A small yawn came from a bundle of blankets as the girl woke up. The ten year-old stretched yanking the sheets off her body stepping onto the cold wooden floor.
She groaned reaching over for her spectacles placing the half-moon frames on her face. Her green eyes scanned over at the mirrored bed with the same blankets in a bundle. She made her bed making sure it properly fixed.
She got to the edge of the bundle shoveling the blankets aside. "Adorlee get up. You know Grandpa hates it when we're late for breakfast." She found her sister seeing the pool of red locks.
"Leave me alone...go wake up Ursus..." She flipped the blankets back on her snuggling a small doll made by her mother. A simple doll with a mop of black hair and red eyes.
Venita sighed walking across the hall to her brother's room. He was already up making his bed; perfectly as always. He turned his head looking up at her. "Morning Nita."
"Good morning Ursus. I see I won't have trouble getting you up today." She smiled ruffling his messy black hair. Her green eyes meeting the upset red ones.
"Stop." He moved away fixing his hair. "You always ruin it..." He groaned grabbing his glasses off the night stand. "Did Lee wake up yet?"
"No." she said with a sigh. "She's still cranky from getting into trouble yesterday." She put her arm around him looking across the hall to her door. "You wake her up. She likes you."
He moved to their room seeing the mess of a bed with blankets. "Lee... Lee... please get up." He got on the bed shaking the bundle back and forth. "Adorlee!"
She flipped the blankets staring at him with a small glow to her eyes. "I'm up okay..." She groaned getting up pushing her hair behind her shoulder.
"No bickering children."
The turned around seeing their mother standing beind their older sister. "Your grandfather already started making pancakes and it would be nice if you would all set the table."
Venita and Ursus ran downstairs passed her leaving Adorlee with her doll in hand." Adorlee...you need to help too. You know, it means a lot to your grandad." She kissed the top of her head looking down at the doll.
"Is father going to come visit soon?" She looked up at her mother pressing the doll tightly to her chest. "Do you think he'll come visit this year?"
"Darling..."
She pulled her into a hug rubbing her back. "I can't promise what I don't know. Your father will show up when the time comes. Until then, keep that beautiful chin up."
Adorlee hugged her tightly keeping a tight grip on her doll. She eventually let go kissing her mother's cheek. "I gotta make sure the don't start without us." She ran passed her leaving Grell with the doll in her hands.
She groaned looking at it. "You did say you would try to visit...I didn't think it'd take this long..." She made her daughter's bed putting the doll onto the pillow.
Undertaker stood in the kitchen making the small piles of pancakes. Raspberry jam in between the layers with powdered sugar on top. He took the plates to the table.
The children finished fixing the table setting up the cream and sugar next to the tea pot and butter tray. They took their normal places as their mother came into the room.
"There we go." Undertaker placed the last of the plates on the table. He smiled putting his hair back into a ponytail. He was used to pulling back his hair during meals, with it being a rule Grell had set in place.
Grell took her seat kissing his cheek. "Thank you for breakfast. I'm sorry that I stayed asleep for so long." She gave a small smile pouring the children their tea.
"Anything for my grandchildren and their lovely mother." Undertaker smiled holding out his own cup for her to fill. "I figured you needed a day off from cooking this morning. Plus, I had a few good helpers."
Ursus finished chewing his first bite looking at the older man. "Speaking of helping..." he began. "Can I help you at your shop today Grandpa?"
"Oh no. You have to help clean the house today young man and go with me and your sisters to the market." Grell stared at Undertaker making sure he knew better.
"Your mother's right my dear boy. I think perhaps later you can come with me on a job. You might even take over for me." He smiled wrinkling his nose seeing Grell's face go pale.
"When you're older...who knows." She didn't want to disagree with him just yet. He adored the man who was there for them. She wanted her children to be happy.
"Are you going to get us those little muffins from the bakery?" asked Adorlee getting excited. "I love their their hazelnut biscuits too." She giggled taking a huge bit of her food.
"There is a possibility I might. I do expect this house clean and everyone dressed nicely before we leave." Grell paused before taking another bite. "We could be expecting your brother to stop by today."
Venita smiled into her cup of tea. "I love it when William comes over. Do you think I could become a reaper, Mummy?" Her voice soft but full of excitement.
