King Gnah

2-coping

Fast forward to three years. Anya's twelfth birthday. There was chaos on the streets, and friends and family of Anya were shopping for the party. It was the first time the family was so busy for one day. The other birthdays weren't as chaotic as this. Kenny especially felt horrible. No one was this excited for his birthday. Aside from all this, Anya was closest to Stacy and Kenny. They were the ultimate trio.

On the day before the big day, they were to go out with Uncle Marco. A youth in college.

"Aight!" Marco said as they exited the mansion." The kids are ready and so am I!"

"Actually, "Stacy interrupted, "it's 'so am I' not 'so is I'."

Marco paused as he had just been insulted.

"Have you ever felt so insulted, Anya?" Marco asks, almost in tears.

"I am well insulted by the fact that you remind me how short I am with your hand on my heart," Anya said.

Marco took back his hand on hearing this. He had a bit of fear for kids who don't smile.

"Where are we going anyway?" Kenny asked in an uninterested tone. He was pissed as it was.

" Pick a card as we wait for the car." Marco put out a deck of cards and spread them in his hands.

"This is childish." Kenny groaned.

"Don't mind me then." Stacy picked a card first. "A circus tent."

"Ugh! Fine." Kenny picked one too. "Faris wheel..." he murmured.

"I got an ugly man with a big red nose." Anya stared long and hard at her card.

"That's a clown, Anya. It's meant to make people laugh." Marco explained.

"Like you?" Anya asked.

Marco felt a tear on its way. Did she just call me a clown?

Stacy couldn't hold it in anymore and just laughed.

"Old man, the car is here!"Kenny yelled at Marco before entering the Jeep.

"For the love of God, am I the adult here?" Marco complained but was cleanly ignored.

They arrived at the festival location outside town.

"Kenny, don't you think you should smile a bit? Since we're gonna have some fun..."Marco suggested.

"Not that I remember, but what time of the day do you mind your business? I'd like that to be now." Kenny acted meanly. Anya hit him hard out of anger. "Why are you hitting me?"

Anya tugged on Marco's shirt.

"I'll go for my rides after Stacy's done face painting," Anya said.

"Sure, kid!" Marco said while hiding his anger," c'mon, Stacy."

Once the two were gone, Anya from the co-driver's seat pinned Kenny to the back seat.

"What's your issue?" she demanded.

"What's your problem?" Kenny fired back.

You're acting childish. You're hurting his feelings, you know?" Anya pointed out.

"What's it to you?"

"You're so oblivious."

"Me? Evaluate."

"Marco's hurt, and you don't see it. Know that we'll be together for almost forever, so get your act together. You can't get mad with anyone anytime."
Kenny's face was only an inch from Anya's.
He was flushed red after hearing the word forever.

"Boy and girl! I present to you," Marco yelled as he interrupted them, "Mariposa!"

"That looks good on you, Stacy," Anya said as she moved back to her seat.

"Thanks." Stacy giggled.

"Hey Kenny, you okay? Your face is red." Marco asks.

"Am fine. And sorry for before. I didn't mean to be mean." Kenny apologises.

Marco laughed it off before they went for their rides. They had quite the fun. Especially with the part of winning prizes. Anya won a whole puppy.
Upon arrival at home, Anya ran off to the ballroom. Louis was seated on the balcony, viewing the arrangements for the party the next day. Anya ignored everything else and ran towards him.

"You seem happy. Did you have fun?" Louis asked.

"Yeah! I rode on a horse with Marco. And won a puppy. I'm gonna call him Cain like dad's dog." Anya said with such excitement.

Upon hearing the talk of Anya's father, Louis's expression turned gloomy.

"Anya, be strong, okay?" Louis instinctively said.

"I'm gonna protect everyone like mom said and be strong, you'll see, "Anya added.

"Yes indeed. Go now and find Maggie. She'll help you clean up."

"Yes, sure!" Anya went off.

"The dark isn't good for your sight, Michael, "Louis called out.

"Father." A slender, tall man walks out of the shadows. He was Louis's lastborn. The fifth child." Are you sure this plan is going to work?"

"Do you doubt me, Michael?" Louis asks.

"Father, the barrier is being bridged, and we can't do anything about it," Michael complained.

"Luxy won't attack until he has cause."Louis chuckled.

"Forget him, he'll not kill us, but you're already a target. You can't walk anymore, he'll take that chance and..."

"Calm down. Besides, Anya's here now, "Louis interrupts.

"You're not leaving us with a powerless child, are you?"

"She has a power. You just don't see it."

"They'll have your head before we do."

"You're too cautious, thanks for the worry, but I'm fine." Louis laughed it off.

Michael wanted to keep pressing the issue, but walked off in silence instead. He wanted to trust his father with this, but it was just impossible.
         .           .          .           .           .
The party was scheduled for the evening that day. Leny was to take Anya shopping, and Kenny came along because his dad made him. Leny was now seven months pregnant, and it was April. She wanted so much to take Anya shopping, and now was her chance. The results were perfect. Anya never fancied dressing like a girl, so she wore whatever Kenny picked out. Then got a haircut. Her hair was now short and puffy on her head. No one at home recognised her. Seth and John were cousins, younger than Anya by a year, and they also couldn't tell. All except Louis.

"Do you like the look?" Louis asked Anya.

"Yes. Thanks to Leny, though." Anya replied.

"Well, I hope you cope well with it," Louis said with a wide smile. That smile was so contagious, especially with the kids.