Cedar Point’s Japanese community had a small ceremony every year on August 6th to remember those affected by the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Now that so many from what was Cedar Point had become Alexandrans, Alexandra had adopted the tradition. The first year during the fog it had been Yuki Tanaka and his girlfriend Kaitlin Reinhardt who went down to the beach by the inlet after supper and started making lanterns with simple paper bags, lids from various food containers, plastic plates, some paints and markers. They had tea lights the first year. They brought enough supplies for others to join in and make some. Townspeople saw them and word spread person to person. Soon they had a gathering and by darkness the inlet was alight with the small glowing offerings of the town’s messages of hope and peace.
As the second year of the fog approached, they didn’t have commercial tea lights but the local beekeeper, Bartley Ferris, had been asking for everyone’s discarded metal holders from the commercial ones as well as any kind of small metal lid or cap in a similar size. With hemp wicks they made more tea lights and stored them for the ceremony. The paper bags ran short but people in town had begun making recycled paper so they figured out how to make the right size to wrap around 4 sticks to make a square and set them to float on anything they could find that was the right size.
The first two years of the peace lantern ceremony Sakura had been too depressed to come. Back in Cedar Point it was something her late husband Hiro got the Yamada family to go out to. He and Yuki were always the organizers of it. It felt too sad to go without Hiro but she was glad Yuki was carrying on and honouring it. But this year, Sakura was ready to participate fully. She had told her family she’d go, and encouraged them to come too and met Yuki and Kaitlin for the early evening set up with some more supplies. Bartley rode up on his bicycle with a big box of candles in the small bike trailer.
They hadn’t officially announced it in years past but this year, with the inclusion of the internet again it had been tweeted about in the local Alexandra feeds as well as announced on the radio by the Walrus and the Carpenter. The radio announcement had reminded people as well about social distancing and the safety of wearing masks if folks were going to gather with a crowd.
The McLeod family always loved the lantern night. Paul and Cheryl walked down to the beach with their girls and let the younger ones stay up later so see them lit and set to float. It was a melancholy beauty, remembering something awful in the world but also the sharing of peace and hope with the town was uplifting as well. They all had masks made by Joan who was already there waiting for them with a blanket on the beach..
Daphne McLeod sat cross legged on the blanket with her parents, Grandma and sisters decorating her brown paper bag. At the age she was at and the world in the state that it was, she took the messages of peace and hope very seriously this year. Her lantern was just covered in words in different colours. No More Bombs, Peace, Love, Hope, Friendship….She thought of the recent protest in town and wrote out ...Black Lives Matter...She thought of Covid and the pandemic of it and her mother’s illness and wrote out ….Stay Safe, Be Smart, Kindness… Then she set her lantern up with a candle inside and helped Lucy who’s lantern had a stick person holding up a rainbow on it. Chloe sat beside her sister, helping as best she could.
Chris sits with Blaze and Olivia and Noelle and encourages the kids to just colour whatever they want on their paper bags. They’re too young to get the significance but they were always up for colouring.
Sajani is with them and she peers over Blaze’s shoulder “What are the green circles Blaze?”
Blaze looks up at her with the utmost serious face “Peas.”
Sajani purses her lips to keep from giggling and looks at Chris and Noelle. All around them people had been repeatedly saying the word peace. Blaze had heard peas because he loved peas. “Peas are great. Good job Blaze.” Olivia was creating something unidentifiable but she was having fun with every colour she could get in there.
Chris can’t resist it “World peas? I love it.” He turns to the side and coughs to cover a laugh and then his eyes twinkle at Noelle “Our vegan boy and his lantern for peas…”
Up walked Stuart, Lauren and to everyone’s surprise, Avery. She had been venturing back into town since the parents moved but this was her first gathering with a crowd. Chris jumped up and hugged his sister for a long time, so happy to see her out and about like this.
Stuart and Lauren sat down with the kids and gushed over their paper bag pictures. “Oh we love peas too….” Lauren said. “And Olivia, look at all your colours….so nice. Hi Noelle, Sajani. I know Patrick is working….” Olivia hands Lauren a purple crayon and looks expectantly at her “Oh...thank you sweetie…..can I add a little flower? Because this looks like a garden to me…”
The large Reinhardt clan was gathered in more or less one spot. Among them, little Katie and her new cousin Liam made their own lanterns. Liam was a big boy to Katie and she listened to him as he taught her. He also talked to her about the three babies that his Daddy had given to his mother. Once they made lanterns, Liam took her over and introduced her to them, even though they didn’t have names. Katie squealed when she felt them moving, but looked concerned.
“It’s awful cramped in there. That has to be scary.” she looked up at Slaine.
Slaine had been told about Katie’s fears of closets. “They don’t know its cramped yet. And they have company. AND they have you and Liam to listen to so they know they aren’t alone.”
Katie considered this and looked at her father who was sitting nearby with Uncle Owen and Iris. Liam had told her that his Daddy who was Owen loved his mother so much he gave her three babies. She had heard her own Daddy tell Iris that he loved her, so she moved over to them with Liam and both of them climbed into their own Daddy’s lap.
“Daddy.” she looked up at him. “Are you going to give Iris a baby, too?”
Seamus looked down at her and smiled. “Maybe someday, Duckling.”
Owen grinned at Slaine as she told little Katie all about the babies and then he looked way too pleased with Katie’s question to Seamus and Iris as he wound his arm around Liam. He nodded at his brother’s answer and then shifted his gaze to Iris in curiosity. Seeing Seamus in love had been one pleasant surprise but now as a dad was a double roll. He also felt closer to his brother as they really started to walk some parallel paths. So far the kids had hit it off too.
Iris had been sipping from a water bottle as Katie asked her question and choked a little at it’s boldness. She knew she could see her whole life with Seamus and more children but as Katie had been a new surprise she wasn’t sure where Seamus was at. But he was smiling and saying maybe someday. They had made it through a spontaneous almost pregnancy scare and both been open to the idea. Maybe someday summed it up well. Iris leaned over and kissed Katie’s cheek as she sat in Seamus’s lap “Maybe someday. But for now you get all our attention. She saw her sister and Sasha a little further over with the Beaulieus and Lisette and her own family as well and waved. Little Thea held up a pirate cat lantern proudly and Iris gave her a thumbs up. She would visit them later and maybe take Katie. Thea was a such a loud child she had done some coaching with her about not overwhelming Katie and so far so good. Kids got kids more often than adults got kids.
Stephanie led her household’s herd of Reinhardts towards Sakura, Kaitlin and Yuki but they set up off to the side of them as the crowd was around them and they were handing out supplies and explaining how to make lanterns to anyone who needed the info. Steph had long ago bought three backpack style lawn chairs and even found one sturdy enough for her goliath of a man. So they set up the three in the sand after taking their own supplies. As they settled in, India, Ryan and Jayla joined them with Jayla leaping out of her stroller at the sight of her big cousin Tristan.
Tristan ended up with Jayla on his lap as she vaulted onto him “Oooof….” She was immediately grabbing some of the markers he was about to use on his paper bag after he had only drawn a red circle that was to be the beginning of a Japanese flag “Ok this one can be yours Jay….” She was adding more circles in different colours immediately around the red one and he rolled with it. He looked up at his aunt and uncle and smiled “Hi Aunt India, Uncle Ryan.” His uncle mouthed sorry about Jayla taking over his lantern and he shrugged “It’s cool.”
Lisette Paget sat with her sister and her family watching the kids make the lanterns. Near them were Sasha and his girlfriend with other kids including a little girl making a lantern that looked suspiciously like a Japanese pirate cat. She looked further down the waterline to see little Katie Reinhardt sitting with her father and looking perfectly natural. That made her feel spectacular, but she did not go over to them, but stayed between her family and the one Sasha was with.
Thea Page was very proud of her pirate cat. She had gotten a thumbs up from Iris from afar and now she spotted her grown up friend Amelie talking to a lady with red hair who had a similar face. Aislin was already over there making a lantern next to Cath. But her father was in the most boring grown up conversation ever with a bearded old man walking by with a dog. The dog was nice but the man told long stories. She stole away and plopped down next to Amelie and the lady. “Hi Amelie.” And because she was not shy she just said “Hi Amelie’s friend? I’m Thea. Do you like my cat Captain Whiskers? He’s a peaceful pirate because my Dad said he should be peaceful today.” Then she drops her voice “But he has a secret thirst for blood and treasure.”
