Like Totally the End

Right now in her large bedroom in the lavishing penthouse apartment they lived in was Aleena. It was a few weeks after their weekend trip to Iceland and it had been a lot of fun. Seeing her 'aunts' had been fun enough, plus just seeing the rugged beauty in addition to majestic scenery had been even greater fun. But just spending time with her mom was what made Aleena the most happy.

Any alone time with her super cool mom made her very euphoric. Not everyone could say not only was their mom one of the biggest fashion designer sensations in decades, but then again how many girls can also say their mom was a super international spy as well? Her mom had been honest about it from the start once she was old enough to understand it that is. The stories she had beguiled her with were astonishing, too say the least. Much better stories to tell then mundane oldies fairytales, that much was obvious. It made her feel very special without a doubt. Although she knew her powers also made her special as well. Yet she didn't believe that what was made her truly unique and really one-of-kind. In her mind it was her mom that made everything in her life special and important.

She still thought of her mom as her only true parent. Not that madman whom her mom had told her about. When she'd been younger like any child she'd wanted to know about who her daddy was. This was the only subject her mother had been extremely reluctant to speak about. The first time she'd remember asking her mom who her father was when she was about four. Aleena gazed her bright blue eyes out her window and looked up at the rising sun as she recalled that particular moment from her early childhood.

It had been a crystal clear night outside, nevertheless that evening Aleena had had a horrific nightmare. There had been a lot of screaming and evil to it. Not that she could recall all the details, except for one thing in particular. It was just as the dream ended and she'd woken up was when she recalled the most frightening detail about this nightmare. That as it was ending there was this shadowy man with evil eyes looking at her with such evil it scared her to death. Then this demon had grabbed her in the dream and that what made her wake up screaming.

Her mom, Clover, had come rushing into her bedroom. It wasn't the bedroom she was in now. For at this time her mom was getting closer to her graduation from Malibu University, which at the time of this memory was only two and half months away. Aleena had spent the first four years of her life living in her mom and aunts penthouse on the school campus. Her mom had gotten special permission to allow her to stay in the penthouse, and not be forced to move into a different lodging situation. Aleena had spent much of her time in a nearby daycare/preschool during those years, when her mom was in class or on a spy mission for Woohp. Nevertheless her mom still had made time for her, and was always home at night to tuck her into bed, then would tell her the story of her adventures that day.

But as she recalled her horrible nightmare she realized she had yet again used her powers without meaning too. Her mom and Dr. G had told her many times, she needed to control her emotions best she could when in public, as it seemed the more intense the emotions, the more powerful her powers were. It wasn't unusual for her to wake up to a winter wonderland after having a happy dream. But a nightmare? It wasn't pretty at all to put it mildly.

Her mom came in and realized quickly what had happened. She gave her some chocolate milk to calm her down, then asked her what she'd been dreaming about. When she'd finished telling her mom about the nightmare it looked as if her mom was now reliving it too. It had suddenly occurred to her that this might not be a nightmare but a memory. And this might have to do with her father. So she had asked what had always seemed like a forbidden question. She asked about her father and her mom had finally relented when she realized she couldn't keep the truth about her origins a secret any longer.

When Aleena learned just how she came into this world it was shocking enough. Then to learn what her father had planned for her to do in this frozen dead world he wanted and what he'd done to her mom was seemingly unforgivable. Even as a small child she'd understood why her mom hadn't answered the question before. Still when all was said and done Aleena now knew that she didn't have a father at all. Her mom was her one and only parent and that would be enough for her.

Pulling herself back to reality Aleena brushed a frozen tear off her face. It was almost like a diamond. Yet it wasn't a true one. She gazed once more at the beautiful rising sun and smiled. Then she turned and looked at her bedroom which was fit for a princess. Yet didn't' care if her mom made a lot of money. Money meant nothing to her in that way. It was all of her mother hard work and love that had gotten her to live in this beautiful home and that she was grateful for.

"Aleena?" called out her mom's voice from the hallway.

