It was a bitter November morning in Wisconsin. Snow was already falling, and most people didn't appreciate it. However, some individuals adore the snow—particularly youngsters. However, none of the three women sitting at their favorite table at Brook's Brew appreciated it.
Mag Masters and Nayda Ivanova's children hadn't fully outgrown it yet. For the most part, they didn't enjoy themselves as much when they were very young children. But they didn't dislike it like their parents. After all, they didn't pay the heating bill. Nor did they have to take care of a car or drive in it yet.
Magdalene and Vlad prohibited letting their eldest, Jazz, drive this winter. She only got a car a few months back. Moreover, they didn't trust her yet to drive in this weather. Once she had a few more months under her belt, one of them was in the car with her. Then they might let her drive in it. Yet right now, it was too soon.
Not that Mag's son Danny could ever escape it. He had a cold core, after all. This could create ice and snow. Her daughters and husband each had various core types as well. Mag herself possessed a scarce core type. Her core allowed her to influence light, again a rarity among ghosts.
However, that wasn't here or there. Instead, Mag, her best friend Leta, and Mag's sister-in-law Nayda had gathered for a unique coffee date. For once, none cared to converse about the issues in the world. Instead, today, they intended to chitchat regarding their interests.
So first up was talking about Nayda's favorite show, "Downton Abbey" "It's frankly astounding how they've kept it historically accurate. With a few slip-ups here and there," Nayda began after sipping her large coffee.
"Well, they do have an outstanding cast. Who wouldn't love Maggie Smith playing Violet Crawly?" giggled Mag as she blew on a spoonful of oatmeal before ingesting it.
"The fact they filmed on location? The historic castle they utilized has constantly astounded me," Leta interjected eagerly. She almost knocked her oatmeal off the table as she was so giddy.
"You've always loved history. You love it almost as much as mythology," Mag concurred, to which her confidante blushed.
She quickly mopped up her mess before replying. "Yes, studying both is so stimulating for one's mind. It helps you honestly grow intellectually," Leta answered enthusiastically.
"I never cared for how Edith acted in the first season—deliberately demolishing Mary's reputation. Plus, calling her a slut, out of spite. Just because she's disappointed that she's got no love life. Honestly a shame. Of course, Mary did pay her back in the final season by exposing Edith's illegitimate child," Nayda added.
She had a bittersweet expression. Her companions also had somewhat bittersweet faces. So they all sipped their steaming coffee before continuing the conversation."It's a shame those two never got along. They're continuously at each other throats, and without Sybil?
Well, the peacemaker between them had died. I find it cruel that one of the parents perished every time a grandchild was born—first Sybil, then Matthew. But, of course, Michael never even knew Edith was pregnant. So, consequently, he passed without even knowing he had fathered a child. Such a shame, frankly," Mag remarked sadly.
"Well, not all siblings have a great relationship. Also, unfortunately, not everyone is fortunate when it comes to love," Leta pointed out. The others nodded in like-mindedness. Then, they paused to have some of their apple and cranberry oatmeal before resuming.
"Correct, Leta. It also didn't help Edith continuously fall in love with the wrong person. Nor in the earlier seasons did she dress attractively. Her attire was so unflattering. So no wonder no one was keen on her," Nayda commented gloomily.
"Of course, Edith broke the biggest rule of the time by having an illegitimate child. Sybil may have married down. However, she was at least married when her daughter was born," Mag quickly interjected. She knew times had changed, but some still frowned upon such behavior.
She sighed before adding, "I understand many individuals today have children without marriage. However, I still firmly believe you must be responsible before having children. Most of all, use protection, so there aren't undesirable children."
"The downstairs is quite intriguing with the frequently changing staff. The Bates never seemed to catch a break. Poor Thomas is forced to be a jackass because he's gay. I don't appreciate that some believe being true to yourself is a sin. I'm a biracial Jewish lesbian!
Yet, my parents accept me for who I am! I wouldn't say I liked that only a short time ago. Individuals like me could be arrested for breathing," Leta responded angrily. She practically busted her spoon from her outrage.
Nayda immediately attempted to soothe her friend, "Please calm down, Leta! Yes, people can still be morons. However, you don't need to direct your fury on the wrong people!"
Leta took a few deep breaths. "Okay, I'm calm now. It still pisses me off, nonetheless. No wonder Thomas attempted to kill himself in the sixth season."
