Author's Note: I'm sorry it has taken me so very long to update. Life has been hitting me with one thing after another. The next chapter may be late in coming as well. My family is going to be moving. But have no fear I intend to finish this story and I know where I want to take it.
~ GottesBlume
Chapter Seven: The Girl's Day Out
Siobhan stood before her mirror indecisive. "The striped button-up shirt or the plaid one?" she wondered. Finally, she decided that the plaid shirt looked best with her straight knee length jean skirt. She turned one way in the mirror and then another to see how her outfit hung on her body. The grin that formed on her face was her own personal sign of approval. She then sat on her bed and braided her long blonde hair.
She remembered Casey and Iona saying that the plan was to hang out at the mall since most everyone's homework was finished. Siobhan decided her all-stars were the best idea for walking all over the three story mall. Siobhan sighed as she thought about the mall. She wasn't a big fan of the over-crowded building and the stifled air. She shook her head and told herself, "It is going to be ok. You will be with friends".
Siobhan took one more quick glance at herself before she left her bedroom. Her families' trailer had three rooms, which was nice, but she wondered with the new baby if she would be sharing her room. She wasn't sure how she would cope with the screams of a newborn. Siobhan shook her head as if her thoughts would fall out one by one. She sighed as she reached the living room.
"I'm leaving Mamai" said Siobhan as she grabbed her purse that hung on the hook by the door
"Be back by ten" replied her Mamai from the kitchen
"OK" said Siobhan
She walked outside to find the autumn sky filled with a lazy sun and a slight breeze whistling through the trees. The oak trees that grew around the trailer park were only just now changing colors. Siobhan loved to watch the leaves dance as the wind trailed its fingers through their lacy boughs. She loved to watch them change from forest green to brilliant reds, vibrant oranges, lively yellows, and rustic browns. Siobhan breathed deeply and smiled. This was her favorite time of the year.
Siobhan found that her head felt clearer once she was outside. She imagined that being in the wealth of the goddess had brought more peace to her heart then wondering about things that had not happened yet. She grinned as she saluted the goddess and headed to the entrance of the trailer park. She knew her friends were probably already there waiting for her.
"Hey slow poke!" greeted Casey as Siobhan walked up
"Well, some of us think about what we will wear instead of pulling the cleanest clothing off the floor" replied Siobhan
"I don't do that" defended Casey
Siobhan raised her eyebrow as she looked Casey up and down. Casey's wild curls were pulled back in a ponytail that looked like she put it up on the way out of her home. She was wearing a bright pink shirt with some T.V. Show logo on it and leopard print pants with combat boots that Siobhan knew were hand me downs from her brother.
"What?" said Casey
"I rest my case" said Siobhan
"Why not critique Iona's outfit? She is wearing Caprices in the fall!" said Casey
"I don't see any problem with that. The sun is out and sides she is the one with the car" said Siobhan
"Well not all of us are stuck in styles from the sixties" said Casey
"I am not" replied Siobhan
This time it was Casey's turn to raise her eyebrows at Siobhan. She looked her up and down and Siobhan imagined her internal commentary. "Your long conservative hair is done up in an immaculate braid followed by a plaid button-up shirt and a Jean skirt. Man, Sio-be you like a poster-child for the perfect Sunday school student".
Siobhan grinned at Casey, "I know I look like a Sunday school student but I feel comfortable".
"Were you reading my mind?" said Casey
"Nope, I just know you so well" said Siobhan
The three girls laughed as they filed into Iona's car. The little bit of teasing had made them all feel relaxed. Siobhan breathed in some air and watched the scenery go by. The little homes, parks, and shops whizzed by till they reached the freeway exit ramp. She was enjoying the ride when a sudden thought brought her back to her friends, "I haven't told them yet".
"Casey, Iona, I forgot but I have some big news" said Siobhan
"What is it?" asked Casey
"My Mamai is pregnant" Siobhan said
"That is wonderful! When is she due?" said Iona
"I agree, that is pretty cool" said Casey
"Yes, I am very excited. I think she said she was due sometime in May" said Siobhan
"I wonder if this new sister or brother of yours will inherit any gifts from the goddess" said Casey
"I don't know. Since my Maimeo, I am the only one thus blessed, so far" said Siobhan
"It will defiantly be interesting to watch and see" said Casey
"I hope my new sister or brother does inherit gifts from the goddess. It would be fun" said Siobhan
"It would certainly add to the craziness of your household" said Iona, as her eyes remained focused on the road, for which Siobhan was grateful. She did not often travel by car and sometimes it felt nice to know the driver was paying attention.
"ha, ha that is for sure" laughed Casey
Siobhan just shook her head as she thought about her brother's wild schemes and plots. They were a handful for her Mamai and yet she still wanted more. Maybe I will understand when I become a mamai, thought Siobhan.
"Speaking of craziness, do you know what Chris is proposing now?" said Casey
"What?" said Siobhan, Casey's brother Chris was a "visionary" and always had some new brilliant idea or invention. She often found herself mildly amused at his ideas.