Amelie beamed at Thea “Thea! Hello...this is my sister Lisette.” She grinned about the pirate cat “I’m glad Captain Whiskers can control the thirst today.” She saw Greyson looking around worried for where Thea went and waved “Grey! We have Thea!”
Greyson looked visibly relieved and nodded as he bid farewell to George Arnett and Kester. Kester had spotted a grey dog and started dragging George over to it and the blonde woman with it. Now Greyson strode over and eased himself down on their blanket “Thea you need to tell me where you’re going. You frightened me.” He looks around “ Hi Amelie, Felix, Rene, Cath...” He waves over at Paige and Sasha with a grin and then extends it to Aislin. There’s a woman he hasn’t met sitting basically beside him. She looks a bit like Amelie but with red hair. He turns to look at her properly finally and introduce himself but then can’t bring himself to look away “Hi...” A small smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.
Lisette watches her sister with the small girl with a secretly bloodthirsty cat. “Hello Thea and Captain Whiskers.” she also lowers her voice. “Sometimes it is good to take a day off from treasure and blood. That seems fair to me.” She turns her head when a man sits beside her and finds herself transfixed. “I .. hello … I’m … I’m Amelie’s sister.” she answers, stupidly.
Felix watches the introduction, amused. “This is Amelie’s sister….” he drags out the last word in a bit of a tease. “Who has a different name since she’s not an extra wife…” he knows both of their last names, but has been too distracted with other things to amuse himself with this. Now it’s all but in his lap.
Lisette gapes a minute, even when Felix prompts her. “Yes … I’m Lisette …” she remembers and then continues. She’d glare at Felix but then she couldn’t look at this man's eyes. “Lissette Paget.”
Thea looks delighted by all the attention and then her father steals it and she gets restless and crawls over to Cath and Aislin who are still making their lanterns. She thrusts her creation in front of them “Behold it is Captain Whiskers!”
Cath looks up from drawing what might be an entire Japanese village on her bag “Very nice Thea.” Then she looks past her at her aunt and Dr Page and taps Aislin on the shoulder and then gestures at what’s unfolding.
Amelie giggles at Felix “You've been holding onto that one since Lisette stepped onto this island.” Then she tilts her head watching as her sister and Grey fall under some kind of trance it seems.
Sasha had been drawing a pair of terribly drawn otters under a peace sign and looked up noticing Grey seemingly hypnotized by his Aunt Lisette. He leans into Paige “Uh...take a look at your dad and my aunt...Paige they look like....like what happened to us. It’s kind of fascinating.”
Greyson vaguely hears Felix but his eyes search Lisette’s like he’s looking into her soul. “Lisette Page....Paget. I’m Page... I mean I'm Greyson Page.” He fumbles but then answers Felix without looking away “You mentioned your sister in law had moved here but forgot to tell me she’s a gorgeous redhead?” He grins at Lisette now.
Aislin looks up from her drawing, which isn’t as nice as Cath’s. If she could have printed out some pictures, it would be but drawing isn’t her thing. Thea shoves Captain Whispers in front of her and she gasps. “That's SO much better than mine!” she proclaims before Cath taps her on the shoulder and points to her father who is looking at a woman in a way Aislin can’t quite place.
Paige didn’t even try otters, but was doing very well at a peace sign when Sasha leans in and tells her to look at her aunt and his dad. She does and he’s right. “Oh … Sasha.” she breathes and turns her head into his shoulder. She’s crying, softly.
Felix looks unashamed at his wife. “I have indeed. The joke writes itself.” and then Grey begins tripping over his words and he blinks. Then Grey remembers his name and Felix chuckles. “I’m not calling my wife’s sister anything other than cute as a button. I like my bed. It’s comfortable.”
Lisette barely hears Felix. All of her attention is on this man. “Greyson … Page?” she smiles and then giggles a bit. “Really? How … Ironic…” she searches his face. “It is good to meet you, Greyson Paget.” she pauses. “I … I live here now.” she motions absently around, then realizes what she’s saying. “Not on the beach ..of course … in a small apartment in the place they call the Bottoms?”
Cath grabs for her drawing pad and sets aside her paper bag for now. The energy between her aunt and Dr. Page is too compelling not to draw. She isolates them in the drawing so it’s just their moment like the last two people on earth. Drawing people made her study people. She glances at Aislin though as she begins “I think they’re...flirting.”
Sasha feels Paige start to cry and looks worried “Oh shit Paige…..I’m being insensitive….you’re not ready for him to meet someone?” He thinks she’s upset that her dad is looking at his aunt that way because of losing her mother.
Amelie looks wide eyed at Felix about what’s unfolding before them “You can keep your place in the bed…” She looks back at the bizarre and compelling moment.
Greyson laughs as she calls him Greyson Paget “Glad it’s not just me.” He glances as she gestures and then his eyes snap back to hers and he grins “It wouldn’t be so bad living on the beach. I mean if you had a tent. I do know the bottoms. My eye clinic is in the area….but you know….it’s in the same building as the dental clinic. I’m sorry if I’m staring too much. You’re just...beautiful.”
Aislin blinks and takes a second look at her father. “Oh .. Cath … Oh, I hope you’re right…”
Paige holds onto Sasha. “No … No … I never thought he’d … ever …” she looks at him. “If it’s like us .. it means he found love again.” and she hugs him tight.
Felix gins and watches his best friend and his sister-in-law. Then he chuckles. “Thank you.” he sighs happily.
Lisette gapes and covers her mouth. “Page .. Oh I’m so sorry … I’m Paget … I … “ she sighs and looks into his eyes. “I thought …. I thought the dental clinic is in Central .. the .. downtown area… I live .. well close to the Ferry but with a lovely view of the lighthouse, You …” she stops when he calls her beautiful. “You are too…” she says, absently. “I mean .. oh God .. I’m not usually this big an idiot.” she laughs at her fumbling.
Cath looks thoughtful. “This is a good thing? Tante Lisette is my nicest aunt. Maybe tied with Tante Nicole...but she’s married to Oncle Gaetan.”
Thea doesn’t quite get what they’re talking about but looks over at her father and the woman who is her friend Amelie’s sister a little suspiciously.
Sasha hugs her back and smiles “Aww they’re each other’s otters maybe. It’s interesting to see it happen as opposed to being in it. Not that I didn’t and don’t love every minute. But I wasn't aware of them all…..they have no idea I bet.”
Amelie notices the kids watching and in particular Thea’s look. She nudges Felix “Let’s give them some room to get to know one another.” If she can she’ll take Felix by the hand and lead him closer to where Cath and Aislin are sitting with Thea so they can be on with the kids as needed.
Greyson thinks “I suppose it is but it’s closer to you than my house so I’ll take it.” Then he randomly blurts out his full mailing address and realizes how odd it sounds and laughs “In case you ever got the hankering to send me a post card?” Lisette says she’s not usually this big an idiot and he suddenly has the dawming that they’re both struggling with something unexplainable “I don’t think you’re an idiot. But I just told you to mail me a postcard. What is happening here Lisette?” He’s aware there’s suddenly more space around them but he didn’t even notice anyone move. His hand is resting on the ground beside hers and impulsively he reaches for hers to try and hold it.
Aislin smiles. "I'm glad to know that she's nice. My Dad deserves nice."
Paige sobs and then laughs. "Oh I hope so, Sasha." she wipes her eyes on his shirt so she can look at her father and he not see tears on her face, if he can stop looking at Sasha's aunt. "It's so beautiful ... did we really look like that?" she smiles in pure happiness.
Felix nods. "We should." he moves with her to the kids. "Thea. Let me see your lantern. It's lovely."
Lisette smiles, nods and gives her address in return. Maybe I will send you a post card, although a phone number would also be nice ... but then again a text message isn't as personal..." she stops her rambling and looks at him. "Greyson ... I have no idea..." she glancs around and notices they do seem to have s bit of space between them. When he holds her hand, she allows it, looking at it and then up at him again. "I don't know what this is but ... it's beautiful and ... healing ..." she murmurs.
Cath looks up as her parents sit down with them but she smiles at Aislin. She doesn’t hide what she’s drawing and continues it quietly.
