Papa pays for the meal. The waitress returns with a plate of complimentary lemon drops. They are rubbery and chewy, but not like gum. More like very soft taffy. It's not just lemony, but juicy and minty at the finish.

Afterwards, instead of taking another cab, Papa has the brilliant idea to take the train, which Russet despises, to the ferry, which Russet does not mind, to our home, which Russet adores. It's only the middle of the day, so I unpack my things while Russet spends quality time with Papa. I take a nap in my room- my own room. Things are looking up for me.

After my nap, I shower and sit myself in the living room, not far from the piano. I'm in my favorite armchair, huddled, with a book in my lap that I'm not interested in reading. It's for show, really. I'm thinking, and I don't want to be bothered.

It's nice that I know more about those two now. The meal was lovely, the stories were engaging, and I learned new things today about the magickal world. But… Hearing about their families, only makes me think about mine. What… Am I going to do?

No. Not what… When.

I'm not going to visit them this summer. I won't. And I don't want to come back ten years later to reconcile either. I don't… I don't think I want to reconcile with them this time. I don't think I ever want to see them again. I… I don't even miss them. I bury my face in my hands. I'm such an awful person. I surround myself with magick and nobles and fairy-tale creatures, and then all of a sudden I don't miss my family anymore. How could I be so heartless?

The laughter of Russet and Papa in the kitchen disturbs my train of thought. Hearing them laugh so heartily, so effortlessly, it makes me remember. No. They're not my family. I lift my head over the seat to peer at them. The two of them are joking a cackling without a care in the world. They're my real family! We're not even related. One of them isn't even the same species. But they love me. For me. And I love them. I sit back down in my chair. …I have nothing to feel guilty for. Smiling, I retrieve a piece of smooth, crisp paper and begin my letter to the professor. As I begin writing, my smile fades.

"Dear Professor Grabiner,

It's good to be home. We've recently returned from an enchanted restaurant called 'The Compass Crossways' and Papa has promised to take me on more magical outings.

It's funny, Russet and Papa get along as if they've known each other for years. Even now, I can hear them laughing in the kitchen. But, something has been bothering me, so I want to write to you about it. Even though I've been visiting the manor for years, now that I'm actually living here, it feels 'off'. But I think I know why...

Do you remember when I returned from spring break and we had that brief discussion about my family? I told you about what they did to me. I also told you that I was thinking about having their memories adjusted so that they would forget I ever existed.

Well, I can tell you now. I am done thinking. I wish to have myself entirely forgotten. Now, before you say anything to stop me, you should know that I've been putting up with their abuse for as long as I can remember. Ever since I learned that people can have their minds magically wiped, it's been nagging at the back of my mind.

The truth is, I should have mustered up the courage to ask you right then and there. But I didn't, because like every other time they've hurt me I thought up excuses for them, reasons to forgive them, and I once again allowed the cycle of abuse to continue.

Because I'm a coward, sir.

Maybe this is too much personal information, but well, I don't spout my business to everyone. So I want you to take this seriously.

I grew up with nothing. Nothing. So naturally, life was hard. That's reason #1. I excused them for being cruel because they were just as miserable as I was.

Reason #2, I was different. My brother and sister, they're my half-siblings. My very existence brought shame to the family. Not only that, but I was tossed in and out of their lives, so I excused them for not wanting me around because I was practically a stranger.

Reason #3, I was no angel. We were constantly arguing, fighting, and I got in trouble at school all the time, plus I would sneak out and return home late whenever I could. So that didn't make things any easier. And... I could go on forever, but to chalk it all up- whenever things got physically violent, or I was thrown out, or if ever they insulted me, I just kept coming up with more reasons.

But I'm tired professor, it's been nineteen years, and it's only gotten worse. Now I'm a wizard too, another obstacle between us. To be honest, I'm perfectly okay with the idea of never seeing them again.

I'm probably ranting, judging by the end of the sheet of paper getting closer and closer. Anyway, I hope I didn't put a damper on your mood. Have a nice vacation professor, and I can wait until the new school year if you don't want to be bothered.

If you've read this far, then thank you for listening.

-Yours, Lumina"

Well, that settles that. It looks like I'm going to be the first one to send a letter after all. I should tell Papa too. Those people won't be a reoccurring problem for us anymore…

I'm called over to the kitchen. "Missy! Vat's zis about zat professor kissink you on zee cheek?!" Papa fumes.