"I think you would all be good reapers dear. My only thing would be Adorlee and Ursus have different eye colour. They need to match mine and your Grandfather's." she said not really wanting them to go up to the reaper realm.
"I think I should be able to help with that...if they want to go to the academy." Undertaker chuckled looking down at the children. "Maybe Ursus could work in forensics or maybe something medical. Venita would make a great higher-up. As for Adorlee, I think she's make a great superior in collections like you my dear."
"I don't want to go to the academy. It looks like it would be boring." sassed Adorlee taking a bite.
"Don't use that tone young lady. You don't have to go if you don't want to."
Her siblings stayed quiet not wanting to get involved. Grell sighed caressing her daughter's face. "I just want you to be happy my love. If not being up there does, than so be it." She pinched her cheek lovingly.
They soon finished up their breakfast taking their dishes to wash up. She had them all dress in the clothes they used for cleaning, making up the girls hair into buns. They grabbed their feather dusters, brooms, and dustpans beginning with their rooms and making their way down to the first floor.
A couple of hours soon passed as the house was nearly completely finished. The children were getting ready to collect all the dust and take it outside, when a portal appeared in the middle of the living room. William stepped out fixing his glasses with his usual unfazed glance.
Venita giggled hugging around his middle. "William! You really were coming!" He fell a bit back patting her shoulder. "Hello Venita. It looks like you've all been busy."
Ursus approach him holding the broom tightly in his hands. "Hello Will. Mum said you were coming. Should I go get her?"
"That would be lovely. How have you all been?" He smiled seeing the small redhead coming from the kitchen. "It seems like your mother has put you all to work."
Adorlee came out with her hands behind her back. "Mum said there's a chance we might go to the academy when we get older...do we have to go?"
"I already said they didn't have to, if they didn't want to." She came down the staircase holding a feather duster in her hand. She patted Adorlee's head moving towards him. "It's good to see you Will."
"It's always a pleasure Grell." He sat down on the couch holding out some papers for her. "These are the paperwork stating you died at the hands of a demon."
She went over them giving a nod. She looked at the children making a silent statement for them to leave the room. "It looks credible. Who's the one you found my body?"
He waited for them to be gone before answering. "It's said that Rousseau from the French dispatch, found your glasses in a riverbank a along with blood and hair."
"Thank you William. It took a while to heal the wound on the back of my head. As long as they believe it to be true." She handed him back the file. "I'm glad it's over."
"You can feel a bit less stressed." William watched around for the children. "Did they say they wanted to become full-fledged reapers?"
"Venita wants be follow in your footsteps. Ursus wants to be like his grandfather. It's Adorlee I'm worried about. She said she wants to be more demon like." Grell laced her fingers under her chin.
"Are you that worried about it? She's been the wild child since she could talk. No one to really blame but yourself. You were the rebellious one, well, still are."
She sighed crossing her arms. "That's not funny Will. I do think you're right thought. Venita's more like yourself, Adorlee is more like me with the devilish side of her father, and Ursus is a combination of us all coated with politeness."
"You mated with a demon, what did you expect? Isn't it a good thing they have their own lives to look forward to?" he chuckled tucking the file under his arm. "You've done a fantastic job of raising those children. You can't control what they want in life."
He stood up checking his watch. "I am unfortunately, short on time. We made Ronald senior after your 'disappearance'. I have to sign off the final reports to allow that name plate to go on your door."
She giggled fixing her replacement glasses she had in the wake of what happened to the original pair." Glad to hear Ronnie is moving up in the world. Before you know it, he'll have an underling of his own. "
The children came up hugging onto him tightly. The dusk, staining his clothes from their cleaning more. "Do you really have to go so soon?" asked Venita squeezing him the hardest.
"I have to. Be good and when you're older, I will pull some strings to have you join the academy." He petted their heads opening up a portal. "That goes for all you. Take care."
They watched him leaving turning to their mother. She smiled clearing her throat. "Alright. Let's get dressed to head to the market place. Wear the new clothes I got you but first, baths."
Adorlee stood by the tub testing the warmth of the water. "What do you think father's really like? We have a photograph and the dolls Mum made."
Venita sighed placing the clothes for them on the rack for towels. "I think he's everything she says he's like. A strong gentleman that can be someone's worst nightmare. I know you want to see him... I do too."