"He wants to become the elder of the Water clan" said Casey
"Elders are usually a family tradition, so how does he plan to become the elder?" asked Siobhan
"Well, it is also traditionally passed on to males and our elder has only daughters. When the time comes for a new elder he is planning to call a vote" said Casey
"That is very interesting. This particular idea could work" said Siobhan
"He thinks because he has a son already with his mate, Anna, that his chances will be high" said Casey
"For once your brother might be able to do one of his crazy ideas" said Iona
"I know, it's weird" said Casey
"What do your parents think?" asked Siobhan
"They are happy. If Chris becomes an elder that will elevate our family standing and give my mom more room to voice her opinions" said Casey
"Yeah, Robin is a bit opinionated. Hopefully, that won't count against Chris" said Siobhan
"I don't think so. He has always been able to keep my mom from influencing him more than he wants to be influenced" said Casey
"It's because you both inherited her stubborn gene" said Siobhan
"Ha, ha" said Casey
"Just in case you all are wondering, we are almost at the mall" said Iona
"I almost forgot about the mall" said Siobhan
"We were having such a good time" said Casey
"Yeah, so, where are we meeting up with Blanche and Layla?" asked Siobhan
"By the McDonald's in the food court" said Casey
"I will park by the East entrance then" said Iona
The conversation seemed to fall as the three girls kept their eyes open for the tippy tops of the mall buildings. Siobhan felt mixed with excitement and apprehension. She knew that Casey, Iona, and herself were going to try to tell Layla and Blanche about their people as they thought those two were lost ones.
"I see it" said Casey as Iona moved into the exit lane for the mall entrance
Siobhan tried to clear her mind and prepare herself for the fun time ahead. She didn't want to be overly eager. She wanted to act normal. She slowed her breathing and prayed silently to the goddess, "Help me to be myself and not act like a fool".
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"Hey, let's go to Macy's next" said Blanche as the group exited the See's candy shop.
"OK, sounds good" said Iona
Siobhan saw Layla wrinkle up her nose but she remained silent. Siobhan wondered what was wrong with Macy's. She knew she wasn't up to date on information if nothing else because she normally shopped at local thrift stores. Casey liked the variety and Siobhan liked
the lack of mobs of humanity as the mall felt to her.
"Sure, then Hot Topic" said Casey
"Hot Topic?" said Blanche
"Why not, they had a discount rack" said Layla
"Come on Macy's first" said Siobhan
She wanted to keep Layla and Blanche from a mini-fight which they seemed close to since they had found them by the McDonald's. She wanted to roll her eyes but knew it wouldn't help these two.
"So, where is Ashling?" asked Layla
"She felt like she was coming down with something, so she stayed home" said Siobhan
"Oh man, I am sorry to hear that! Please tell I her I hope she feels better soon" said Layla
"Sure, I will tell her" said Siobhan
"She wanted to show me her powers" said Layla
"Yeah, she is from the earth clan" said Siobhan
"The earth clan?" said Layla
"Yeah, the earth clan is a part of an ancient Irish people group who were able to control elements of the earth" said Siobhan
"And this ancient Irish people groups still exists?" said Layla
"Yeah, Ashling, Casey, Iona, and I are a part of it" said Siobhan
"You are all of the earth clan?" asked Layla
"Oh, no! I am from the spirit clan, Casey is from the water clan, and Iona is from the air clan" said Siobhan
"Is this for real or are you yanking my chain?" asked Layla
"This is for real" said Siobhan
"OK" said Layla
Siobhan could see the skepticism on Layla's face and hoped the information would not be soon forgotten. "Well the first seeds are planted" thought Siobhan
"Iona, what type of car do you drive?" asked Blanche
"I drive a Honda Civic, why?" said Iona
"I was just curious" said Blanche
"We had been talking about how different type of cars seem to match with their owner's personalities" said Casey
"Do you think my car matches mine?" asked Iona
"Actually, I think it does. A civic is a dependable vehicle and it is very popular. It doesn't cause a lot of problems. It is an all-around great car" said Casey
"What car do you think would reflect my personality?" asked Layla
Siobhan figured Layla had heard enough of "earth clans" and what not. "I sincerely hope I didn't freak her out" she thought.
"I think a VW bug would fit you Layla. It is compact but full of surprises. They can be drag cars or everyday cars. They always remind me of flowers and sunshine" said Casey
"I'm next" said Blanche
"You would be a Porsche or a sporty Cadillac. They are high-class cars and they are sleek. Which reminds me of how precise and elegantly you dress" said Casey
"OK, I guess, I am next" said Siobhan
"You are a Volvo. Dependent, a constant friend, loyal, and you keep on running despite any road block" said Casey
"So what car are you?" asked Siobhan
"Me, I'm a classic mustang. I'm wild, independent, stubborn, and if I want I may decide to just not go somewhere or break down for the fun of it" said Casey
"Ha-ha! That certainly sounds right" said Siobhan
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The sun was beginning its descent and Siobhan felt her stomach growl. "When was the last time I ate?" she wondered. The day walking around the mall had quickly exhausted her stomach of its lunch fuel.
