Disclaimer:
I created Adam O'Riley, Fast Eddie and any others that don't sound familiar to you. Everyone else is owned by Disney. These stories are written for pleasure, not for profit. Please don't sue me. Oh pretty please?
(Special Thanks to Ingram for his help with this story! You Rock, Dude!)
7—The Always Necessary Baby Shower
July 10, 1997…
Angela soared through the night sky towards Dominique Destine's manor, with a hope that seeing her mother would bring together her planning for Elisa's surprise baby shower and bring the clan together during this time of joy for her step-mother of sorts.
Angela landed upon the balcony to her mother's second floor bedroom, and folded her wings gracefully over her shoulders.
"Mother? Are you here?" She called. Just then, the doors to the room opened, and Demona stepped out, smiling at her daughter. "Angela! What a pleasant surprise. What brings you by?" Demona asked her daughter, smiling. "Well, mother, I have a favour to ask of you." Angela said, feeling a bit chagrined for not having seen her mother for nearly a month, and asking for a favour from her now. Demona had not thought of this, and was genuinely happy to see her daughter regardless of the reason.
"Certainly, daughter. What is it?"
Angela looked at her mother, hoping there was still a sympathetic or generous bone in her body.
"Well, mother, as you know, Elisa is pregnant…" Demona's smile instantly disappeared, and was replaced by a scowl. Her eyes glowed crimson.
"Angela, you come to my home, and mention HER name?"
"I just needed to ask if you would like to come to a shower we are hosting for her tomorrow evening. I know your relationship with the clan needs some work—"
"Work! The clan hates me, and I hate them, save for you, my daughter. And as for that pitiful human, I would have eliminated that treacherous detective long ago if given the chance. What would possibly make you think of inviting me to celebrate her bastard child's impending birth?" Demona hissed, turning away from Angela, and looking up into the sky. Angela knew it had been hopeless to even think of inviting her mother to something like this, but since Angela was always optimistic about everything and everyone, she had to try.
"Mother, you are all alone in this world. Except for me, that is. I don't want you to be alone when you have family—a clan—that will always be here awaiting your return to us."
Demona turned back to stare Angela down.
"What makes you think I am alone?" She retorted.
"Mother, have you any friends? Any one special in your life?"
Demona silently looked down to the floor of the balcony, then stared once more out into the night sky. Angela exhaled, admitting her defeat.
"Fine, mother. Don't come. I just hoped that we could truly be a family…clan…" Angela unfurled her wings, stepped up onto the ledge, and looked back at her mother. Demona knew her daughter stared at her with lament, but didn't dare look back at her. Demona turned and walked back into her bedroom, angered that her daughter would actually ask her to join the clan, in her own way. She then heard Angela's wings catching a wind current and soaring away.
What was wrong with her daughter? Why would she think that Demona would actually join them, even for something as trivial as a baby shower? Considering that the shower was going to be for one of her rivals, Angela had to have known that she would turn the most unattractive offer down in a heartbeat. Why did she even try? That's right, because she had this strange notion that they could be family, clan as Angela put it. No chance of that happening, though, thanks to Goliath and his human-loving ways. He had always been more bending in his reasoning, but being friends with that pitiful human was the proverbial straw that broke the gargoyle's back. The detective had soured Goliath against her. That had to be it. And now, she and Goliath were even closer.
This was ridiculous. First, he takes a human friend, then he endangers the lives of the clan to protect this crime-ridden city, and now, she was sure of it, he was in love with the human. She recognized his symptoms of love when she saw them; she remembered how similarly he had acted when they began their own courtship over a millennium ago. The signs were all there. He cared too much for this human, and it affected everything he did as leader. When she and Goliath had mated, though he recognized that her skills were superior to her rookery brothers and sisters, and though she was second in command, he was overprotective of her, always insisting that they go everywhere together. She didn't mind that; in fact, she never minded being around Goliath, even now. She told herself that she hated him, but truthfully, the thought of his heart being with another was too much to imagine for Demona. To know that he embraced another in an intimate fashion as he and Demona once had was torture. After Elisa's rescue, Demona decided to stay away from Manhattan for a few months and went to Egypt, conducting her business still under the guise of Dominque Destine. She knew that he would be hovering over that human indefinitely, and she didn't want to be around to witness it.
