I think we've all dealt with loss in our lives, but anyway, enjoy this chapter of Olivia, Andrew, Clover, and Hiram, and my other OCs.
Chapter 6: Coping with Love
Every day, Hiram took Clover, Andrew, and Olivia to their mother's grave. "I'm doing my best to take care of your children," Hiram said sadly.
"And I'm trying my best to take care of my younger siblings like you did us," Clover said with tears in her eyes.
Although Andrew and Olivia were brave, they were sad they no longer had a mother. Olivia set a bouquet of flowers on her mother's grave. "Here's some flowers, Mommy," she said tearfully.
"And I thank you and Father for letting me into your lives," Andrew added emotionally, "You've been a great mother."
When the family finished talking to Bridget Flaversham, they departed.
…
The next day at Clover's school, some people her age were gossiping about her just because she promised herself she wouldn't date another boy who could mistreat her like her ex-boyfriend did. In study hall, a couple of girls were talking behind Clover's back and Clover did her best to ignore the gossip, but Eve had good ears and glared at the gossipers. Eve usually did her best to keep her temper in check, but when someone pushed her or those she loves, her temper became short. Fed up with bad remarks about her friend, she finally said, "Enough!"
The gossipers stopped.
"Clover's been through a lot lately," Eve told them off sternly, "She's been through a break-up with her ex-boyfriend and is afraid she'll be hurt again by the next one she meets. Now, things got worse when her ex had lackeys who avenged him after his death. She killed him in self-defense. Clover wouldn't lie about these things. As a revenge, they killed her mother, which meant she'd be a mother-figure Andrew and Olivia could look up to. If anything happened to either of my parents, I'd look after my little brother. Do you have any siblings?"
"Yes," the gossipers replied.
"Then I suggest you be careful about what you say around others," Eve said and got off her desk to sit by Clover.
"Thank you, Eve," Clover said.
"I couldn't just let them keep talking about you behind your back," said Eve.
"You are so brave."
"You're not odd, you're special."
"You're not odd, either because you're special, too."
…
When Clover came home from school, Hiram was dusting his store. At the sight of his eldest daughter, he stopped what he was doing. "Hello, Clover."
"Hello, Father."
"How was school?"
Just as he asked this, Andrew and Olivia came in the house.
"Papa, do you think I'm... odd?" Clover asked her father.
Hiram's eyes widened in disbelief of what his older daughter said. "My daughter odd? Where did you get an idea like that?"
"I don't know," Clover replied, "It's just that, well, people talk."
"They talk about me, too," Hiram said, knowing he was also a target for gossip and heard how he should've been in jail for murdering his wife, which he never did. He began to sing.
No, we're not odd, its true;
No fam'ly could be saner.
Except one uncle who...well, maybe let that pass.
In all you say or do,
You couldn't make it plainer.
You are your mother's daughter; therefore, you are class.
Clover sang her part.
So, I should just accept
I'm simply not like them?
Hiram nodded.
They are the common herd
And you could take my word.
You are unique: creme de la creme!
Clover smiled and her father continued:
No matter what you do,
I'm on your side,
And if my point of view
Is somewhat misty-eyed.
There's nothing clearer in my life
Than what I wish and feel for you,
And that's a lot...
No matter what.
Andrew and Olivia listened to her father and sister sing. Clover proceeded singing.
No matter what they say,
You make me proud.
I love the funny way
You stand out from the crowd!
Hiram Flaversham:
It's my intention my invention;
Shows the world out there one day
Just what we've got...
Clover:
No matter what.
Hiram Flaversham:
Now some may say all fathers just exaggerate.
Clover:
That ev'ry daughter's great?
Hiram:
You are!
Clover giggled; glad her father was praising her.
And ev'ry daughter tends to say her father's tops.
Hiram winked at her.
She pulls out all the stops
To praise him.
Together in harmony, Hiram and his daughter sang:
And quite rightly!
Hiram sighed as he and Clover sat down as he proceeded:
No matter what the pain,
We've come this far.
I pray that you remain
Exactly as you are;
This really is a case of father knowing best.
Clover put her hand on her father's hand.
And daughter too!
Hiram cupped his hands to his daughter's.
You're never strange.
Clover blushed and grinned.
Don't ever change.
Wrapping each other in a hug, father and daughter sang the last part in unison.
You're all I've got,
No matter what.
When the song ended, Hiram motioned Andrew and Olivia to come over. "Andrew. Olivia. Be yourselves, no matter what," Hiram encouraged and winked at his youngest son and daughter.
"We love you the way you are and you're not odd," Clover added, "We have each other and that's what counts."
Andrew and Olivia went over to hug their older sister and their father.
AN: This is probably the last chapter of this prequel, but not to worry, a sequel is in the works, Siblings Unite. This is where Olivia and her older siblings Andrew and Clover meet Basil to seek help when their father is abducted.