Thea shows Felix her lantern design “Captain Whiskers.” She gets easily distracted but there’s a little brewing in her mind about what’s going on with her father. “His ship is full of tuna….”
Amelie smiles at Aislin and Cath and then can’t help but laugh at Thea “Well then he’ll be well fed. Are all the crew cats? Do they allow dogs? What about Toffee? Are she and Whiskers friends?”
Thea thinks about it “Dogs are allowed but cats are always a higher rank. Toffee can be the first mate.”
Amelie glances at what Cath is drawing and keeps quiet about it.
Greyson caresses the hand with his thumb but as Lisette held his he felt an odd little jolt and blinked. They weren’t on carpet. “Oh I’ll give you my phone number too...and my email….and my landline...although I use the cell more.” Then he looks at her when she says the word healing “Healing.” He closes his eyes “You’re that sister...the one Amelie went ….I’m so sorry about your husband Lisette. I’ll back off. I didn’t mean to just swoop in on you. Believe me I know what you’re going through. I lost my wife 6 years ago.”
Aislin stops watching her father and turns her eyes to Cath's drawing and her sister.
Felix grins at Thea's imagination, and catches a glimpse of Cath's drawing. "Aren't cate afraid of water?" he asks. "Or is Captain Whiskers jsut braver?"
Lisette feels the jolt, but doesn't move her hand. She looks at it as Greyson tells her all of the things he'll give her to keep in touch. And then he realises who she is and she looks at him. "Greyson..." she squeezes his hand. "Thank you, but I think my marriage may have been different from yours." she sighs and looks from his hand to his face. “Brendan … my husband … was a very tortured soul. He was molested by a priest as a child and never recovered. I stayed with him and I loved him … but … he was always saying ‘Lisette, I want you to be with someone who can make you happy’ and the like. He even made me move out and get my own apartment.” she sighs deeply. “His last note … his last words … his last wishes for me were to find that love.” she bites her lip. “He committed suicide. Finally.” she blows out her breath. “Maybe Brendan wants you to swoop … “ she looks again from their hands to his face.
Cath keeps drawing and erases their hands separated and draws them held now. The scene was changing before her eyes.
Amelie giggles at the whole cat dog hierarchy and then nods at Felix “Most cats are but we are talking about pirate cats right?”
Thea likes Amelie’s answer and adopts it “Yes pirate cats aren’t afraid.” She’s heard a lot about why they’re there making lanterns too “These cats survived the bombs. Bombs are bad.” Thea’s natural inclination for battle stories is challenged tonight amid all the words of peace.
Greyson looks deeply sad about what Brendan endured and where it took his life and his relationship with Lisette “That’s unbelievably horrible. I’m so sorry for both of you.” He looks thoughtfully at her and then smiles “Well I haven’t retreated from my swooping so let’s just see how it goes. Did you have children together? I should warn you...I have 4 girls. They’re quite wonderful. So far you met the pirate...Thea.” He chuckles and then head juts over to where Thea and Aislin are sitting with Felix and Cath “They’re easy to spot. Wavy black hair. That’s Aislin.” He smiles at her if she’s looking. “I used to have hair like that but now it suits my name.” He looks towards Paige and Sasha and definitely smiles at the two of them “My Paige….yes Paige Page is dating your nephew Sasha. They’re perfectly matched.” Then he looks further to the Reinhardt clan “Iris…..well she’s fallen for a young man who’s found out he’s a father of a three year old. Seamus. But they’re doing amazing with little Katie and still strong together.” Greyson knows nothing of Lisette’s work of course.
Aislin giggles at her sisters reply. Thea was just ... Thea. Nothing compared.
Felix looks amazed. "I did not know that." he sighs dramatically. "I've ... never met a pirate cat before .. so I ... just didn't know." he arches his brows. "Ah clever cats to avoid the bombs."
Lisette can't argue with what Greyson says about the horrible situation. "Thank you. Brendan is finally at peace. Thats what both of us always wanted." he listens to him and looks around and spots the kids as he points them out. She giggles at Paige's name and sees her with Sasha and they do look incredibly happy. Then she notices Iris and beams, making the connection. "They ARE. I brought Katie here. She is so much happier now, believe me." she takes in a deep breath. "But no ... Brendan and I never had children. But the way Brendan was ... that was probably a good thing."
Thea smiles sweetly and then tries to speak pirate and meow at the same time “Me-ar!” She holds up the picture.
Cath sees Dr. Page and Lisette look their way and nudges Aislin. She smiles at them though.
Greyson almost tips over about the connection between her bringing Katie and seamus and Iris. “Wow talk about a small world! You’re the social worker…..they think the world of you. And that little girl is so sweet. So you didn’t have children but you work with them. And you’re an aunt.” He smiles at her and then he picks their hands up together and kisses hers while looking into her eyes.
Aislin looks at her father, but is distracted by Thea's noise. "You did good for that." she praises her. Then she waves at them.
Lisette nods. "I am THAT social worker." she smiles. "I'm glad to know that. I wave to Katie when I see her but right now I am sort of giving that family time to solidify.” she nods. “I do love children and in some ways it is more satisfying to help kids less fortunate than to have my own.” Then Greyson kisses her hand and she looks into his eyes. She turns their hands and kisses his back. “I .. we … I …” and she laughs. She wants some alone time, but that is most likely impossible … right now.
Greyson had waved back at Aislin and it dawned on him she just watched him kiss Lisette’s hand. Probably all his girls did but Thea as he had noticed Iris looking in their direction after he pointed out Iris, Seamus and Katie and they made that connection. “They are solidifying. I’m blown away by how mature both my daughter and Seamus are about parenting. I mean I shouldn’t be. My older girls…...they took a lot with their younger sisters after Audrey died. I wasn’t very functional for awhile…” He cuts off as she kisses his hand back and feels another little jolt and chuckles “I swear there’s static in the sand….I...we…..yeah I hear what you’re saying. “ He half teases. But he really really does.
Cath sees all the hand kissing and looks at her drawing and frowns “OK I’m sticking with this….they keep moving.” She mutters but smiles at Aislin.
Amelie glances back and notices Greyson and Listette looking even closer and kissing each other’s hands “Mon dieu…” she mutters and giggles to Felix. Then she looks down at Thea “Me-ar! Maybe you and Aislin should come to our house for a sleepover tonight after we watch the lanterns?” She looks at Felix again and then Thea and Aislin and Cath.
Thea cheers and jumps up and down and then runs to her father not caring about barging in “Can we sleep over at Amelie’s house?” Clearly Amelie is her friend.
Sasha watches Paige watch her dad and smiles “Yeah I think we looked a lot like that.” He remembers watching his parents go from almost separating to being madly in love again and understands on a certain level how she wants this happiness for her father.
Iris had noticed her father look at them and gesture while he sat very close with….Lisette? Then she had to smile and tapped Seamus “I think my father just started hitting on our social worker.” She laughs a bit “Good for him. About damned time.”
Katie looks alarmed “Hitting? Who is he hitting?”
Iris winced “No not hitting. He doesn’t hit anyone ever. I meant he’s making friends with her. I chose the wrong words Katie.”
Katie looks momentarily confused but then Jayla runs from Tristan to show off her lantern drawing and suddenly Katie jumps up and runs around with her like none of the adults exist.
Lisette smiles. "There was some concern, but it's a good placement. He is very mature for his age and I think a very good father. He certainly has all kinds of support, which also helps." she glances again at his kids and then talks about the static in the sand. Then the smallest one ... Thea .. comes over asking to spend the night at Amelie's house and she looks at her sister with a grateful look on her face even as she blushes slightly.
Aislin laughs at Cath a little bit. "I could take a picture..." she offers. "And you can sketch from that." Then Cath's mother suggests a sleepover and she, being a bit more emotionally savvy than Cath understands. She looks over at her father and backs up Thea's plea with her own. "Please." which she drags out for dramatic effect.
Paige keeps watching and sees Thea running over. "Oh, I hope this goes well for them." she can't help but giggle. "Should I tell them about that secret spot behind the house?"
Seamus looks where Iris indicates and sees clear flirtation. He smiles and nods about her father. He almost comments to Katie about the words when Jayla distracts her and his daughter takes off without a backward glance. So he reaches for Iris and pulls her close. "Let’s hope it's as powerful for them as for us."
