POV Narrator:
Laura was having nightmares after collapsing into a huge frustration for feeling helpless that she would never be able to see her wife and daughter again after the curse was cast on her, this same nightmare would still take a long time for her to fully wake up and touch reality to try something. At the Cavendish family home things were still the same, Bernadette had no idea that her wife was going after the cure at the moment, she only had an idea that it was a matter of time before she would be in the arms of McLaren again, especially since she knew of her victory in winning the double quadruple crown. Things in those years in Scotland were not the most optimistic in the world, even more so because even after Bernadette survived the sudden illness put on her by Daryl, she ended up being called crazy, by people in her work, by people around some of the meetings that Daryl arranged, that even though she was bedridden, Even though she was bedridden, men still showed up wanting Bernadette and Daryl made a point of calling suitor after suitor, she still wanted to go on with the whole thing, she was already extremely frustrated that her sister had survived and, on top of that, past the time limit she was supposed to die, which was already very strange, Some visitors even thought she was really sick during this time, but she said she really was, but it was just the curse Daryl had put on her and she said it was just her sister's coolness that she wasn't even having anything, that it was something psychological, that it was due to the lack of a husband after he abandoned his wife, which didn't make any sense, but for the people around her it did, so much so that they always said the same thing "get your sister a husband", which Bernadette hated, because she was forced to listen to this all the time, and she didn't want to have to submit to this at any time.
Saturday, February 7, 2004, Cavendish Family Residence, Weddinburgh, Scotland
It was a normal day at the Cavendish family residence like any other, Bernadette was waking up in the morning for another day that she was going to take advantage of her time off from work to go out a little with her daughter Diana, but she didn't expect that once again she would have another visitor, a rather unwanted visitor first thing in the morning, but before she went to see who it was and if she had a visitor, she checks her cell phone to see if there was any message from Laura and notices that there was none since the time she said she would see Harriet and Freya at noon the day before which was already creating a much greater concern in the head of Cavendish, because the wife is not one to take long to answer, but probably it was just another ordeal, so she relieved a little and was less worried about the possible situation of Laura McLaren, with this things went on as usual in the residence.
POV Bernadette:
Well, at least I hope Laura is ok, today is a free day, I can take Diana out for a walk and we can have some fun, but I'm still a little afraid, even more of meeting a known person, the way Daryl has already called every man here to try something with me, I don't doubt that some of them will show up here? The problem is also Diana, she is going to be 6 years old and is already much smarter about things in the world, if she knows that I am a lesbian maybe that could break her idea of me that I am waiting for Prince Charming, or that her father is a wonderful person that he is gone and I just want someone like... Ahhhh... It makes me sick just thinking about it, please, just don't, I don't want to know this shit, even with my daughter I'm going through an erasure... Even if she tells the story of the fertility stone, I doubt very much that in a few years she will believe even more that Daryl will start to do a lot in my daughter's head, along with the two girls... They have only gotten worse all these years, what I thought was in complete control and that Laura had taken very good care of them, the two just made sure to forget about them... I forget these things and I go to get ready, I put some clothes and soon I leave the room, going towards my daughter's room and there I open the door a little and I see her playing with a toy broom that was with a toy "Laura" on it, I found so cute my little girl has admiration for my mother.
- Good morning my fast runner - I say to her who smiles at me.
- Good morning mommy, you come play too, look what I can do - she said and started to use a spell on the toy broom causing it to fly around the track, looking at that little doll I was even more delighted, a pity that she was much thinner than the real one.
- How amazing my little girl, you are going to be a very talented witch - I tell her smiling, what a cutie, I think it's amazing how amazed she is by her mother... At least when Laura comes back I am sure she will love to know who her mother is.
- I really want to be just like Shiny Chariot! Laura McLaren's apprentice and become a great runner like her - said Diana who took a Chariot doll... This girl... I miss her so much, I remember well the day I went with Laura to France and we bought the holy water there... Laura taught her magic and later became an important piece for Chariot to become a runner.
- But a great runner has to eat a lot to stay strong, a great runner can't just eat crap, I am sure that my little Diana will be as amazing a runner as Laura and Chariot... So much so that I got us tickets, I bought them in advance... We will be able to see the Scottish Grand Prix and then we will travel and see the great Japanese Grand Prix - I tell her, and then she looks at me all impressed and runs for a hug? What a sweetheart... I just hope that by then... Laura will already be with us, so it will be wonderful for all of us to watch the race together, and the way Laura is, I am sure that she doesn't even need a ticket to go see the race.
