Moonless

Chapter 13

AN: Happy Halloween! Enjoy!

Maureen ushered the two girls down the stairs and towards the fireplace.

The girls held on to each other, like if they let go, they may float away and never be seen again.

Maureen halted the girls in front of the rows of chairs and where the light coming from the flames in the fireplace danced. She knelt so she was at the girl's level. "Alright girls. They are going to give you some names from our collection of books. You both get to pick the name that you feel is yours. Do you understand?"

Both girls bobbed their heads.

"Alright, let it all start."

Alice's hand shot up.

"Yes Alice, what is it?"

"Wait how is this going to work? There are two of them?"

"Whoever claims the name first is the one that gets the name," Bert replied for his place at the top of the steps.

"But what if they say it at the same time?" Theodore asked.

"Too, many questions let's start."

Burt pointed at Caesar, "You go."

"I pick Viola the name from Twelfth Night, I picked her because she is brave and loves adventure."

The room fell into an awkward silence, and the girls began to fidget.

"Do either of you like that name?"

They both stared silently back at Bert.

"You need to say if you want the name or not."

"No," they both said in unison.

Burt pointed at Ron.

Ron held up his book. "I pick the name, Catherine, from Withering Heights. I pick this name because both Catherines in the book are strong and get what they both want."

"That's the name I want!" the twin in the Lavender dress yelled.

Her sister looked at her. "Are you sure that's the name you want..."

"It's my name."

Maureen smiled down her, "Okay Catherine, have a seat with the others."

Catherine let go of twin's hand somewhat reluctantly and sat down in an empty chair between Cherry and Sawyer. The remaining twins nervously rubbed at the skin next to her mole, while she did her best to avoid the eyes of everyone in the crowded room.

Bert pointer to Hucks, "Alright, what name do you pick?"

Hucks thrust his book into the air with a trumpet smile. "I pick the name, Diana, from Anne of Green Gables. I picked this name because Diana was a good friend."

"Is that your name?" Bert asked.

"No, I don't think so.."

"Alright, you go Theodore."

Theodore stood. "I pick the name, Lucy, from The Lion Witch and the Wardrobe. Lucy is kind but brave."

Is this your name?" Burt repeated?

Again the girl shook her head.