Always and Forever

Chapter Seven: Meet Josephine

After an hour or so of the dispersal of the intruders, the Mikaelson family returns to their house only to see their house burned up including everything that was in it.

“Everything is ruined. Finished. The burnt ruins stood in front of us is our home. The same home we were laughing in some hours ago. The same home where we ate, where we had so many memories; now lies dead. Just like us. I know. We are going to die just like our home.

Suddenly Mikael slaps Finn and shouts,
“Who am I? Can’t you see me? I am your father! And you think you all are going to die on my watch?! Never! As long as I am living, I will no let anyone lay their hands on my kids, do you hear me? (Finn does not match his eyes) I didn’t expect this from you, Finn! I would’ve been okay if Kol were the one to say this. Or even Niklaus! (Nikolaus frowns) But, you disappointed me. I am trying to keep you alive and you are talking about death! That is if you wish to die, then I can’t do anything. Let me tell you if the person gives up on the inside, he has no right to try on the outside! I suggest you just here and die by the hands of the Equilibrium!”

“That’s enough!” Esther comes in.

“Didn’t you hear what he said?!” Mikael shouted.

“He is traumatized. He is scared, just look at his face. The house he helped us built is now destroyed in front of him! So excuse him if he is rambling on stuff due to his fear!” Esther says sternly.

Mikael looked at Finn’s face who was now crying and regretted the last couple of minutes. He immediately took Finn in the bus embrace and shredded a tear himself. They were just hugging there for a few seconds before Mikael said,
“I am going to make this right.” Then he breaks the hug and tells to everyone, “I am going to make everything right.”
Everyone smiled.

A fellow villager and Esther’s dear friend Ada came to them and said,
“Esther? What has happened here? Are you all right?”

“Yes, thankfully we are,” Mikael replied.

“Some intruders suddenly attacked our home. We may know who were they and that they will come back.” Esther said.

Ada gave another look at the ruined house and said,
“Esther, don’t worry. You come to stay at our place.”

“Oh, no Ada! Why create an imbalance in your life?”

“What imbalance? You are like my sister, Esther. And your children are my children! And besides, where will you take them during the night? It is so cold out here and we have even heard of se beasts lurking around. It is not safe for you all to roam homeless at night. Come on, let’s go.”

“Wife, we do need a home. And a change of address may confuse the intruders who for sure will strike again tonight.” Mikael told to Esther quiet enough to be audible for her only.

“And risk Ada and her family?” Esther questioned back in a low voice.

“Who’s more important? Them or us?!” Mikael asked and kind of answered.

Esther sighed in defeat in said with a smile,
“Okay, Ada. We’ll stay at your place.”

Ada’s house was neither too near nor too far away. But it was far enough to draw out the intruders’ attention. They wouldn’t risk disturbing the equilibrium by killing anyone; and thus, getting themselves killed. So in all, it was a great strategy but Esther felt wrong to use Ada for their survival. Perhaps she realized the vision she saw earlier that day will be coming true.

When the Mikaelsons reached Ada’s house, they felt warm. Ada had her husband and her two little kids. One fourteen years old Dumrik and ten years old Amana. Both the children were giddied up when they saw the Mikaelsons entering as they were fond of them. Dumrik who almost worshipped Kol took his hand and sat with him at a corner and Amana played with Rebekah and Henrik. Ada’s husband, Manrich greeted Mikael and asked Finn, Elijah and Niklaus about their health.