Angela landed in the backyard of the suburban bungalow belonging to Peter and Diane Maza. Walking slowly in the darkness, she reached the door to the house, and knocked gently. A light turned on inside, the sound of feet could distinctly be heard, and a figure came to the door. It was Diane Maza. Upon recognizing Angela, she smiled and opened the door.
"Hi, Mrs. Maza."
"Hello, Angela. What did she say?"
"No. I expected as much, but at least I tried. I would have liked to have my mother with me."
Diane Maza motioned for Angela to come inside, relieved that Demona would not be joining them at the shower the next evening. Angela draped her wings over her shoulders.
"I know, dear, but I assume this will be for the best. We don't want to upset Elisa, you know. She's eight months along. The due date isn't for another month, but when I was pregnant with Derek, he came at 8 and a half months. The baby can come at any time now." She said, locking the door behind Angela.
"Yes, I know. Dr. Alban told the clan about these types of things. I guess, because we haven't been around pregnant humans for a while, we needed a crash course in pregnancy." Diane Maza laughed, and put a hand on Angela's shoulder.
"There is a lot that doctor probably hasn't told you about 'human pregnancy'. You will all just have to find out by watching over my daughter. But you all do it anyway, don't you?"
She led Angela to the living room. There were bags of multi-coloured balloons, streamers and other assorted decorations spread out on the floor in front of the television. Angela sat upon the floor, and tucked her legs under her. Diane did the same, and brought a bag of pink balloons closer to her.
"Yes, of course we do. We love Elisa. I consider her a mother to me, especially since she and Goliath…" Angela stopped herself. Diane Maza looked up at the young gargoyle with intrigue.
"Please continue, Angela…my daughter doesn't tell me anything when it comes to her love life."
"They love each other. Of that we are completely positive. I actually knew from the moment I met Goliath and Elisa in Avalon. I could sense it by the way he was protective of her, and I would catch him looking at her as she slept. As for her actions, they were clear that she was hiding her affection for my father behind the veil of friendship."
"And how does he feel about this baby?" Diane asked simply.
Angela paused to think of an appropriate response, making use of the information shown to her over the past few months.
"It is as if this child were his. He has increased his protectiveness. It's actually very sweet to witness." She smiled. Diane smiled, too.
"That's all I needed to hear." She looked down at the jumble of balloons, streamers and the other decorations before her, seemingly satisfied and content with the answers provided to her by Angela. "Shall we get started in picking the decorations for tomorrow night?"
The next evening…
July 11…
Elisa walked into the precinct for her last shift before going on maternity leave. She actually waddled into the precinct, with a hand on her belly. It had now expanded to about the size of a beach ball under her blouse, and the child within was as active as ever, except when he or she slept, which was also something she was made aware of. When the child didn't move, he or she was asleep. She felt tired, bloated, cranky, and had the worst back pain she had ever experienced throughout the pregnancy so far tonight, but was pacified with the thought that tomorrow night, she would be free to sleep until whatever time she wished, and stay in her pyjamas all day if she wanted to. To make matters worse for Elisa, she really had to go to the bathroom…again.
She didn't look tired at all. Actually, she looked radiant. She exuded a glow from every pore. Her skin had returned to its even golden hue, and a rosy colour was now present upon her cheeks. She had gained about 25 pounds from the pregnancy, but it suited her well. The weight seemed to have only settled upon her cheeks and her neck. She was in the home stretch of her pregnancy, and although she felt tired and in pain, she looked more naturally beautiful and healthy than she had ever been.
She walked into the precinct, waved at all the usuals, then, grateful that her desk wasn't far away, walked over, pulled the chair out and sat down for a minute before deciding to go to the bathroom for the fourth time in an hour. She went to the ladies' room soon after, and returned to a nearly-empty squad room.
"Where the hell did everyone go?" She asked aloud, looking about the room. Thinking nothing of it, she sat back down at her desk, and looked over the pile of reports she would definitely have to finish before her shift was over tonight, otherwise, they would fall behind.
About five minutes in to typing up one report, Captain Chavez appeared at her desk.
"Maza, I need to speak with you in my office, now." She stated, walking away briskly and nearly slamming her office door behind her.
Wondering what the hell she did to piss Chavez off that much, Elisa quietly shuffled her way to the office, grabbed the door handle, and prepared her best 'what did I do, Captain?' look.
