Hooks and Seashells

Chapter 11: Mermaids and Memories

        "Ugh, family day." Mal groaned as Ben escorted her into the garden. "Everything is going to be fine. Audrey's family isn't even here." He smiled. "Yeah, come on Mal, lighten up." Uma teased as she walked over with Harry. She rolled her eyes as Gil and Quinn walked over to join them. "Believe me, if you had seen the mess last family day turned into you would understand." Gil chuckled. "Well past is past, forgive and forget, right?" Mal sighed. "I suppose."

       Gil was about to reply when he felt a tug on his sleeve. He turned and saw Quinn pointing with a wide grin on her face. Gil followed her finger and noticed a short, red haired man walking towards them. "Is that your dad?" He asked nervously. Quinn nodded and began to pull his arm to get him to follow. "Alright, alright. I'm coming."

        As they got closer, Gil was able to take in Quasimodo's appearance. Since Frollo's Creperie was right next door to Gaston's Duels Without Rules he had constant heard Frollo's rants. Gil thought he was exaggerating, but Quasimodo's appearance was definately unnerving. Gil lowered his eyes, afraid he would stare too long.

        Suddenly, he felt Quinn release his hand. Glancing up, Gil saw she was hugging her father. "Oh Quinn, I've missed you so much." Quasimodo exclaimed. He watched as Quinn began to sign. "I missed you too Dad. I want you to meet someone. This is Gil, my boyfriend." Gil stepped forward nervously. "Hello sir, it's nice to meet you." He said, extending his hand.

        Quasimodo smiled and excepted his hand. "It's nice to meet you too. Don't be nervous. I know I look scary, but I don't bite." He joked. Gil cracked a smile as he relaxed. Quasimodo broke the handshake and looked at his daughter who was smiling the brightest smile he'd seen in ten years. He looked warmly between the two teenagers. "So the son of Gaston makes you happy, hmm?" He asked his daughter. She smiled. "More than you can imagine." Quinn signed.

       Meanwhile, Gil looked stunned at his words. "You know who I am?" Quasimodo smiled. "Of course, Fairy Godmother and I are good friends. Besides, your bloodline doesn't matter. What does matter is the smile on my daughter's face." Gil sighed in relief. "I'm glad." Quasimodo then turned to his daughter. "May I borrow Gil for a bit?" Quinn gave her father a stern look. "You better be nice to him." He chuckled. "I won't scare him dear, I promise. Go spend some time with your friends."

        Quinn nodded and gave Gil a quick peck on the cheek  before signing, "You'll be fine. My dad is a softy." They watched her wander over towards Ruby's family. "Come with me." Quasimodo beckoned him.

         They walked further into the garden, away from the crowds and chatter. "Gil, explain to me your feelings towards my daughter." Quasimodo inquired. Gil took a deep breath. "She's everything to me. Quinn gives me happiness I can't explain and gives me a reason to work hard to stay in Auradon. She's the first thought in my mind when I wake up and my last thought before I go to sleep. I love her." Quasimodo smiled. "I believe you. I haven't seen my daughter this happy in a long time."

       "What do you mean?" Gil asked, confusion in his eyes. Sadness filled his eyes as he took a deep breath. "My boy, has Quinn ever told you about her family?" Gil thought for a moment. "No, she only talks about you." Quasimodo nodded. "I see. Gil, I want to share something with you. It's something only Quinn, her Aunt Esmeralda, her Uncle Phoebus, and I know."

         Gil nodded. "Alright, what is it?" He took a deep breath. "Well for starters, Quinn didn't become mute until she was six." Gil's eyes widened. "You mean Quinn used to talk?" He saw sadness in Quasimoto's eyes. "Why did she stop?" He sighed.

       "Ten years ago my family and I lived in the bell tower in Notre Dame. I had constructed the bottom two floors into a living space similar to a small cottage. Life was perfect until that night. A raging storm blew through and lightning struck the bell tower, causing it to catch fire. I smelled the smoke and ran to get Quinn while my wife, Emily, went to get Quinton, our two month old son. We hurried to get out and I made sure she was right behind me. However, as soon as I made it out I heard a loud crack. I turned around and watched as the doorway collapsed, trapping the inside. I tried to get them out but the flames were too hot. By the time help came it was too late, they were already gone. As for Quinn, she never spoke again after that night."

       Gil was quiet as he took in all the information. "I'm so sorry. I had no idea." He whispered. Quasimodo shook his head. "Don't be. I've come to terms with their passing. Quinn however, I believe is still healing. That's why I am confiding in you. The anniversary of their passing is approaching on January 8 and with Quinn being in school I can't be there to comfort her. I need you to look out for my daughter. She's all I have left."

      Gil nodded. "Don't worry. I'll be there for her. You have my word." Quasimodo smiled. "Thank you. Now, I think I should return you to my daughter hmm?" He chuckled. "Yeah, let's find her."
🌟
        Meanwhile, Uma was wandering through the crowds searching for Harry who had been drug off by Jay and Carlos to play croquet. "Where did they take him?" She grumbled. After making her way through another group of people she finally spotted them. "Finally." She sighed walking towards then. However, she had only taken a few steps when she ran into someone. When Uma looked up she came face to face with a girl with her black hair and emerald green eyes.

       "Are you alright?" She asked. Uma nodded. "I'm fine. Sorry for running into you like that." The girl gave a dismissive wave. "It's fine. I'm Melody by the way. What's your name?" She smiled. "I'm Uma." Melody's eyes widened as she stared. "You're Ursula's daughter, aren't you?" Uma nodded. "I am. Is that a problem?" Melody shook her head. "Not at all. It's just, I'm Eric and Ariel's daughter."

     Uma's eyes widened in disbelief before becoming wary. "You hate me, don't you?" She asked coldly. Melody grabbed her hands and gave them a squeeze. "I hate your mother and aunt, but I don't hate you. DNA only creates what people see. It's one's own choices and actions that define them. You chose good." Uma began to relax. "So you don't hate me?" She shook her head. "Not at all. Actually, I was hoping we could be... friends?"
 
    "Friends?" Uma said in surprise. "Yeah, if you want. I mean, I'm half mermaid and you're half cacaelian. It would be nice to have a swimming partner." She smiled. Uma nodded. "Yeah, I suppose we could try."

       Melody was about to respond when a shout cut her off. "What do ye mean I'm cheating!?" Uma groaned as she looked over to see Harry holding a croquet mallet looking ready to strike. "I better go get him before he starts playing Whack a Pest with that mallet." Melody giggled. "So, see you around?" Uma smiled. "Yeah." She then turned to face the boys. "Harry James Hook! Put the mallet down!" She hollered hustling over. Harry groaned. "I never get to have any fun."

     Melody chuckled as she watched Uma chew out the boys and set them straight. As she turned to head over to her family one thought crossed her mind. I can't wait to tell Michael.

Author's Note

    As promised here is Chapter 11. I hope you enjoyed. Yay Melody has been brought in and some light has been shed on Quinn's past. Feel free to leave comments I enjoy them. Evil Dreams.

                           -Meloetta246