"In here, Mom. Watch your step. Some of last night ice hasn't melted yet. I did need to practice some, you know."

Clover entered the room and waved her right hand which made her icy blue fingernails glow. Almost at once did the ice on the carpet melted away and everything was back to normal. "I know you love to practice any chance you get for your dream, honey. Still, sweetheart, I'd love it more of if you be content enough just to practice at the ice rink, like everyone else. It's not easy to clean up this penthouse every day with both of our powers. I know its good practice all the same it does getting a bit tiring after a while."

Aleena hung her head apologetically and spoke, "I'm sorry, Mom. I know you've told me this all before a million times. Yet if we don't practice each day how are we to get better at controlling it? It takes a lot of self-control already when things at school get too hard or I see some injustice going on."

"I know, Aleena, I know. There were so many times before I got these powers that I just want to do something totally nasty to Mandy. The bitch was just so full of herself and just downright a revolting individual."

"Well, everyone got one of those people somewhere in their lives. Perhaps I'll meet one today myself."

"That's why I came to see you. School starts in a few hours, and I was wondering if you needed help picking out an outfit for your first day of Jr. High. This is one step closer to becoming a real woman you know. Not that you're not a beautiful lady already," she added thoughtfully.

"I thought I became a woman when I got my period for the first time when we're in Iceland. You know just after we got out of that hot spring, and I went to take a nap to deal with what I thought was a stomachache, yet it turned to be cramps. And by seven-o-clock that evening we found out that I was a woman now."

Clover was just laughing in an amusing manner. She was surprised her daughter would bring this fact up right now. Yet she didn't feel uncomfortable like most people would be discussing about a period. It was still all new to her daughter and she was willing to keep helping understand the changes her body was going through.

"Don't worry too much about that right now, Aleena. Do you have something special picked out already or do you need me to help you pick out an outfit?"

"Well, I'm getting old enough, Mom, that I shouldn't need help putting together an outfit for the first day of school, like I did in grade school. I know that something special we've done every year before. But I want to do this by myself for the first time, seeing how I am become a woman if slowly. So if you give me about half an hour I'll be ready."

Clover looked a bit sad and disappointed. Though at the same time she accepted what her daughter was saying and nodded. "I understand, Aleena. You're growing up and even if I don't like it, I've got to learn to accept it. Though do you still at least want me to drive you to school? Or do you want to take the bus or something?"

"You can still take me to school, Mom. I may be growing up and can start taking the bus on my own. However, I want you to take me to school one final time before I start going on my own. If that's okay?"

"It's just fine, Aleena, just fine. Now hurry and get dressed. I know you at least packed everything you'll need for Jr. High on your own last night. I'll leave you some of my makeup so you can make yourself as pretty as possible. Just be ready in forty-five minutes, okay?"

"Alright, Mom! Thanks!"

Clover went to the kitchen and starting talking on her cellphone to Lucy about what was to be expected for today schedule and if the interviews for new employees had been set up properly. Clover was also trying to have a breakfast shake made from healthy fruits and veggies at the same time. While Clover was still more of a vegetarian then her daughter, she'd at least had had no trouble getting her daughter to eat healthy foods. She never once cried when she was a toddler about having to eat broccoli or carrots or anything of the sort. Her daughter did however eat meat though, which even though Clover herself didn't eat it, she didn't get mad about it either.

"Okay, Lucy, I need you to make sure my meeting with the new models been reschedule for two hours earlier this afternoon. I know its last minute, Lucy, yet it's unavoidable. I've got to be home by six tonight. My daughter has very important ceremony tonight at eight and I've to get her ready for it. No, I can't tell you what it is! I'll only say it's a very important day today. Aleena is starting her first day in Jr. High today, and then tonight she's got her special ceremony for what I can tell you is something that is very important to both of us. So just make sure everything is done so I can leave on time to get home and get her ready for this ceremony, okay?"

"Mom? I'm ready!"