Upon opening the door, about ten voices shouted "SURPRISE!" Matt, Chavez, Morgan, LeFrancois and a few others were standing there, grinning from ear to ear. Behind them, Elisa noticed a banner saying "Congratulations Elisa" on it, a few yellow and purple balloons here and there and Captain Chavez's desk covered with wrapped presents. Elisa was astonished at her colleagues, and was speechless at the shower they had pulled together.
Matt stepped forward and hugged his silent but smiling pregnant partner.
"Well, Elisa? Nothing to say?"
She finally snapped out of her reverie and cleared her throat.
"Wow, thank you so much for all of this. I was not expecting this from you guys!"
Captain Chavez laughed. "It was no problem at all, detective…and sorry about the harshness back there. I needed a good excuse to get you in here, but I didn't have one, so I did that instead of explaining myself."
"Ha. It worked, Captain." Elisa giggled, resting her hand on her protruding belly.
Morgan stepped up. "Well, detective? Aren't you going to open our gifts?" Elisa forgot about that.
"Right…" She walked towards the desk, where there was at least a gift from all the detectives from the 23rd precinct. She opened one gift after the other, hugging the gift giver if he or she was in the room, and showing it off to the others. The final gift she opened was a gift from Adam's mother and sister. Elisa suddenly became teary-eyed and opened the gift. It was a mobile for a crib. The box showed that the mobile was of little angels with furry wings and halos. The box advertised that the mobile was not gender specific, so it could be used for a boy or a girl's crib. She held up the box to everyone. "This is from Officer O'Riley's mother and sister. It's an angel mobile for the crib." A series of 'aww's came from her colleagues as the mood become sombre with the mention of Adam's name. Elisa smiled movingly, put the box down and looked up at her co-workers and her friends.
"This is incredible. Really, thank you." She looked at all the gifts she had received and chuckled. "…but someone will have to help me take all this stuff home. My car won't fit it all." Matt and Officer Morgan began picking up various boxes in their arms.
"I guess we will help you load as much as possible, then I can drop the rest off at your place. Sounds good, Elisa?" Matt asked. She nodded.
"After my shift, guys. Gimme another 6 hours at least."
It was nearly midnight when Matt drove to Elisa's apartment behind her filled-to-the-brim Ford Fairlane to help her bring the rest of the gifts home. She had gotten a pretty good haul for an impromptu baby shower. Captain Chavez had given her a baby stroller, which converted depending on the baby's size and age. Morgan had given her a set of bottles, which included the cleaning kit, and a bottle warmer as well. Matt, who was unlearned in the ways of the baby, still did well in his selection; he gave Elisa a convertible car seat for newborns until the child grew to be 22 pounds. It had a carrying handle and was white, so it was perfect for either sex. In Matt's car, he brought a Diaper Genie that one of the other officers had sent over, as well as a big bag which contained CDs of lullabies, gift certificates to baby clothing stores, and non-gender specific things like socks, booties, hats, and even a winter jacket for a newborn. Since Elisa decided not to learn of the gender of her child, she had made gift giving quite difficult for her friends, but they still had managed to get her things that she could definitely put to good use.
After helping Elisa unload the car and bring all the items to her apartment, Matt changed Cagney's litter for Elisa, upon her request. Before he left for the evening, he turned and smiled at his partner.
"What?" Elisa asked Matt.
"It's just that you're going to be a mom soon, you know? I'm still not used to the idea, but I'm going to have to be ready for it…I'll be an uncle soon enough…"
She snorted.
"Ha. Yea, it's really happening. My doctor says it could literally be any day now. Usually, first time moms are late, but he said there are always exceptions, and the due date isn't based on any scientific facts, so it is just an educated guess. Hey, speaking of being ready, do you want to see the baby's room before you leave?"
Matt's eyebrows rose.
"It's done?"
"Yea, it's done. My dad came in last week and finished the paint off while I was on shift, and I spent a few nights at the Eyrie building so I wouldn't smell the paint." She said as she led Matt to the bedroom adjacent to her own bedroom. To Matt, the room she was leading him to had always been the clutter room: it was a place that Elisa could throw her vacuum, her old magazines, and her extra clothes. There had never been a bed or a desk or anything of that nature in there. In fact, this was the first time he was actually going to see the door to this room open before.
"You never mentioned that to me." Matt stated, stopping in his tracks.
