Author Note: Ok, time for some fun after so much sadness. Huntington will give everyone and Claire some fresh air. But also some family drama.

Today is the 13th, and I'll be able to see my extended family two hours after school. I'm so excited that I jump out of bed once I hear my alarm go off and get dressed. Instead of wearing my usual clothes, I decided to wear something different.

I pick out a pair of denim jean shorts, a teal thick-strap tank top, and a purple and teal plaid button-up shirt. I unbutton the shirt to show off the tank top and wrap up the sleeves. I put my hair in a ponytail. I look down at my desk for my lipstick and nail polish. But as I reach for it, my mind tells me to stop. I shouldn't wear any makeup today or for the whole weekend. I recoil my hand and walk to my body-length mirror.

My eyes widen as I see the curves I hid under my usual attire. My shorts show off my bare legs and ankles, while my tank top shows off my chest. After spending three years in a boring preparatory uniform, two years of high school wearing sweats, three months of heavy armor, and a few days wearing a 12th-century dress, I forgot I had an hourglass figure. Now I see why Jim said I look beautiful. I pack up my suitcase and Summer-style clothes for three days, three pairs of pajamas, two bikinis, and my toiletry bag.

"You changed your look, Claire."

I jump and spin around to see Morgana standing in the corner of my room. I sigh in relief, glad it wasn't the shadow figure creature. "Don't scare me like that! This is my room, and you're glad NotEnrique is downstairs. Because he will freak out if he sees you." I hiss.

"Don't worry, child, I'm not going to leap from a rooftop with fangs and attack you," Morgana says calmly and adequately.

I freeze, and a chill goes down my spine. Fangs. Is she talking about last Friday when Jim and I were attacked? Is she talking about the creature who I don't know if that has been scaring me for two weeks? "What did you say?" I ask hesitantly, trembling a bit.

"A warning, Child. A hint of who is coming for you."

I shake my head and brush off my nightmare last night. I should focus on happier things and shouldn't dwell on it. "Do you know who the creature is?"

Morgana shakes her head in disappointment.

"But you have been watching me since October 2nd, and you're the Mistress of Shadows! You probably know the creature in the shadows!" I say and point my finger at her.

She takes a deep breath. "I've been watching you since I died, maybe even longer, and I'm dead! I'm no longer the Mistress of Shadows; you're the Mistress of Shadows now."

I groan, bite my lip and exhale sharply out of my nose.

Morgana turns her attention to my packed things and smiles. "Enjoy your trip to your family's manor." She says softly.

I straighten up but oddly smile at the ghostly witch. "Thank you," I say more calmly.

Morgana walks over to my spell book and shadow staff on the floor and looks at me. "Why don't you take these with you?"

"No! My family doesn't know I'm a witch. Besides, this is a family occupation; I can't practice magic there." I protest.

"Maybe you should. Just in case."

I walk over to my (Morgana's) staff and spell book to pick them up. I examine each of them. A thought of comfort comes when I hold them. Morgana is probably right. I place the two items in my backpack, get up, and turn to Morgana. "I have to go."

"Then go, Child. We'll talk later." She says sweetly and places a hand on my shoulder.

I groan inside. I hate it when she calls me 'Child.' It's weird and chilling. I would ask her to stop, but when I think of saying it, I feel it's wrong too. I shrug it off and nod my head. Morgana smiles and disappears, leaving me to collect my things.

I rush downstairs with my backpack and quickly eat breakfast to go to school. I forget my parents and little brother in his high chair.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Slow down, Mjia." Dad chuckles, stepping in front of me and crossing his arms. He blinks and studies my body. "Why did you change your look?"

"Come on, Papá. Let me go." I playfully whine. "I just wanted to change my look for a bit."

"Are you feeling better from four hours ago?" Mom asks calmly. I can see her smiling a bit from her proper demeanor.

"Yeah!" I answer timidly.

Mom takes a deep breath and walks toward me seriously, touching my shoulders. "Now, Claire, everyone knows where they're supposed to go. I called Abuela and told her all of your friends were coming, and she was alright about it. But I have to warn you again. Your Abuelo, aunts, and uncles might tolerate your friends, but they won't with Jim. I'll talk to them, but it will be hard."

"Thanks, Mom! Jim already knows what's to come and is prepared to stand his ground." I say confidently.

"Enrique and I will arrive there early. Dad will take you there when you get home from school. Have you packed everything?"

"Yes!" I say in excitement, smiling. I get on my shoes and kiss Enrique goodbye. "See you there!"

"See you after school, Mjia!" Dad says as I rush to the garage door.

"Bye!" I reply before closing the door. I open the garage, grab my bike and cycle off to meet with Jim and Toby.