Greyson is not usually a man to blush but as he realizes that Amelie has possibly arranged a sleepover so he can get to know her sister much better his cheeks go a little pink. He looks with adoration at Thea though “Of course you can sweetie….both of you.” He extends the look to Cath and kinda wonders if she’s wise to it, being older. She’s still young though. “Thank you Amelie and Felix…” He calls out with a chuckle and then looks sheepishly at Lisette and lowers his voice “My children seem to have other plans later tonight. Would you like to make some...with me? I think at my place because there’s a puppy who will pee on the carpet if i don’t let her out tonight.” He’s lowered their hands from before but now very intentionally traces a finger over the top of Lisette’s hand and up around her wrist as he grins at her.
Thea only needed to hear the words of course before she did a little dance and then dove back between Amelie and the others “Captain Thea and Captain Whiskers are ready to take over your ship!”
Iris sees Thea run to them and then do her little dance and go diving back. She can’t hear what’s going on so she just gives a thoughtful little “Hmmm.” And then snuggles Seamus “She’s a redhead…..he’s got a thing about that. My mom was too. God maybe it’s hereditary.” Seh teases and kisses Seamus.
Sasha laughs and then shudders “Mon dieu your dad and my aunt in our spot…..no….no you cannot. That might be too much for my brain.” He laughs.
Cath sticks with her drawing plan “Nah...this’ll work. And hooray! We have a fire pit now...we can make smores!”
“Smores!” Thea yells excitedly.
Amelie can’t help but giggle at the whole thing “You’re welcome Grey...and Lisette..” She calls back, including them both. Then she winks at Felix and tickles Thea “You’ll have to fight for our ship...but there can be smores! And then tooth brushing….so much tooth brushing!”
Lisette smiles and turns a little pink as well. "I'd love nothing more." she tells him. "I'd like to meet your puppy too." She agrees to his place.
Aislin smiles as Thea returns victorious. She looks at Amelie and Felix. "I hope you know she means that literally."
Felix laughs and then considers, then shrugs and laughs again. "If I give you my marshmallow treasure, will you spare my ship?"
Paige giggles at Sasha. "Fair enough. It'll be our secret." she leans closer to him. “So … if my sisters will be at your place tonight, I guess you’ll be going home to help?” she teases.
Seamus puts his arm around her. "I'm glad it is.” he kisses her back. "I suppose I shouldn't be thinking of all the other things I love about you that your father might be into." he smirks. He isn't one who can't imagine his parents having sex. To him it's all natural.
Iris just gives Seamus a little swat “You dirty bird. I love you. I don’t know which one of my parents I take after with all my kinky proclivities. I was kinda defaulting it to my mom but I shouldn’t assume. Dad has been known to steal my novels. Whatever they do, as long as they’re happy about it.” She’s about to say more when Katie and Jayla end up right beside them so she shifts the topic to something kid appropriate “Your Grandma and her little boyfriend are way too cute. How is it little kids are adorable and old people are also adorable? I want to be adorable and old with you Seamus. Not that you’re not adorable now.”
Sasha thinks about it “Well they might need me in the morning not the night. Because my parents start appointments early. Mind you, doesn’t your Dad too? Also if Rene’s home. I mean he’s 13….although he hasn’t done much babysitting. But Aisln’s 12 right? I’ll go in the morning...but I can spend the night with you. My shift is at 11. By then something will be figured out. I mean I assume Thea and Aislin are fine to be on their own all day right?”
Thea considers the marshmallow negotiations “How many marshmallows do you have?”
Amelie just cracks up. Thea is very amusing to her. She nods at Aislin “Oh I don’t doubt it.”
Cath finishes her drawing and surreptitiously tiptoes over to Dr. Page and her Aunt Lisette. She doesn’t interrupt their conversation but just sets it in front of them and tiptoes back “There.” She picks up her lantern bag again and looks at the setting sun “Shoot I may not have time to draw the whole market scent I was thinking of….maybe some mountains…..just fill it in with scenery…”
Greyson looks very happy about the plan “My house is messy. I’ve given up the fight to keep it clean...and now there’s a dog. So fair warning…” He sees Cath in his periphery vision and then notices her setting down a piece of paper and picks it up. “Oh…” He looks over her way but she’s not looking back or hanging around for a thank you “This is quite lovely…..she’s quite the little artist…..”
Aislin shrugs. "See ... more reason to let me take pictures for you to draw at your leisure." she argues.
Felix smiles as he watches his daughter deliver her art to her aunt.
Paige giggles at Sasha's thinking. "We both have to work in the morning, so even WE will be going to sleep earlier tonight." she chides him. "And yes .. it's a work night so ... I suppose they won't be up too late."
Seamus grins as he is swatted. "I think you are the best of both parents." he appeases. "My parents ... I used to think my mom was the passionate one, but sometimes I think it might be my Dad ... cause he comes so close to stroking out every time he caught me doing something ... I just feel like he was remembering back to his wild child days... That or I am just a freak of nature." he freezes when Iris talks about growing old and being adorable. He moves his hand to her face. “I want to grow old with you too.” he tells her. “Let me get stable … I want to be able to support us .. I know you can and will but I want the best for our family. But god yes, I want to grow old with you, Iris Page.” he isn’t sure if he can be heard and doesn’t care. He was being borne away on emotions.
Lisette grins. "I don't take many marks off for neatness." she teases. Geryson then shows her the picture and she beams at it. "Yes, she is. I didn't realize. I ... wasn't as close to the family as I wanted to be." She notes that the darkness is falling and scoots a little closer.
Greyson shifts so Lisete can be comfortable possibly leaning on him and lets go of her hand and slides his arm around her. It was getting dark. And he enjoyed the warmth between them. “Well now you live here right? More time with the nieces and nephews. It’s been a hell of a first few months for their family but they're all amazing people. I’m so glad our kids brought us together as well as the building we all work in.”
Iris is amused by Seamus's analysis of both her and of his parents. “I’m sure someone’s made a study of it. Nature vs nurture in sexual behaviour? I mean not that ….not to get all inappropriate. Not like they did stuff they shouldn’t have around you...nor did my parents. But yeah the big reaction thing is telling.” Then she looks emotional “Seamus..” She kisses him again “It’s not on you to support us…..we’re not in the 1950s. We’ll do it together, with Katie, as a family. I love you. I already love her. We’ll help her grow up, maybe with a few siblings eventually and then we can grow old…” Then she realized people were moving towards a finished point with lanterns “Katie…..do you have your lantern ready sweetie?” She helped her put it how it was supposed to go together.
Sasha scoffs “A work night? Do you think we would have curbed ourselves on our first night for an early morning?” He smirks “We can do that now...sort of….” He admits.
Amelie sees people starting to take lanterns fully made towards the organizers “Girls, you should take your lanterns….are you ready to send them off?”
Cath resigned herself to what she had drawn and nodded “Oui Maman.” She assembled hers and dropped the little tea light inside it.
Amelie helped Thea assemble hers and then stood up to take her hand and looked to see if Aislin was ready too.
Lisette leans into Greyson as if she's done it a million and one times before. "Yes. I'm here and it feels wonderful. So plenty of time to spend with them and with my sister and Felix." she looks at him. "And new people that don't feel remotely new."
Seamus nods about the family and the testing and all, but mostly he is listening to her wanting to support THEIR family. "Fuck, I love you, Iris." he tells her and then looks a little myschevious. "A few ... will you forgive me if I only love you enough to give you one baby at a time?" he looks for Katie in the throng, as if just now remembering that his family and the rest of Alexandra was out by the water. He movies with Iris and calls out to Katie. “Can we help you with it, Duck?”
Paige looks at Sasha with an almost evil grin. "We're much younger, so there IS that..."
Aislin collects hers and looks to see that Amelie is helping Thea. "I'm ready,: she heads for the water with the rest.
Greyson is immensely grateful for Amelie and Felix taking his girls with their own daughter. It’s not just because it means he gets to stay alone with Lisette but it’s because the connection between the two families has given them all a bit of extended family and community in the it takes a village to raise a child. He noticed Alexandra in general was like that. What Lisette said about new people who don’t feel new resonated with him too “You don’t feel new to me either. How is that?” He marveled at it as he pulled her closer and then impulsively he leaned in and kissed her on the lips like he just couldn’t help himself. It was chaste enough but lingering. In the distance, the lanterns were being lit and sent out floating and the crowd by the dock and along the shore all watched with thoughtful reverence.