"You were working the beat for three nights straight, and the only thing we said to each other was hi and bye for those three nights because we were so busy." She replied smartly.
"Ah. So, you and Xanatos are chummy now?"
She looked at Matt, tilting her head at him. "No, not really. Goliath and the others insisted when I told them that my dad was painting. I fought with them, but then Xanatos walked in and offered one of the guest bedrooms. It worked out for the best, anyways. I got to spend more time with the guys and the baby's room is completely done."
She flipped a light switch and Matt walked into the fresh-smelling room which was covered in a shade of pastel purple, forgetting the old room he used to tease Elisa about. The crib was assembled in the farthest corner of the rectangular room. There was a white linen curtain that hung off of rods above the window. It was a simple wooden crib, painted white. It looked antique, as if her parents had given this crib to her and she had revamped it. Nonetheless, it looked like it belonged with the other pieces of furniture in the room. There was a silver chain hanging off the headboard of the crib, with a saint on it. Matt recognized this as the pendant that Adam had given to Elisa before he died. The crib was already equipped with white linen sheets, awaiting the miracle child to be snuggled under them. There was a small plush gargoyle in the crib. Matt saw this toy, and smiled heartily. Right beside the crib, there was a wooden rocking chair, also painted white recently, with another stuffed animal on it, as well as a small pillow. The change table was in the next corner of the room closest to the closet. It, too, was wooden painted white, and held the conventional things required to change a baby. Elisa already had the baby powder, a box of baby wipes and lotion set out, as well as a small stack of newborn diapers beside these amenities. Matt whistled at the preparedness.
"Wow. This room is beautiful, Elisa. You are ready for this, aren't you?" She herself surveyed the room one last time before Matt exited the room and headed again for the door.
"Yea, I am. I can't wait to hold him or her in my arms." She held the door open as Matt put his shoes back on.
"Elisa, keep in touch. And I want to know when you have the baby."
She rolled her eyes playfully.
"Jeez, Matt, you make it sound as if I won't talk to you before I have the baby. I will call you before then. Don't worry, partner." She laughed, hugged Matt, and watched him wave and walk down the corridor of the apartment building.
Locking the door behind Matt, Elisa walked back into the baby's room and stood in the doorway, looking at the sight before her. Sooner than she might even be prepared for, she was going to be in this room a lot, holding her son or daughter, feeding him or her, watching him or her sleep. She smiled, then realised she had to go to the bathroom once again.
After she did her business, she walked out of the bathroom, wondering why Goliath hadn't contacted her or came by yet this evening. It was nearly 1am, and she had told him that she would be finished her last shift tonight at 12:30am. Where was he?
The Eyrie Building
"Is everything ready?" Angela called to Broadway, who was cooking up some of Elisa's favourite dishes in the kitchen of the castle.
"Yea, everything is ready on my end."
"Good. Mrs. Maza, are the decorations ready as well?"
Diane Maza nodded cheerfully. "Yes, Angela. The Great Hall is ready as well. The presents are over there on the table."
Just then, Xanatos and Fox walked in, each holding an envelope addressed to Elisa.
"I hope we aren't late for the festivities." David remarked. Angela looked over and frowned, obviously stressed with the planning involved to pull this shower together.
"No, father went to Elisa's apartment to get her a half an hour ago. I'm not sure why he's taking so long, though."
"No trouble, I hope?" Diane Maza asked. Angela resumed her frown.
"I hope not."
Central Park, 20 minutes earlier…
Goliath was gliding by when he saw a group of young men running away from the police. Two of the young men were holding bags filled with money. Some of the money was falling out of the bag as they ran. The police kept shouting "STOP! POLICE!", but the men did not do as they were told, and gained ground. Goliath, knowing that he was expected back at the castle shortly, knew that his first duty was to help the citizens of Manhattan, and swooped down to slow the escape of the young men. It was pretty easy for Goliath to grab them and basically gift-wrap them for the police. The officers were most grateful to Goliath for helping them. So much so that one of the officers actually shook Goliath's hand, and began talking with him.
"I'm Daniel Merks. It's great to meet you! I've been so fascinated by your kind since I heard the rumours about you, then all that stuff about you guys and those Canmores surfaced, and I knew it was true!"
Goliath bowed. "Thank you, officer Merks." He replied simply.
"No! Thank you…um…what do I call you?"
"My name is Goliath."