- I love you so much mommy! Are we really going to get to see the Shiny Chariot running up close? I can't believe it! You are the most wonderful mother in the world! - she said excitedly as I cuddled her and then we broke away from the hug.
- Now go play for a while, I'm going to have some breakfast and then I'll be back so we can play some more, mommy can take you out somewhere really fun today - I tell her, and she gets a twinkle in her eye just hearing me say I could take her anywhere she wants, so I leave the room.
Seeing Diana makes me more excited for the day, my daughter all excited and happy to see me... She is what makes me escape this loneliness that is being away from Laura... She is who helps me through all this trauma... I don't know what I would do without my daughter... I hope that soon Laura will be back in our arms, she is the only one missing for us to be complete and together... Even after 6 years, I will not give up hope, even if it takes another 10 or 15 years, I would make sure to wait every second longer without forgetting my great love... Laura McLaren... I am walking through the corridors, until I reach the kitchen and from there I come across an unwanted visitor... Paul... What is he doing here... And this little boy... That's the son he made Eleanora... So this is Andrew... I never thought I would see him, but what is he doing here, when I get to the kitchen I soon run into everyone and Daryl looks at me like she is all excited, what has she planned for my side this time... I already know Paul and he knows me well enough to have an idea that I am married to Laura.
- Andrew, you can walk around the house, the conversation here will be between adults... Ask one of the maids to take you to Bernadette's daughter - Paul said letting go of the boy's hand that just obeys and leaves the dining room, where I start to have breakfast just looking at them... I don't know why, but I felt such tension.
POV Diana:
And Laura McLaren wins Chariot Du Nord! The mistress again overpowers the student! Yes, yes, it seems that the Shiny Chariot was not fast enough, I soon get the two little dolls and start playing more and more, flying all over my room while lying on the floor of the room on a pillow, I just watched the brooms flying from one side to the other, but how wonderful, I can't believe I am learning such magic... I can one day be a witch as wonderful as my mother, and regardless of what everyone thinks she's not crazy, she is my mother, she is an amazing person, wonderful, who gave everything to give me love and affection? I was loving playing like that, but soon something stood in front of me, it was a boy appearing, a boy with dark hair and green eyes, I soon stopped using magic and stopped lying down, staying seated while he looked at me deeply, what a shameless boy, I was getting really annoyed, but then I decided to say something so as not to make the mood worse.
- Hey - I say to him, who also answers me with a Hey.
- I am Andrew, my father said I was to come here to see you, what is your name? - He said this Andrew... I don't like his face anymore.
- My name is Diana, and by any chance are you the son of another one of the freaks who wants to take my mother for himself? Then I won't be your friend if you are like that... I don't want to have a brother like that... I really hope my mother refused to stay with your father - I tell him and he gets all confused.
- My father wants nothing to do with your crazy mother, he has told me that since we arrived, your mother is a crazy person who pretends to be sick in order to gain attention from everyone... After all... What is all this... Shiny Chariot... Racing brooms... Toy cars... Video games... Is your mother raising a boy? These are not girl's things, except for dolls, everything else is girl's stuff, you shouldn't be playing with these things or you'll end up... You'll end up liking what you shouldn't as my father said - What does this boy mean? My mom is not crazy and these are very fun toys... It doesn't matter if it's a boy's or a girl's... I didn't like him at all, he just came here to talk bad about my things.
- If you are going to talk bad about my things then get out of here you prick - I say irritated and tapping my feet, until he shrugs his shoulders and leaves the room... I hate this Andrew ... Boring boy... He thinks he's all straight and pompous, full of little rules... You can't have this... He can't do that... It's a boy thing... It's a girl thing... Go to hell... I just want to be able to play in peace ... I don't like who came here anymore... I'm sure the mother will refuse this guy too ... She only cares about daddy and nobody else Even if I think she is still exaggerating when she thinks he will come back... Because I've never seen him... Not even a picture of him... So is it really possible that he left us? Was this all because of me? He didn't want to take care of me... Just like a lot of people's daddies.
