What Could Have Been

(Toadstools Pt. 2)

After purchasing two large paper bags containing a week's worth of groceries from the local supermarket, I headed up the old, creaky stairs of my apartment building. The entire apartment complex was big enough to house 8 small families within the 3 floors, the conditions inside being modest at best. My little family and I lived on the second floor, smushed in-between an elderly woman and her grandson who were werewolves and a human family of 7. Despite our differences and occasional disagreements, I was lucky enough to have such polite and understanding neighbors. And the rent wasn't terrible either.
I climbed up the first flight of stairs blindly, the two heavy grocery bags obscuring my vision as I fumbled towards my apartment door.
"That's more than last week." An old, sharp voice called from down the hall.
Mrs. Wilson, my elderly neighbor was a short, snappy woman hunched over a wooden cane, the first werewolf I had ever met. She was very blunt and proud, but our talks were pleasant for the most part. Just your average elderly neighbor, I suppose.
"There was a sale." I lied, unwilling to be social with my neighbor at the moment, and if we were getting technical, it was only a half-lie. Normally I wouldn't have minded staying to chat, but the groceries were heavy and my feet were crying out in agony in the 3 and 1/2-inch heels I foolishly decided to wear earlier today. I stood infront of my door, attempting to put my key into the keyhole without being able to see it. I was pretty much just stabbing at my door, consistently missing the mark.
"Hmph." Mrs. Wilson eyed me. One of her many talents was reading the room. Then she started up again, her tone drastically different, "Oh, Malice, don't forget that my grandson gave Coraline his notes to look over. He said he needs them back tomorrow. Something about a test in geography or whatever it was."
"Oh, yes I'll remind her. Thank you." I finally managed to unlock the door as Mrs. Wilson waddled back into her apartment, her cane thudding loudly against the wooden floorboards.
I pushed the door open with my elbow and called out, "Girls, I'm home with groceries!" I set the bags down on the table beside the door as I slid my feet out of my high heels. I had blisters on my pinky toes and the backs over my ankles, but due to having witch blood it wouldn't take long to heal.
As I was taking off my coat, I heard thudding from down the hallway. I looked up, immediately feeling brighter. My youngest twin, Violetta, was sprinting down the hall towards me, her bright smile and purple eyes glistening with excitement. I quickly put my coat on the hanger and bent over to catch her in a tight hug.
I clutched onto my daughter as I greeted her, "Hello sweetheart. How was school today?" I smiled, feeling my heart lift up. Seeing my girls was truly the perfect remedy for a long day.
"Oh, it was great! Mr. Beau said that I did very good today in ELA and if everyone in our class keeps doing well, we get a party!" She said, smiling brightly at me with her partially holey grin.
Mr. Beau was her favorite teacher since he taught both of her favorite subjects, ELA and Art. He was a young teacher too, couldn't have been older then 30. More importantly, he was a human who seemed to respect other races, holding each one as equals, and I respected him greatly for that.
"Well, you better keep at it then, huh?" I kissed her cheek and grabbed the groceries again, walking into the kitchen to place them on the counter again.
"Uh-huh! Oh, I drew something today in art! Let me show it to you!" She ran out of the kitchen and back down the hall. What I would give to have energy like that, I thought to myself.
As I placed the bags onto my messy counter, I felt a poke on my lower back. Turning around, I saw my other twin daughter, Scarlett. To some, my shy little girl might seem a bit off-putting. Unlike her cheery little sister, Scarlett was quiet and reserved. She rarely smiled or made a peep when around strangers, but on a good day she could be just as energetic as Vi. Today, she seemed a bit glum, but I knew she was pleased to see me when I gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. "Hi, honey. How was school today?"
She shrugged, her vermilion eyes glittering ever so slightly. "It was okay."
"Yeah?" I tucked her hair behind her ear as she nodded. I didn't believe her, but she didn't look like she was ready to talk about it yet. "Well, how about you tell me about it while I make dinner tonight, okay? For now, how about you help with groceries?"
She frowned, shrugging, which translated to I don't want to, but I will.
I started taking everything out of the bag when Vi ran back into the room, clutching a piece of paper like a victory flag. Before I could even react she shoved the paper into my face, "See, isn't it good? Mr Beau said I did well! It's me and Rupert! See?"
I took the drawing and looked it over. There were somewhat crude drawings of a little girl with black hair, Violetta, and a black bird, Rupert, her raven.
I chuckled, "Very cute! You could win a drawing contest with this." I said, handing it back to her. She grinned merrily, doing a little dance on her balls of her feet. My babies were absolutely adorable.
As I peeked into the bags, I realized I was missing one more 'hello'. I paused, frowning slightly. Usually, or at least on good days, Coraline comes out of her room to at least say hello, but she hadn't. Today must have been a bad day.
"Hey, could you two sort the groceries for me while I check up on your sister? You know, fruits, veggies, dairy?"
Scarlett nodded slowly alongside her sister, who sunk into a frown.
"Come on, I know you can do it!" I said, hoping it would pep them up enough to do their task. It didn't really work.
"Yes, mom." My twins said reluctantly, slowly starting to sort through the items.
"Thank you, ladies. I'll be right back." I said as I walked out of the kitchen and towards Cora's bedroom door.