The officer smiled happily. "Well, Goliath, it is really great to finally meet one of you. I can't wait to tell my wife! She won't believe me!"
The other officers handling the young thieves were just putting them into a squad car, and were about ready to come and talk to the gargoyle that helped them capture these criminals. Goliath saw this and suddenly became self-conscious of his surroundings and being among other humans, other than Elisa or Xanatos, and urgently felt the need to vacate the premises fast.
"I am sorry, Officer Merks, but I must go. I am expected at a friend's home"
The officer nodded in comprehension.
"Oh, I'm sorry for keeping you. I know you're a busy guy…I mean…" The officer became flustered. Goliath waved his taloned hand.
"Not a problem, Officer Merks. But I must be going. Farewell."
He turned from the police officer and took off on all fours into the park in search of a tall enough tree to pick up a wind current that would take him to Elisa's apartment.
Elisa's apartment…
Elisa was sitting upon her couch, staring blankly at the television, which was showing an infomercial about some new kitchen knives that could cut through aluminium, and then slice through a tomato effortlessly. She wasn't paying attention to the television, though. Her mind was on the restless child within her that was poking her. She rested her hand upon her belly, trying to calm the child, with no luck. She then remembered something she had once heard about music being able to sooth children in the womb. With some effort, she slowly rose from her seat and walked to her stereo.
Looking through her modest collection of CDs, she found one that always relaxed her after a long shift. It was a CD created by her sister, Beth, which included songs from artists like Nat King Cole, Etta James, and Frank Sinatra. She took the CD out of its case and put it in the player. She hit the skip button until she found the one song that always managed to relax her to the point of sleep every time: What a Wonderful World by Louie Armstrong. She took a seat beside the stereo, and pressed Play. As the violins began, she rested her head back against the living chair, closed her eyes and smiled.
The child within instantly began to cease its movements, and Elisa put her hand on her tummy in an effort to relax the child further. It worked. As the eternal voice of Louis Armstrong began singing, Elisa smiled and remembered one of the first times she heard this song. Her own mother had played it one night while a thunderstorm was raging outside her window. To calm her, she put this song on and sang to her young daughter. While she remembered this pleasant memory, the song came to an end (It was only 2 minutes long) and a song by Nat King Cole began. Elisa, however, hadn't noticed. She nearly drifted asleep when she heard the sliding window to the balcony opening. She jolted her head up and saw Goliath stepping into the apartment.
"Did I startle you, Elisa?"
"Don't worry, Big Guy. I was just dozing off." He walked over and planted a loving kiss upon her forehead, draped his wings, and then took a seat on the closest sofa.
"How was your last shift?"
She pointed to the boxes and bags on the kitchen table.
"They gave me a baby shower at work. It was really sweet of them." Goliath looked over at all the boxes and smiled.
"It looks like it was fruitful."
"Yeah, I got things I needed and some things I didn't know that I needed!" He turned his attention back to Elisa.
"And how are you? How is the child tonight?"
She sighed. "Restless until I played some music. I guess this CD will be worn out by the time he or she is a year old. It calmed the baby instantly."
"That is amazing, love." He looked over at the digital clock on the VCR under the television set. He was already late in bringing her to the castle. "I know you are tired, but the clan would love to see you tonight. They are excited to hear of your final shift before going on maternity leave. Will you allow me to take you to the castle?" He asked, praying to the dragon that she would accept.
"Well, I really should be relaxing, but I guess I can relax with you guys in front of the fireplace. Let me change into another shirt. Be back in a minute." She struggled to get up again, and Goliath offered her his taloned hand to balance herself. Once up, she walked towards her bedroom and shut the door. Remembering that Goliath hadn't seen the baby's room, either, she opened a crack of her door, and yelled out, "Goliath, the baby's room is done, if you want to see it…" and shut the door gently again.
Goliath walked over to the room, and switched the light switch on. Looking around quietly, he was filled with a sense of comfort and delight; this room was one of the final confirmations that Elisa was really going to have this child. He could just envision Elisa sitting upon the rocking chair in the corner as she held her son or daughter. He walked over to the crib and noticed the stuffed plush gargoyle. He picked it up and looked at it closely. It was purple, and its wings were small, and high on its back, but it wore a smile and a child-like expression.
"You like that toy, huh?" Elisa said as she approached the opened bedroom door and saw Goliath looking at the child's toy.
