Dear Future

Chapter Four

"Ok, time to open presents!" says Grandma. We had just finished the family dinner when she said she had an announcement.

"Don't we do that tomorrow?" asks Mom.

"Yes, but I brought a couple of presents for everyone," she says, grabbing 15 or something bags filled with gift wrapped boxes.

"A couple?" asks Aunt Regina. "You practically brought the entire thrift store."

"Well, everyone needs a present."

"Yeah, one present," says Aunt Zelena.

"Oh come on, don't ruin the mood," says Gramps.

We give each other presents. I got everyone a scrapbook filled with family pictures. And I was given a lot of weird, cringy, slightly concerning family presents from everyone. And then it was mom's turn.

She gave Alice, Henry, Dad and I small, pink, rectangular boxes with light blue bows.

"What's this?" I ask.

"You'll see," she says.

Dad opens his first. His eyes went wide when he saw what was inside.

"Is this..."

Mom nods, her smile growing bigger. Dad laughs and gives her a kiss.

"Gross," says Gramps.

"Real mature, David. Real mature." asked Aunt Regina, rolling her eyes.

Alice, Henry and I count to three before opening our boxes.

It was a positive pregnancy test.

Henry laughs and gives Mom and Dad a hug. I join them and soon, the entire family is giving each other hugs.

"Congratulations, Emma," says Violet, giving her a light kiss on the cheek.

"Wait, what is it?" asks Grandma.

"She's pregnant, Snow," says Robin. Grandma's eyes light up like Christmas lights.

"Yes!!! More grandchildren!"

"You'd think 3 would be enough," mutters Gramps. Grandma kicks him.

"It will never be enough!" squeals Grandma.

Gramps shakes his head and glares at Dad. "We will talk later." Dad nods.

"You'd think he'd chill out after Alice and Hope," says Aunt Zelena.

"ApPARENTly not," says Grandma, giggling.

"Oh go-I need another glass of wine," says Aunt Regina, heading to the kitchen. When she comes back, she sits next to me a takes a sip of her wine.

"Anyways, I have a very special present for you, Hope," she says.

My eyes lit up. "You do? What is it?"

"Magic lessons," says Aunt Regina. "With your parents approval, of course."

I look at Mom and Dad. "Please?"

Mom sighs and rubs her temples. "Fine...just be safe."

"Yes!" I gave her and Dad a hug. "Thank you!"

. . .

"Ok, so I basically focus on my anger and use it to control my powers?" I ask.

"Ye-" started Aunt Regina.

"No!" says Mom. It was my first magic lesson with Aunt Regina and Aunt Zelena and she wanted to tag along. "That is not how you do it."

"That's how I learned it," says Aunt Zelena, taking a sip of her drink.

"And you turned dark," says Mom.

"I turned dark after I learned to control my magic."

"Well, I don't know another way. Unless she wants to go swimming," suggests Aunt Regina.

"Over my dead body!" yelled Mom.

"Fine, I'll look for another way. Zelena, come with me. Emma, stay with Hope," instructed Aunt Regina.

They leave and I sit down on the cool grass outside of Aunt Regina's vault. Mom joins me.

"You ok?" she asks.

"Yeah, I'm good," I say. "Just nervous."

"Don't worry, it'll be alright." She gives me a hug. "I brought your book, in case you wanted to read it."

"You did?" I asked. Mom nods and pulls out Cinder from her bag.

I take the book and open it to where I left off. But then, my hands start to glow. A bright, yellow light blinds me as I look at Mom. I heard her scream my name, before everything went black.

Don't forget to comment and vote!