Magdalene Masters had opted to drive to Brook's Brew to meet with her mother-in-law, Anastasia. Mag was getting over having a cold. So she felt it be better to drive. The Masters had a driver for both their standard and specter limo. However, as you could expect with other wealthy people, they had more than one automobile. Unfortunately, Vlad wasn't a car guy.
However, the family had a few different cars. Their vacation car, personal vehicles, and a car they used when they didn't want to be caught as wealthy. Plus, a few ATVs for the kids. So today, Mag was driving her car. It was an 06 Pontiac G6. Nothing exceptionally fancy. She eventually pulled into the parking lot next to the cafe. She paused to check her appearance.
Today she'd weaved her long auburn and plum hair in a long French braid. First, she'd put on a long leather coat. Next, she opted for a lavender knit top, black fleece pants, and boots. After all, winter was fast approaching. Then, taking a deep breath, she casually strolled into the cafe.
She located her MIL quite quickly. Anastasia Master had undoubtedly aged gracefully. You wouldn't have guessed she was in her sixties at all. Ms. Masters's youthful appearance made her look late 30s-early 40s.
Her long silky ebony locks were in elaborate up-do. Her sapphire blue eyes sparkled brilliantly. As expected, she was attired in a bright pink ensemble. It wasn't tacky at all. A simple blush pink sweater with a long matching skirt with adorable boots. Yep, her mother-in-law knew how to be fashionable without a doubt. "Hey, Anastasia!" she called out.
Her MIL jumped from the table to embrace her beloved DIL. "Oh, Mag! It's been far too long! You've only grown more captivating since we last saw each other! Come, come, let's talk," as they sat next to the window.
The autumn sunshine warmed them slightly, which was a good thing. "So, please tell me everything. How is my son? How are my grandbabies?" Anastasia eagerly questioned.
"Before we get into that, let's at least warm ourselves up some," Mag suggested, to which her MIL agreed. After they had a chance to warm up, Mag answered her MIL's questions. "Vlad and I are doing wonderfully. We recently had Donor Day at Vlad-Co. We donated enough blood to supply the hospital for the next two years."
"I'm quite thrilled you've got this Donor Day. It's nice to give back to the world. I've talked to the Dean more then once about having a blood drive at the university."
"Yes, Vlad and I are satisfied with our monthly Donor Day. We've also completed construction on the employee daycare building. After all, you know how problematic it is to find suitable child care."
"Yes, it's a genuine dilemma. People don't want to babysit anymore. Furthermore, its challenging to find reliable daycare. However, I'm delighted you've offered your colleagues a solution to their problem."
"We've triple-checked everyone's background who will be working in the establishment. We want to guarantee no stone is left unturned. However, I've already heard some people griping regarding a few staff members."
"How can that be?" Anastasia was confused. "If you recently finished it, why would there be issues?"
Mag sighed, "We've heard through the grapevine of individuals who either disapproved of the project. Or they've issues with our staff pick or even some of the kids. It's only been open this month. Yet I've received notifications regarding individuals complaining that one of the helpers is a deaf person. Dee is a remarkable young woman who loves kids.
Vlad and I felt it was essential to hire her so the children could learn to sign. But unfortunately, a few mothers are unmistakable ableists and find it 'wrong' to teach their children sign language based on their narrow-mindedness.
Also, those same people despise our special needs children in the daycare. Vlad and I've got a few people tackling the problem with those types of people. But we won't put up with that bullshit."
"I'm proud you're trying to help children learn to be better people. However, starting young to impart essential life lessons would be best. Otherwise, you might wind up with depraved individuals," Anastasia gave a disgusted look at that.
Mag raised an eyebrow. "I take it your talking from personal experience?"
The Russian woman sighed and then nodded. "We recently had a disciplinary hearing due to one of the younger educators' inappropriate conduct concerning a first-year student. The teacher's name was Stuart Williams. He claimed all he did was go to a student's dorm to discuss a paper, which is highly unethical.