Looking up she saw her daughter was amazed by the outfit she'd put together. She was dressed in a royal blue sleeveless top which showed of her midriff. Her miniskirt was magenta with a gold studded belt hanging on it. Her shoes were low ankle strapped matching magenta heels. Her makeup was flawless and her gold earring and her gold chocker with the "A" hanging from it really completed the outfit.

"You're super stylish, Aleena. Very stylish and chic!"

Laughing she tossed back her shimmering golden hair and said, "As you've said before, Mom, I got more than your good looks! I got your fashion sense too. Now let's get going! I'm eager to start my first day in the seventh grade!"

"See you later, Lucy. I need to take my daughter to her first day of Jr. High. See you in the offices in a few hours, okay?" and hung the phone.

Though they could've taken the limo, Clover did have a car of her own, which she only drove for special occasions sure as this. It was a fuchsia colored Mercedes. In a little while they arrived at the Beverly Hills Jr. High campus. It reminded her of the high school some, yet still different at the same time. At least in two years Aleena would be attending her Alta Mater, and maybe she too would go to Malibu University for college. Though those would be choices that Aleena would have to make for herself.

"You ready for this, Sweetheart? You'll be the youngest in your class you know. You up for this and for what's going to happen tonight? Aunt Sam and Aunt Alex are flying in tonight so they won't miss your big night. So you think you can handle both school and the other thing?"

"I'm sure I can, Mom. You've handle a lot of crazier and more dangerous stuff then this. I'm sure I can handle my first day as a Jr. High student just fine."

Clover leaned over the seat and hugged and kissed her daughter one final time. Then she opened the door. "Go get them, sweetheart. Make me proud, alright?"

"Will do, Mom! I'm gonna do my damnist to impress the teachers with both my brains, and I'll also try my hardest to make some new friends as well. See you at 3:30! Love you!" and with that Aleena leapt out of the car and raced to her new school.

With one final look as her daughter disappeared into the building she gave a proud smile and headed to work. It was very hard to concentrate on work that day. All she could think of was how her daughter was doing on her own. Then thinking of the big ceremony taking place that evening. So time passed slowly for her. Finally it was time for her to go pick up Aleena. She only paused to go get a special package from her office. Saying goodbye she hurried to pick up her daughter. As she drove to pick her up she called up Sam and Alex and they both assured her they're already in town and getting ready for the big night.

Aleena was waiting anxiously bursting with excitement when her mom pulled up. She was waiting with a young girl with short brunette curls and lovely light green eyes. Clover pulled up and opened the door. "Aleena, honey? Hurry up or we'll be late for your special night."

"Okay, Mom, coming. See you later, Maria! We're still on for having lunch tomorrow right?"

"Yes, Aleena! I can't wait for it and neither will the rest of the girls. Just remember we've got the study party this Saturday. First week back to school we'll need retrain our minds for the coming homework. So see you later, Aleena!" she called out in a friendly voice.

"See you tomorrow too, Maria!" and with that Aleena got in the car and was waving at her new friend till they couldn't see each other anymore.

"I see you've already made a new friend. What can you tell me about her and how did you meet?"

"Her name is Maria Hartman. She's got two other friends she's really close too. Their names are Kim and Hannah. Maria's parents are the owners of their own vegan restaurant. Kim's parents are both surgeons and Hannah's parents are music teachers. We met when I helped them get their lockers unstuck and we're in all of the same classes down to the same homeroom. They really helped me feel more comfortable for my first day in a Jr. High. I think we'll be very good friends!"

"I'm happy for you, Aleena. That's really special to make a new friend on the first day. Now let's get you ready. I made you your own special gown for the ceremony. So let's hurry!"

In a few hours' time Clover was sitting in a banquet hall with Sam and Alex all three of them dressed in their finest. Despite them all being 30 years old now they still looked pretty amazing. They actually all agreed that they even looked better than that one time that they'd accidently sent to the future and encountered their future selves. They all end up stopping Mandy from turning everyone in the whole damn world into her clones. And all it took to prevent that was give the bitch some special nail polish. Even though it was ridicules she had thought her world was over just over a stupid damn broken nail!