Adorlee groaned letting the tube fill up. She stripped down helping her sister do the same. "I feel like there's more to him than she's telling us. Like, how they met? Grandad says, reapers and demons aren't supposed to be together. How did they meet?"
"Grandad also said that she liked living on the wild side. She hated being told what to do. Why do you think she faked her death up there? For us." She moved towards the tub dipping her toes in. "It's too hot!"
"Oh relax. It's not that bad." Adorlee got in letting the warmth wash over her. "Come on in. It's so good after all that cleaning." She giggled letting her hair float around her.
Venita slowly allowed herself to sink into the water. She groaned seeing the dark pink tint to her skin. "It's still too hot. You always get to pick the water temperature."
"Warm water makes you clean." She grabbed the shampoo making her sister turn around. "So you think humans get the luxury of shampoo and conditioner?"
"I doubt it. Mum says they use soap for everything. She's lucky our uncles spoil us." Venita help still letting the good feeling of her sister's nails massaging into her scalp.
They quickly bathed not wanting to take up too much time. The dried off placing on their undergarments and petticoats. Venita wore a dark blue dress while her sister wore a green one.
Grell smiled clapping her hands together. "Look at you two! You looks so pretty!" She kissed their foreheads pullng them into their room. "Let's get your hair done. How do you want it today my darlings?"
Venita sat in front of her mother looking into the mirror. "I think the braided bun you do, would look good Mummy..." She looked up at the reflection, meeting the acidic eyes that matched her own.
Adorlee sat on her bed holding the doll back in her arms. "Where's Ursus? Is he taking a bath?"
"Yes dear. He's taking one in my bathroom with your Grandfather. Once they're done and dressed, we'll walk your Grandfather to his shop. After that, we'll be going to the market."
Grell worked on the braids and then the bun, making sure it was tight and centered. "There we go. What about you Adorlee? Do you want pigtails again?"
Venita moved aside letting her sister take her place. The smaller redhead stared at her reflection thinking of what to have done. "Maybe...okay. I want pigtails. Can they be braided too?"
"Of course my love." She began dividing the hair in half making sure it was even. Venita sat on her bed taking the book of demon knowledge from her nightstand drawer. Grell noticed the book, staring at it intensely. "Where did you get that book?"
"I found it on the bookshelf in the living room. Grandad said it would be just the thing to start reading up on." Venita turned the page from where she left off.
Grell chewed her lip. She hated when the old man made decisions on the children without her knowledge or consent. "Fine. Please just, ask me first? That book is a bit too much for you at your age."
Venita nodded going over the pubescent nature of young crow demons. "Mum, are we going to have to deal with puberty?" She kept her eyes on the page describing permanent fangs and powers coming in.
"Of course you will. Every living thing does! I was terribly annoying at that age. I doubt you three would be anything less." Grell smiled finishing the first braid. "I just hope, that you can learn from everything I can give you."
The girls remained silent letting her finished up the second braid. They knew it was difficult for her to be there for them as they knew they were a handful. Venita closed her book jumping off the bed. She hugged her mother tightly, pulling her close.
"What's wrong my love?" She pulled them into a hug kissing their heads. "You know I'm going to love all three of you for as long as I live? I'd do everything again to make sure I would have you."
Adorlee caved hugging back. "We know. We heard you and Will talking...you're not going back to the reaper realm, are you?"
"No, sweetie, I'm not. I can't. Demons and reapers can't be together, let alone make children together. What I did was considered forbidden. I honestly don't care about it either." She hugged them tighter kissing their cheeks. "I have what I've always wanted."
"Perfect darlings like us...and Ursus." chirped Adorlee. "I know it must be hard to match with us but, we're amazing." Venita rolled her eyes hearing her sister talk.
Grell let them go to get herself ready. Ursus came into their room wearing his own dark chocolate outfit. He frowned sitting on the chair for the vanity. "How long do we have to wait? "
"Until Mum and Grandad are ready." replied Venita going back to her book. "Be grateful that we're ready. If we weren't, it would take much longer."
Adorlee played with her doll, combing it's hair with her fingers. "It's not too late you know. We'll make it to his shop and get to the bakery before they run out of the chocolate pastries."
"Is that all you think about? Eating?"
A clearing of someone's throat caused them all to turn their heads. Their grandfather smiled keeping his eyes on all three of them. He tapped his long nails along the wall moving towards the three. "Are you three really that hungry after a long day of cleaning?"
