The Unwanteds - Stitches in time - Those 10 years

Chapter 10 - A problem named Frieda Stubbs

Let's skip to when the twins are 7.

"Can't catch me Thisbe!" Fifer screamed rushing across the lawn. Thisbe pursued her until the water, which they established as a base. "I win" Fifer said triumphantly.

"Argh! You always win it's not fair" Thisbe yelled furiously.

"Just admit it I'm better than you"

"What!...You..No...Arghhhh!" Thisbe screamed. Without warning, sparks shot out of her eyes and headed straight for an Artimean. The spell nearly struck the lady. Fortunately, Alex cast a glass spell at the last second which shattered when the spell came in contact with the glass. The shards mostly fell down, but some rare pieces dug into her skin.

"I'm so sorry, it was the best I could do... I should have thought it through, what's your name by the way?" Alex asked, carrying her to the hospital ward.

"No no, you're fine. My name is Frieda. Frieda Stubbs. Besides, glass is much better than that. You are a great head mage Alex. You saved me from that...what was it actually, it looked vicious?"

"I'm not sure, but I intend to find out! If you'll excuse me, if have to talk to my sister about this, Henry will take care of you from here" Alex stated laying her down on a hospital bed.

*

"My god Thisbe what was that! That could have done some real harm. You have to be more careful. You never told me you could shoot lasers or fires or whatever that was! Was this the first time it happened? Are you okay? And Fifer? I knew you were powerful, but not this powerful," Alex said. Thisbe looked at him, trying to judge his emotions. He looked confused, worried, curious and maybe a hint of anger in his eyes. No.Thisbe must have imagined it, Alex could never be angry at Thisbe, he had never been mad at her in the 6 years she had known him.

"Sorry Alex. I don't think this happened before, or I would have told you and Aaron. I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I don't know what that was. I'm okay, and I think Fifer is too. I'll be more careful," she said, not meeting his eyes. He sighed and pulled her into a hug, which Fifer joined momentarily, after Alex called her over. Thisbe focused on the ground, ashamed that she might have made her brother angry for even one second. Because of her, he had to answer to whoever she had almost hurt. She sighed and her head dropped even lower. Alex pushed her chin up so that she was eye level to him. There was not a trace of anger, or disappointment or anything of the sort in those eyes. Just pure warmth, trust, and love like always.

"I'm sorry, are you mad?"

"No, of course not. I was just so confused when you did that. You made a mistake, it was an accident. Plus it was the first time you did that, from now on I trust you to be more careful. But Thisbe, you have to understand that you almost hurt an Artimean, be very careful, or else sooner or later you might do something that you will regret.

"I understand, Alex. Maybe I should apologize to the lady?" Thisbe suggested.

"I think that's a wonderful idea. She seemed nice enough when I talked to her. I don't think she's mad. Do you want to talk to her alone or do you want me to come with you?"

Thisbe clutched his hand and looked at him pleadingly. He took her hand and they went to the hospital ward. Henry wasn't there, no one was. Except the lady they came to meet. The lady narrowed her eyes at Thisbe and scowled at her. She looked at Thisbe as though she was an ugly, venomous snake. Thisbe squirmed uncomfortably and clutched Alex's leg. Alex put his hand on her shoulder protectively, and the lady stopped shooting daggers at Thisbe. Instead, she looked at Alex as though she was pitying him for being related to her.

"Hello again Frieda, I spoke to my sister and as it turns out, it seems to be an accident, this is the first time this has happened."

He nudged Thisbe slightly.

"Um.. I'm really sorry for almost hurting you. I didn't mean to. Please don't be mad at my brother. It was my fault not his," Thisbe said timidly.

"Mad at Alex? Never! He's such a great person, he cares about his people and helps everyone out unlike his brother, he's an amazing person. You and your sister on the other hand...well... It's not Alex's fault he can't control you both, you're reckless and such a burden," she spat out.

"No. They are not a burden. They are wonderful and I am proud to be her brother. Please don't insult my sisters, I say this for your own good. Insult me if you must, but one more word about my family, and I will not be held responsible for my actions," Alex said dangerously calm

The lady nodded clearly not happy with the response, but not willing to go against the head mage of Artime whom she so adored.

"Yes..well, I don't think I was thinking clearly. That laser from that girl's eyes still has me quite shocked. I would never insult you Alex, I admire you so much, I am glad to have you as my head mage. We will talk more later then, you should probably go and control that other sister of yours before she hurts another innocent Artimean though."

Alex's jaw set, as he clenched his teeth, but Thisbe tugged his arm and motioned to leave before things got even worse. She felt guilty that this whole issue was because of her, and wanted to leave it before it spiraled out of control. "Please, let's go." Alex sighed, disgruntled and they both exited the door.

Aaron was standing outside with Fifer. No doubt, having heard the conversation. Fifer looked up at Alex with misty eyes. Alex sighed again and bent down before speaking confidently. "Listen, I need you to know that you have never been a burden. We have come through for each other when we need it, and I am heartbroken that some other people can't see that the three of you are such amazing people. You can't control that other people misjudge you, but you can prove them wrong, just like Aaron did. So, don't take this to heart, okay? Like she said, she was just put off by that sudden fireball heading for her." Fifer and Thisbe nodded and the Stowes shared an embrace.

"Now run along, just be careful" Aaron said, shooing them off.

"Thisbe, remembered what we talked about, be cautious," Alex called out to her. She nodded solemnly before joining Fifer.

"I thought Artimeans only hated me. They are against our sisters too?" Aaron asked sadly.

"No, at least I don't think so. The others seem to actually enjoy their presence. They have often told me it's nice to see children running around. Frieda is probably the only one who thinks like this. I think she's just shocked and took her anger out on Thisbe."

"Well I hope this Frieda doesn't become a problem in the future," Aaron said, hosting a worried look.

"Don't worry, as long as I am here, I guarantee you, I won't let anyone do anything to you, Thisbe, or Fifer. Especially not Frieda."