Clover picked up a crystal wineglass and sipped the rich burgundy wine inside. Sam and Alex also sipped their own glasses of wine. "Tasty. Still not extremely fond of drinking, even we're all of age now, still it is the only thing they serve at things like this for adults. It's stupid though that everyone assume that just because your 21 or older that you're gonna start drinking alcohol. But what you going do about it? So tell me how are your lives going since we left Iceland?"

"Well, Clover, if you're asking if either of us have a personal life outside of our jobs at the moment? The answer to that one is no. Neither Alex nor I have been on any dates in a long time. A very long time I'm afraid to say. We've both been too busy just like you I'm afraid. I mean when was the last time you went on a date yourself, Clover? Any man in your life right now?" Sam inquired inquiringly as she took a bite of her favorite meal, creamed calamari.

"Yeah, with all those big events and the amount of money you make you must have a few men fawning over you? So any beans you wish to spill?" Alex asked eagerly as she did a quick eye glance at all the men in the room. There were sure a lot of good-looking strapping young men all around them in a sea of black ties and fancy gowns.

"No, I've not been on any dates in a long time myself. Which I know what you're going to say. "Clover? Miss Boy-crazy-do-anything-for-a-guy isn't dating?" When that all I wanted when we're teens? My priorities have changed over the last couple of years. I rather make sure Aleena is happy, healthy and safe. I don't have time for men when I've got to take care of her."

"Is that the real reason for not going out with anyone, Clover? Or is it just an excuse you're hiding behind in order not to get hurt?" Sam asked her in a stern but serious voice.

"What? What are you saying, Sammy? If you got something to say then say it to my face!"

"Well, Clover, I think what Sam is saying is this. We both know how much Aleena means to you. Especially after everything that alone happened before she was even a month old. And we know Dr. Gelee really hurt you in a very bad way. Still sooner or later you're gonna have to get back in the game and put your heart on the line and take that risk again. You're great mom to Aleena. Still doesn't mean she couldn't use a father figure one day."

"Yeah, Clover, everyone needs some form of a positive male role model. It's been proven through research that children desperately need a daddy too. Those without positive male role models are much more likely to make seriously bad choices in life. Not that moms can't do it but it's just proven that children need both. A mom and a dad or at least a father figure in their lives. Its fact, Clover. I can assure I did do some research into myself in my spare time."

Clover was quite for a moment and made her glass sing. Then she looked at her two best friends and spoke softly. "I get what you're both saying. I really do. I know both of you say you're too busy to get dates, though I also know you've at least tried to get some. While I've been avoiding a lot of men for several years now. Many men have pursued me over the recent years. Yet I am scared to go on a date and I'm also worried about Aleena. I want her to approve of a man before I even try to get serious with one. I don't want someone to hurt me or her. So I don't know what to say other then I'm honestly scared."

"We all get scared, Clover. Still love is a risky business and you've got take the risk of being hurt. For to hurt is to breath as to breath is to live. So you've just got to do it. Take a chance! You did it a lot eleven years ago. You can certainly do it now." Sam told her encouragingly with Alex nodding in agreement.

"Thanks guys. I needed that. I hope you two get some dates of your own soon as well. We can't be all work and no play. So let's all make a pact right here and right now that by end of this year we'll all at least go on one date and tell the others about it, okay?"

"Deal, Clover!" they both said as they hugged.

All of sudden the lights turned off and a spotlight was bathed on the podium on the stage in the center of the banquet hall. Jerry dressed in his finest dinner suite walked slowly with a cane to the podium and began his speech. "Welcome to tonight's ceremony my fellow Woohp spies. We've been hard working and keep the world safe for many generations now. I'm proud to see so many of those generations present tonight. From all around the world too. I've watched you all grow and do so much for both me, the world and yourselves. And though many of you now have lives outside of being full-time Woohp agents we still stand united as a family. As I've always said on the inside. "Once a Woohp Spy always a Woohp Spy" So give yourself all a grand round of applause for all work you've all done over these past many years!" Which the audiences did with a thunderous response.

