Merworld

Page 10

"He bought it and is going to fix it and rebuild the auditorium. His statement to the press says, and I have this memorized 'I want this to stand a testament to the strength of it's history. Tearing it down is easy, it takes no will, no courage, and shows no interest. But fixing it shows that we have the will to hold ourselves up. We have the strength and courage to move on while remembering those that were taken from us. It shows that our desire for safety and equality isn't gone, we are more determined than ever. It shows that anything hurt can be rebuilt stronger. The hotel will be rebuilt to all it's former glory with only a few minor changes. The new Bulane auditorium," My breath stopped he'd given it our family name. "will not only be rebuilt to it's glory but will also include new safety features. It will also be added into the reef to restore what was destroyed.' Kind of went above and beyond with this one. I really don't think anyone is going to read that and think he was just talking about the hotel structure."

She was right. He'd said it deliberately no doubt. We had been working closely not to lose to much time. There were many things my parents had set up for this coming year. It was proving difficult to keep all the fish swimming, but we have managed to keep up somehow. I attributed a lot of it too Carson. All the years of running his businesses had been key I was sure. I was still trying to swallow the lump in my throat when the man in question comes in the front door. I just hurry over and kiss him hard.

"Wow." He says when I finally let go. "I don't know what I did but I'll do it again for a kiss like that." I turn the printed statement around. He starts to read and then blushes before handing it back. "I, uh... it just felt right."

"Wonderfully right. Thank you so much." Only he would have thought of the implications of what tearing that hotel could mean as a symbol. To keep it there and rebuild would keep the idea's that my parents stood for alive. Those that sought to destroy their ideals and end our kind were defeated. If we had torn it down it would have been an ultimate win for Alex. "You don't need us do you Patty?" I asked already dragging Carson toward the hallway to the bedrooms.

"Nope. I'll make you guys up a couple plates when I Make dinner. You can get it whenever."

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"One year ago, my parents stood here when tragedy struck. It took dozens of family and friends from all of us. We dedicate this new auditorium to all those that lost their lives that day. It stands as a monument against hatred, and as a representation of hope for the future. It's fitting that the convention that they worked so hard for starts today as well. We hope it'll show the world that our strength is sometimes pulled down, but we'll come back, always." I finished my not so great speech and Patty cut the ribbon on the doors. I got more hugs than I thought there were people. I heard a high giggle and turned to see my daughter racing across the floor toward me. One thing for arthropods they could walk from birth. So, at only four months old she was giving her daddy a run for his money. I scooped her up she just giggled and patted my face. She had mine and my mothers build but she had her daddy's ice blue skin on her tail. I thought she was gorgeous. Carson hurried over and dropped his hands on his hips.

"One minute she's playing with her toy the next she's halfway across the room. How did your parents do it?" he said out of breath.

"Like this." I took the sash from my top and tied it tightly but gently around her waist before handing the other end to him. He just laughed and shook his head. I accepted his kiss.

"How goes the welcome?" He asked.

"Great. A little hard at times but I think we've got double the people we did last year."

"I was told that not only is our hotel booked out but so are three others nearby."

"It feels like it."

"You want me to take over? You can take Cassie and go up and rest. You probably should." He dropped a hand to my stomach where our next little one rested. It hadn't been our intention to have another so quickly but, resisting him was proving a hard thing.

"I'm okay. Another hour and I'll take you up on that rest."

"Alright. Cassie and I will be on the back terrace talking about which angle will be good for the wedding."

"We don't have any weddings booked in the hotel." I said confused. The hotel was kind of our baby I knew what was going on with it.

"Not officially, but once you say yes then we'll have one scheduled." I just stared at him. "That is if your going to say yes." I laughed and looked down at my stomach.

"I think saying no to you is the problem." I kissed him.

"I'm thinking after this one is born, then we'll have the wedding."

"Sounds perfect to me."

"I love you Neera."

"I Love you too Carson." Our moment was spoiled by a clearing of throats. I looked up to see Larson. He'd continued to be a pain in our asses but had come by the house a few weeks after we went home to tell us succinctly that while he didn't think mixed relationships were in any way beneficial, he could not condone the actions that had led to my parents death. Thinking that no one should marry outside their species was far different then condoning the cold-blooded murder of mixed-race individuals. I'd forgiven him a lot of his annoying tendencies when he'd taken the initiative to do that.

"Larson, back again are we."