As for the usual routine, I get to Jim's house before Toby. Even though his house is across the street, Jim hands Toby his second lunch. He blinks when he turns to me and almost falls off his bike.

"Whoa." He mumbles. "You-you look beautiful." He says more clearly but with hesitation, blushing.

I bite my lip and blush, looking down at the ground and gripping my hands on the handles, but I shake my head and straighten up. "Come on, guys, we'll be late for class," I smile, and we ride to school. As we cycle down the street, I can't stop feeling warm and giddy as I ride ahead of the boys.

"Wait up, Claire!" Jim laughs between breaths.

I blush and slow down for them to catch up. "Sorry, guys," I say sheepishly.

"Why in a rush Claire?" Toby asks, panting.

"I'm not in a rush! I'm just so excited to see my family again after five years." I giggle.

There's a pause for a brief moment. "Wait! Five years! Why so long?" Toby asks in shock.

"Because my mom didn't want me to be around them, I was allowed to have virtual connections with a few of my cousins and my Abuela." I sigh. "I'm excited to see them again! There is a beach next to the manor and many fun places to hang out!" I say in excitement.

"Sounds like fun! We're excited to be with you." Jim says sweetly, making me blush. "Is there anything we need to expect?" He asks with a bit of concern as he will face a lot of harshness from my family for being my boyfriend.

"I told you about my family's beliefs, traditions, and values. Just make sure you watch what you say around the elders—my grandparents, aunts, uncles, and adult cousins. We have a lot of respect for our elderly. And since you guys are not part of our family, you must be careful." I answer and explain.

"Hopefully, Steve will hold his tongue." Toby hisses, making us laugh for a while.

"And also, I have a lot of cousins, most of whom are boys and most of whom are as old or older as we are. So don't get jealous, Jim." I add, holding a giggle.

"Why would I be jealous of that?" Jim asks in confusion, making me and Toby laugh. "What's so funny?"

"Like you're not protective of your girlfriend," Toby says sarcastically and winks, making Jim blush tomato red.

"Well, you also have to watch out for Darci too, Toby," I say seriously.

"Why?" Toby asks in confusion. "Who else is coming?"

"Everyone in our friend circle. Zoe, Douxie, Krel, Aja, Steve, Darci, Mary, and Eli." I answer the second question swiftly. But I take a deep breath. "I had to convince Mr. Scott to let Darci come because of what happens in Huntington. One of the reasons why Mom doesn't like me staying there is because there is a high rate of crime and rape culture there." I say in a more embarrassed tone.

"What?!" Jim shouts in shock.

"Yeah, it's a dangerous world out there." I sigh. "But we've been through worse." I chuckle nervously.

"How can your family live there?!" Toby asks in shock.

I shrug my shoulders. "It's been our home for generations, Toby. I don't pick the location and what happens there, but there is one way to get around it."

"What is that?" He asks more calmly.

"Walking in a group. It's the safest way to get around the town at night or during the day."

We get up to the school and get off our bikes. "I'll take note of that," Jim mutters.

We walk into the building and lock our bikes up to go to our lockers, but as I grab my books and close my locker, I turn to Jim, who is on the other side of the courtyard and talk to Toby.

"Hey, C-bomb!"

I spin around, and to my relief, I see Darci and Mary with excited, smiling faces. "Hi, guys!" I smile in return.

"Love the new look! Works well with your necklace and your hair." Mary says kindly.

I blush and spin. "Thank you!" I say confidently.

"We're excited to go to your family manor and have some fun," Darci says excitedly.

I chuckle and shake my head. "I'm just glad you two and everyone in our friend group are coming. This means so much to me." I say softly.

"Hey, we're here for you, girl!" Mary replies before we hug and let go as the bell rings.

The school day goes by fast with listening to lectures, whistling from boys that make Jim growl, compliments for my looks, and the usual homework, but overall, I am just waiting for the final bell to ring, and I run out of class to get to my locker.

"Claire."

I see Jim, looking a bit sad, drawing my attention. "Jim, what's wrong?" I ask kindly.

"I'm ready for this, but I'm also really nervous about meeting your family." He says timidly.

I understand and see his bravery and worry. I cup his cheeks, and he pulls me closer by my waist. "Jim, it will be ok. I know it will be hard, but we'll stand our ground. I'm just glad you and Barbara are coming. This means a lot to me." I say softly, smiling reassuringly.

Jim smiles back, and we kiss. We part and press our foreheads together. "I love you so much, Claire. I'll fight everything just to be with you." Jim says sweetly, making me almost tear up. Jim leans into my ear. "I love your outfit." He whispers before pecking me on the cheek.

We hug before getting on our bikes and cycling off with Toby. As we get to our neighborhood, we separate to our houses. I get home and help Dad get our luggage ready in the car.

