Hey, my precious readers! I'm back here again! Really sorry it took me ages to write this chapter; I've been really really busy as usual and I have a lot of stories to type and really little time to do that. Anyway, this is mostly a Caleb and Cornelia humorous chapter; it's pretty short and is just an introduction to the main action in L.A. So enjoy!
Chapter 4: The last preparations
Later that evening at Hale Residence
«Oh, goodness, I knew that my little girl would perform on big stage! I knew those vocal classes wouldn't be vain and that your talent would be spotted! » Mrs. Hale exclaimed proudly as she hugged her daughter for the hundredth time that evening.
«Mom, you're exaggerating again! » Cornelia tried to resist hopelessly «That is not as significant as you say; it's just one single play in a rather little suburban theatre. Indeed it is a great luck and a rare chance foe me but it's still not Grande Opera or the Broadway theatre.» She didn't expect that the farewell with her family would turn into such an epic.
«Anyway it is a good start for a big singing career» her father interfered in the conversation «Your mother and I are really proud of you. You're going to play with that guy, your boyfriend, right? »
«Yes, with Caleb» Cornelia said dreamily «he will play Romeo's part»
«That's good, he seems to be a very good guy» Mr. Hale nodded «But Elizabeth, » he turned to his wife «isn't it dangerous to let her go on her own without us for two whole weeks? »
«Yes, I'm also worried about letting her go alone» nervously said Mrs. Hale.
«Oh, come on! » Cornelia put her hands on her hips. «First – I'm already 16, second – I'm not going alone, third – there'll be plenty of adults, forth – my friends and boyfriend are going with me so it's absolutely not dangerous. Are these arguments enough for you? »
Her parents looked at each other a bit nervously – all this sounded sensible, but for every parent his child will always stay a little kid who needs care. It was uneasy to submit that their little Cornelia had already grown up.
«All right, honey. You can't imagine how much we'll miss you! » Mrs. Hale said.
«I'll miss you too, very very much! » Cornelia smiled and hugged both of her parents.
Then she squatted down in front of Lilian, who was also there to farewell.
«I never thought I'd say this, little disaster, but I'll miss you» Cornelia smiled playfully at her little sister.
«I either didn't think that, but I'll miss you too, sis» Lilian replied and the two sisters hugged each other – this didn't happen really often cause they were constantly fighting.
«Promise to take care of Napoleon» Cornelia demanded softly after they released each other.
«OK» Lilian nodded and hugged tighter the little kitten she was holding on her arms.
«But don't dress him in you dolls' clothes! » the earth guardian threatened facetiously.
«I don't guarantee it» grinned Lilian «Anyway, can I come to your performance? » it was the first time she wanted to see her big sister on the stage willingly. Formerly Mr. and Mrs. Hale had to drag Lily to Cornelia's school plays. Actually she liked the Earth guardian acting but didn't want to admit it on principle.
«Sure, I'll be very glad if you come to support me» Cornelia said with a smile.
«Is "Romeo and Juliet" a fairy tale? » Lilian asked lively?
«Well, kind of» the blonde answered «You'll get it when you get older» and she stood up and headed to the stairway to go up to her room.
«I don't need to get older to understand a fairy tale! » Miss Hale junior put her hands on her hips.
«Alright, I'll go to my room to pack my things and you call Mrs. Knickerbocker » Cornelia said swiftly and started to go up the stairs «Oh, please, don't make it a drama here! » she added stopping when she noticed her parent's faces «I'm still staying here for night and we'll have time to say goodbye in the morning. But I mustn't miss the bus. Well, hope to see you at the premiere! »
«We'll definitely come, honey, you can count on us! » Mr. Hale assured.
«I'm sure you will cope with your role magnificently and it will be a success! » Mrs. Hale added delightfully.
«Thanks! » the blonde smiled and continued going up the stairs. But she stopped half-way and said like apropos to her sister, «Oh, and by the way, don't forget to bring your little boyfriend with you, Lil! »
Lilian pouted and crossed her arms in dissatisfaction. «What little boyfriend?! I don't have a boyfriend! » she yelled «What are you talking about?! »
«Doesn't the name Christopher Lair tell you something? » the Earth guardian smiled with slight taunt.
