Dragged you out into the streets before you buckled at your knees and said (Buckled at your knees)
"What's it feel like to be a ghost?"
(Louder now, louder now)
"What's it feel like to be a ghost?"
Are you up for, are you up for this?
(Well, are you up for, are you up for..)
Are you up for, are you up for this?
(Well, are you up for, are you up for..)- Taking Back Sunday ..What it Feels like to be a Ghost
Guess what guys? I am really happy with all these new reviewers from the last chapter.. so I made this chapter the longest I ever written... But where did all my usual reviewers go? Hmm... I miss you guys where ever you are..
Responses to the almighty cool reviewers:
Stormrider7- thanks for the advice.. yah I changed it now in the story... yeah things are about to get really really sticky.. lol.. so hold on to your keyboard...
Leapfroggy- why thank you leap frog.. lol.. I hope you read oN!
nyyankeegal- your lil penname is too cool for words... I love the yankees! thanks for the review and I'm glad you like it!
Whisperwings-well I'm soooooo glad you like it.. yeah summer vacation can be a killer sometimes.. lol.. oh your too kind.. I loved your mushy review.. and thanks.. lol...
DreamlndxFantasy- ahh yes the metaphors.. because I have mad skills.. haha not really... don't worry she is most deff. a bitch (meaning Heather).. thanks for the review... ttyl toooooooo
Misled Nymph- Gosha.. Zulch? huh? lol.. your review confusered me.. hahaha... yeah I went over grammar extra good this time (haha).. thanks for the review!
Corlath- sweet.. I love new reviewers.. and I enjoyed your review.. so el gracias to the max.. I hope to hear from you in the mere future..lol... thanks so much
SwiftShadow- yeah I hate the rain too.. oh well.. it's nice today at least.. lol.. thanks for the awesome review.. you rock!
Erytha- a gold digger.. hahahaha.. your funny.. lol... no she'll just be a biatch (excuse my french)... no I already have my spy... but it shall not be her... but you will see.. if you continue reading (and reviewing too.. haha..jk).. thanks for the review hun...
Emeraldi- thanks! yeah heather is going to be evil.. so just warning ya... so read... and like it even more
Rough Landing Holly- yeah my computer spazzes constantly.. don't worry about it kid.. lol.. thanks for the review...
MaryM- well I hope you like it... I can't wait to hear from you again.. el gracias!
okay guys a quick.. A/N.. thanks to Stormrider7 (applause)... she has brought to my attention that Chuck is not Jzets step brother but! her half brother.. thank you so much for correcting that error... (more applause)... so read on now...
A sharp knock on the door, drew Page Jzeliette of Queenscove, reluctantly, out of her slumber.
She groaned and sat up. It was the morning she was dreading, the morning that Chuck's mother, Lady Heather of Blythdin, was arriving at Queenscove to bring Chuck back to her fief.
"You can come in." She shouted, while getting up and stretching.
It was her maid, Clarissa. Who was looking very much disheveled at the moment. Her long blonde hair, which was usually kept in a tight bun, was loose and hanging. She had a bundle of things in one of her arms, while another held a bucket of hot, steaming water for her bath.
"Uh, 'Rissa," Jzet said using her maids nickname. "Do you need any help?"
"Yes, please Lady Jzeliette that would be greatly appreciated." said Clarissa hurriedly, while trying to keep the bucket from spilling.
After she took the bucket of water and poured it into her bath, she went back into her room to see why Clarissa was all tousled.
Her maid was laying out a green summer dress on her bed to Jzet's disgust. But, she knew it was coming. Her father wanted to show Lady Heather that his daughter just wasn't some wild, tomboy, that she was also a civilized lady. A corset lay beside the dress, making Jzet gag.
"'Rissa you look like you just jumped of the Balor's Needle." said Jzet as soon as Clarissa was done. "What happened?"
"Oh, milady," Clarissa cried. "I am so sorry for my appearance. I was in a rush and I hadn't gotten any sleep last night because I was preparing for the ladies visit. Please don't send me away. It will never happen again."
Jzet laughed.