With a groan, I get up from my chair. "He was merely wishing me a safe trip."

Papa throws his arms up in the air. "Don't play coy vith me, Missy! I am NOT in zee mood for zat!"

Well, I'm in the mood to play coy. "Alright. I'll tell you."

Russet and Papa exchange confused glances. Unsure of why I would surrender so easily. I sit myself on top of the table, Russet firmly planted on Papa's shoulder, imitating Papa, who is standing with his arms crossed. I tilt my head to the side, depicting boredom.

"Explain yourself Missy." Papa demands.

"It's a simple as you see it. He kissed me because he likes me. And I let him… Because I like him."

Papa's eyes flash for a moment. "Vaaaaaat?!"

Russet looks positively repulsed.

I hold up my hands for silence. "Listen to me."

They both do, biting their tongues.

"How old am I?"

"Huh?"

I cross my legs. "I said. How. Old. Am. I?"

Russet answers. "Nineteen…"

I nod. "Yes, I am. And by law, what is the age of consent?"

Papa boils. "Consent?!"

I look away, he shuts up.

"Eighteen." Russet answers again.

"Seventeen in this state." I add, playing with my fingers. "How many times have they tossed me away, or told me to never come back. How long has it been since I've been on my own?"

Papa tries to answer. "Ven… Ven you vere-"

"Fourteen." I say plainly. "Have I ever dated someone before?"

"You're datink him?!" Papa yells.

"Answer the question." I demand.

"N-no." He pouts.

"Have I ever brought a boy home, gone a date, told you I had a crush on someone?"

He stiffens. "No."

"No. You're right. I haven't. Do you know what else I haven't done?"

The two look at each other nervously.

"I've never been asked out. I've never gotten to go on a date or even receive a valentine. And do you know what I have done?"

They shake their heads.

"I've been bullied. I've been shunned, betrayed, and forgotten! I've been stood up, put down and flat-out rejected. But even though it hurt, I didn't let it define me. I'm patient. Because I'm not desperate. I didn't need anybody then, I didn't want anybody then. But I'm ready for that now."

"But Missy! Vhy him?! He dragged you into marriage!" Papa condones.

"He put your life in danger!" Russet adds.

"That was an accident, and not his intentions at all." I retort.

"He's at least ten years your senior!" Papa whines.

"And he's your professor!" Russet mentions.

"But wasn't it you who said that you didn't 'discriminate against love in any form'?" I recite.

Papa pales, Russet slumps in response.

"Do I act out, do I disrespect you?"

"Missy-"

"Have I?!"

He sighs. "No..."

I continue. "Have I ever come home drunk or high?"

He shakes his head. "Never!"

I nod. "Do I have a criminal record? Did I get myself pregnant?"

Papa shudders. "No, of course not."

"Did I flunk out of school?"

He angers. "NO!"

I sit back. "Then why don't you trust my judgement? Haven't I proved myself to you? I am a good daughter, Papa. I deserve this."

"B-but. But. But." Russet stammers.

Papa pleads to me. "But Missy, how do you know you're not blinding grabbink onto zee first relationship you have?!"

Russet jumps. "Just because you're married to him, doesn't mean you have to like him!"

I smile. "I know. Don't you see? That's where you're making assumptions."

They dart their eyes to each other, then back to me.

"I said I like him. Not that I love him."

"Missy-" Papa growls.

"No, Papa. I know what I'm doing. I'm not as naïve as you think I am. And I'm not jumping at the first opportunity either. You need to have more faith in me. I… I've liked him for a while now. Even before the marriage."

Papa leans close to me. "But how do you know zat you're ready to be someone's vife?"

I shake my head. "I don't know. But when did I say I was ready for that?" I exhale loudly. "Papa. Russet. I don't know if we're going to stick it through this marriage. It was an accident, remember? But that isn't going to change how we feel. Whether the contract remains or not, we're still going to pursue this." I look away. "That doesn't matter. We'll decide on that later. This relationship is young. And to be honest, it still may not work out. I know you don't want to see me get my heart broken. And, I know, I don't want to get my heart broken."

Papa looks to the floor.

"But this is my choice, my chance. I'm going to take the risk. I know in the end, I'll be alright… Because even if it fails… I'll still have you." I answer quietly.

"Ooough. Missy." Papa groans.