«WHAT?! Chris is not my boyfriend! » the younger sister cried indignantly «He's silly and obsessed with ninjas! I'm not in love with him! »
«We'll see that! » Cornelia sang playfully and ran up the stairs hastily in case Lilian wanted to chase her. Yeah, they still had the same relations!
«I've always known my Cornelia will one day become a star! » Mrs. Hale sighed dramatically again when Cornelia's door closed behind her.
«Oh that Cornelia! » Lilian stamped her foot in resentment. Then she turned to Napoleon, who was standing on the floor, and commanded: «Come on! » the two of them headed to the kitchen and all the way Lilian muttered:
«Why does she think Chris is my boyfriend? He is not my boyfriend, I don't have a boyfriend at all! That's her who has a suitor and I don't have a boyfriend! And Chris can't be my boyfriend, he's hooked on ninjas! What gave her the idea that he's my boyfriend? » and so on.
That time in Meridian
Despite all worries and doubts Caleb got his dad's permission for taking part in this big Earth musical affair and was now packing his things into not a big brown rucksack. Julian, Blunk and Aldran and Vathek, who had come to say goodbye and wish a successful performance to their friend, were also in the house.
«Thanks once again for letting me go to Earth for that long and take part in the performance» Caleb said to his father while putting his shirts and trousers into the rucksack. «Honestly, I wasn't sure that you would be glad about it»
«Well, there is nothing bad in that opportunity to develop your talent and show it on Earth» Mr. Saleman shrugged his shoulders «I'm glad that it's what you want. Of course, it is your duty of a warrior to protect meridian but now, when there is no danger to our land you can stay on Earth for some time. I sincerely wish you success»
«Our Caleb is now totally an Earth guy» Aldran noticed «Everything started when you took over that freaky Earth jargon on the first day you went there and now you're going to play in an important performance. Congratulations! »
«Thanks, but actually it's not that important as you think, pal» Caleb explained «Yeah, the theatre is situated in Los Angeles but it's still not as grand as Hollywood »
«What is Hollywood? » Aldran opened his eyes wide as he had never heard such a notion before.
The rebel leader recalled the long and complicated explanation about Hollywood and cinematography on the whole that the guardians had given him when he asked them the same question, and decided not to burden his friend.
«You know, » he started after thinking a little «it's something like Royal Theatre here, in Meridian» he eventually said.
«Oh, I see! » Aldran smiled glad that things on Earth were so similar to things in Meridian.
«Caleb, I'm so happy for you! » Vathek, who was usually grin and serious, exclaimed with joy and grabbed his young friend into embrace.
«Vathek, you will strangle me! » Caleb wheezed really choking in the blue giant's strong arms.
«Oh, sorry! » Vathek finally let him go. «I'm just so happy that my pal will become famous on Earth! »
«Again you're exaggerating! » Caleb smiled «I don't know how things like that are done on Earth but I'll try to do my best» he put his rucksack on one shoulder and headed to the door «Well, farewell then» he said to Aldran and Vathek «I'll go now and spend the night at Mrs. Lin's in order not to miss tomorrow's bus. I'll come back soon and tell you how it went! »
Both his friends wished him luck.
Then the young rebel turned to his father. «Dad, will you come to the performance? » he asked hopefully. He feared that his dad would refuse to come since Julian wasn't really fond of appearing on Earth. But his father's words calmed him.
«Of course I will come» Mr. Saleman assured «I'm always eager to support you and I'll always be proud of you, son. Apparently, you're going to play with the Earth guardian? »
«Yeah, with Cornelia! » Caleb smiled widely «We'll sing together! »
«Very well. I'm glad you have relationships, she's a good person, don't lose her » Julian nodded «And now go and have a good time. But don't forget your duty and protect Queen Elyon and the guardians while they are on Earth» he reminded «I wish you luck»
«Thanks, dad! » Caleb smiled «Thanks for everything! »
He went out of the house and ran into Blunk, who had been waiting for him outside.
«Blunk go with Caleb. Blunk want go to theatre! » the little green creature shook a small bad-smelling sack with his belongings in from of Caleb to show he was ready for the journey and smiled from ear to ear in pleasurable anticipation of forthcoming fun.