"Relax 'Rissa." said Jzet. "I'm not going to send you away. I was just concerned about you."
"Do I really look that terrible?" the maid asked.
Jzet took a mirror off her desk.
"See for yourself." said Jzet handing her maid the mirror.
Clarissa's brown eyes widened.
"Oh Mithros, I do look like I just jumped of Balor's Needle." cried Clarissa. "Forgive me lady, it will never happen again."
"It's fine 'Rissa." said Jzet trying to reassure her maid. "I understand."
She watched Clarissa, who was very flustered, tie her hair back into its usual tight bun.
"Better?" her maid asked.
Jzet smiled.
"Of course," She said.
"Thank you milady, you are to kind." said Clarissa.
"Now, I'm going to take a bath." said Jzet. "Could you please tell my father I will not be at breakfast this morning? I need to take care of some business."
"Yes milady," She said curtseying.
"And 'Rissa," Jzet called out to her maid.
"Yes milady," said Clarissa.
"Could you bring breakfast up to my room for me?" Jzet requested.
"Of course Lady Jzeliette," said her maid. "What would you like?"
"Oatmeal with sugar on top is good and a glass of milk." said Jzet.
"Okay milady, I'll get that done." said Clarissa curtsying again.
"Thank you 'Rissa," said Jzet smiling and then went to take her bath.
She soaked in her tub for a while. She was thinking about the events of the last few days. Chuck had isolated himself from the whole household. He had spent the last two days either in town or on the roof of the stables. He also wouldn't attend any of the meals with the family. Instead, he got food from the cooks after Jzet and her father had left to do their days activities.
Her father was worried about her half brother, but Jzet knew he just needed some time alone to think things over. She also knew Chuck needed to come up with an argument towards his own mother, so she would let him become a healer for the military.
Finally, her fingers started to prune and the water was becoming cold. So, she decided to get out of the tub and change into her dress.
Clarissa was waiting outside for her.
"Milady, I got the oatmeal. Just like you requested, sugar on top and a glass of milk." said her maid.
"Thanks 'Rissa," She began to dig into her meal, not wanting to spoil her dress by getting oatmeal on it.
While Jzet ate, she decided to read the letters she received last night from Cole and Jonathan, who were at the palace still, looking for knight masters.
She ripped open the envelope for the first one which was from Cole and began to read it.
Dearest Cousin Jzeliette,
How is Queenscove? Is Uncle Meathead treating you well there? The palace has been quiet. The news of our troops remains the same. They are still all stationed along all of our borders. King Roald does not want to attack directly. He still wants to play a defensive battle. But, as you know, since Carthak's last attack two years ago, they have still not attacked us.
Guess what? I have a knight master. Yeah, I know you're surprised. I was too. Lord Raoul decided to keep his squires in my family line and chose me. Aren't I so lucky? I get to leave in two days for the city of Port Cayann. The third company is stationed their right now and I get to quote, unquote "Help out." I know "Help out." will turn into total slave labor that is probably comparable to the Rattler making us do punishment work. So don't expect too many letters from me while I'm there because I will certainly be busy.
Write often dear cousin because without your letters I will be a mere walking ghost. Your wise words always enrich me and trust me I need your enrichment with a bunch of loony's like the third company. Have a great summer and please write back soon.
Sincerely your favorite cousin,
Cole
Jzet smirked at the letter. His letter had cheered up Jzet so much she almost forgot about Chuck's mother coming in an hour, well almost.
She couldn't wait to tell her father that Cole had a knight master. And it was Lord Raoul none the less! She was happy for her cousin, but slightly jealous. She wished she could defend the borders with the third company. It sounded so much more interesting than being stuck at the palace. She sometimes thought, that palace life was almost too tame for her.
She then ripped open the envelope to Jonathan's letter, anxious to see what news that he brought through his letter. She knew the prince wouldn't go through the nonsense Cole usually did, which made her even more eager to read it.
Dear Jzet,
How are you? I am fine for the most part. Life here at the palace has been so boring without you and the other pages. Well Kearney is here, but he is quite annoying. But, you already knew that.