He turned around to see Elisa dressed now in a red dress shirt, which was fitted casually over her belly and was not tucked into her pants. She had tied her hair back in a loose ponytail, and wore small hoop earrings. Her glow definitely did not disappear, and Goliath saw that she was magnificent as she stood before him. He swept her up into his arms and laid his lips upon hers in a passionate kiss. He let his tongue, still fairly new at this whole kissing thing, delve into her mouth and interact with hers. After wrestling with her tongue for a few moments, he regained his senses and let her down to the floor.
"Whoa, apparently you do…" She said quietly. He exhaled, smiled, and began to walk out of the room.
"Let us go, before we make use of your sofa and…'make out' instead of leaving for the castle." She giggled at hearing him use the phrase 'make out'.
"Ok, let's go, then." They walked hand in hand to the balcony, she locked the window behind her, and allowed Goliath to pick her up. He stepped onto the ledge, and spread his wings to soar to the castle.
The Eyrie Building…
Goliath and Elisa landed upon the lower level of the castle. It was completely silent within the castle.
"Where is everyone?" Elisa asked. Goliath looked befuddled too. A case of good acting on his part.
"I have no idea. Perhaps they are still on patrol?"
Elisa didn't look convinced.
"It's too late for them to still be on patrol…" She said, walking ahead of Goliath, headed toward the Great Hall, where there were no lights on, no movement, and no noise emanating from within. She walked through the doors of the Great Hall, and was suddenly bombarded with "SURPRISE!" from the clan, David, Fox, Talon, Maggie, Claw, Peter, Diane and Beth Maza. Around them, there were balloons, streamers and a large banner graced one of the walls above a table with a few presents on it.
"Damnit! Tricked twice in one night!" Elisa cursed playfully. Everyone laughed. She turned and faced Goliath. "Even you were in on this, weren't you, Goliath?" She said, mock-angrily.
"Yes, Elisa, I was. Forgive me?" He said sweetly, reaching for her hands. She looked up at Goliath and was about to give him a kiss, when she realised that her family were right beside her. Thinking better of it, Elisa smiled instead at him, and turned to everyone.
"You guys are too much." She said, addressing no one in particular.
"Darling, this is your first child, and our first grandchild. Of course we had to plan something like this for you!" Diane Maza exclaimed, motioning to the decorations and table of presents.
"Yes, Elisa. Besides, these are your friends, your extended family. We had to involve them in it, too…" Her father added.
"So, sis, are you going to open your stuff or what?" Beth said impatiently.
"Oh, right." Elisa replied distractedly. Her mother noticed this, and stepped up to her, took her by the hand, and said, "Give us a minute everyone." She pulled her daughter into the corner of the room, farthest away from everyone.
"Darling," Diane began. "I just wanted to tell you that you don't need to hide your feelings for Goliath from your father or me."
Elisa smiled at her mother.
"Thanks mom. It's that obvious, huh?"
"Um, yes, Elisa. It is that obvious. You care for him. I can see that clearly."
"Actually, mom, I love him. More than anything. I hate trying to hide it"
Her mother took both her hands in her own and beamed.
"I'm happy for you, Elisa. Regardless of what he is, I know who he is, and that's what matters." She hugged her very pregnant daughter. "Now, let's get back to the party? It's in your honour, you know!" Elisa smiled and walked with her mother to rejoin the rest of the people gathered in the Great Hall.
Diane let go of her daughter's hands, and stood by her husband, Peter's side. She grabbed his hand and kissed it, soliciting a strange look from her husband. She whispered something softly into his ear. Peter Maza smiled at this information, and kissed his wife's cheek, then put an arm around her. Elisa walked up to Goliath and reached for his hand. He smiled, though puzzled at her new found confidence to display affection before her parents. She quietly returned the smile and rubbed his hand.
"Well, let's see what you guys got for my baby!" Elisa exclaimed, walking hand in hand with Goliath towards the table.
She opened the gifts as she did with her first shower, showing them off as she opened them, and thanking the gift-giver. Her parents had purchased a baby carrier, similar to the one Matt had gotten for Elisa. This one, however, was only for newborns, so the other one she had received wasn't completely obsolete, much to her happiness. Derek, Maggie and the other mutates had combined their money together and purchased a set of newborn diapers and a collection of storybooks. The clan didn't have money, nor did they want to ask Xanatos for anything out of pride, so Angela had come up with the idea of offering to baby-sit the baby whenever Elisa needed to relax, any night, any time, forever. Elisa was quite amused by this idea, and was grateful to them for it. When she was presumably finished unwrapping all the gifts, she turned to the group.
