Of Fire and Ice

I don't own anything from W.I.T.C.H but I do own the plot and some small characters.

Chapter 11

After that realization the next few days were a little happier. Mom still looks unhappy but the police officer lets us touch mom more. It's only a few days left until Christmas and I am so excited to go shopping with my dad. However that idea was shot down when I see the shallow look in his eyes. 'Don't look so sad daddy it'll just have to wait.' I notice daddy looking at me with a surprised look in his eyes but it melts into a warm caring look. He sighs and says, "Taranee sweetheart I know you're a little disappointed we can't go on our usual shopping."

I just hug my dad and say, "I'm just happy being with you all."

Peter adds, "Besides we're not going to be ungrateful brats right Taranee?"

I say brightly, "Right bro."

I help out with the chores and that. A paper comes in the mail, dad's eyes show both joy and regret. Peter asks, "What is it dad?"

He heaves a sigh and says, "Tomorrow is the first court hearing."

Mom heaves a very sad sigh and says, "Well judgment day is at hand and my future rests in the hands of the judge and jury."

Peter hugs mom and says, "We'll get through this mom all of us."

I nod and say, "Mommy I'm sure you'll be ok." 'Please don't look sad mommy I won't be sad as much if you don't.'

Mom just grabs me and says, "I'll try to smile a little Taranee. Don't worry sweetie you need to have some fun. Here's an idea why don't you and your brother shoot some hoops both of you be inside for days now. It's warm outside and I need to talk to daddy ok hon."

I nod and go out the door. A small wind blows my slightly messed up hair. My brother shot at the basket and misses. His eyes didn't look at all happy. I ask, "Bro, want to play horse?"

He just shrugs and says, "Whatever you want to play Taranee."

I heave a defeated sigh and say, "Alright if one of us makes a shot we can ask each other any question we want. If we miss then we give the other person the ball."

He blinks and says, "Gee Taranee do you have to get all complicated? I guess we'll do that."

I take the first shot and make it. "Do you think I'm strange bro...?"

He hesitates but answers, "Not strange Taranee special is more like it. I pick on you because I care about you."

'Are you hiding anything from me brother?'

He shakes his head and say, "That's my honest answer scout's honor."

I smile and hand him the ball. He of course makes a swish shot. He asks, "Taranee is something bothering you?"

"You mean besides people just calling me a complete dork and say I am strange?"

My brother nods. I answer, "I'm scared of what will happen to mommy. Also that I feel like I'm getting in your way more these days."

I miss the next shot and hand the ball to my bro. He makes it and asks, "Why do you feel that way?"

I sigh and say, "You've shut yourself in your room and refuse to even say good morning to me. I knew you weren't happy so I tried to stay out of your way but I felt more like an annoying fly."

Peter hugs me and says, "I'm so sorry Taranee I didn't think you'd notice my feelings. I'm stupid for not considering you. I wasn't mad at you, I'm just tired of this whole place and I'm sure you are too."

I nod and we don't shoot anymore. We just sit outside together until mom and dad are done with their "talk." After we're called inside I go to sleep with a worried air around me. I don't know what the future holds but I hope it isn't bad. 'Maybe we'll get a small happy ending.'

Here's my latest chapter Of Fire and Ice. Hope you enjoy it.

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