Happy News Years Eve, everyone! I hope you all celebrate safely tonight!
Another packed chapter. We meet Membrane's wife, and her longings. She knows about John's paternity to the children, but she doesn't find herself mad at it. I'm also sure you ZAGR fans will be definitely satisfied with this! I'm trying to loosely follow the Burr/Theodosia line with Zim and Gaz.
I hope this doesn't seem too rushed.
And am I to understand Zim'sMostLoyalServant is having a birthday? If so, Happy Birthday!
Chapter Seven- Satisfied/The Story of Tonight
For the few days Dib had spent with Amelia in Ryder Hall, the name of the family's house, Amelia looked through many of her father's thick books. Dib often snuck up on her from behind and placed his hands affectionately on her hips. They were often supervised by Gretchen, upon her return from market, but Gretchen couldn't bear to look in their direction and busied herself, thankful they had chosen their father's library to conduct such research.
"Dib, I've poured through these books I feel like hundreds of times over," Amelia said with a frown as she flipped through another. "There is no such term as a squeedlyspooch. Have you thought to ask General Membrane about his private library? I'm certain his wife, Martha, will allow you…" Her voice trailed off when she felt his hands tighten on her hips. Feeling as though she had said something out of place, she cleared her throat and turned around to face him.
"I've spent some time with the General's wife. I've taken tea with her last month. The General has nothing but high praise for you. Dib, if only-"
"I know where this is leading to, Amelia. And I refuse to admit kinship to that man."
"This could be the answer you're looking for. You've written to me before about your lack of parentage and how thankful you were and are towards mine for taking you and Gaz in. But, what if-"
"Amelia-"
"Please stop interrupting me," she asked softly, keeping mindful to be sensitive towards this topic, as her father often reminded her. Her mother, as well, reminded her to be mindful.
"General Membrane and you have undeniable facial features. There is relation somewhere. If not a son, then a nephew. Kinship is present, Dib."
Dib turned away from her and huffed. "There is only two people I consider family in this world. Our mother passed away. Our father left her high and dry, he left his two children behind. How can I forgive that? My mother never looked at me the same way again. She loved me, I know she did, but her eyes lost her light for me after he abandoned us. The other person is Gaz, despite her hating me for looking out for her and wanting the best for her. I know what she thinks of me. She rebels and does things for spite."
"I've taken thought to that, as well, Dib. But, perhaps that is because you are all she has left and she feels you were trying to do what your father did to you both. Just like you, she's been abandoned, and then there's the only person she has left wanting to toss her onto someone else. Try seeing her anger that way."
Her eyes were pleading, Dib felt those eyes on him and turned around to face her. Perhaps there was some truth to what she said, it was logical, and made sense. Though he had no obvious intent to hurt his sister, he could see it from that perspective.
"Your sister does little things to show that she cares. I promise, have patience with her. Your letters weave a sad story, and I know they weren't seeking sympathy or pity. Your letters also show promise. Not all hope is lost, I promise you."
Amelia knew she was treading on thin ice, but she had one more thing to mention before her piece was complete. Dib brought his eyes down, which dimmed Amelia to silence. She reached her hand out to chuck beneath his chin and bring him back to eye level. She greeted him with a warm, encouraging smile. It was risky, but if there was an opportunity to save and reconnect a family, then it would all be worth it.
Tears stung in the corners of his eyes, pricking and bubbling, threatening to spill. She kept quiet in order for this man to piece together his thoughts. In one swift, fluid motion, he wrapped his arms around her and drew her close to him. His body began to quake and tremble, only allowing her to see the masculine tears that should never be shed. He was a broken man who needed glue to put him back together.
"Dib…"
His voice was thick from the tightness in his throat. "Amelia, I need you to know something else." He swallowed. "Back home there was a woman I would have married. Her name was Jessica. I thought I could have considered her family, as well, but…" All of the memories came flooding back. "She started the collection to send me and Gaz out of St. Spooky. She then broke things off, telling me there was no future for us."