The girls gave a small nod as allowed growl came from the stomach of the tiny redhead. All she could do was giggle looking up at her grandfather. "I know you always make the best breakfasts. I just can't help but want a little more after all that work."
The tiny brunette shook her head going back to her book. She turn the page as you continue to read about her impending situation in adolescence. "Mum already said that we were going to go ahead and get something when we got into town. You just have to learn to be patient."
Undertaker patted their heads giving them each a kiss on top of their heads. "All of you need to learn to be patient. You'll be adults before you know it, and can make your own decisions."
Adorlee looked up at him as he sat next to her. He stared at the doll wrapping his arm around her. "Do you miss being a reaper Gramps?"
"Sometimes. I miss seeing how people would live their lives and make the same mistakes over and over. I don't miss the paperwork. Your mother would agree with that one. I miss the people I worked with too..."
He moved his attention to the small chain hanging from his clothes."We all want to do things for those we love. Even sacrifice all we've known to make it happen." He tucked it away hugging her tightly. "Don't forget to make yourself happy first. That goes for you both too."
Grell came into the room slipping on a set of gloves. "Let's get going. It'll be noon by the time we get to the shop. We can't keep your clients waiting dear Undertaker." They left together having Ursus and Venita holding Undertaker's. Adorlee holding onto her mother's.
The shop having the same eerie atmosphere looming over with a set of people waiting outside. Undertaker gave them all a peck on the cheek leaving him to do his work. Ursus looked up at his mother, hoping for a word to allow him to go with his grandfather. Alas, she didn't.
She had all three children hold hands walking through the streets to the market. They made their way to the pastry shop as promised, having the children run inside passed her.
A stout woman with a bun tight enough to pull her skin back glared at the children before turning to Grell. "Can't you keep those brats under control? I have yet to see them get educated."
"Nice to see you too, you old bird. My children are just excited to pick out something nice for themselves." Grell moved passed her letting them line up to hound the worker up front. "They deserve a little something once a week."
"I still don't see how they're so uneducated. No manners."
"My children are home schooled with the skills of young lords and ladies. It helps when you're raised in that environment."
"You're telling me that Undertaker could afford to send a tramp like you to school? The father of your children couldn't stay for them or you."
She laughed with a deep, sarcastic tone. "That's a good one. He's working in England to support us. Once he's done, he'll be home to help with us. As for your husband, he died stone cold, frozen dead from your heart."
She moved passed her picking out a pain au chocolat and biscuits, along with the children's things. She paid thanking the young man for his service before bumping the old woman on the way out.
Ursus moved to his mother's side holding her hand. "Why does she hate us so much?"
"She's an old bird who thinks I should've married and sent you to school. Even though I made it clear that, your father is working and did not run off or die."
The girls held onto each other's hands walking along side her. "I think she's a nasty old tart with no problem picking on children. "
" Language, Adorlee. "
" Sorry Mum. "
They walked through market picking out the vegetables and fruits they wanted from the stands. Grell paid for what they wanted planning ahead for whatever she could use for dinner.
They next made their way to butcher's. The three moved behind their mother trying to skip and play tag with each other. The loud laughs making Grell's heart swell.
She enter the shop going over the shop. The young man behind the counter smiled brightly seeing her. "Hello Mrs. Michaelis. I was hoping to see you today. Anything special I can get you?"
Venita moved in front of her mother crossing her arms. "We'll take a hen, and some sausage. That's all."
He forced his smile to continue looking at Grell. "A little straightforward, yeah?"
"Sorry. Venita likes to make sure her father's the only one for me." She kissed her hair moving her aside with her siblings. "Along with that, may I have some a hen with just the meat? No bones please?"
He gave a wink grabbing the items she asked. Venita kept her eye on him letting out small huffs of distress. Grell stroked her bangs pinching her cheek.
"Mummy..."
"Thank you for thinking about me, my love but, I made sure I won your father. Do you honestly think I'd leave him after all the fighting I did to get him?"
"No..." She pouted hugging onto her arm. "You loves us too much."
Adorlee smiled nudging her siblings. "Do you wanna see something cool?" she whispered to them.
They shook their heads not wanting to get into trouble with her. Her eyes began to glow the vermillion hue making her right arm warp into the shadows. The face of a wolf appeared before the worker, scaring him half to death.