"Thank you for everything, guys. I appreciate it all." She said, resting her hand on her stomach. She could feel the baby moving around slightly. David Xanatos' hand rose.
"Detective, there is one more gift. One from myself and one from Fox. Isn't that right, my dear?" He asked, turning to his wife, who was holding two envelopes. She rose from her seat, grinning pleasantly, and handed both envelopes to a surprised Elisa.
"Yes, Elisa. The pink one is from me, and the blue one is from David."
Elisa looked down at the envelopes in her hand. Although she certainly didn't trust them completely, it was a sweet gesture to give her a gift. She mentally decided to open the pink envelope first. It was a certificate for a registered Education Savings Bond.
"What the—"
"Elisa, every month, we are putting away $1,000 for your child's education. By the time he or she is 18, this money should be sufficient to cover four years at Harvard or any Ivy League school he or she wants."
Elisa's jaw dropped open, as did nearly every other jaw in the room.
"Fox, I can't accept this. That is too much. Please…"
"Nonsense, Elisa. Please accept it." Fox pleaded with sincere eyes. Elisa saw this, and, feeling defeated, nodded her acceptance of the extravagant gift from Fox. Instantly, Fox smiled and hugged Elisa.
Xanatos cleared his throat. "And now, Detective, you must open mine."
"This better not be a key to the city or something, Xanatos."
He smiled. "No, detective. It definitely is not. Open it, please."
She hesitantly opened the blue envelope. In it, there was a single piece of paper, on which was written , "One wish from the Puck." She looked up at Xanatos, dumbfounded.
"What does this mean, Xanatos?"
Before he could reply, Owen stood in the doorway to the Great Hall, holding young Alexander Xanatos in his arms.
"Owen, can you explain our gift to Detective Maza?"
"Certainly, sir." Owen turned to Elisa as he handed Alex to his mother. He then readjusted his glasses upon his bony nose and continued. "Detective Maza, it is exactly as it states."
"But I thought that you couldn't perform magic anymore?" Lexington chimed in, breaking the silence of the clan. Just then, Owen disappeared and in his place, the fey, Puck remained, hovering off of the floor by three feet.
"There are work-arounds for every spell, even those set by Oberon himself, silly!" Pucks melodious voice echoed through the room as he hovered over to Elisa.
"I will grant you a wish whenever you like, as long as that little tyke is with me, and I make it so that the magic comes through him as if I were teaching him the spell. No questions asked." Puck got to his feet and extended his hand out to Elisa. She scrunched up her eyebrows.
"We have to shake on it to make it official." Elisa glanced over at the clan, who were still somewhat awestruck by the gift. Still trying to decide whether or not to accept this strange gift, Elisa glanced at Goliath again. He gave her a look which said, 'do what you feel is right'. She bit her lip before shaking Puck's hand. Puck suddenly vanished in a cloud of smoke and Owen stood there again. He straightened his suit, tilted his head slightly, and walked over to Fox to take Alex out of her arms.
"Now that business is finished here, I will return young Alexander to his crib. Good night everyone. Detective." With that, Owen walked out of the Great Hall carrying Alex in his arms. Elisa turned her attention back to Xanatos.
"Xanatos, what can I say but thank you?"
He shook his head. "Detective, this is just another act of contrition on my part. I have wronged you in many ways, but hopefully, I can slowly begin to gain your forgiveness and regain your trust."
She sighed.
"Thanks, Xanatos. I know you're trying." She then turned to face everyone else around her. "Thank you again to all of you. My baby is one lucky kid to have all of you in his or her life…" She turned back to Xanatos. "…even you, Xanatos." He laughed. She inhaled, taking in a mixture of smells with the air she breathed.
"Mmm…what did you cook, Broadway?" Elisa asked, feeling suddenly famished.
"Some of your favourites, Elisa. Let's eat?" Broadway asked optimistically.
"Yea, let's get something to eat." Elisa said, nodding and rising from her seat next to the table of gifts. The group of mutates, Derek, Maggie, the Mazas and the Xanatoses followed Broadway and the rest of the clan into the kitchen to eat.