Amelia simply stroked the back of his head as he let everything out that he didn't put into his letters. He was releasing this information now after having gained the other's trust.
"And she was right. Back in St. Spooky, it was desolate and no place to raise a family. Too many memories, too much sadness. I…I promised myself I would make a home for myself wherever I wound up next. I would do whatever it took to make it happen. And then I met you…"
"And have you?" Amelia asked.
"With you. Marry me, Amelia. I'll speak to your father, but know I have every intention of making you my bride. I'm sorry, I could have put that better…" he laughed sheepishly, his tears beginning to dry up as tears then clung in her eyes, leaning upward to kiss him gently.
"Like you're running out of time. My love, we have all of the time in the world. I relish in nothing more than the thought of being your wife." Now Amelia laughed through her tears and kissed him again. Neither heard the cries of despair from behind the bookcase.
Dib had opened up to her and ended his story with offering her to be the next chapter in the story of his life, more than a woman he was courting for the past few months and mainly through the course of letters. Now, as his intended, the woman who would put his pieces together. Perhaps, for now, he neglected the subject of General Membrane as his father and replaced it with starting a family with her. It would soon be broached again, as these things had a tendency to tie themselves together.
Dib departed the following morning to return to camp. Joshua embracing his sister warmly at the news she shared with him. Although, the final blessing came from her father.
"He's a sweet boy with a lot of potential," Nancy said as she mended one of Alexander's socks. Alexander and Joshua would return to camp the following day. Dib had to leave first because he was the General's aide-de-camp.
"Mother, he loves me. And I love him, was this not what father wanted?" Amelia asked almost desperately.
"Yes, he did. With the right man who can help provide for you and your future family. Your father only has the best intentions for you. Do you really feel that Dib is the right man for you?"
Without hesitation, Amelia replied, "I do."
Nancy frowned gently and glanced over at the bassinet that gurgled and cooed, awake and sounded in soon need of a feeding as her breasts began to ache. "I shall talk to your father further about this."
Amelia frowned softly. After that, not much had been said about the subject. Dib's letters advised her to be hopeful and not to lose faith. He had been writing to her father, as well. But, it didn't seem like it was Jacob who needed the convincing. Jacob was rather fond of Dib, accepted him and welcomed him as a member of his own family. He embraced the other and engaged in long political discussion.
Amelia knew Dib's passion lied in a topic aside from politics. Always, in his letters, he asked if she managed to find anything in any human textbook describing a squeedlyspooch. Amelia would just have to do what Dib wouldn't do and pay a visit to Martha Membrane herself. She admired the older woman, and Mrs. Membrane seemed to enjoy Amelia's company. While Amelia believed in the paranormal, she didn't know if she could produce as well as Dib expected of her; but she would try.
While she waited on an answer upon their blessing, she took a carriage out to see Martha Membrane. Their home was a moderate estate, humble, yet prominent. It was the house that read a powerful couple lived inside. Martha was unable to provide children for John, but that didn't seem to stop John from loving or caring for her. Quite the contrary, Martha was very well cared for.
Her dark hair possessed streaks of gray. Her eyes reminded Amelia of warm caramels, and those eyes created a sense of peace along with the roundness of her face. Overall, she appeared like a comforting woman. Embracing Amelia, she escorted the other inside, offering her tea or lunch. Not that she pushed food, but Amelia could tell she should have been a mother. Some just possess that maternal instinct, and Martha's was on overdrive.
"How is Dib faring? John tells me he's been standoffish again," Martha said as the women took tea in the parlor.
Anxious to see the library, Amelia took a seat upon the other's insistence. After all, she was in the home of the most powerful man to date. She had to show courtesy. "Dib has extended a proposal of marriage to me," she said with a smile, placing the teacup to her lips as Martha's eyes lit up. Once Amelia placed down the cup, Martha took her hands into her own.