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The Alvin household and the Negron household are in a bigger grouping on the beach. In the center are Lydia Alvin and Maria Negron. The two friends in lawnchairs side by side are a very common site, often with wine, sangria or even lemonade or iced tea. Ladies sipping and ladies laughing, frequently maniacally because they tend to set one another off. Tonight was no exception. Around them sat Mateo and Miguel on Maria’s side. On Lydia’s side was Simon, scrolling quietly on his phone but semi supervising Stone and Elle making lanterns. He had been babysitting them a lot while his mother had many many legal dealings and the sentencing to support Dante. Dante wasn’t there tonight as he had precious little time to spend with his girlfriend before he was shipped off to juvenile prison.
Mina James had arrived with Lydia and the others but as she was prone to do she wandered off walking alone around the fringe of things, quietly observing.
On their own blanket in front of the spread of Alvins and Negrons was Angel and Ziggy. Angel was making a lantern with the lyrics of a song he had written about peace many years ago written out as an offering. His cuatro was laying beside him. He leaned one side of his body into one side of Ziggy’s like he could barely stand to be apart from her. He looked over at her and grinned and then out of the corner of his eye saw Tara and Theo walking up “Think she’s still embarrassed by our note?” He said with a chuckle.
Tara had appreciated the note but been barely able to look Ziggy and Angel in the eye still since reading it. She knew they got it but she felt like they had had a very public view into her first real private time with Theo. She had a sense of humour about it but now as they approached the group she blushed again and squeezed Theo’s hand “I hope to god they haven’t told your mom and brother.”
Further down on the Negron side, Fernanda and Laia are sitting together on a blanket and Fernanda is madly texting someone and then looking around intently. She had confided in Laia about her relationship with Duncan Rogers but no one else in the family knew, in particular she didn’t want to draw attention to when it started since they had been in quarantine. She spotted Duncan arriving with his brother and sister and his father and the man who she assumed to be the father’s new boyfriend since Duncan had told her about all of that. She got a text back and casually got to her feet “I’ll be back in a bit…” She told Laia and snuck away. Further down the beach there was a collection of windsurf boards with sails attached and Fernanda looked around and stepped behind them.
Jasper Rogers was shaking out and laying down a big blanket for his family and Levi. He and Levi had been fairly discreet out and about still and Jasper was letting Levi take the lead on things like if it was ok to take his hand. This was new territory for both of them, the public dating thing. But Levi sitting with him and his kids could look like that tonight. Jasper was happy either way as long as Levi was with him. “You’re not too old to make lanterns.” He encouraged his teens. There were some beautiful designs happening in all directions as they had walked in.
Miranda Rogers straightened out the other side of the blanket “I’ll make one.” She craned to see where to get the supplies and saw 3 older people in the center of a hub of people gathering paper bags and other things. “Romeo, Duncan...are you up for craft time?” She joked. She did understand the reverend of the event despite her joke.
Ziggy was using a small pack of markers to decorate her lantern. She would work just fine leaning against Angel. She turned her head when he mentioned their note and saw his brother and Tara. "I hope not, or she's going to have a hard time in this family." she waved to them and motioned them over.
Theo held Tara's hand as they approached his family. Tara's words came to him and he grinned at her blush. "Then I guess we'd better beat them to it." he pulls her over to his mother. "Hey Mom." he leans over to kiss her cheek. "This is Tara. My girlfriend. I know I haven't introduced you yet but ... what can I say. I fell like a ton of bricks."
Maria watches the kids, but her attention is diverted by Theo coming over and announcing that he is in love. She cheers. "Love is a wonderful thing! Congratulations!!" she and Mateo had been getting along far better since he was working and not at the shop constantly.
Duncan approaches and sees that his father decided that the best place for his blanket was within shouting distance of Maria Negron and her family. He hears his father and sister encouraging him to make lanterns. "Uh .. sure .. in a minute..." he agrees and wanders off. Taking a wide path, he meets Fernanda under the windsurf boards. "Hey there, beautiful." he greets her before taking her in his arms and kissing her as if they hadn't seen each other in months.
Romeo plopped himself down near his sister, looking around. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Duncan sort of sneaking off and assumed it had something to do with Duncan's late nights out. He hadn't said anything about it because if he covered Duncan's back, Duncan would cover his back ... if he ever needed it covered. "Yes, Miranda." he replied. "Hand me the glue. I'm hungry." it was a tease and he hoped would keep her from even considering looking for their now gone brother.
Levi walked with Jasper and his family, aware that people were around, but he also noticed that no one seemed to be looking at them, or even care that he was with Jasper. Which he supposed was good, as he still felt an almost juvenile need to be close to Jasper. Once the blanket is down, Levi reaches for Jasper's hand as he hears Romeo ask for glue. He arches his brow. "So is she an eater or a sniffer?" he wonders aloud.
Lydia blinks as she sees Theo approach holding hands with a woman. She recognized her from town even but she was new, and she was pretty sure she had seen Theo sitting with this woman on Canada day. Now he was kissing her on the cheek and introducing this Tara as his girlfriend and telling her he’d fallen like a ton of bricks. Her heart swelled and she smiled “Tara….so nice to meet you.” She reaches out a hand to shake but ends up clasping both hands with great affection “Come sit by me so I can learn all about you….since my Theo has fallen like a ton of bricks.” She winks at him and then sends a smile Maria’s way.
Tara looks relieved at the warm greeting from Lydia. She figured after all Theo had told her she’d be wonderful, but she really was and Tara could tell immediately. It set her mind at ease about whatever Ziggy or Angel may have said and she clasped Lydia’s hands back “The bricks thing is very mutual Mrs. Alvin….”
Lydia shakes her head “Oh no I’m Lydia honey, no Mrs. Alvin required. Simon, set up the extra chairs for your brother and his girlfriend please.”
Simon looks at Theo with a big grin. He knew about Tara but clearly their mom loved the idea and was welcoming her immediately. He nods and gets the chairs “Hi Tara. I’m Simon...the smart chipmunk…” He jokes to tease Theo and then sets out two chairs and moves his over and pats it for Theo “You realize she’s going to be chatting with Mom all night now, and Maria. Just be glad there’s no open liquor allowed on the beach.”
“I heard that!” Lydia sniped at Simon and then as Tara sat down she began asking her for every detail of her life story and the two of them ended up in a long but cheerful conversation.
Angel watched Theo and Tara and gave them a wave after nodding about Ziggy’s comment “Oh I think she’ll do just fine.” He looks down at Ziggy’s lantern “That’s beautiful….you’re beautiful...brilliant and beautiful.” He kisses her cheek and then casually takes his cuatro and strums a bit in the warm glow of the early sunset. Life is good.
Mateo grins about the introductions with Theo and Tara “Love is life. Embrace it!” And spontaneously he wanders over to Angel, knowing the song he’s strumming and begins to sing in Spanish as he sits down beside him on the blanket. Angel plays a little louder and more precisely as he has a vocalist upping the game. He could sing too but not as well as his father and brother.
Jasper wound his fingers through Levi’s and gave him a look of love before watching Miranda flip off Romeo as she walked off and connected with the people handing out stuff. He looked at Romeo “I’d say he’s just a shit disturber trying to get his sister to react. Oh that’s nice…..a musical family. Or two families?” He looks at the grouping and shrugs “A little concert nonetheless….”
Fernanda throws herself into Duncan’s arms “Oh I missed you….” She kisses him like it’s their last day on earth and as they go on for a while she gets a little amorous and jumps up, wrapping her legs around his hips. But as she does so she kicks the windsurf beside her tipping it over to the ground. She feels the wind of it’s descent and then hears it land and pulls back from the kiss and looks at it and then above it to the eyes of her family on she and Duncan while she’s wrapped around him. A whole strawberry falls out fo Migeul’s open mouth and hits the sand.
Miranda was just coming back with supplies when she grinned at the little musical due starting up in Spanish on the blacket with the woman making a gorgeous lantern. She gave them all a nod “Nice…” and then looked ahead to a sail of some sort falling over and revealing her older brother Duncan with a girl with her legs wrapped around him. In her shock she dropped everything she was carrying and just stared.