POV Bernadette:
I soon finish eating and both of them kept looking at me, so as soon as I finish eating, both of them signal me to go with them to the living room, when I arrive there I sit in an armchair, as well as put tea in some cups and soon we start talking, even more to explain the reason of Paul's so unexpected coming here, which was already strange... He hasn't been here since... Since he came with the DNA test proving that he is not the father of the girls... Since he came to blackmail us about Eleanora... And how she suffered... At least her son is cute... I just hope he's not an idiot like his father... But for the little influence he has I think it's kind of impossible.
- So Bernadette, let's cut to the chase, Paul and I are planning something that will be beneficial to our family in two ways... As you know, he is our second cousin and also your daughter's third cousin... What we are planning is something totally different... As you may have noticed the family's savings are going into a slump... And if things continue this way... we could be close to bankruptcy in 10 years, so I had a great idea... Just as our mother wanted to marry Paul to you, I was thinking of a way for Andrew and Diana to get married when they are older, since this could save the family financially - said Daryl with an incredibly stupid proposal, of all she ever made this was undoubtedly the most clueless and worst of all, but no way? I will not allow this ... Just in case Diana wants a union with the boy, but otherwise ... I don't approve, but no way.
- I will give it to you Cavendish, I have everything to hate you witches, but my son marrying the heiress of an influential witch family is a good way to gain some political advantage later on, maybe I can become Prime Minister with your help? Especially since Bernadette helped me years ago with her friend... So this could be a help in return for the favor Eleanora Maria White did for you... What do you think? It could be very promising and will bear excellent fruit, a union between the Cavendish and the Hanbridges just like Clarie Cavendish had with my mother's cousin... Only this time the bond is closer - Are they really in on it? Do they really want to continue with this kind of absurd proposal? I am clearly against it... Marriage is about love, maturity, trust and not as a form of business, we are not in the 19th century to think about arranged marriage.
- No way, I'm not marrying my daughter for money, that's not something you can determine... Andrew and Diana are just kids! You are crazy! That is not for you to determine who you marry... And another thing... If Daryl wants that money so badly, why don't you marry Paul Hanbridge yourself, instead of pushing my daughter to be afraid of her own life, because of your own selfish desire? It's not enough that you forced me to separate from Laura by means of a curse, and now you want to force my daughter... I repeat... My daughter... She is not yours... She is not someone whose freedom is determined by anyone... She is a free person to decide who she wants to stay for the rest of her life... Or at least to get married... You have no authority whatsoever over the future of this family... not even if I had died from that damn disease I got. You don't have any authority whatsoever to determine what happens here, or even Diana's future - I said with all my conviction, after all she was really insisting strongly in wanting to force my Diana to marry someone she was just getting to know?
- Well, I'm not going to drop my ball... Your daughter will be attractive in the future and she is from a well-known family, even if they are not as rich as before, I will still come here a lot, maybe then my son will have a greater friendship with your daughter... I mean, one way or another they will still get married... Unless you push that lesbian shit on your daughter. Don't even think about doing that Bernadette. Look what happened to you... You went insisting on being a lesbian and now you are out there all alone, your wife is gone, you are a single mother with a crazy, hypochondriac image... Daryl told me that he was pretending to be sick, that it was all psychological. This is all my fault for insisting on liking women while being a... A woman is not made to like women, this is indecent and immoral, you ruined your whole family because of your own selfish desire to take delight in that woman - He said already being an asshole as always until I start to get a little irritated, but the will to act like Laura rises a little and soon I look at him as if I did not feel even a little bothered.
- At least my daughter has the DNA of both her mothers... We have not neglected any kinship with her, you can see it in the documents, Diana is both my daughter and Laura's daughter, I am officially married, if it was really ruining then why were our finances growing since Laura set foot in this house... She was bringing in new times, it is people like you who destroy the family... I won't say anything to Daryl, because she knows very well that is the reason Laura is not here, if you allow me I won't stay here listening to you talk shit anymore - I say getting up and leaving that place. Honestly, I'm too pissed off to put up with these two? Holy lesbian Beatrix.
I just went walking through the halls and I was determined of one thing, I was going to take Diana out, so much that in the middle of the way I come across Paul's son... Little Andrew is so cute, but soon he hides when he notices me, then I slowly approach him, and he was a little scared of my presence, so I stroke the boy's hair and give a smile to him that was afraid, until I crouch down and face him.
- Don't worry boy, I'm not evil... I thought you would be playing with my daughter - I tell him until he gets a little more serious.