I have a knight master. I was one of the first new squires that got asked (no surprise there with the royalty thing). My knight master is Sir Owen of Jeslaw. He is a good man, but reminds me of Kearney, which kind of makes me regret accepting him in the first place. We are going to go to Fort Zhail on the Tortall- Tusaine border in two weeks. I am very excited, but also very nervous. Excited, because I am finally free of court and all that royalty business, but nervous because of the fact that I might fight in a war. I ponder on the fact that I might kill a man. I have never killed anyone before and the idea horrifies me.
I hope you are having a good time on your vacation at Queenscove. As I said before I miss you terribly. There is no one here to tease Cole with me. Cole is leaving too with his knight master (Lord Raoul) to protect Port Cayann, but you probably already know that. I will write as often as I can. I wish you luck in your training because I don't know when I will see you again. Write back quickly. Goddess bless.
Your Friend,
Jonathan
Jzet reread the letter again and then once more. He missed her terribly? She thought. I wonder what that means.
"Lady Jzeliette, it's time to get ready." Clarissa said tapping Jzet on the shoulder.
Jzet perked up at her words.
"Sorry 'Rissa. I was reading a letter." She explained.
"No need to apologize." Her maid reassured her. "But Lady Heather is supposed to arrive in twenty minutes."
"Twenty minutes," Jzet repeated. "Oh crap,"
Clarissa tied Jzet's corset to her body, nearly suffocating her. Next, she helped Jzet slip on her dress and then sat her down in a chair and began to do her hair.
"Oh Mithros, I forgot to do your face paint!" Clarissa exclaimed, after putting the finishing touches on her hair.
Jzet winced. She wished Clarissa would have forgotten about those cursed face paints. But she didn't, so Jzet sat back down in the chair.
As soon as Clarissa put on the last touch of lip paint, she let Jzet go down to the front yard to great Chuck's mother.
It was a hot, but windy day. Jzet soon discovered this as soon as she stepped outside. The wind played with her hair and dress, while the sun beat down on her.
She looked around to see Chuck leaning up against an apple tree, looking uninterested that his mother was coming in only a mere few minutes. He wore a forest green tunic with gold trim and a pair of brown breeches. He looked very uncomfortable, fanning himself with his hand. His facial expression was blank and he simply just glanced at Jzet, when she came into the front yard.
Suddenly, the doors behind her flew open and her father stood there with the head servant, Harold Bonn.
"Good morning, Jzet," her father said.
She could tell he was tense from just looking at him. He was deffinently nervous about Chuck's mother visiting. He had only stood outside for a second and beads of sweat had formed on his forehead.
"Hi father," said Jzet. "You look worried."
"Me, worried?" her father said chuckling nervously. "No, I am perfectly fine."
"Than why are you shaking?" Jzet asked.
"Enough questions Jzeliette." Her father said hurriedly. "Chuck come over here and stand by your sister."
"No, I refuse to go near you until you agree with me." He snapped and then looked away from both of them.
"I will not look like a fool in front of your mother." her father said. "Come over here now," He ordered and then added, ", please."
"Fine, but I'm not enjoying myself." Chuck announced.
We already knew that. Jzet thought, smirking to herself.
"Why can't you just agree with me?" Chuck asked. "You know I'm right."
"Chuck I am not arguing with you right now." Her father said sternly. "We'll talk about this with your mother, later." He added.
"Fine," He groaned, like a four year old.
They sat on a bench in the front yard for what seemed like hours, before Jzet heard something that sounded like carriage wheels and horses hooves. She perked up and saw a carriage being pulled by four grey speckled horses, pull into the front yard.
Jzet moaned as she got up and smoothed out her dress. Well here goes nothing. She thought bitterly, trying to put on her best fake smile ever.
The carriage stopped in front of them and a footman came forward and opened the door.
A woman tall and thin with flaming red curly hair stepped out of the carriage. Her light blue eyes scanned the area until they landed on Jzet, her father, and Chuck.
"Chuck honey, give your mommy a hug!" cried Heather. Chuck looked like he was going to be sick, but reluctantly came forward and gave his mother a hug.