Theo grins back at his brother and immediately rolls his eyes as Simon introduces himself as the smart chipmunk. He sits beside his brother and laughs. "Yea ... first introductions with Mom, Maria and alcohol .." then Lydia anipes at Simon and Theo looks at him with another grin. "Stupid smart chipmunk."
Ziggy watches the initial introduction and is satisfied that Tara is welcome in the family. "Thank you. I have great inspiration these days." she takes the kiss and finally relaxes, listening to Angel play. Mateo soon comes and begins singing and it is just wonderful to enjoy. But a moment later the sound of something falling can be heard and she turns her head to see Fernanda in the arms of a young man.
Duncan gets into the kiss and instinctually catches Fernanda when she jumps into his arms. She knocks over the boards and they are exposed.
Romeo grins and decides against arguing with his father. "He's right ... but in my defence, Counselor, my sister is an easy mark. I couldn't resist. The devil made me do it." and then, as if on cue, boards fall down and expose Duncan holding up a girl he had obviously been kissing only a moment before. "Ooooo ... kay then." he quips.
Levi is laughing at Romeo when the boards fall and expose Dunan and a girl. They are in a rather intimate moment and he blinks. This was ... interesting.
Maria didn’t see the immediate art because she’s been looking at Mateo, but as all eyes turned, so did hers. She saw her daughter with her legs wrapped around a boy as if they’d been … she blinks and looks again. Still a boy. Still holding Fernanda. Still has her daughters legs wrapped around his waist.
Jasper was laughing but turned as the board fell and saw Duncan with a young woman wrapped around him looking like they’d been caught in it...which they had. He stared in surprise but not angrily, more confused. Duncan was hardly the type to just casually hook up with girls…..was he? Jasper hadn’t gotten that from him. So who was this young lady and what was the story? And why the sneaking around? He puzzled over it trying to work it out and hoping for some explanation.
Fernanda gasps as she realizes the full extent of who’s seen them in this moment and then as her mother’s gaze is upon her she jumps back from Duncan and lands, looking at the sand and composing herself as she smoothes her tshirt and then self consciously her hair. At least she was in shorts today and not a dress. She looks up at Duncan “So that happened….we should get this over with….” Fernanda can immediately tell which man is Duncan’s father as the resemblance is uncanny. “Your Dad looks less scary than my Mom….maybe let’s take you to her first so the next part is a soft landing.” She swallows and reaches for Duncan’s hand “Stay behind me….I’ve never done this before with them….especially not...like this.”
Lydia and Tara saw a sea of heads turn and stopped their chat to gawk just as Fernanda was dismounting. Lydia put a hand on Maria “Deep breaths…” She knew the shock Maria might feel from raising Gareth. At least these two were still dressed.
Tara didn’t know the Negrons aside from Angel well enough to have true context but she could tell it was one of the daughters with….was that the new doctor’s son? The kid sure looked like the guy.
Simon shook his head and chuckled “Oh that’ll be fun…” He muttered to Theo. He knew a little about Maria but still didn’t know how it would unfold.
Mateo had turned with everyone and saw his daughter in an indecent pose with a young man he had not been introduced to. His blood boiled close to the surface and his face went red. He reached for Angel’s cuatro like he might use it on the boy.
Angel yanked his cuatro away “Papa NO!” He nestled it between him and Ziggy like a precious child “Let her come talk to us. You just said love is life. Walk the talk.” Angel had been overprotective the day he saw this boy and Fernanda but now he just saw them together and thought of how easily he fell for Ziggy and understood them.
Mateo heard Angel’s words and softened a bit but then went towards his wife. He could walk the talk….but they had to face Maria.
Miranda eased herself to the blanket and scooped up the lantern supplies. She was still stunned. Duncan was the sanest of them and this was an unexpected view of his life. But then she had to laugh a bit and could barely control it. “So awkward….” She gave them a little wave and silently kept chuckling. She looked at her father, brother and Levi and sighed.
Theo sits back in his chair as his mother motters something to Maria and his brother talks about fun. "Not my family. No pets involved. We are bystanders."
Ziggy also watches as Angel speaks to his father. She didn't get in the way, but ... she was watching. Everyone was.
Maria watches as her daughter puts herself together and she watches her take the boys hand and lead him in their direction. She is also aware of Mateo coming to her side. It feels like the longest walk in the world, in the slowest possible motion n the world. But in that tie, she can consider her own life ... the 'mistakes' that turned out not to be mistakes but blessings from God. Her Fernanda was a level headed girl and responsible. She surely would not let any boy just take advantage ... yet hadn't she been just as responsible before Angel. She folds her hands as the get close. "You will tell me who is this boy wearing you like a belt and this had better be good and make me cry or your father is going to have to rip me off of him. The vets are here, so they can give me a tranquilizer but I bet not before I have my own way with this boy having his way with you!" the words may or may not make sense to anyone listening nearby, but Maria didn't care. She was teetering on an edge between love and livid.
Duncan lets himself be led to Fernanda's mother. He is breathing slowly, because he knows exactly how they must have looked. Out of the corner of his eye he sees his own family watching. It's all surreal. Then Fernanda's mother speaks and, while he doesn't get the whle meaning behind the words, he gets that this woman is worried that he is taking advantage of Fernanda. He takes a deep breath and straightens. "Hello, Mrs Negron." he begins, doing his level best to keep the quaver out of his voice and almost succeeding. "My name is Duncan Rogers and I love your daughter with every fiber of my being. I know I should have come to you and told you, but that's not how it worked out." he glances at Fernanda. "If you have to be mad, be mad at me and not Nan. I just want you to know I'd do anything for her." and he peters out, unsure if he made any sense whatsoever.
Fernanda hears Duncan meet his mother head on and cannot fathom how with each word he says she loves him more and more. Then she looks her mother in the eyes “Mama, all my life you have been my model of how I should behave, what a woman should be…” She looks towards her father “And what kind of man is worthy of that woman’s love. I know it’s crazy. I know we’re young. But Duncan is that man. I knew it the minute we met. And he has been so wonderful to me it reminds me of the love you have with Papa. It reminds me of our family and our values. I should have told you but….well I’m telling you now. I love him. He’s a good man. The only one for me. Please give him a chance….”
Mateo folded his arms and nodded in unison with his wife. Because if he didn’t back up Maria it was a cold couch for him. But he still had Angel’s words in his head. Love is life. And as Duncan began to profess his love for Fernanda his arms began to uncross, to relax to his sides. Then as Fernanda spoke he slid an arm around Maria when she started talking about how Duncan reminded her of their own love. “Oh Fern…” He breathed out when she was finished. He gave Duncan a kind look but then looked to Maria for her reaction.
Maria listens to this man talk about how much he loves her daughter and she almost relaxes. But it is when Mateo comes to her side and puts his arm around her that she physically and visibly relaxes as Fernanda stands up for her and this Duncan. She looks the boy over from foot to head after Fernanda asks her to give him a chance. Then she looks him from head to foot and finally she looks him in the face. “You do right by my baby or no doctor be able to put you back together, Mister Duncan.” her voice has softened, but the threat seemed very real.
Duncan had nearly melted when Fernanda came to his defence the way she did. He almost but does not quail inder Maria’s gaze and when she speaks he nearly collapses with the chance she offers. “Yea ma’am.” he replies. “I will always do right by Nan.” he offers a small smile. “My father’s a doctor, but I think he might help you and not put me back together if I hurt her. And I wouldn’t .. it would kill me.” he knows his father is around here someplace.
Levi has been listening, holding onto Jasper's hand. He squeezes it when doctors get mentioned both by Maria and Duncan.
Jasper was floored watching and listening to what was transpiring with Duncan and …..he was unclear on the name. He’d heard her father call her Fern? And Duncan said Nan? He guessed at Fernanda but isn’t confident. They sung in Spanish….the father. Then it starts to click into place. The Garden centre, the Spanish….no Puerto Riccan he’d been told...family. Two of those daughters names he’d heard in a work meeting after the Lancaster party Laia and Fernanda Negron had been quarantined. He could see Levi was touched but Jasper was rattled. He gave Levi’s hand a squeeze and then let it go and stood up, walking over “Duncan...when did you meet Fernanda?” He nods at Fernanda and her parents but he needs to know.