"I vote for some food then home" said Siobhan
"I second that vote" said Casey
"Well, where should we go?" asked Blanche
"I know this awesome Chinese place. It isn't that far" said Layla
"Alright then let's go" said Iona
Siobhan once again enjoyed Iona's easy-going driving. It wasn't long before they were parked once more. She fell in step with her friends as they seated themselves in the restaurant.
A male waiter came up and handed everyone a menu and Siobhan felt that he was somehow familiar.
"Would everyone like water to start off?" the waiter asked
"Warren! Is that you?" asked Siobhan
The puzzle pieces of her memory finally placed why the waiter was familiar. I have such awful luck thought Siobhan but as she saw Layla's all too innocent look she wondered if this wasn't a set up.
"Yes, who else would it be?" gruffly Warren replied
"I don't know it could have been stronghold" said Siobhan
"Oh yeah right" said Warren
"Hey you two, I would like to order" said Casey
"What would you like?" asked Warren
"I want some Orange Chicken, please" said Casey
Siobhan watched as he wrote down everyone's order till he was back to her. She was pretty sure she wasn't imagining the scowl he gave as he also asked her what she wanted to eat.
"I will have the Mongolian Beef, please and thanks" Siobhan said
"Sure, Sure" said Warren
"That was such a surprise" said Blanche as Warren disappeared into the kitchen
"I can't believe we would happen on the one place where we would meet a school mate" said Iona
"Yeah, pretty good luck" said Layla with a grin that Siobhan didn't think was purely innocent.
However, Siobhan remained quiet as she listened. Why do I always end up arguing with him? Can't we just be friends or non-enemies? Siobhan sighed as Warren shortly returned with water and the traditional Chinese tea.
"Thanks" Layla said
Warren nodded before he left and Siobhan tried not to decipher whether he was in on what she was now thinking as Layla's plot.
"Today was fun" said Iona
"Yeah, we should do it again sometime" said Blanche
"But maybe we should hang out somewhere other than the mall" said Layla
"There is a fall festival coming up with rides" said Casey
"That sounds fun and we could invite the guys, too" said Layla
"Oh! Yes, that sounds perfect" said Blanche
"I wouldn't mind that idea" said Casey
"How do you feel about it, Siobhan?" asked Iona
"I am OK with the plans" said Siobhan
"Good, then it is hopefully a plan" said Casey
"Speaking of plans, Medulla said something about dissecting some creature from Paradise Island. What is that about?" asked Siobhan
"Oh! I know that! Paradise Island is the home of Wonder Women and that will be an exciting class!" said Blanche
"Wonder Women?" said Siobhan
"You need to get catch up on some Super hero History" said Casey
"What you know who she is?" asked Siobhan
"Yep" said Casey
"Medulla likes to add some history to his classes. He is a bit of a romantic" said Layla
"OK, I guess" said Siobhan
"It will be fun" said Layla
"I hope so. I have never dissected anything before" said Siobhan
"I am sure you will do fine" said Layla
"I heard that half the time the animals are almost impossible to get and the lesson is usually canceled" said Blanche
"That doesn't happen too often" said Layla
"Just saying what I heard" said Blanche
"Well, I wouldn't bet on it" said Layla
"Hey, our place mats have the Chinese zodiac on it" said Iona
Siobhan was glad that Iona had distracted Layla and Blanche from a verbal assault on each other. She was getting tired of those two and their not so subtle barbs.
"I didn't notice that before" said Siobhan
"I'm the year of the Tiger" said Casey
"What does that mean?" asked Iona
"It says, 'You are brave and love challenges. You are often unpredictable but you always land on your feet' " said Casey
"I can see some of that in you" said Siobhan
"What are you?" asked Casey
"I'm the year of the Rabbit. It says that I am creative and compassionate" said Siobhan
"Our food is coming" said Blanche
"Good" chorused the group
"Orange Chicken?" Warren said
"That would be me" said Casey
"Pork fried rice?"
"That's mine" said Blanche
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The window breeze felt wonderful against her skin. Siobhan couldn't believe what a good time she had today. She had worried that she would be awkward and shy but instead she found herself being sociable. The only downside was seeing Warren. He seems to had a knack of putting me in a hostile mood she thought to herself.
"Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair" a voice called up
"Who is there?" said Siobhan
"It is I, Bruce" said Bruce
"What do you want" said Siobhan
"Don't be so cold my future mate" said Bruce
"I am not ever going to be your mate" said Siobhan
"You keep on saying that but soon your mind will change" said Bruce
"Over my dead body" said Siobhan
"Tsk, tsk I don't think it will come to that" said Bruce
"You are so thick headed Bruce" said Siobhan
"All the better to woo you my love" said Bruce
Siobhan rolled her eyes as she closed her window. The cool breeze was not worth it if she had to banter words with Bruce. He just doesn't get it or he has some plan of getting round the elders thought Siobhan. That thought send shivers down her spine. She knew that Bruce could be callous but would he outright rebel?
"I pray not" said Siobhan to her empty room