"Ready to see you're Abuela again, Mija?" Dad asks clearly as we take our final trip to the car.

I check my phone and send a text of 'Ready to go?' in a group chat of all my friends. My phone exploded with many happy and positive messages a few seconds later. "Yes!" I say with excitement, looking up at Dad with a huge smile.

"Good, because Mom and Enrique are waiting for us."

We check and double-check everything before Dad locks the house, we get in the car, and he drives off. The first 10 minutes of the ride are awkward. I haven't been alone with my dad in a long time. The space is silent but peaceful. It's kinda nice just to sit with someone you love without talking to them like Jim and I sometimes do. I hear a shuffle in one of the bags as we exit the town. Dad and I look at each other, and he grins.

"Why don't you take a look in that bag? Maybe there's something in there for you." Dad says with a bit of suspicion.

I grab the small knapsack and throw it on my lap. I hear a grunt and a loud thud inside the bag. I open the bag, and to my shock, my foster brother's head pops out. "NotEnrique! What the hell are you doing here?" I ask in surprise.

"He wanted to come along. So, Mom and I decided to let him after he begged us." Dad answers for me.

I glance at his grin and reflect on the pleading little changeling on my lap.

"Come on, Sis! You wouldn't want me alone in the house for a weekend, would ya?" He says sarcastically.

I giggle and shake my head. I can't stay mad at NotEnrique for long. "No, no. It's ok; just promise to stay hidden from my family." I say sternly.

"Of course, Sis! What do you think I have done since I came to your house?" NotEnrique replies, making Dad and I raise our eyebrows. We don't find stealing Enrique funny, but it wasn't NotEnrique's fault.

Dad and I spend 45 minutes talking while NotEnrique sleeps in the back seat. We talked about the first time he met Mom's family and how nervous he was, and I talked about how school was. We joked about politics, discussed Dad's life as a young man, and sang songs on the radio, including some from a Papá Skull DVD that Dad bought just for the occasion. We had a blast. At first, I thought we wouldn't. We would just sit in our seats and not talk, only listen to the radio and watch the cars on the road near us go by, but it's nice talking to Dad. I missed talking with him for hours when I was little. It didn't matter what the topic was. I just love hearing Dad's voice, but during this time, something felt wrong. My head started to pound, and I heard a siren whisper. There's also that lingering feeling of the creature following me for two weeks, both in my dreams and real life. I twitch and shake it off.

"Are you alright, Claire?" Dad asks with concern.

I turned to him and smiled, but I wouldn't say it was real or fake. "I'm fine, Papá! Just want to get out of the car soon."

Dad chuckles and looks at the highway. "I'm sorry, Mija; we'll be at the manor in 30 minutes." He says softly.

I groan and lean my cheek against my palm, my elbow on the widow. I stare up at the sky and sigh deeply.

"Something on your mind?" Dad asks with curiosity.

I take a while to think. I have a lot on my mind that is wearing me down, including the creature chasing me. Horns, fangs, nearly two taller than me, a deep and scary voice, and stone but clay-like skin. The very thought sends shivers down my spine. I'm also worried about my family and how they will react to my friends and me. I shrug my shoulders. "I'm just thinking about seeing Abuela and everyone at the manor." I sigh with exhaustion. "I mean. I haven't seen them in five years, and last time I remember, Aunt Olivia and Uncle Lucas fought with Mom before we left the manor and never returned after that." I add, remembering the last time I saw my family. "I don't remember what they said, but it wasn't nice."

Dad sighs painfully. "Well, your aunts, uncles, and Abuelo don't really like Mom's profession, how we raised you, and her beliefs in free will and choices."

I snort. "I agree with them about raising me; mom has been neglectful and only cares about her job since I was 10." I hiss, causing a twitch of guilt hit me after saying that. I remember when Mom gave me kisses, tucked me in bed, and talked to me when I wanted to, always listening. But that was before I went to middle school, and everything changed. When Mom was pregnant with Enrique, when I was 14, I was scared she would treat him the same way. She did dump most responsibilities on me when Enrique was born and expected me to get A's in school, but she did show so much affection and love when she was will Enrique. So much that it had me mad and resentful. I want to forgive Mom, but I want her to say something first. I feel a hand on my knee and turn to Dad.

"Claire, I know you felt that way, and I'm sorry. Mom means well and wants a better life for you than she did." Dad says softly and sounds meaningful.

But I feel enraged and turn back to the window. 'I'm sorry!' That's all Dad can say?! I want to hear that from Mom! She's the one who made me missable for most of my adolescence! I want her to say sorry over and over again until she makes up for six years of neglect. I ball my fist up and exhale sharply out of my nose again.

"Claire."

I turn my head back to look at my dad, who is looking sad.