Fernanda was relaxing. Her mother’s threat was real but also her tough love way of in some way accepting Duncan. The timing of when they got together hadn’t come up. Duncan was being sweet and joking a bit about his father “I know you will Duncan.” And then his father appeared and asked about timing and she said the first thing that popped into her head “Shit….”
Mateo had been starting to smile and then he looked a little confused and suddenly alarmed “The Covid party? You didn’t meet him there did you?”
Duncan is feeling more relaxed. Acceptance seemed to be coming along just fine. But then his father stepped up and demanded to know when they met … and then Frenanda’s father mentioned the Covid party. He holds onto Fernabda’s hand and holds the other up in an almost defensive gesture to his father. “Dad …” and anyone who has ever been around a parent or a child knows that tone is one that promised bullshit and lame excuses. He looks between his father and Fernandas. “We met BEFORE the Covid party.” he tells them. “The afternoon before. And after they left … before the cops showed up … we went for a walk. We didn’t know about the Covid party then.” he lifts his hand a bit more. “I know I didn’t quarantine, Dad. But I knew I didn’t have to." he sort of pumps his hand as if silently asking for calm. “She didn’t drink from shared glasses, wasn’t within 2 meters for more than a few minutes and didn’t even touch the door when they left the party.” He knows the rules, as a doctor's son. He had been listening. “I would never put any of you in jeopardy. Not you, or Miranda or Romeo or Fernanda.” he blows out a breath as he realizes that, in hindsight, he had been an idiot. Yet the quarantine was over and they weren’t sick. Of course they could be asymptomatic. And suddenly he realizes he might be grounded for another 14 days in a locked room … or a body cast.
Maria frowns slightly when a man stands up and asks Duncan when they met. Then her eyebrows rise when Mateo asks if they met at the Covid party. Her eyes only grow wider when Duncan explains it. When he stops talking she gapes for a second, before opening her mouth. “Dios mio .. I don’t know who to smack.” she nearly growls, but she points to Fernanda. “You .. Fernanda Cecilia Marianna Negron … you’re mine I do what i want. Madre di Dios what were you thinking?” she doesn’t let her daughter answer. “Don’t you answer that, I don’t want to know. Ohhh Jesus take the wheel from me before I run these children down.” Jesus take the wheel was a term she’s picked up from Lydia, but she’d finally found a way to utilize it.
Theo looks at Simon. “Wait … did Maria just channel Mom?”
Simon snorted “Oh yeah….those poor kids.”
Lydia chimed in with a stern look at her boys “Hush...I’m trying to hear it all. Maria used it well…..” She sounds impressed.
Tara just looks between Theo and Simon and Lydia uncertainly but then watches the bizarre show.
Fernanda moves almost protectively to Duncan and hangs her head “Mama, Doctor Rogers….we’re sorry. There’s nothing else to say.” she knows full well her mom could run them down and then find a way to revive them so she could do it again if she wasn’t finished making her point, It was mostly metaphorical, mostly.
Jasper heard Duncan and looked incredibly frustrated with him. He does hear him out in full and then Maria starts in and the woman had a very specific vocabulary set that was both to be marveled at and treated with caution. He knew he was a soft core parent compared to the likes of it. But he had his own tool kit and he opened it right up “You’re both coming in for a Covid test first thing in the morning…..and so help you if you’re positive….” He was conflicted and it showed in his face. His son had fallen in love and that was wonderful. He sighed and looked at Duncan and Fernanda “I am happy for you. But the timing infuriates me.” Then he introduces himself to Fernanda and her parents “Jasper Rogers. I won’t shake your hands in case we have a problem. They’re likely fine but better safe than sorry.”
Maria stares at the kids and then listens, straightening when she realizes that this Jasper is a doctor. Her eyes move to the man as he speaks. “It is very good to meet you Dr Rogers.” her accent is still thick as molasses due to her worry and anger. “If you want to test them tomorrow than that’s fine. Fernanda.” she looks at her daughter. “You go sit in the waiting room right now and you will wait until he gets good and ready to test you and then you right back in the tent until the results come back.” she narrows her eyes. “And if that test is positive it’s straight to the mor-chu-wary with you.” she looks between them. “Love is life.” she doesn't know Mateo said the same thing only a few minutes ago. “But in this day and age it can TAKE it too.” she throws up her hands. “Come on, let;s go. I won’t sleep till I know for sure.” she doesn’t touch her daughter but she points in a line that points directly to the Alexandra clinic. “We sit outside if we have to and don’t you even THINK of no words to come out of your mouth!”
Duncan hears every heavily accented word from Maria as well as his father’s calm. In a way his father’s words cut sharper and deeper because he knew that he was considered the responsible child. He follows the direction of Maria’s finger. “I’ll wait with you, Nan.” he offers.
Jasper can see Maria is a force of nature and will likely make Fernanda sit outside the clinic all night. Then Duncan offers to wait with her and he sighs “I have keys. But the lab is closed. I can test them tonight and submit the samples for the morning.” He looks between Duncan and Fernanda “And you should technically isolate while we wait for the results.” Maria had been on about Jesus so he’s not sure suggesting they share the tent will not set her off on another type of religious vehicular venting. He looks back at Levi a little helplessly and his two other teenagers “I’ll text you all...when we’re done testing?”
Fernanda stays silent, knowing talking only makes it worse when her mother is at that point. She was resigning to sit outside the clinic and have to pee behind a tree in the night when Duncan offered to go with her and then his father offered to do the test tonight. She just nods “thank you Doctor Rogers.”
Miranda nods at her father and then leans in to Romeo “Poor Duncan…..he really stepped in it…”
Maria has a great deal or respect for doctors or anyone with a lot of education. She narrows her eyes and glares at Fernanda. “The doctor says you isolate, then you isolate.” she nods her head so sharply one might imagine they hear a whipcrack. “In the tent in the backyard. Both of you.” she looks between them. “With ME!” she throws a solid bucket of cold water on any thought they might have of turning this into some romantic outing. “And your father.” she points to Mateo. “We take them in shifts.” she nods sharply again and softens. “If that’s alright with you, Doctor Rogers.” she remembers that Duncan isn’t hers.
Duncan looks a little relieved that his father will do the test that very night and his worry about ‘what then’ are cleared up by Maria. He looks at his father. “Thanks, Dad … I’m … sorry to put you through this.” he isn’t sorry about what he and Fernanda have as far as their love and he won’t apologize for that. But the danger … he is sincerely sorry for that.
Romeo actually puts his arm around Miranda and one arm hugs her. “Stepped it in, fell in it, rolled around in it and ate half of it.” he elaborates.
Levi watches it all silently. Maria is a Catholic. He can almost see it dripping off of her. All of his life he’s worked with Catholics so he knew a believer when he saw one. But he still walks up to Jasper after he looks at him and takes his hand. “I can take Miranda and Romeo home if you want me to.” he offers.
Maria sees this man comforting the doctor. She glances back to Mateo. “Now we know he comes from good people, Mateo. We don’t have to worry none about that. God give us something there!” she doesn't worry so much about there being two men, but she knows love when she sees it. Which is why she hasn't beaten Fernanda for giving herself to a boy who doesn’t care … as her mother once did. She puts her hand to her heart, relieved about that much. She assumes they are going now so she slips back into mother mode. “Laia, you have that tent up by the time we get back. Two if you can manage. Make Tomas help you. Yes, you can float your candles, long as it's done right after.” she points towards the clinic again. “Vaminos!” It is like a battle cry and she will march to the clinic with all of them.
Jasper holds Levi’s hand and squeezes, grateful for his support right now “That would be very appreciated. Thank you Levi. Let them watch the lanterns. I don’t know if they got to make theirs but it’s a sight to see.” As he says it there are already lanterns being lit and floated behind them. He does hear Maria say Duncan comes from good people while her eyes are on Levi and himself holding hands. That gave him hope. “It looks like Fernanda comes from good people too Maria. This is Levi.” He looks at her warmly. They had different parenting styles for sure but she was accepting and she clearly loved her kids. He looked at Duncan about the two tents “Looks like you’re camping out. And yes.” He looks at Maria and Mateo “That’s alright with me.” He leans over and gives Levi a quick peck on the lips without even thinking about who might notice it. They were already standing there holding hands “See you later and thank you again. The kids have keys of course….but I should cut you one tomorrow.” He lets go and then moves to walk beside Duncan so they don’t dare fall behind on the march.