Jzet felt sorry for her half brother. She now knew what he was talking about in her father's office. Chuck's mother did treat him like a baby.
Her father kissed Chuck's mother hand, politely.
"Lady Heather, how are you?" He asked.
"Very well now, Lord Nealan," said Heather. "I have my beloved son back with me and I am very happy to see he is safe."
"I am glad." Her father replied stiffly.
Jzet smirked. She knew her father hated when people called him Nealan.
"And who is this young lady?" Heather asked.
Jzet flinched. She was dreading this moment.
"This is my daughter, Jzeliette." said her father.
Jzet fell into a curtsy before the woman.
"A pleasure to meet you, milady." said Jzet formally.
"Believe me Page Jzeliette, the pleasure is most deffinently mine." said Chuck's mother. She looked over Jzet with cold blue eyes and sneered. "You look just like your mother."
Jzet knew it wasn't a compliment.
How does she know what my mother looked like? Jzet thought.
"Well, thank you Lady Heather," said Jzet politely.
Jzet glanced over at Chuck who was staring at the ground. He looked furious. But Jzet did not know why.
"Here, let's come inside and get you settled in." said her father, leading Chuck's mother inside.
Jzet hung back to walk with Chuck.
"What's wrong?" Jzet asked her half brother. "You look upset."
"Yeah, well I am." snapped Chuck. "Good observation,"
"Why?"
"Don't you see she still treats me like a child, despite me being fifteen?" Chuck said, almost shouting. "She acts like I'm four."
"I know." said Jzet. "I saw her little love fest when she came out of the carriage."
"I thought running away would change her opinion of me." said Chuck bitterly. "I thought she would see I am not her little baby anymore and that I am soon graduating from the University."
As they rounded the corner to the sitting room he stopped before going inside.
"But she still sees me as she did ten years ago." He whispered. "Her inferior, that can't think or make decisions for himself."
Jzet watched helplessly, as her half brother rounded the corner, looking very downtrodden.
She knew what she must do for him. And she knew she wasn't going to like it.
The day passed quickly. Jzet's father gave Heather a tour of the castle and town, which took all afternoon. Jzet did not know why, because she had lived there for over ten years.
Dinner had passed with Chuck still not uttering a word to his mother. Jzet could not stand to see her half brother this way.
As soon as dinner was over, they were settled in the sitting room to have tea. An awkward silence fell over them.
Finally, Jzet could not stand it anymore and decided to speak.
"Milady," She said addressing Heather.
"Yes?" Heather responded coldly.
"I want to talk to you about your treatment towards your son." said Jzet looking Chuck's mother square in the eye. "I think Chuck deserves to be happy." She added looking at her half brother, who was now wide eyed.
"Now Jzet..." Her father began.
"If none of you are going to speak up I am." Jzet cut in. "I've had enough of these fights and bad moods." She glanced over at her father and half brother. Both of them remained silent, but watched her intently.
"You're not even apart of this family." Heather spat.
"You call this a family?" Jzet retorted.
She knew she shouldn't have lost her temper, but it was too late to turn back now.
Heather's blue eyes filled with fury.
"It was until you came." she said icily. "Why couldn't you have just died like your damn mother?"
Jzet rose from her seat, irate.
"You dare to insult my mother?" Jzet asked, furious. "When, she would be a better mother towards your son, than you would ever be. Why do you think he ran away from home? Can you answer that?"
Heather glanced over at Chuck, who was staring at the floor.
"Chuck this is your chance to tell your side of the story." Jzet said urging on her half brother. "If you want to be independent, you need to make a stand, right now."
For a few seconds, silence fell over them.
"You're right Jzet." said Chuck.
"You two are friends?" Heather shouted. "I thought you two would hate each other. Chuck honey, this bitch destroyed our family."
Silence fell over them for a second, before Jzet's father spoke.
"Heather, I won't have you insulting my daughter like that." her father said sharply. This surprised Jzet because he hadn't said anything the whole time. "And I am not happy about you insulting my wife either." Heather looked surprised too, because her mouth hung open. "I loved her more than, I have ever loved you."
Jzet grinned. Go father! She thought.
