It was three days away from Thanksgiving. Inside the castle-like home of Vlad Masters, the servants were running around like chickens with their heads cut off even though Vlad and his wife wanted a traditional family meal.
Their attendants were firm. They couldn't let them do all the work themselves. However, Vlad and Mag knew they were partially correct. Since due to the family's hybrid nature? Their meals always incorporated nourishment for both halves.
It's why they'd both a human and ghost culinarian working in their kitchen. Fortunately, none of the human staff realized that half of their colleagues were ghosts. One of the most crucial laws in the Ghost Zone was having mastered the trick of passing for humans.
You can't venture into the Human World unless you've mastered human disguise. Thankfully the supernatural attendants had long since learned the trick. So had their children's companions.
At the moment, Mag was in the enormous and homey lounge. Her husband's mother and sister had joined her for some coffee. Since Thanksgiving was only a few days away, they were already staying in the castle.
The children were currently locked in the game room. Due to Vladco owning a few gaming corporations, the children beta-tested new video games before they hit the stores. So all five children were having a party testing out various games.
"I'm relieved our children have found something to occupy their time. Nevertheless, I'm already exhausted." Mag confided with her in-laws. She passed out their favorite coffees before settling on one of the multicolor sofas.
"Being a parent is continuously exhausting. But, truthfully, so is being a grandmother. Yet, I'm already exhausted from the book battle," Anastasia replied as she slowly sipped her coffee. She was nestled on the loveseat next to the enormous fireplace. She kept glancing happily at the family photos on the mantelpiece.
Her daughter smiled as she set her cup on the decorative coffee table. "I agree with you, Mom. The books are only being banned because they're subjects that bring attention to prominent issues. Issues those banning the books don't care to acknowledge.
Why else would people ban books about racism, the LGBTQ, or sexual assault? Those people banning the books believe if they get rid of the books, then these issues will magically go away," Nayda pointed out.
The recent book ban throughout the state had become a very serious topic for the whole household. Vladco and countless teachers at the university protested the banning of several books. It had caused quite an uproar for the past few months. No doubt more hell would be raised in the coming months if the local schools and libraries didn't reverse it.
Or they received more irate letters and petitions from several furious individuals. So the school system, as well as the governor, really should think twice before banning any more books.
"Thankfully, Ghostwriter's library has every book ever written. Nothing gets outlawed there. But yeah, I agree with both of you. It's long since past time for the world to wake up to the truth! That life is not some damn fairy tale with a happy ending. We should be addressing these issues and educating people about them! Not barring books that advocate for the victims of the world's injustice," Mag agreed firmly.
"Just how big is this Ghostwriter's library?" her mother-in-law questioned. She knew the university had an impressive library. However, she often wondered about how massive the library was in the other world.
Mag sipped her coffee before collecting herself, "Well, let's say its bigger on the inside then the outside. But, still, due to his capabilities being based on literature? Ghostwriter's library will literally have all books written. He even has a section where books aren't available here on Earth yet. Since they still have to be written. So again, anything you want to read will always be found at his home."
"Well, at least one location won't shy away from the truth. I can't stand lying of any kind! There is no such thing as a 'white' lie. A lie is always a lie. But, moreover, it will always be wrong!" Nayda snarled angrily.
She took a long swing of her coffee before continuing. "I've always taught my children to be honest. Not to sugarcoat or anything. I want them to be completely honest. So I won't stand for any fudging of the truth."
Her sister-in-law nodded before replying, "Vlad and I also firmly believe in honesty, Nayda. The truth may hurt sometimes. But it will only hurt ten times more if you fib about it to any degree. You're right. A lie will always be a lie," the devote hybrid agreed.
"Besides, my daughters. Lying in any shape or form will not make the issue go away. You've to be direct if you want to get anything accomplished. I don't tolerate my own students making excuses or fibbing," Anastasia concurred. She, too, didn't stand for dishonesty, not after what her ex-husband's lies had done to their family.
"Truthfully, Anastasia? I've been listening lately to AITA stories. I don't like the only reason some listen is to declare it fake. Or to bully other people. I much rather say you're a jerk then an asshole," Mag began as she passed a plate of cookies around.
After everyone had three cookies, she continued, "It'd be less vulgar and not as nasty. Also, I don't like how they damn some individuals. Not every story is clear-cut. You've to try and see all sides.
Honestly, it would be better to give helpful suggestions. Not outright bullying others. Again, calling someone, an a-hole won't do anything but make them feel ten times worse. And less likely to address their difficulties.
Simply saying you're a jerk, followed by constructive criticism, is a much better approach. That's not lying but being well-mannered. Also, again you're dismissing things as being bogus? How dare anyone say something of that nature is phony! Just because they've not happened to you?
It goes back to banning those books and declaring them fake or invalidating someone! Instead of accepting the reality of our cruel world. That world reality can be quite shitty. It's not right to put down others simply because you've not experienced it yourself," Mag declared in fiery passion.
"Yep, I get livid when people disregard others simply because they think its fake. Periodically I wonder if it's a good idea even to have that platform if people are looking to declare something fake," Anastasia replied to her enchanting daughter-in-law.
"Well, both of you have a valid point. However, we all agree on being honest. Plus, giving constructive criticism. That bullying is wrong, and so is utilizing offensive language." Nayda summed up.
"Let's not have this ruin our family's Thanksgiving. We want to discuss more favorable subjects over our family meal. Plus, ensuring everyone has an equal amount of time to talk. Moreover, gets to talk about what they'd like to bring to the table. I do hope we don't have any altercations. Yet, we've done our best to raise our families right," Mag conceded.
The middle-aged Russian woman smiled. She finished her coffee, setting it back on the table. "I'm sure we'll have a delightful Thanksgiving, Magdalene. First, I feel like a hot bubble bath to wash away my anger. How about you two?" Anastasia inquired hopefully.
Her elder child seemed keen on the idea, "I believe Mom has the right idea. How about we soak away our troubles for now?" Nayda looked at her sister-in-law.
"I could use a bath. Plus, all the bedrooms have quite impressive bathrooms. So let's soak our troubles away. At least, until our husbands return from work." With that, the three women headed upstairs for a nice soak.
Magdalene- Julie Bowen- Rapunzel's mother
Nayda Tatiana Masters: Voice- Kristen Dunst-
Anastasia Alexandra Masters: Voice- Meg Ryan