- My father said that I should stay away from you, that you are crazy... That I can go crazy if I stay close to you... That everyone here is a crazy witch who only wants to harm me - He said, all scared... Paul ... I already imagined this ... I'm not crazy ... Because they always say that about me ... All this because I was sick ... I think I will try to be more friendly with the boy.
- Hey... Don't be scared, I'm not an evil witch, I'm not crazy... I'm just a caring mother... If I really was I wouldn't do that - I say, making a spell that causes some magic butterflies to appear in front of him, who looks a little impressed, trying to catch them, and then he turns to me.
- Why then does everyone call you that? - he asked.
- Because some people in this house want me to feel bad... People are mean, boy... Some just want to see you feel bad all the time, they only care about you when they have already caused the badness... That is when they even care... I have been wronged in my life... I don't know if a little boy your size would understand... But I just wanted to be here happy with someone... I had one of the things I loved most ripped away from me No matter what you hear from your father about being a real man Follow your heart Andrew... Be an independent boy... like what you want, do what you want, what matters is your happiness - I tell him as I noticed that on the door was a little open, I think it was Diana spying everything... Then he just swallowed his saliva and soon turned around and walked out of there... What a cute little boy, too bad he has the father he does.
After he ran out of there, I walked towards Diana's room, which had the door closed, I knew she had heard a little, so much so that when I entered I only noticed how badly she disguised it, but soon she stopped fooling around and looked me deeply in the eyes like someone who wanted to talk, so much so that I sat down on a toy chair and she on the bed looking at me as if she were all serious and at the same time worried.
- Mom... What is this thing you loved the most that you lost? I thought I was the thing you loved the most? - she said worriedly.
- One person... She is one of my greatest reasons for living... This person is wonderful... Unfortunately she can't come back now... What I wanted most in this world... I love her as much as I love you... - I say while stroking my daughter's hair.
- So it's Daddy? You were talking about Daddy? You never told me much about him... Please tell me about daddy... I always want to know what he's like... if he was a nice person... Because Aunt Daryl always says he was no good and that he abandoned you when I was four months old.
- Your father... Believe it or not... You have seen this person more than once in your life and still continue to see him... But not in person, in other ways... He was an incredible person... What I can say is that it is not at all the way you expect it to be... Because you didn't come from a traditional way... Diana... You are a magical child... I can't explain it yet... But it involves a legend that mommy told when you were younger... This person was the one I lived one of the best moments of my life... Before she appeared my life was empty, without meaning, I had to deal with your grandmother who was very mean, she wanted to boss everything that your aunt and I did... But thanks to that person... When she came into my life everything changed... I promise that one day I will try everything I can for you to see your mother. I can't for the time being... Because we have a curse... A curse that forced us to stay apart until a cure is found... If it weren't for that... I would be here with this person and you would surely be even happier... Just like me - I say to Diana who is all amazed. She soon lay down on the bed and became even more curious to hear stories of the family.
- I want to hear more... Please... Tell me more about daddy... Tell will ... - She said, amazed with the stories, wanting more until I hear a noise at the door and then I see an irritated expression on my daughter's face.
- I don't want to go back... I can stay here listening to you... My father is arguing with the other witch... I want to stay with the good witch - said little Andrew all shy and afraid, until Diana gets a little upset.
- Don't let him come mommy... He called you crazy... He said that all I have are boy things - said my daughter all angry while he soon bows.
- Sorry - he said politely, but what a cute boy, I'll let him come.
- Ah Diana, don't be so mean, the boy apologized. I think he deserves to stay here and hear some stories that I lived with that person... There were many wonderful adventures... Things you wouldn't believe I experienced... Come on boy... We don't bite. - I say to him that soon he is walking slowly and fearfully to the inside while Diana was with an annoyed expression.
Then he comes to me, and sits by my side, already Diana continued lying on the bed, but you could see that she was a little bothered, but she soon conformed a little, after all the presence of the boy was nothing much, he had apologized ... Then I'll start telling them some stories... I was thinking about some moments here, as they are children I have to think well, since Laura is not a person who lives appropriate moments, but I will soon remember, I will tell about this day, when she showed me the video game for the first time.
- Okay, today you will discover that videogames are for everyone, people my age, people your age, boys, girls, babies, old people, for everyone, it's everyone who has a little fun, forget this thing that says that videogames are only for boys, and that you should sink only in books, because we learn many things playing videogames ... This here is a story that happened to me when I was meeting this person, I was on a normal weekend, when I wanted to escape a little from my friends who were always doing the wrong thing, I didn't want to stay there... So that's when I went into this person's room and she introduced me to this thing called a video game... - I keep telling them about it until the little boy named Andrew raises his hand interrupting my speech a little.
