My Crazy Years

Movie night

Choosing a movie was harder than you thought. Given that it was Pure's free day and that woman at the store nearly ruined it, you wanted them to pick what you would watch even though they insisted that they didn't have preference.

One thing you noticed about Pure was that they had a hard time expressing what they liked or any desire at all. You found it strange, given how the other children had no problem with letting other know how they felt or what they wanted. Pure was a lot more reserved. They were always giving up their turn on the cat bed if their siblings asked them to. At first, you thought it was because they didn't like you and although it hurt, you wanted to respect their wishes. However, their actions made it clear that they cared about you, always looking for a chance to snuggle and welcoming all the petting. That only made you think that maybe they just were that devoted to their siblings.

"Why are you down, my dear? Something bothering you?" Herrah asked you once, while you were doing your homework in the salon, and she was knitting a new cloak for Hornet.

"Oh! Nothing much. I... I was just thinking about Pure." you said.

"Really? Did they fell asleep in a weird place again?"

"No. No. It's just that... I'm amazed, you know. At how much they care about their siblings. I mean... I have two older sisters and we are not close at all with each other." you thought of your last argument with your eldest sister, May. It always started from something stupid, silly, but neither of you wanted to be the first one to admit being in the wrong.

Herrah remained silent for a while. She knew that all Higher Beings wanted to leave the past behind and have you nothing to do with it. She didn't think it was fair. You were part of their family after all. James accepted it. He understood the circumstances, the reasons behind the sacrifices. Maybe you would understand too. Still, she reminded herself that it was not a decision for her to make. To tell you the truth or not, only Pale King and Radiance could do that.

"Don't think about it too much. Sometimes siblings just don't get along. That's all." the queen said and returned to her work. It wasn't fair to keep you in the dark, but the truth was not hers to reveal. "Are you done with that homework to be thinking about something else? Last night you went to bed pretty late."

"Oh! Shot!" you resumed your homework and dropped the subject much to Herrah's relief.

Pure gave up and motioned you to pick up the movie, since they couldn't decide either, after an entire hour of looking at posters and having you read the description. You browsed through the list on Netflix, thinking of what would be most appropriate to watch. You thought of Tom and Jerry, but maybe White Lady wouldn't find it exactly appropriate given how much violence was between those two. The movie, the old one, was still great, but it was always better to talk it with their mother beforehand. In the end you settled for The Water Horse, a movie about the monster of Loch ness that melted your heart the first time you saw it.

"Did you finally pick a movie? I don't think I can keep them away from the snacks any longer." Isma came to ask you.

"Yes. Hope you guys will like it." you looked to see if everyone was seated on the bed.

Some children managed to steal some cherries and were already eating them, some were hugging the small plush bears you bought. The great knights joined your party too, as the royal family was busy with something else and offered them a free day. You pressed the play button and moved your seat closer to them, so that everyone could have a good view. You were hoping not to cry during the emotional scenes and there were a lot. Well, you failed but at least you weren't alone. Everyone could hear Ogrim and Hegemol's soft whimpers when the boy, Angus, had to part with the poor creature as he couldn't hide it anymore. The children were a bit scared for its life at the scene with the cannons, violently falling into the lake and they jumped with joy when the two reconnected, swimming in the beautiful depts of the waters. The scene, when Angus was saved after nearly drowning, made tears flow down your face, but you tried not to let it go anywhere past that. Nobody wanted to see your ugly crying anyway. When the movie was over, everyone either cried or jumped in joy.

"That was really beautiful, (Y/N). Didn't know movies could be this interesting. The friendship between the two was truly moving." Ogrim said, wiping a tear from his eye.

"We don't really watch that many movies to begin with. We mostly listen to the radio in the salon." Dryya added, before announcing bedtime.

"We can do it again, if you want. It could become a weekly thing. What do you say, everyone?" you barely finished your questions when countless hands lunged in the air. "Ok, it's settled! Next Saturday, we'll watch another one." you announced and helped the knights take the children to their beds, except for the ones whose turn was to sleep in your room.

After that you went outside again, phone in hand and taking in deep breaths. It's been two days since you two spoke. Only short phases, never too much. Do not get into details. It never ends well.

You dialed her number, waiting to hear her voice. She picked up, late. Always late. You nearly hung up.

"Hey, how are you?" she asked.

Time to repeat the same poem as last time.

"Fine. You?"

"Tired. How was today?"

"A bit crazy but fine,"

"Are you eating good? I mean healthy."

It was the fourth time she was asking that. She forgot again. It's happening more and more lately.

"Yes. Can't really buy any fast food here." you repeated the same answer as before.

"Good to hear. Your dad and I thought about making a visit. Do you remember Patrick? Your father's younger brother? He's getting married next weekend and he invited us to the wedding. We'll be dropping by then."

"Really? I thought you didn't like him."

Patrick. He was really funny and would often come to help out in the garden in exchange for some peaches and cherries. Your mother didn't like him very much, though she was fine with him more than with the rest of the side of your father's family. A side you didn't really know that well. You saw them in passing at family gatherings that no one really wanted to go to, but the rest of the year was spent apart from each other. Come to think about it. You never saw James at any of those and you couldn't recall anyone mentioning his name either.

"I don't, but your dad wants to go so I can't really say no."

"I'm amazed you didn't make May go with him."

"May is in England to see her friend and Rea is busy with college. If you want to go..."

"No, thank you." you replied immediately. You were not a big fan of weddings no matter who's it was. "Does James know about it?" he probably didn't.

"I think. You didn't talk to him today?"

"He's still at work."

"Ok. I asked your father to tell him, but I'm sure he forgot. You make sure to tell him."

"Ok. Have a good night."

"Will do. You too."

You hung up and ran inside just as James came in the door, his expression sour as a lemon. Great! He clearly had a bad day and now you had to give him more bad news.

"Oh, (Y/N)! What's wrong?"

"My parents are coming to visit."