"I think she's got us stumped on this one Verwildert." Russet laments.

He clicks his tongue. "Aye, she does. Ven Missy vants sometink, sche goes out and gets it. Sche's as stubborn as I am. And once sche's got her heart set on it, zere's no stoppink her." He chuckles. "Not even I, have zee pover to stop zat. And…"

I raise an eyebrow.

"I suppose it's fair." He admits. "Sche's been a goot girl. All her life. Sche is my child, but sche is also an adult."

I look at him gratefully.

"You're right Missy. You do deserve zis. But I vant you to be careful."

I run up to hug him.

"And please. Don't grow up… Too fast." He squeezes me tighter. Finally, a smile dresses his face. Russet nods and smiles faintly. He twirls me around. "Oooh! I just don't vant to have to schare my girl!"

Russet and I laugh. Thank goodness that's over.

"Hmm." I glance at the clock. "I think I'd better start preparing dinner. How do- potato pancakes sound? With syrup and apples."

Their eyes widen.

"Oooh!"

"Oh yes, yes!"

Yep. They'll forget everything if you feed them. And the both of them love potatoes? This is going to be too easy.

Papa leaves to wash up for dinner while Russet watches me work in the kitchen. I hum while I work.

Russet sniffs the air. "Smells good. What's the seasoning?"

All the pancakes need to do are cook in the frying pan. Let's get these apples sliced. "I'm making the pancakes from scratch using my own mashed potatoes, salt, sugar, egg, flour, and they'll be cooked in butter."

"Ah." Russet approves.

I sear the apples in butter and cinnamon. "Technically, we're having breakfast for dinner, but Papa's absolute favorite things to eat are any kind of sausage, with bread or potatoes. Depending on the meat, he'll top it with sauerkraut and mustard. And of course, it must be served with beer or coffee. He'll have nothing less."

"You know him like the back of your hand. Don't you?"

I do! "Just like how I knew he would be willing to compromise not having meat tonight."

"What is brat-wurst?" Russet asks me, rummaging through the refrigerator.

"Hey! Snooping is rude you know!"

"Verwildert told me to make myself at home. I will go through your food stores as often as I like! Now what is this because it smells heavenly."

"It's a sausage. That's nürnberger rostbratwurst your holding. They're smaller than typical bratwurst sausages, which is just what I need when I'm skewering them and roasting them in the oven. It's flavored with marjoram, caraway, and is a mixture of minced beef and pork."

Russet licks es lips. "Sounds delicious." Then e makes a perplexed face. "Wait a minute. Aren't you a vegetarian? How do you know how to cook meat?"

"I wasn't raised as one. I grew up on meat, just like everyone else. But I stopped eating it when I began cooking for myself. I don't know. I just couldn't eat it anymore. I don't have a deep, spiritual reason for being vegetarian if that's what you're asking." I shudder, remembering the ham sandwich I struggled with on a field trip to the petting zoo.

"You're just a big softie on the inside aren't you?" Russet teases.

I shrug off es comment and flip the pancakes.

"But don't you miss it? Eating meat? Even I eat meat. And I can talk to animals."

Oh yeah, e can. How can e stomach that? "Eh. Sometimes. You don't think my mouth waters whenever a steak passes by? It's NATURAL for humans to eat meat. We're OMNIVORES. That's why I still eat eggs, and I do enjoy other animal products. I just… Try to avoid the flesh."

Russet pouts. "But plants are living things as well. And they die when we consume them."

I wag my finger at em. "Yes, but the plants I eat are not sentient. There's nothing wrong with the way you or I eat. Plants and unfertilized eggs do not scream and cry out in agony. So stop fighting me on this."

Russet mutters. "If you kill them quickly enough, none of that happens."

"Russet!" I exasperate.

E squeaks. "What? I'm just justifying my cause! You wouldn't be so skinny if you had some meat in your system."

I groan. "Here, you nosy little thing." I hand em a raw sausage. Russet snatches it and gobbles it down. Like a little rat. "Russet, get the jam and syrup from the cabinet would you?"

Dinner is devoured heartily. Russet compliments me on my cooking skills and Papa offers up the idea to cook potatoes with every meal. I think it's a bad idea, because there's only so much I can do with potatoes. But he wins Russet over when he offers em a chance to sample all the different sausages.

Great, now I'm going to be eating the same thing for weeks.