Written by Kelseyalicia
Kathleen Wells was inside her inter-dimensional house with her 'ex-husbands" Robert Jackson and Alexei Petrov. They're doing their most reasonable to prepare a well-deserved picnic meal. Things had been so hit or miss over the last month or two, with Paradox causing mischief. Everyone involved had developed strong bonds of friendship. Regardless, they only had so many days when the crisis settled enough for them to have a moment's peace.
Consequently, Kathleen and her 'ex' all agreed it was time for a day of pure fun. Therefore, all the kids from both realities were coming to Kathleen's residence for a well-deserved backyard picnic! "Robert? Make sure you finish the sandwich wraps. Alex? Did you bring enough carbonated flavored water? It's a good substitute for soda!" Kathleen called from the other room while searching for the ideal picnic tablecloth.
"I'm nearly finished with the sandwich wraps, Kathleen! Likewise, don't fret about Alex and the water! He virtually bought the entire aisle when he went to Save-A-Lot!"
"I even picked up some Zero Sugar Gatorade, Kathleen. We'll have plenty for the children to drink. Are you sure it's wise to have Ceci and her friends bring their siblings?"
"I said I wanted everyone to unwind and have fun. Plus, thanks to a spell from Enchantra, they'll only see what they expect to see when we're outside. So don't agonize so much. The spell is similar to how the Mist tricks mortals in Percy Jackson. By the way, did you guys see it on Disney+? If not, I can make time for us and the children to watch a few episodes out of the eight." Kathleen said as she returned to the kitchen with two tablecloths.
She held up both tablecloths for them to see. "So which one do you like more? Is the pink one themed with angels and doves? Or the lilac one embroidered with dozens of different flowers?" Both men carefully inspected each tablecloth, agreeing the flowers were the best ones. Thanking them, the attractive, auburn-haired woman headed outside to set up the backyard.
"I think we should change our attire now that we're finishing making lunch, Bob," Alex suggested to his roommate, who looked bewildered.
"Why, Alex? We're already dressed casually enough. Why should we change it up?" Bob questioned, baffled.
"Well, it IS a family bonding event. We should look a little more presentable. Not overly dressy, but in cleaner and nicer clothes." Alex pointed out.
"I suppose you're right. The guest room should have something in our size that looks nice enough," so both men went upstairs to change. They returned fifteen minutes later. Both wore nice short-sleeved polo shirts, jeans, and new sneakers.
They're met with Kathleen coming out of her room wearing a white straw hat, a pink-sleeved top, a purple skirt, and matching sandals. "Oh, I see you changed as well. You both look remarkably sharp. We should finish setting up the backyard now. The kids will be here in half an hour."
When all the kids and their friends arrived, everything looked perfect in the magical backyard of Kathleen's home. The backyard was decorated to impress with fairy lights, dozens of flower baskets, and other multicolored trappings. Bob and Alex's dog was running happily, and soon, everyone felt happy and calm. They enjoyed a great lunch, playing different games and discussing their lives. All in all, everyone felt grateful to be alive at that moment.