Any dog can have a pup. But unfortunately, not everyone can be a parent. Plus, I can't tolerate parents who don't do their jobs. They're too occupied with themselves that they don't care about their children. Nor do they raise them properly."
"I know what you mean. My family may be highly wealthy; yes, we've some servants. However, you can bet your booty my children still do chores around the house. And they don't get an allowance without doing their fair share of work. Plus, keeping their grades up.
I've attempted to bypass gender stereotypes. Nor do I ever utilize the excuse 'he's just a kid. But, boy, that boils my blood when people employ that one! Or boys will be boys! Everyone needs to be held accountable for their actions! No excuses at all for anything!" Mag had to stop herself and try to calm down.
Nayda reached into her faux leather handbag before handing her sister-in-law a stress ball she kept for these situations. "Thanks, you're always so prepared."
"I try to be Mag. As I said, some people shouldn't have kids. Also, don't have kids if you don't want them. People need to get over this idea that everyone has to go to college, get married, and have kids. It's perfectly acceptable to be single or married without kids. Times have changed, and that philosophy needs to change as well."
"True, parents shouldn't make their children who they want them to be. They need to let children be themselves. Your job is to love them and help them become good people. However, don't dictate how they should live their lives. Or try to live through them.
We're not clones or robots. I want my children to be whoever they wish to be. Yes, I want them to be acceptable individuals. Yet I'm not going to force them into a role they don't want to go into. I'm not as cruel or selfish as some parents. Yes, I'll discipline them. However, I'm not forcing them to be something they're not."
"I take it none of your kids are aiming to take over the corporation?"
"That will be their choice if they want to be in charge. My oldest, Jazz, wants to pursue psychology. My son Danny wants to be an astronaut. Danielle hasn't figured out what she wants yet."
"So who does get the business if they don't desire it?"
"They still get a say in the enterprise. But we've others in place if they elect not to take over. That brings me to another point. Vlad and I may be quite well-off. But our children know that an inheritance is a privilege. It's not a right or an obligation.
Just as people are not obligated to get married or have kids, no one is compelled to leave you anything. I wish people stop kissing up to others, hoping for a payout. That type of behavior frankly disgusts me!"
"What do you and Vlad have in mind with your money?" Nayda questioned carefully. Mag sipped her drink before replying, "If you're asking our we leaving the kids anything? Then yes. Yet we've many other things we're leaving to the world."
"My family is more simple then you," the brunette answered. Then, nibbling a glazed doughnut, she replied, "I have both my art gallery and fashion boutique. We're not made of money. Nor do I wish for it.
I firmly desire my children to be self-sufficient. So, as you said, I've done my most acceptable for them to understand what you're speaking of. But, of course, that's not expecting a payout when we die."
"Tell me the truth, Nayda. Is Ivan expecting Vlad and me to pay for everything for you guys?"
"I've had a stern conversation with him regarding that from the get-go. That he isn't going to mooch off my younger brother. We're incredibly appreciative that you helped us buy a suitable house. Plus, trust funds and college money for my children.
However, I've made it clear to him that the rest is up to us. That we need to pay our own bills. Then, the children will get employment and have to learn to survive through hard work. But I'm not going to blind them to what the real world is like."
"Glad you intend to raise your children with that mindset. Vlad and I are doing everything we can to raise our children as normally as possible. Even given our unique situation," she giggled nervously as she said that.
Nayda placed her hand over hers, smiling reassuringly, "Well, who to say what's normal or not? So have you thought more about hosting a dinner party anytime soon?"
"It'd be nice to have your side of the family, plus my 'sister' Leta's family, over for dinner. Vlad and I are still trying to work out a date that works for everyone. But once we've one, we'll let you know."
"Well, I'm looking forward to it. So anything you want to do to kill some time? My boutique closed today as its my day off. So I don't have to be back home until 3:30."
Mag thought for a moment before replying, "Well, I could use a touch-up with the plum color in my hair. Do you want to go to a salon?"
"Well, I've been thinking about highlights for a while. Nothing major, just a few streaks here and there."
"Sounds good to me. Let's go!" as they left a tip on the table. They were then headed to Nayda's dark blue Lexus to get their hair done.
Magdalene- Julie Bowen- Rapunzel's mother
Nayda Tatiana Masters: Voice- Kristen Dunst-
PROVERBS 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it.
PROVERBS 13:24 Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.
PROVERBS 19:18 Discipline your children while there is hope. Otherwise, you will ruin their lives.
PROVERBS 20:7 The godly walk with integrity; blessed are their children who follow them.