Proper conduct for talking to students about their classwork is in the classroom or office. Under no circumstance should it take place in the student's dorm room! The student reported he made sexual advances toward her. He told her he found her attractive and wanted them to get closer.
We're talking about a 28-year-old making a move on an 18-year-old. Even if both are legal adults, this is downright unacceptable behavior. It crosses, I don't know how many lines!" she had to take a moment to calm down before finishing. "We had to investigate the accusations. What the investigation turned up remains quite alarming, Mag."
"What did it show? Do I even want to know?" the young woman looked uncomfortable. Her MIL seemed conflicted but ultimately revealed the findings.
"The investigation unearthed that Mr. Williams was sacked from his previous job due to similar unethical behavior involving another female student. He did his best to hide this, but the truth came out."
"I hope you've terminated him! Likewise, he'd like to register on the sex offender list! Also, bar him from holding another teaching position!" exclaimed Mag angrily.
"Well, I'm not aware of all the details, Mag. However, yes, he was terminated. I'm knowledgeable that law enforcement agencies are involved. Moreover, both girls' families filed lawsuits against him. Outside of those details? I've nothing further to add. I only hope the justice system does the right thing."
Mag was livid."Teachers need to be people who you can trust. They should have empathy and patience. To be able to help inspire all children. They shouldn't be prejudiced or people who don't like kids to begin with."
Anastasia nodded in agreement. "Which is why the entire faculty has performance reviews. Plus, we'll be observed for the next few months to evaluate our performance. So the university is taking this all seriously."
Mag still looked significantly steamed. "I wish things had been different when I went to university. It's still shocking that teachers influence students to steal from others to find their gambling habit. It's disgusting!"
"I'm sorry, I forgot about that," apologized Anastasia, to which Mag shook her head. "It's okay, Anastasia. It was years ago, but if not for the scandal, I wouldn't have met the love of my life. Nor would Vlad-Co come to be. Or our beautiful family."
"True; tell me how my grandchildren are doing?" as they sipped their hot chocolate happily. Wiping her chocolate mustache Mag replied. "Jazz gets top marks in all her classes. Plus has a swimming competition coming up next week. Danny is still struggling with mathematics. Thankfully Ms. Hauntly assigned him a fantastic tutor. So we're hopeful he'll finally pull up his grades in that class.
As for Danielle? She's looking forward to her upcoming gymnastic competition. She's a natural at it. Plus, the children are participating in a musical showcase for the company to help underprivileged children have their own musical programs."
"I'm a supremely proud grandmother to hear that. So I hope I'll be able to witness them compete and this musical show."
"Vlad and I'll make sure you and Nayda's family can attend. So don't worry about it. Also, before you ask? We're still working out a day for a family dinner party. However, we might have to settle for Thanksgiving together. If that's the case, I hope it's not too much of a problem for you."
Anastasia shook her head, "It's not a problem. Any time I've got a chance to be with my family, I'll cherish it. Does Vlad intend to keep his promise about hosting the reunion in the castle?"
"Yes, but thanks for arranging it for mid-January. We all need to get through the holidays first. Not to mention the midterm elections."
"Yes, let's see if we can get through all those hellish things before we concern ourselves with other issues."
"So, is there something else you wish to do? Now that we've finished our hot chocolate. Is there anywhere you wish to go? Something you wish to do?"
"If it's not too much trouble, I'd love to return to the castle. Even if its not for an official family dinner, I wouldn't mind spending the afternoon and evening with my son and grandchildren."
"Well, I don't see the problem with that. Do you need a ride? I know your car is in the shop."
"Yes, I took the bus to get here. So if we can go back in your car, that be great."
"Okay! I'm sure everyone will love a surprise visit from grandma! Let's go!" They headed out of the cafe to return to the castle.
Magdalene- Julie Bowen- Rapunzel's mother
Anastasia Alexandra Masters: Voice- Meg Ryan played Anastasia in the animated movie.