Grell grabbed her ear tugging on it. "I already warned you about using your demon powers in public."
She retracted her arm appearing normal before anyone could notice. "Sorry Mum..."
"You'll be doing the washing up alone tonight."
Ursus held his sister's hand sighing. "You should've known you'd get into trouble." he whispered softly.
The man came back, still shaken up a bit. "Here you go Mrs. Michaelis. I hope to see you soon."
"You know you will." She gave her thanks and paid taking their leave. "Was it so hard to make a small trip to get dinner without you pulling a move like that?"
"No... I think he wants to court you is all." Adorlee held her hand, burying her face into her gown. "I think he's thinking the wrong idea."
Grell stopped their walking. She bend down looking at the three. "I am not going to replace your father. I heckled that man too much for my affection. I also want you to understand, my main love is my children. Your happiness is what I always want for you."
Three hugged her tightly, squeezing as hard as they could. She wrapped her arms around them, not caring about the others around her.
"Alright, no need to try and break Mummy's neck." They released her taking hold of the groceries for her.
They walked together back home chatting about dinner plans and general things that had come up. Wanting a pet being the main subject of discussion.
Grell had yet to make up her mind about an official answer. Their Uncle Eric already offered to get them a dog or a goat for them to have. She had enough to worry about with the three of them.
As they got closer to the house, the air seemed to change. The all got on edge with Grell summoning her scythe. She placed her arm out to make sure they stood back.
She moved closer with delicate steps seeing the door to her home swing open. She held still see the piercing eyes watching from her home.
"You're beyond late daring."
"Not too late I hope."
The demon descended the steps in clothes that fit the Earl he had finished serving. They children approached with plenty of caution.
"Darling..."
Grell made her scythe disappear jumping into his arms. They locked lips kissing passionately. Their hands roaming each others bodies. Desperately wanting to confirm the reality of it all.
"Mum!" cried out Venita in disgust. Adorlee covered her eyes groaning while Ursus turned his eyes to the floor.
The two separated holding onto each others waist. Grell moved away reaching out for them. "Look who's here?"
The children moved closer when Adorlee ran passed her siblings. She stood in front of her father with her tiny hands curled into fists. Her eyes illuminating with her anger she had built up the years he had been gone.
"Why haven't you visited us?!"
He got closer kneeling before her. "I'm sorry. I explained to your mother I'd be back once I was done with everything I needed to. I said I wanted to visit if I could. I'm here now aren't I?"
She dropped her act tackling him hard. She hugged onto him tightly, squeezing him hard. "Father..." She sniffled rubbing her cheek on his.
Venita moved closer staring at them. She did look like a miniature William with her eyes and pose. He opened his other arm letting her hug him too.
Ursus grabbed hold of his mother's hand watching them. He leaned onto her arm squeezing it. "Is he really staying?"
"Of course. He damn well better. I think we dealt with enough time without him, don't you?"
Sebastian moved towards his son looking down at him. "So, you must be Ursus. I'm glad to finally meet you." He reached out his hand to him.
Ursus reached out shaking his hand while still clinging to his mother. "It's nice to meet you too."
"He's shy around new people." She stroked his hair letting him go. "How about you and your sisters bring the bags inside and we'll all talk over tea?"
He moved passed them carrying some of the bags into the home. Venita and Adorlee grabbed the other bags following their brother.
Grell stared at Sebastian raising her eyebrow. "Almost a decade later you come back? I'm a lucky lady. "
He moved closer putting his arms around her waist. "Would it be easier on your heart if I said I'm sorry?"
"Maybe..." She held his face in her hands kissing him again. "I could use a good meal a certain someone could do with a bit of help."
He chuckled kissing her jaw to her neck. "How about I make supper and have dessert tonight? Along with a second helping of dessert?" He paused his kisses lowering his hands to her hips.
"My hero~"
"Not just that. I could make my return worth the wait...maybe with your lack of movement afterwards?"
"Are you planning on a fourth child?"
"I won't say."
He picked her up bridal style moving towards the door. "Let's make sure I make my homecoming is perfect. It'll make sure you never want me to leave."
She held onto him pressing her lips to his cheek. "I never want you to. I want us to make sure you stay for us."
They made their way into the house shutting the door behind them. The children waiting for them. Hungry to ask about their father about the last decade and everything he was.