- So does that mean that everyone can? My dad said that playing video games doesn't make you a real man that it's just nerdy loser stuff... That I would never make him proud... - He says a little bit down until I answer him.
- My mother used to say the same thing, that it was a failure, but I knew that one of my best friends makes money with video games... And a lot of money, it is not something for a loser, playing video games is an experience, a passion... It is something that opens doors... It makes you escape a little bit from the sad reality that we live sometimes... Look Andrew, you can be sure that it is one of the most fun things in the world... Well where was I again? - I answer the boy who soon opens a smile for me ... But how cute ... He is a good boy... He just has his education a little distorted by the way his father treats him.
- You went to play video games with Daddy - Diana said. I hope that one day I can tell her it was with Laura... For now I will let her think it is a "father", but in reality it is the other mother... Then I will tell them again...
Minutes later...
- ... So that's how I spent one night sleeping with that wonderful person, she gave me pajamas and since I couldn't be late then I had to sleep in that room, but luckily she gave me some clothes ... It was one of the coolest days I ever had... Because I had never played videogames in my life, it was a moment that I will never forget... - I told them that they were impressed, but soon I noticed that Paul was at the door waiting for us to finish with the story.
- There you are Andrew, come on, we're going to the house now, say goodbye to the Cavendish girls - he says in such a rude tone that the boy quickly obeys and gets up.
- Goodbye... I really enjoyed coming here... Thank you for the story Miss Bernadette - He said waving to me as I answered with the biggest smile on my face... Who knew I changed my impression for a child.
- You still have time to change your decision Bernadette Cavendish, I will still be back here next month, Daryl and I talked some more and she wants at all costs for this union to be done, at least get a husband, I don't want it to take that long, after all I don't want my family to be with a bunch of poor broke people, if you don't do anything with the family tax issue you know that your chances of an agreement only decrease - He said, as if I would call and how good that the chances have decreased, it can decrease more and more, I still have all the money set aside in case something happens, I am just waiting for Laura to come back.
- Don't talk to Aunt Bernadette like that, she's a nice person - said the boy defending me.
- Quiet Andrew, you are defending a crazy woman, if you continue like this I will ground you - He said pulling his son by the arm as if it were an object... But that's horrible ... He doesn't deserve this... Poor guy.
After that I just saw him leaving, clearly showing a slight annoyance, but at least I feel a little happy... I managed to do a little bit of my part, I was able to act in a nice way with him and put in the boy's head that he has to be himself, not caring what others say... This is already wonderful, at least this way I did my part... Well, at least he knows that I am not crazy... And it seems that Diana has also gotten used to him.
- And then Diana... This boy is not that bad - I tell her.
- Yes... But his father wants nothing to do with you... I didn't like him... He seems mean - She said until I start laughing.
- This boy is your cousin, there's no reason for me to want anything to do with his father... He already tried before you were born You were promised to this guy... But well... I didn't like him or a man... I just wanted to live a romance with a girl... I mean... Nothing - I think I said too much... I might end up giving the game away.
- Oh, it's okay mom, if dad is a mommy I don't care, what matters to me... is that you are happy... And I thought he was a little picky at first, but he's just a little scared... He seems like a nice boy, my cousin - she said smiling... So whew... Less bad that at least me being a lesbian she doesn't care much, well at least now that she is a child.
- Do you want to hear the adventure of the fertility stone then? I can tell you how me and your... your father... We raised her - I tell her who smiles at me.
- I want to, and if it's a girl I'll like hearing it even more... I already decided that I want to have a mommy, so I will have two mommies... Since I'm afraid that if it's a daddy, he'll be as mean as Andrew's father - she said, which made me smile... I can tell then being a girl ... This way it's easier, I just won't mention Laura's name.
POV Narrator:
Diana and Bernadette then stay together talking in the bedroom, with the elder Cavendish telling about the moments when she was collecting the fertility stone relics next to her beloved, about how they traveled a lot and tasted true love, being that the mother never mentioned Laura's name, only saying "she" or "this person", since any slip could cause her daughter to find out. The first day that Paul shows up with his son already thinking about an arranged marriage had everything to be bad, but it was not one of the worst.
Easy come, easy go...