"Well, at least Baxter detected the warning signs. However, Daisy was never good at reading any signs. I understand she was immature. I only wished it hadn't taken her so long to lose her naivety," Mag expressed while sipping her coffee.
"Yes, poor girl. If Mrs. Patmore wasn't making her miserable, then its her absence of a love life. I'm so delighted Violet was able to help her at the end of season two. To recognize there are multiple forms of love.
While she wasn't romantically in love with William, she still loved him in other ways. So, therefore, granting his dying wish was a noble and loving act in the end," Nayda got a bit teary as she said that.
"My favorite scene is the fire scene in season five. How quickly Robert takes charge, and other then Jimmy getting sacked? Everything worked out beautifully." Mag grinned as she said that. She'd repeatedly watched the clip of that scene on Youtube.
"I hope you don't mind me changing the subject. However, I wondered if you girls have read some of the Disney Twisted Tales I recommended. One is never too old for Disney," Leta giggled merrily. All the ladies chuckled before they started gossiping about the novels.
"Well, I'm still reading the most recent one, "Almost there." It's nice the author personally knows about New Orleans. Or addresses the racism of the time, which the film took liberties with," Nayda commented as she nibbled on her blueberry bagel.
"I've to agree with countless others. These books should've been the actual movies. They are far better then whatever the films came up with originally. For instance, in "Go the Distance?" We get a better understanding of Meg's perspective. After we're given her backstory. Plus, see, she and Herc went on more then one date," Mag replied happily.
"Also, in "Conceal Don't Feel," it ultimately made sense why Elsa and Anna would've been separated. Since the sole basis for it in the movie was that the damn troll didn't clarify what he meant to the king and queen," Leta pointed out the novel's logic.
"True enough, Leta. However, I don't care for Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Alice in Wonderland, or Peter Pan. For one? Neither Aurora nor Snow White did anything significant in their stories. Other then getting kissed by a stranger.
Aurora is not even on screen for more then fifteen minutes! Alice in Wonderland reminds me too much of tripping on narcotics. Likewise, how many ways could you tell the tale of Peter Pan?" Mag questioned, to which they all gave a general nod in agreement.
"Not to mention Peter isn't a good guy, to begin with. For example, he thought it was a game to cut off Hook's hand. And quite frankly, he shows why people need to grow up. Not to mention in the original novel, he isn't as friendly to the Lost Boys," Nayda pointed out.
"Speak of not being nice. Did either of you watch that movie I recommend? "Fireproof?" Mag desired to know. She had an abundance of Christan DVDs at home. So she recommended this one to her friends last week.
"You mean that Christian film concerning marriage? It's decent, Mag. However, I feel there are some serious issues with it," Nayda replied honestly.
"Yes, why is it only the husband who suppose to change? The marriage is failing because of both of them. It's not like the wife goes to get groceries, either. Nor does she do much but nag him constantly," Leta remarked sensibly.
Mag took a long sip of coffee before replying."I'd say the worst is she criticizes him for looking at porn. However, she had an open affair with a married doctor. Not that she knows he's married.
However, that only makes it worse that they're both cheating. I agree it shouldn't just be the husband working to save their marriage. They both need to work on both their ends."
"Yep, and while both can be unintentionally unsympathetic, it's still the reality," Mag's Sil interjected. She was thinking back on her own marital troubles before clarifying her reasoning.
"Marriage, or any relationship, for that matter, takes two to make it work: proper communication, respect, and kindness. Make sure you listen to the other—a little give and take. There are numerous aspects of a relationship. Except it only works if you both work at it," Nayda concluded, to which the others nodded in agreement.
"Well, they wanted people to 'fireproof' their marriage. However, they could've gone about it in a slightly different way. Again having both of them work together to fix their marriage," Mag agreed as she finished her coffee.
"Well, I'm positive we can all chat about it later. But as it is? We've got to get going, or we'll be late for work," Leta pointed to the clock on the far wall.
"Thanks for keeping track of the time, Leta. I hope we can all meet up again soon," Mag said as they hugged before rushing to their cars.
Magdalene- Julie Bowen- Rapunzel's mother
Nayda Tatiana Masters: Voice- Kristen Dunst-
Leta- Zoe Kravitz- Leta Lestrange- Fantastic Beasts