Keeping Fantasia: The Third Book of the Fantasia Series

Chapter 108: Mum's The Word

Chapter 108: Mum's The Word

Gwen's conversation with Ariel had been similar to Wendy's and Jak's.

It started off fine, a little bittersweet, but came to an abrupt end when Ariel defended Wendy (as Wendy had defended Jim).

When Gwen asked if Ariel knew what had happened on the pirate ship, and Ariel admitted that she did not, Gwen refused to talk.

Ariel tried to convince her that Wendy would never intentionally hurt her daughter, but Gwen was inconsolable.

Ariel thought Gwen was being overly harsh.

Gwen didn't receive the criticism well.

"Of course you don't understand." Gwen had said, death-gripping her backpack. "Everyone says I'm wrong but – I just – I can't get it out of my – at night all I see are --"

She shook her head like a dog shaking fleas. "I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"Gwen..." Ariel had tried. "Sweetie..."

Gwen had plowed ahead in bitter silence.

Ariel had sadly consented. Together they plodded along as Gwen stared at her sneakers and Ariel tried to think of something to say.

It was a long, quiet journey to Mad Hatters. But Ariel was speechless when she saw Wendy with Jak.

Gwen was not exactly at a loss for words.

"Oh for goodness – ugh!"

"Gwendolyn." Wendy rounded the table. "Gwen – please don't – darling wait —"

Wendy stopped as Ping, Dawn, and Froggy skipped through the group. They had been spying the entire time and decided this was the moment to make their exit.

"Excuse us!" squeaked Dawn.

"One side!" said Froggy.

Ping pressed together his hands. "It was so nice meeting you!"

The trio raced after Gwen. Once they caught up, they bombarded her with questions.

"Gwen!" said Ping. "Why didn't you tell me your mom was back?"

"She is soooo sweet!" raved Dawn. "Like soooo sweet!"

Froggy pretended to slam dunk. "She's straight outta sweet-town! Boom!"

"Alright fine." Gwen tried to be patient. "That was my mother - she's back. Now enough."

They didn't stop.

"Her – nails – are – perfect."

" Is she the reason you like tea? Oh - here's your tea by the way, and some cinnamon-cappuccino macarons. Your mom got them for you – "

"Your momma is baller bro! Baller!"

" – okay so I guess we're throwing away the macarons? Worldwide trash-bin hunger is not a thing Gwen."

"How did Michaleen react? Does he know she's your moth – "

Gwen's patience was thinning. She knew her friends were coming from a good place, but their comments were agonizing. Every reference to Wendy forced Gwen to remember her childhood trauma.

It was tearing her apart.

Suddenly, someone rushed behind them.

"Gwen stop! We need to talk!"

They looked. It was Jak.

Ping almost fainted.

"Great ancestors." He seized Gwen's elbow. "That's Master Sergeant Jak Triton!"