Caleb sighed heavily. «I'm sorry to disappoint you, Blunk, but you're not going» The happy expression on Blunk's mug was immediately replaced with expression of utter horror. «Look, » Caleb tried to explain patiently «We are going to Los Angeles, it's a big city, there are a lot of people. And creatures like you are not common on Earth; I think people at the theatre won't be delighted with such a sight. I won't be able to hide you somewhere for such a long time and you mustn't be seen there. (Furthermore, if the entire theatre building smelled like you, nobody would ever come there to see the performance) » he added very quietly mostly to himself and concluded the speech. «So, very very sorry, but it's excluded»
Poor Blunk didn't expect such a reply. His chin started to shake, his eyes became wet, he sat on the ground and started to sob trying to hold back streams of tears. Blunk was a smart guy and he knew that near places called "restaurant", "mall" and "cinema" or "theatre" there always were a few very large wonderful trash-bins and the little monster was sure that Caleb's theatre wasn't an exception. He was going to fetch some nice practical Earth things there and speculate them in Meridian as he always did. And now his grand business plans were upset with some stupid prejudices! So unfair!
Caleb knew it was going to be uneasy. «Blunk, don't cry, I promise to tell you everything when I get back» he tried to comfort his pal «And I'll bring you something nice from Los Angeles» the guy added when he got Blunk's contraband intentions.
This had an effect. A detailed story about all the events and especially a new nice thing from Earth, which would definitely have much success among Meridian people and guaranteed profit, was enough for Blunk's full happiness. He immediately forgot about his intention to cry.
«Blunk very glad! » the green monster clapped his hands with glee.
«All right» Caleb sighed with relief «I'm going now and don't try to follow me» he adjusted his rucksack and went ahead.
«Bye-bye, Caleb! » Blunk cried joyfully after hi and picked up his sack. He was pleased with the outcome of the drama and anyway intended to find a portal to Earth and make his friend an unexpected visit in the middle of the week. Caleb would definitely be happy!
And while Blunk was thinking about his future profit, Caleb was going along streets of Meridian in search of a nearest portal. All the people he happened to meet in his way wished him a nice trip and success in the performance. Half-kingdom knew that news since Caleb had became a famous figure in his homeland and practically a national hero since he and the guardians defeated Phobos.
When he was passing by a small household equipment store, where a plump woman and her young daughter were trading, the mother said to the girl:
«Henrietta, I think you should pay attention to that Caleb, Julian's son. Handsome, intelligent, one of the best warriors in entire Meridian –a real hero! – moreover, with an acting talent! I suppose he'll become a prefect husband in a few years' time»
Yeah, Caleb was in demand after the victory of the rebels. Henrietta looked at her mother and waved her hand, «Oh, mother, everybody knows he's in love with the Earth guardian and that's serious between them. » As a young medieval lady Henrietta was always in the know of all of the events «So stop trying to arrange a match for me with him! » she added strictly. Then Henrietta took a big frying pan from the counter and looked in it like in a mirror «Hmm, and by what's that blonde better than me? » she said to herself adjusting her hairdo.
Nobody knows how long would the two women discuss the hot rebel, but an old man, the woman's husband and Henrietta's father, looked out of the window of a nearby house and cried with dissatisfaction, «Women, gossiping again! Get to work! » the girl and her mother sighed and when the man disappeared in the window again, went on with their trade in a more serious way.
As for Caleb himself he didn't really care about being one of the most demanded eligible young men in Meridian. He was just happy he could spend those two weeks with his fair Earth guardian. After having defeated Phobos he became a vassal and protector of Queen Elyon and because of that started to spend less time on Earth. Cornelia missed him and often complained that he didn't spend enough time with her, so this opportunity seemed to come up specially in order to bring them together. Furthermore, Queen Elyon was also spending the vacation on Earth, so Caleb didn't have to tear between Cornelia and his duty. Everything seemed to be perfect. Two whole weeks of constantly being with his blonde angel, singing with her and expressing their feelings on stage sounded great and Caleb couldn't wait for the next morning. So he stepped into a portal full of sweet anticipation and excitement…
So, this one turned out to be shorter than most of my chaps but I'll try to divide long chapters in parts so that I can update more often. I've decided to make some kind of introduction chapters before the main magical action takes place. Such moments are pretty trivial and don't play a really significant part in the storyline but I hope you enjoy them. So, I promise to update my other story "Love is forever" next, cause it really takes me ages to finish it! And now click the little nice button at the bottom of the screen and leave a good positive review for me! I really wanna know your opinion! Thanks all of you in advance and kisses!))