Twin Image: Family, Before Anything

Chapter 48

-Over a year later-

-February 14th, Friday-

~Jefferson's POV~

"Thank you Dr. Rowan, so much. If it weren't for you, I don't think Bear would've made it." My oldest client, Johnathan, tells me. He puts out his hand and I gladly shake it as my fellow veterinarians load his unconscious rottweiler onto a large dog stretcher, "You're absolutely welcome John. Now, for recovery treatment, just make sure that cone stays on him, clean with water and always check the stitches for infection frequently. The moment you see infection, you bring him right back. Teresa at the front desk will have his prescription for him ready to go. It was good to see you but, for Bear's sake, I hope I don't see you again." I tell him, and I make him laugh, as per usual when I lay that last line on him. I see him out and I watch him follow my coworkers out to the lobby. I smile, checking for more patients on the cubby hanging on my door, and I see Johnathan was the last of the day. I sigh seeing the late time, and put the clipboard back. And the first thing I do, is shed my coat and loosen my tie.

I head to clock out, "Have a good night Jefferson. Tell my nephew not to have too much fun tonight." I hear, and I see it's Teresa handing me a discreet little prescription of my own. Animal blood. She looks so much like her older sister, especially after Rosemary Eaton got her age reduction ability, "Thank you very much. And will do, I'll be more damned than I already am if I gain another grandchild this year." I tell her with a smile, thinking of how tonight is prom night, Valentine's themed of course. Last year, Tobias Eaton made it a point to the cities school board that both homecoming AND Prom were to be held in Dauntless' pit, instead of their little crammed school gym. And of course, he let his son, Jameson, be the one to announce it and take the credit for it at his school, due to the whole outed situation with his sister.

I sigh, realizing how invested I've become with this family. This meta-human family. All because of the young vampire progeny I call my daughter. It's been just about a year since she entrapped that young man and, I find myself unfazed about it. In fact, I've grow to love the outcome of my daughter's actions.

And I've never been more happy to be called 'pops'. In fact, I can't wait to get over there to babysit Natalia for both Natasha and Junior. I listen closely, checking the halls for mortals or meta's, and when I hear none, I use my enhanced speed to run all the way to the Eaton's front door. The thing is though, I'm stopped. I'm . . . Stopped.

And the only other thing that could stop me, a vampire, would be another vampire. One that's stronger than me. Much stronger than me. I gather myself, and look up to see my worst nightmare. Iorian Baudelaire, himself, with that wretched smile on his face. "Long time no see Jefferey."

***

~Natalie's POV~

I watch my son fumble with his tie, and I don't hesitate to come over and help him. "Here, let me." I say, and he does, and I make sure its nice and straight, lining up with his suit. "Thank you ma." He tells me, and I smile, straightening out his pocket handkerchief. I start to get teary eyed whilst admiring him. He's already starting to get facial hair and everything, "Awe mommy, don't cryy." He says, embracing me, and I can't help it.

"Y'know, c-calling me mommy isn't gonna help. And you're graduating, and going to p-prom, and after p-parties on Valentine's day. Next thing I know you're gonna be moving out, focusing completely on Beta work, and I'm gonna be very sad and proud but mostly very sad." I tell him with a dramatic pout, and I make him laugh a bit. "The day Natalia was born, I realized you weren't my little boy anymore. But now it's becoming real. Soon, I'm gonna be able to tell people I have a grown son." I tell him, and he nods. "And then you're gonna take over as alpha, and there goes our only reason to communicate and then poof, I'm just the old lady you drop your kids off to every weekend-," - "Ma, stop." He says, laughing a bit. "That is not going to happen." He says, and I button up his suit jacket. "I won't let it." He tells me, reassuring me. "You better not." I say, using my eyes on him, and poking his chest. Just then, the door bell rings, and I see who it is.