"My child, what wonderful, happy news, indeed! Your parents must be ecstatic."
"My family is still mulling things over. I believe my father is anxious in spirit to give his little girl away."
"Ahh, that explains his forlorn nature," Martha sighed. "I'm certain your parents will see to reason how happy this makes you."
"I'm certain they will, and thank you." She was relieved that someone was happy for their proposal, as she couldn't yet call it an engagement.
"John and I will give you such a beautiful wedding present," Martha assured her as Amelia released a nervous laugh and shook her head.
"Mrs. Membrane. Please. Your attendance will be a present enough." Although, she knew better than to argue with her. Once she set her mind to something, there was no turning back.
"Have you convinced Dib, yet, of his paternity?" Martha inquired.
"I believe he is aware, yet continues to show reluctance. He has hard feelings, although there is no mistaking parentage. Please, continue to give him time," Amelia pleaded, Martha's face appearing saddened, though she nodded. "Both he and Gazlene. Their hearts are discouraged by the loss of their father. Now, to see them again…they found him as opposed to him finding them. However, if General Membrane has no interest-"
"John will have interest once he is faced with it."
"They both have to want it, Mrs. Membrane. This is a subject that cannot be force fed to them. Gazlene will rebel, and Dib…I know why General Membrane has Dib as his aide-de-camp. It's his way of protecting him and for that, I cannot be grateful enough. I will have a whole husband. General Membrane is being a father in protecting his son from harm's way."
Martha looked down. If the children came to light, she would show them what a family could and should be like. They grew up in such deplorable conditions, and yet Martha saw this as an opportunity to be the mother she always wanted to be.
"Please have patience. A mother's heart is present no matter what."
Martha picked her eyes up at the young woman and smiled, bitter tears pricking her eyes as Amelia reached out her hand to hold the others. Amelia squeezed the others for good measure. Amelia held the other for a long as she was able before Martha pulled away, needing a moment to excuse herself.
Amelia took advantage of this to visit their library, her fingers caressing the leather spines. Her index finger stopped on a medical journal as she flipped through the pages. The human body contained various organs that Amelia grew up learning as her brother, Joshua, was very much into the human anatomy. Amelia looked up organs starting with "s" and came up with stomach, spleen, but no squeedlyspooch and came to the conclusion that the human body did not contain such. Perhaps Dib was right. A shiver lingered through her at the thought.
Meanwhile, Zim decided he needed to discuss an important matter with Gaz, before returning back to camp with Joshua and Alexander the next morning. Certainly not together, but they needed to return the same day.
Zim had arranged for them to meet at the warehouse, where they often met, as the sun was setting. Gaz had a cloak covering her head, but Zim could make her figure from the window just the same. Gaz had no interest in being seen. She had decided to engage in this affair with Zim, and she didn't want to deal with the scorns and cries of 'harlequin', 'harlot' or 'homewrecker' whether or not Zim was married or had a family.
"Get inside, quickly, quickly," Zim coaxed her inside and shut the door behind her. He closed the blinds, which helped enhance the illumination of the candlelight. Zim's plans were still out, showing he was still working on his latest project.
"World domination?" She asked, peering over at the table.
"As a matter of fact, this pertains to world domination. Gaz, you are aware of what I am, yes?"
"Really the only reason why I'm here. You're not human."
Zim nodded, freeing his antennae of his disguise as they twitched. He couldn't hold back the sigh of relief as they moved about freely. Since his argument with Madge, Zim hadn't been able to keep up the complexion disguise. However, he took note, that none of the humans really took note. Women took pity on him, thinking he was sick. They offered him soup, they offered him help. They were too stupid to realize that this was the sickly complexion of the future ruler.
"Exactly right," Zim agreed and withdrew his lenses. He placed them in the container to keep moist and Gaz closed the lid. Perhaps initially she was taken aback by such a difference in appearance. She wasn't disturbed. She wasn't disgusted, in fact, it made her crave him even more.