He takes a deep breath and clears his throat. "Mom and I missed you when you left for New Jersey. Mom cried every night, looking out our bedroom window, hoping you would come home safely one day. She realizes what she lost. A beautiful, smart, and passionate girl." Dad says, sounding on the verge of crying.

I can see the hurt in his eyes and want to believe his statement is true. A lump comes in my throat, and I nod my head. "Thanks, Papá!" I whisper in a hoarse voice, looking back with small tears. Dad smiles and focuses back on the road. I turn back to the window and sniff the tears away. My head spun with questions. I look down at my necklace and softly touch the center. She cried for me to come home.

Five minutes later, silent until I heard a pin on my phone. I take it out and see a notification of Jim sending me a picture. I touch the tab and open my phone. I giggle as I see a picture of Jim sticking his tongue out while holding the camera, also showing Barbara driving and not even looking at the camera. But she smirks at her son's antics. He then sends me a red heart emoji, making me giggle more.

"That boy sure does know how to make you happy." I hear Dad say.

I turn to him and nod, smiling. "Yes! No matter what, Jim knows how to make me smile, giggle, laugh, and feel joy!"

"Reminds me of how your mother saw me when we started dating at your age." Dad chuckles.

I blink and stare at him. If I were standing, I would fall. Jim reminds Dad of him and Mom before I was born?

"I'm glad we didn't split you guys up, and I'm impressed he's coming with us," Dad says seriously.

I blush and look away. "Yeah. I'm thrilled Jim is doing this for me."

"But he won't be accepted by most of the family."

"I know, but Abuela will love Jim, and I don't care what others say about him. He treats me right, supports me, loves me, and is true to me! What could be better in a boyfriend than that?" I protest.

Dad chuckles and shakes his head. "You have your Mom's resilience."

We get to Huntington and the manor on time, with some cars parked in the circular driveway around a big pot of green sago palm, hibiscus, and plumeria. The manor looks different than I remember: giant King and Piru Queen Palm trees surround the grounds. The walls of the manor are stucco, colored dark orange. It looks like a traditional Spanish-style house, about three stories tall and big enough to hold more than 50 people. I tell NotEnrique to stay hidden in my backpack and not come out until I say so. Dad and I exit the car and get our luggage out of the trunk.

"You guys made it."

Dad and I see Mom holding Enrique, walking towards us. "Hi, Mom!" I say as politely as possible.

"Hi, Claire!" She says sweetly to me. She hugs Dad, and they kiss while I finish grabbing bags.

"Uh, Claire."

I look up at Mom.

"Some of your friends are here, and Dad and I can take care of the luggage."

I raise my eyebrow as Mom is holding Enrique. "Are you sure?"

"Yes! Go on. It's alright."

I smile and kiss Enrique before running to the other cars, where I can see Mary, Darci, Zoe, Douxie, Archie, Nari in her disguise, Aja and Krel. We hug, talk, joke, and laugh while I help them with their luggage. Soon, two more cars come. Car one, Jim, Toby, Nancy Domzalski, and Barbara. Car two, Steve and Eli. I run towards Jim and yell his name, making him turn around. "You're here!" I cry. He smiles and opens his arms to let me hug him. Jim locks his arms around my waist, and I wrap mine around his neck. We hold each close and tightly. Jim will need all the encouragement for the weekend, but I'm just happy he's here. I look over his shoulder and see Barbara giggling and smiling sweetly at us. I smile back at her and mouth, 'Thank you.' Jim and I let go but still held on to each other and smiled sweetly. Words don't need to describe how we feel.

"We can't thank you enough for coming here." I hear Dad's voice behind us.

We turn around and see my parents walking toward us.

"Thank you for inviting us," Barbara says kindly to them.

Mom glances at me and Jim and quickly turns away when our eyes lock, biting her lip.

"Claire!" I hear Mary call out, making me turn to see her run to me. "There's a girl in front of the doors who asks for you; she says she's your cousin."

I kiss Jim and excuse myself. I walked with Mary to where she saw the girl. I gasp and almost cry when I see her.

"Daniela!" I shout and dash up to her.

Author Note: Oh my god, I cried my eyes out while writing the part of Javier telling Claire how Ophelia felt when she left for New Jersey with Jim. Claire was gone for three months and is still a minor. She's a trollhunter who most likely faces sickness, injuries, and near death experiences while underground. Of course Ophelia would be worried for her only daughter. But also runs on the logic of absence makes the heart grows fonder or you don't realize what you have until you lose it.

I did research the area around Huntington. Relax. And do you know what the creature chasing Claire is? I think I've given you all the hints you need. Also, think of the manor where Claire and her friends are looks similar to Don Rafael's in Mask of Zorro. If you haven't seen it, watch it. It's amazing! This is going to be a fun weekend! Right?