It was true that for Clover, Sam and Alex did see many familiar faces. Friends, allies, fellow spies all seated around this fantastically decorated hall. Everyone from Brittney who was sitting at a table with her boyfriend. To the former Spies Pam, Alice and Crimson would come for part of this ceremony was a bit of a reunion for both old and new staff members. Everyone was certainly having a good time. But now it was time for the main reason for this big night.

"Thank you, thank you all. Now as I've said Woohp has had many generations come and go. It's nice to see all the past generations gathered tonight. For now we bring in the newest generation. Time to welcome to our family the newest members. We've got many new teams and each one already been assigned to which group. So let me introduce you to each one as we now make them full and official Woohp Spies!" which everyone was applauding even harder as one by one the new recruits came up to the stage and made official Woohp Spies.

There were many more new spies this year than most people realized. About a total of thirty-six new agents were being inducted tonight. And Clover only had eyes for one. Right now Aleena was nervously awaiting her turn to come on stage to get her official Woohp Spy medal. Though she did look very pretty in her designer silk periwinkle gown. At long last it was her turn. All this time it looked like she was struggling not to let lose a burst of frozen energy. She almost did trip on the hem of her gown, but recovered quickly without falling. Finally Jerry pinned her new medal on to her gown and she was crying frozen tears of joy as was her mother.

Jerry then looked at the room again and said, "Let's us welcome our newest members for tonight we're all family! So let's give them all the applauds they deserve and then we can party for the rest of this big night!" With that everyone gave a standing ovation and everyone was just cheering happily and soon the party was really in full swing. Everyone was dancing and drinking and having a grand old time. It was a great party. Still Clover and Aleena slipped away for some privacy on a nearby balcony.

"Well, I'm very proud of you tonight, Aleena. More proud then I've ever been. Tonight's been one of the happiest and greatest nights of my life. I'm so happy for you!"

"Thanks, Mom! I'm very happy to just be part of this extraordinary family. The adventures I'll be on will be great too. So thanks. Is there something you wish to ask me though? You look like you've got something on your mind. So tell me, Mom. What is it? Is it a responsibility or danger cautions or whatever type of speech? Tell me?"

"Nothing like that, Aleena. I think I've told you that for years so you don't need to hear it another time. No, it's well about us. And maybe perhaps our future."

"What are you talking about?"

"Well, we've been a close family, right? As close as a mother and daughter can be, right? When it's just the two of us, right?"

"Yes, what are you getting at?"

"How would you feel if I maybe got back in the dating game? I've not been on a date in many years. For many reasons. But mostly because I didn't want to be hurt again like what Gelee did to me or what he almost did to you. And I've been worried about bringing a man into my life and worrying how that was gonna affect us, if I did start dating again. So tell me, Aleena? Is it okay? Would you like me to date and possibly give you some type of a father figure? A real one?"

Aleena looked at her mother for a long time and was very quiet. Then she at last spoke. "Mom, I'll be honest. I've often wonder what it would be like to have a real dad in my life. And I've wanted you to be happy for a long time. But I didn't want to force you to date anyone, though I've felt maybe I was the reason you didn't do it sooner. So if you're asking my permission I would've given it many years ago. I've wanted you to go out on a date for a long time. So yes its okay with me if you want to date. And if you want me to approve of any man that may come into our lives I will. Still we'll always be a family whether or not we ever get a man involved. So you can date, Mom."

Smiling she hugged her daughter and a carpet of ice lilies grew all around them. "I love you, Mom!"

"I love you too, Aleena."

It looked like for this mother and daughter no-matter-what the future was going to bring to them they'd always have a strong and loving bond. Stronger then thickest ice and what was for sure they face their future together. So for that one moment everything was perfect and the future looked bright and hopeful for both of them.

The End.