"Now Nealan," Heather said coolly, ", we don't want to argue in front of the children."
"I am not a child anymore, mom." said Chuck hotly. "I'm almost sixteen for Mithros' sake!"
"Chuck, you're still my little baby." cooed Heather.
Chuck got up from his seat, filled with anger.
"I'm going to help in the war if you like it or not." He shouted. "And Dad said I could too. In fact, I bet he's proud of me for it too."
Heather abruptly got out of her seat and slapped her father across the face.
Jzet's hand went to her dagger sheath, to find it wasn't there.
This is why I hate dresses. She thought resentfully.
"How dare you put such poisonous ideas in my son's head?" She screamed.
"He's my son too." said her father, putting his left hand on the side of his face. His voice was like ice on a cold winter's day. "I think he should be aloud to make his own decisions."
"I hate war!" She shouted. "And I for one am not letting my son participate in it."
"Who's going to stop him?" Jzet asked. "You couldn't stop him from running away from home. What makes you think you can stop from becoming a healer in the war?"
"I never asked your opinion, little bitch." snarled Heather.
"My daughter is right, Heather." snapped her father. "You can't stop Chuck. He's almost a grown man. It's time you let him go into the world."
"I don't have to stand for this foul treatment!" Heather shouted. "My son and I am leaving."
She turned to leave and saw Chuck did not follow.
"Come on Chuck, sweetie, let's go home." said Heather.
Chuck said nothing and stayed where he was.
"Chuck we're leaving." snapped Heather. "Come and get your stuff with me."
"I'm not leaving here." said Chuck. "These people understand me better than you ever will. I refuse to live with you anymore and that's my own adult decision."
Jzet grinned. She felt happy that her half brother was making a stand.
Heather's face turned bright red.
"I knew you two would poison him!" She screamed. "It's all your fault!" She said to Jzet and then lashed out at her with a fist. Jzet, letting her training take control, quickly ducked.
She went to take another swipe at Jzet, when there suddenly was a dagger at her neck.
It was Chuck.
"Leave her alone." he said coldly. "You will not touch her."
"You're pulling a weapon on your own mother?" Heather asked her son softly. "I did not raise you to be like this."
"I'm sure your own parents did not raise you to fight either." Chuck retorted. "Now go and leave us all be."
Chuck slowly, took away the dagger away from his mother's neck.
Tears streamed down Heather's face, as she dashed out of the room. She let out a scream and a door slammed shut behind her. Then, there was no sound to be heard at all.
"Like, wow," Jzet said still shocked. "Did that just happen?"
"Uh, I think so." said Chuck. He turned to Neal. "Does this mean we're in trouble?"
"No," her father said, still bitter from before. "No, not at all, in fact, I am proud of you both." They both grinned. "Especially, you Chuck," He added. "Not that many people can stand up to people they love, like that."
"I don't love her." He mumbled.
"You might not, right now, but one day and I hope she forgives you and us." he said. He pulled Chuck into a hug.
"I hope you're right Dad." he said softly.
"Well, off to bed you two." Their father said. "It's been a long day," He yawned, ", for all of us."
"Thanks so much for helping me out back there." Jzet said to her half brother, as soon as they were upstairs.
"No problem," he said. "I should be the one thanking you, though. Without you, I couldn't have ever stood up to my mother like that."
"So I guess we're even than?" Jzet asked, grinning.
"Yep, even," He said grinning too.
"Excellent," she said. "Good night Chuck,"
"Good night Jzet," he replied, before closing his bedroom door behind him.
oh Heather got burned.. by her own son.. ouchicles... do I sense some Jzet/Jonathan? hmm I don't know.. you'll just have to read on.. I hope you guys liked this chapter... it took me forever!
Love your demented authoress,
Caiti
P.S. To all you soccer fans out there... Can you believe Brazil lost to France? How pathetic! and i thought Brazil was going to win the whole thing.. I think the final will be Portugal vs. Germany... anyone else think differently? Let me know peeps... and I am now officially rooting for Portugal! So go Portugesse! A/N I am not even portugesse.. in fact I am german.. Irish.. Italian.. and British.. amazing