Zim would never say it outright, or out loud to her, but she was like her brother in their love for the paranormal. The siblings just defined it dramatically differently.
"Gaz, I am ever closer to achieving my goal of world domination. Once I give the word, I will take over this worthless planet. Trust me, there is nothing here for you. I'd like for you to come to Irk with me. I reveal this to you because I feel I can trust you. If you defy me, I will destroy you."
"Not if I destroy you first."
Zim grinned at this, loving the spice that rolled off of her tongue in her threats. "I know you wouldn't. However, your brother is onto me."
Gaz waved a black lacy gloved hand. "No one believes him. They all think he's a whack job. I wouldn't pay too much mind to him. Besides, I've scared him into thinking they'll put him away if he cries about it. So, he talks about war, he discusses politics."
"He's taken alliance with that family you're staying with," Zim countered. "The more numbers they have…"
"The powder puff dresses?" Gaz quirked a brow. "Who squeal about marriage proposals and make up? I hardly would worry about them."
"The father? Tell me about him."
"He's invested in politics. Happenings in their disgusting city. From what I gather, because of my brother's beliefs, I highly doubt he'll allow the marriage to happen. The daughter will cry about it, and we'll move out."
"Conquering this planet will be my greatest achievement, yet. Since having met you, I have felt a change come about me. Physically, in the sense that I have grown an inch taller. In the other sense, that I do not think I can go on without your menacing mind at my side," Zim said upon clearing his throat.
Gaz straightened, deciding now would be the best time to tell Zim of her intentions. "The way you talk; you sound like you're trying to propose marriage. No offense, but I don't think I'll ever marry. Marriage destroyed my mother, and I won't be like her. I'm content with our arrangement as it stands."
Zim sensed an overpowering of fear emitting from her pores. "Ease your mind, Little Gaz. I am not trying to pressure you into a human union. I am simply stating that I enjoy your companionship."
Gaz nodded to that. "Then can we stop talking and start what we came here to do?"
Zim couldn't help but frown at that. However, he was leaving in the morning, and did desire to indulge in his partner before he left. Rather than the usual rough motions Gaz seemed to enjoy, as in yanking her to him and tossing her onto a table. Zim lifted her up to where her legs wrapped around his waist, her skirts piling beneath him as he leaned in to kiss her. All comforting movements he had picked up…and it was from watching Dib and Amelia. Observing paid off, he just wished he had a different model to feed off from. Gaz, however, seemed to relax in his hold after he did that. Her mind may have been fighting her from believing this was real, her body could not argue.
Come September, months after Dib and Amelia pressed their reasons as to why they should be wed. Jacob and Nancy finally gave into their blessing towards the couple to wed. The Ryders were impressed by how strong and well put their argument was, and how deep their connection was even apart. Jacob had told Nancy how much he liked the young boy, how he would be a good fit into their family. While he had no desire to let her go, Jacob knew when it was time to let his daughter lead her own life.
The wedding date was in December. A winter wedding, as the snow fell thick and heavy. Nancy was concerned that they would have to postpone the wedding, especially how the groom had yet to arrive. The wedding was to be held in Ryder Hall with a minister from town. Especially with the weather and the size of the estate, they had more than enough room to accommodate the guests in a warm environment. And truly, what better way to unionize their marriage, but to have it where they met and fell in love?
Amelia was upstairs, in a white gown to symbolize her purity and a veil over her head that Gretchen adjusted as her maid of honor. Gaz sat upon the bed in her wedding best, a gown provided by Nancy and shared by Angelica as Angelica and Gaz were the same size, although Gaz shifted uncomfortably inside the dress. Gaz had been proven wrong, and she was fairly certain this would strike anxiety in Zim. But, she would remind him later that evening, the two would be more concerned with marital affairs at the moment than paranormal investigating. Zim had time, still, to get ahead.
