|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Wed Mar 06, 2013 7:22 pm
Eliza lay on her bed in the small loft studio apartment her mother had managed to get for her. She could see her whole apartment from her bedroom, which was above it all, contained by a banister, accessible by stair, but containing no wall or door. It was neat she thought to be suspended this way, like being in a very large bunkbed, but not.
It had to be 3 in the morning, but Eliza wasn't sleeping. She had come in from doing her patrol and had gone straight to bed, only to be awoke by the noises on the roof. She really thought there might be ghost on the roof of her apartment building however unlikely that may be. She knew it more likely to many other things, but after talking to Gabe in the park the other day she could help, but to keep the idea at the forefront of her mind.
Something banged above her head and her eyes opened slowing, glaring at the ceiling for a moment. Sure she had wanted to investigate, but not a 3 in the morning after being used as a youma's play thing. She had bruises in places she'd rather not think about and half weren't even from tonight's fight.
Another bang and Eliza sat up, pulling herself out of bed and pinching herself once to wake more fully. It seemed she needed to investigate if she planned on getting any sleep at all. She padded over to her stairs, feet bare, with no intention of clothing them and head down, crossing her small apartment and barely a few moment and going quietly out the front door.
She headed for the stairwell only hesitating for a moment worried only slightly at what might await her on the rooftop. She would fight another battle if she needed, but she felt she had enough badges of honor for the night.Still it was hard to sleep with all the banging, it had been hard enough to get use to cars, sirens and city noises on her return from the country.
She quietly opened the stairwell door, slipping through, and heading up to the roof as quickly as she could. Her feet grew cold on the steps as she ascended them to the roof, another bang sounding out as she reached the rooftop door. It hadn't seemed as loud no that she was on the roof and Eliza found that weird.
Slipping out, she shivered slightly at the cool October air. It may not have been cold during the day, but the night had surely cooled off. Another noise rang out and Eliza whipped around trying to find out where the noise had come from. She didn't seen anyone, at the moment, but she doubted very highly that the ghost would have allowed it anyway.
Padding across the rooftop, graveling poking her feet, she started looking for the ghost that were keeping her awake. Another bang and Eliza jumped spinning around to see something jump of an oddly bent metal sheet and scurry away. Eliza quickly followed, adrenaline keeping any fear she might feel at bay.
Rounding a crate she was surprised to find not ghosts, but kittens!! They weren't really small, appearing to her to be about 3 to 4 months olds and as cute as can be. The banging noise had come from the three kittens jumping onto a metal sheet and it was probably most disturbing to Eliza as her bedroom was, or rather her bed was closest to the metal and a very large vent was situation barely a foot away.
"You three have been making it impossible to get any good rest," she scolded the kittens before scooping them up quickly and heading back to the rooftop door. She would have to check back later for the mother, but she knew the mother might not be around as the little ones seemed old enough to start fending for themselves.
Once back in her apartment she settled the kittens down on the couch with a blanket and went up to her bed to grab her phones. She wasn't thinking about the time as she sent the text only about letting Gabe know she hadn't found any ghost.Quote: Hey Gabe. I went up to the roof just now to see if there really were ghost. I found no ghost, but I found out what was making all that noise ... KITTENS, 3 of them. I brought them inside. So much for ghosts! We should hang out sometime. C U around.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Tue Apr 16, 2013 5:59 pm
Eliza had arrived late last night being picked up from her apartment by her mother, driving the hour long drive to their farm. She woke slowly turning in her bed the aroma of fresh sausage, eggs and what she was sure was waffles wafting through the house. She opened her eyes to a face full of fuzzy orange striped butt in her face.
"Ugh Hercules, not the best wake up here," she mumbled pushing the tiny fur covered bottom out of her face.
She giggled slightly when his little tail switched at her nose before the kitten rolled over and eyed her before stretching slightly and pawing at her nose. She couldn't help but to laugh a little more, "that better Hercules. Now," she said sitting up and spotting Puck curled up at the end of her bed, "there is your brother, but where is your sister."
"Lenore," she called out laughing lightly before whispering, " nevermore."
"Eliza," she heard her mother call out to her, "breakfast is ready dear and Lenore is the kitchen with me. Come down. Bring Hercules and Puck, so I can get them some breakfast too."
Eliza grinned having missed her mother's voice and home cooked meals. She couldn't cook like her mother could. Her cooking was enough to get by, but only with her mother sending her packages constantly. She really loved being home, even though she felt slightly guilty about not being able to go out at knight and train, but she figured everyone took a vacation, right?
Eliza scooped up Hercules, who mewed briefly in protest, shuffling out of bed and scooping up Puck gently on her way out of her room. She thundered down the steps holding Hercules and Puck close and jump of the bottom of the steps. Neither kitten seemed to like the movement, but followed Eliza to the kitchen anyway when she placed them on the floor. Eliza ran over to her mother, kittens on her heels, and launched herself at her mother hugging her middle tight.