Fernanda lets out a resigned sigh. Her mother was not to be trifled with. But she and Dr. Rogers were also not wrong. She had no regrets about Duncan, not a one but the timing had been impulsive and even after they were officially quarantined she had snuck out to him pretty much every night. But what loving glorious nights they had been. She held onto those thoughts as she adhered to the call to be marched by her mother. She started to glance back at Duncan but as his father fell into step beside him she looked forward, not wanting either of them to get in any more trouble. She had smiled at Levi and was so happy her mother was open minded in her faith and receptive to Duncan’s father and his boyfriend. The two seemed very solid even though she was told it was a new relationship. Solid like she felt with Duncan. Maybe there was something genetic. As they got to the street she looked sideways and saw the inlet a glow with lanterns. Despite where she was headed she looked to the sky and offered her own silent prayer of peace for the Japanese survivors of those bombs, their families and everyone in all parts of the world affected by wars of all kinds. She knew how lucky she was to live in a place of peace and have love in her life; her family, Duncan, and this eclectic island.
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Fiona and Vincent were sitting among the mass of Reinhardts. They were a bit apart from Seamus, Katie, Iris, Liam, Slaine and Owen so they didn’t catch every word. But Jayla and Katie ran to and fro among the family and it seemed all the aunts and uncles and cousins got in on their games. Fiona was very good at getting the two girls singing. She had been offering out camp songs and kids songs she knew and of course Jayla came back with some classic R&B and soul and Katie shockingly knew a bunch of 1980s pop rock. Fiona looked at Vincent “Nice to have such musically intelligent children in the family.”
Vincent hadn’t brought his lyre and had regretted it when he noticed the man with the … it didn’t look like a guitar, but was related somehow. But it was alright, as it gave him more time to spend with the family, even the new kids. He chuckles at Fiona. “I love it. More singers for sure. Little angel voices.” he also loved the variety. He knew where his talent lay and he opted not to make a lantern of his own, joking that it would insult everyone … survivors, spirits and ancestors.
Tristan stood with his group of friends as the lanterns went out to float. He was so happy this event still happened here. “It’s like a little piece of Cedar Point carried over….and Japan of course.” Rene was beside him and on the other side stood Mason and then Tony. Daphne had slipped in next to Tony and beside her Mabel looked like she was trying to make her way to Rene but she ran into Aislin and Cath before she fully looped around to him. The inlet took over the glow that had faded as the sun sank and darkness fell. The lanterns stayed mostly lit in all directions like little peace offerings, fires of the hearts of Alexandra.
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At the edge of the beach, Kira Delmonaco sits with The Grey Lady beside her. They’ve walked all of the distance, saying hello to her new bosses in the persons of Natalie Sokal and Levi Samuels. She liked working as a secretary, but still made it out to the Farm to visit her first employer. Kira still wasn’t quite up for socializing with so many people, so she stayed back in the trees a bit. The Grey Lady would dart out from time to time visiting her canine friends as well as her human friends.
George Arnett follows the lead of Kester who really wants to visit the Grey Lady. He sees his old student Kira, who had been through such an ordeal since he taught her. He was glad to see her looking so well with her lovely canine companion. “Good evening Kira….and The Grey Lady.” He and Kester had passed them walking before and in a town the size of Alexandra people with dogs got to know the names of all the dogs and their humans. “Nice night for the lanterns.” Kester fussed and tugged on the leash “No boy….you’re still on probation. My Kester was a shoe thief. Did you hear about that? Stole just one of many pairs.”
Kira sees the Grey Lady effectively return with Kester and George Arnett. It’s like she knows, but that is part of her job, in a way. “Good evening, Mr Arnett.” she remembers her old professor well. “Yes … it is … and … yea .. I heard about what happened. I’ll keep my shoes on.” she smiles lightly and then looks up.
Marcus walks along with Natalie and sees Kira trying to effectively hide in a bunch of trees under the playground at the beach edge. Tugging Natalie a bit, he goes over, petting the dogs that greet him. “Can you even see from here?” he asks Kira, in a slightly teasing tone. Then he smiles at her. “By the way, I heard about the new job. Congrats.”
Natalie beams at Kira “Yes she’s doing fantastic so far. I supposed you’ll see the lanterns well enough when they’re lit.” She understands Kira wanting to do this on her terms. Then she greets George “Mr. Arnett...Kester….no you can’t have either of these. You got one of mine and put a rip in it.” She laughs and looks at Marcus with love. It was only a shoe after all and they had had a wonderful night despite it.
George looks very embarrassed about his delinquent dog “Oh Kester….” Then he reaches out to Marcus “Officer Lawry. I hear you’ll be joining the history department. Welcome to the team.” He offers a hand to shake.
Kira smiles. “Thanks. It’s good for me, I think. More people to interact with .. but it’s still really quiet.” and most important, she was allowed her service dog. SOme of the men who called sounded gruff, even though their last name was also Samuels.
Marcus chuckles. “Well we know Kester is on probation and I am sure he can be rehabilitated.” he shakes Georges hand. “I will be. Alexandra history in particular, but I am really looking forward to it.”
George lets go after the handshake and beams “I wish I had time to take your class Marcus. Please let me read your notes…” He laughs “You might not bore them like I do sometimes.” He smiles at Kira and nods “I’m glad the new job suits you. You were one of the brightest...i’m sure you’ll excel there too.”
Natalie nods at Kira “It’s quiet now….but it can get busy. You’re invaluable to us either way.” She grins at George “I wish I could take Marcus’s class too….maybe they’ll let me watch one when I’m on mat leave....if the baby will sleep.” She’s now told enough people that she’s forgotten who knows and who doesn’t.
Marcus takes his hand back and laughs. “I’d be happy to. I hope I’m not boring. With Alexandra history .. that isn’t too likely.” he chuckles and looks at Kira with a smile. He already knew how bright she was and he’d only known her a short time under the worst circumstances at first. It had been like watching a dead flower return to life and bloom. Then Natalie lets the cat out of the bag and he looks at Kira, a little sheepishly.
Kira nods. “Thank you.” she demures to both George and Natalie at the same time. Then Natalie goes on and she looks a little shocked at first, her wide eyes going from Natalie to Marcus and back again. “A baby?” she blinks and looks between them again. “Oh …. That’s … such good news. I mean I hoped you two were .. and then you moved in … and now …” she i actually speaking faster than she has in years in her excitement. She looks at Natalie as if she wants to hug her.
Natalie realizes from Kira’s reaction that she didn’t know and cringes and then can’t help but just beam. She’s definitely in the glowing phase of it all “Yes...a baby….and we’re getting married. Kira, I’m not sure what our plan is about all that yet but would you be one of the people who stands up for us….we need witnesses legally and just….you brought Marcus and I together….I know for some horrible reasons in your life.” Now Natalie feels the urge to hug Kira and steps forward opening her arms “But somehow we were meant to be the people who came to you, and each other.” Natalie is overcome by the emotion of it partly because it’s true and possibly hormones are playing a role in it.
George puts a hand on his heart listening to the news of the baby and then what Natalie says “Oh that’s so beautiful. Congratulations on all of it.”
Kira hears it all. “Married….” and then, with the invitation to be a part because they felt as if she brought them together, she begins to cry and hugs Natalie, hoping her tears say it all because she cannot.
Marcus stands back with George and watches it all. “Thanks George.” he tells him and just watches the women in his silent way. Much like he did when they all first met.
Natalie cries harder as Kira cries too “Oh Kira...you’re basically part of our family. Hell you created it without meaning to.” She looks at Marcus over Kira’s shoulder and smiles through her tears.
George takes in the depth of emotion going on and respectfully pats Marcus on the arm before giving Kester a tug “Come on boy..” He gives the family their space and quietly slips away. The sun has sunk to the horizon fully now and he can see Sakura Yamada, Kaitlin Reinhardt and Yuki Tamaka starting to line up lanterns as people bring them to the launching point. It’s a small floating dock brought around just for this.
Soon the flicker of lanterns and the light of the moon and stars was all that could be seen by the townspeople in the darkness. Their faces reflected the light, the love and the peace offered.
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