Gretchen turned her head towards the door as a burst of excitement swept through the room. It sounded like Dib, General and Mrs. Membrane had arrived along with the groomsmen, Laurent, Porter, and Blake. The guests piled in, Amelia instructed to remain upstairs until all of the guests had arrived.
And when it came time, the ceremony was beautiful. Angelica took to the piano for her sister to walk down to, along with one of their brothers, Alexander, who took to the harp. A young man of many talents, it seemed. Dib waiting for her near the minister, Jacob gave her away to Dib. Dib had rings arranged of gold bands with their names engraved on the inside along with their wedding date. They promised to be true to one another, promised to love, honor, and obey. Dib called her a partner he could share his life with and Amelia's vows reflected the same. Miles apart they were, and their vows read similarly.
They kissed as husband and wife as the snow fell outside. Amelia was now Dib's wife.
Gretchen proposed a toast to the bride and groom, although paused briefly to reflect on how it could possibly have been her to be in Amelia's position had she opened her mouth and said more than squeaked. She had lived with this regret, having the unsettling feeling that this union was wrong and would leave them all dissatisfied in the long run. But, he was in Amelia's arms and soon her bed. Gretchen wasn't aware of the eyes that did linger upon her.
She was too distracted by looking into Dib's eyes. For now, they were happy, as Dib held Amelia close to him and kissed her like the happy couple they were. Gretchen couldn't shake this feeling away. She had warned Amelia several times over, but her sister was headstrong and even accused Gretchen of being jealous. Gretchen decided to put a smile upon her face and raised her glass, asking all the others to toast the newlyweds with her.
"To Dib and Amelia. May you always be satisfied," Gretchen said, watching her sister tear up happily, which caused Gretchen to tear up, as well.
"To being satisfied!" Roared the crowd. Laurent gave a sad smile as he looked at Dib. He was happy for his friend, truly. But, he also couldn't help but feel saddened at the same time. His complex feelings made little sense to the man.
"Raise a glass to the couple!" Laurent cried out.
"Raise a glass to Dib's freedom shot!" Porter and Blake followed, which caused an eruption of laughter from the crowd.
Zim found Gaz away from all of the others as she held her hand to her abdomen, her dress tight around the middle as she cursed the family for giving her a dress that was too small. Zim took her glass of champagne away from her as she gave him a look.
"Have you caught ill from the germ infested weather?" Zim asked nervously.
Gaz had been feeling this way for some time. She had kept to herself and made certain to keep away from the others as she placed the back of her hand to her lips. This was no ordinary illness as she dashed away from Zim and towards the nearest empty room with a chamber pot.
"Oh dear, poor girl has had too much to drink," General Membrane took note as he came from behind Zim. "Weddings have a bad tendency of causing drunkenness."
"Dearest, should we call for someone? Perhaps one of the family?" Martha offered, clutching her hands to her chest. "There is that flu going around. Someone should see if she has a fever."
Zim knew she wouldn't let any of them near her, his antennae twitching from hearing her wretch behind the closed door. What a nauseating sound, however, Zim had an idea about what had happened and he felt completely responsible. He moved away from the couple and to the door, where he could be alone to converse with her.
"Gaz, how long have you been like this for?"
"Fuck off, Zim."
"I'll get your brother," he threatened lightly.
"You know this is no illness, right?" She asked cautiously. If her hair had any spring in her curls, they were limp.
Zim hesitated before rapping his gloved fingers gingerly against the door to gain her attention. "Gaz, we should revisit our conversation a few months ago. Obviously, we cannot keep this a secret for much longer. Especially now that you carry our smeet."
"What the fuck is a smeet?" Gaz hissed before being silenced by another invitation to greet the bronze chamber pot.
"The equivalent of a child!"
"Can you shout it any louder!?"
Zim stiffened as she confirmed his suspicion and a sense of something unfamiliar washed over him. He granted the young woman a test, and she passed. Now Zim felt as though he would pass out.