"Happy Thanksgiving mom! Breakfast smells great. What have you got for the kittens. I know you! No cat food on thanksgiving," Eliza spouted grinning bright like sunshine.
Hannah smiled kissing Eliza on the forehead, hugging her daughter tight. It hadn't been revealed to her right away that her daughter had been kidnapped last year, but when she had been made aware she wanted to tear the school apart to find her. She like a few other parents had stormed the school's office day and out and in the end their missing children had been expelled. When he daughter came back, whole and unharmed, as well as determined to continue her schooling in the city, even if she hadn't really spoken on the whole incident except to explain the school she had been transferred into held most of the kidnapped civilians. It was to that really that she conceded, thinking it would be good for her daughter maybe to around the others who had been through what she had.
“You're right, this morning they get a bit of cream of wheat with a little milk in it,” and at her daughter's slightly perplexed look, “it's one of the foods thats okay for them to eat. Trust me they'll like it. Now come on, lets have breakfast so we can tend to the animals before we start on dinner.”
Eliza nodded, making her way over to the kitchen table and plopping down in her chair so she could load her plate up with a much food as she could hold, though her mother stopped, causing her to frown. “You can have more later Liza,” she said with a slight frown, “can't have a slug trying to help me with the animals. You'll be toddling behind with all that food in you.”
“Mom, I won't toddle. I just won't be getting all of this every morning when I go back to school,” she said with a pout.
“Don't be silly Eliza, of course I will send you back with as much food as we can carry. So no more of this stuffing yourself, your not a Christmas ham.”
Eliza nodded and started eating her waffles after pouring a gallon of syrup on them, despite her mothering slightly disapproving glance. Eliza really didn't need so much sugar so early in the morning. She decided to appease her mother with plain milk as oppose to chocolate and drew a smile from the woman.
“Is the vet going to be able to see the kittens today. I know its Thanksgiving, but I want to get it done right away. I won't be able to do it when I get back and I want to make sure they have all their shot,” she said around a mouthful of waffles receiving a raised eyebrow from her mother.
“Liza swallow,” Hannah scolded shaking her head, “and no need to call him on the holiday. He will here bright and early tomorrow morning. No rush Liza, you'll be here for the whole weekend. You won't be going back until Sunday afternoon. Which reminds me, make sure you get all your homework done.”
Eliza smiled, “I just want to make sure they get their shots. Remember the racoons that got rabies, mom, remember. I don't want anything bad to happen to them. The landlady wants them to catch the mice she thinks got into the basement and who know what they might have.”
Hannah nodded at her daughter, “glad to know you keep your responsibilities in order Liza dear. You'll go far in life, I'm sure.”
Eliza rolled her eyes slightly, “first I have to make it through H.I.T.S and homework overload. Mom I swear they give more homework that Crystal. It's crazy. I've got three project. I haven't even found a partner for the third and it due just after Christmas break.”
Hannah chuckled slightly at her child, “that's the way of life Liza. If you want to go places in this world you need a good education.” Hannah rose ruffling her daughter's unruly locks, “hurry now Liza, so we can get the farm in order and start on dinner. All the animals are looking forward to thanksgiving too.”
Eliza grinned finished up her sausage and putting her plate in the sink, “Just let me grab my shoes and my jacket and I'll meet you in the barn. I bet Shake will be really happy to see me. Her puppies are probably ready to go to new homes, right? Maybe I can ask my friends at school if any of them want a border collie puppy.”
Hannah smiled, she planned to keep a puppy for Eliza, as Shake and Park were getting a bit older and she would soon retire them from herding the sheep, not that they had many. It was time to train a new puppy and it would be Eliza's pick.
“That's fine Liza dear, but I want you to pick out one to keep for the farm,” she said with a warm smile.
Eliza's eyes went wide, “really mom,” she asked as they hadn't ever kept one of Shake's puppies and she had always wanted to. When her mother nodded, she launched herself at her once more hugging her tight, “thanks mom!”
Eliza ran up the steps pulling on her bright pink sweats, her jacket of the end of her bed and some tennis though she managed to put on two different ones. When she came back downstairs her mother could only shake her head at her daughter's unusual style, but shuffled her out the door heading to the barn.
In the barn Eliza was nearly knockers over by Shake, Park and their five puppies, she laughed so heartily trying pushing Shake off who was licking her. She was being trampled by the puppies, sniffed and licked all over.
“Shakespeare, stop it you. You're as big as I am. Shake, Park come on you two,” she said pushing the dog's away and sitting up to look over the puppies, picking up each and cuddling it close. She looked at Shake and Park giving them a serious face. “We get to keep one this time you two. I bet you're happy about that. I'm sorry we can't keep them all, but we are going to keep one which is better than none, right? Then maybe the rest can go to my friends. I think they will be happy and I can check up on them.”
Shake barked as if she understood making Eliza laughed pulling Shake into her arms and hugging her tights. “I really missed you Shakespeare.”
“Come on Eliza, you've plenty of time to play with Shake, Park and the puppies later. You'll be running through the words before you know it. Come on now, let's get everyone fed. I've got all their favorites!”
Eliza grinned and pulled herself up of the ground and got to work. They needed to feed the animals they had in the barn, then go to the stables, and the chicken coop. It was going to be a busy morning and Eliza was certain she would be butted, nipped, and nearly knocked over by a ton of animals, but she didn't mind. She missed them to, so so dearly.
It was a long morning and Eliza found herself covered in hay, and corn. She had leaves in her hair and an bruise blossoming from when Odyssey bumped her a little to enthusiastically. Still nothing could take the smile off her face, as her mother pushed her up the steps toward the shower and headed back into the kitchen to wash up and start on dinner. The turkey had gone into the oven before Eliza was even awake, but it wasn't done just yet.
Puck, Hercules, and Lenore ran about their her feet as she climbed the stairs, and headed into the bathroom for a nice long bath. She drew the water while Hercules and Puck dosed in the bathroom floor, but Lenore watched from the toilet as the water filled the tub. Eliza thought for sure the kitten would try to jump in.
“Want to take a bath with me Lenore,” she asked the little tortoiseshell colored kitten who appear slightly mismatched, but that was what Eliza loved about her. She did not look so neat as her brother's. Lenore was just like her. Eliza could have sworn Lenore nodded, but the kitten settled down on the toilet seat and seemed content as her brother's were to settle into a nap.
“Maybe next time,” Eliza said pulling off her clothes and getting to the tub to scrub away the morning works sweat. She sighed enjoying the deep claw foot tub of her bathroom. It was the small things she missed most aside from her mother. Soaking in the tub, she had a lot of time to think and she remembered she should call her friends and wish them a Happy Thanksgiving and she really needed to visit her wonder so she could get her ring. She would have been able to wish Camelot a Happy Thanksgiving if she had it already. Sighing she slipped under the water and soaking her hair through she she could wash it. It had grown some more in the past few months and she could now sit on it, well if she actually brushed it. Most of the time it was a tangled mess, but she really didn't care.
Eliza washed up and went to get dressed her kittens at her feet once more despite the fact that they had been sleeping deeply just before she got of the tub. Cats amused her very highly. On the farm they had barn cats that mostly stayed outside preferring the wider spaces, so she wasn't really use to the antics of cats, especially kittens. She dressed in clothes her mother must have put on her bed, company clothes, still bright and patterned, they simply matched better than she usually did.
Coming down her hair wild, but no where near as wild as it usually did she went right into the kitchen turning up the music and doing the thanksgiving dance mostly people did. The cutting, stirring, mixing, flipping, turning, heating and arranging dance of the thanksgiving day meal preparations. Her mother was doing all of the actual cooking but Eliza helped as much as she could.
“Are we having company tonight. I forgot to ask, but seeing as you picked my clothes. I mean you only do that when you fear for what I might put together,” Eliza said laughing with a bright grin.
“You know I love your eclectic spirit, but yes the Johnson's and the Ander's are coming over. Their kids are all away this holiday and I thought they might like to spend the holiday with us. We have been friends for such a long time. We are practically family.”
Eliza nodded, she had know the families her whole life, played with their children when she was still a baby, but they were all older, grown up now and college and starting their own lives. It seemed this year they would be missing thanksgiving with their parents.
“We're almost done here Liza dear, next we need to do something with that hair of yours. Are you wanting a cut, your hair has gotten so long, its down to you bottom,” Hannah said with a laugh.
Eliza shook her head, “no not yet mom. There a place in city were I can get it cut and they will donate it to locks of love. It will be nice if my hair is used for charity.”
Hannah grinned and kissed the top of Eliza's head, “very well then. I'll make sure to give you some money for that before you leave. Tonight let's just get it brushed and braid it up real nice. You can keep it braided for a day or two and you won't have to do anything to it.”
“Yes absolutely,” Eliza said nodding happily.
Hannah laughed and started to clean up Eliza following suit, to get the kitchen back into shape and to set the table, so when everyone came they would be able to eat and everyone could enjoy their thanksgiving without starving a moment longer. Eliza's stomach was growling loudly already and she could here her mother snicker beside her. “A long days hard work will do that to you,” Hannah laughed.
“I know that mom,” she said giving her mother a incredulous look.
“Come one Liza love, let's get your hair fixed up. I'm sure the Johnson's and the Ander's will be here soon,” she said heading to the steps to get the hairbrush. Eliza trailed behind her mother going into her room and sitting at the vanity that sat in the corner of her mother's room. Her father had made it for her years ago before Eliza was even born.
Hannah stood behind her daughter brushing her hair, “My beautiful little Liza love, you have grown into such a lovely young lady. If only you're father could see you now. He would be so proud. You look like him you know.”
“I know mom, you told me. I have his blond hair though my hair is nothing like either of yours. His was super curly and yours is super straight and I got that and everything in between.”
Hannah laughed continuing her brushing, taming her daughter's wild locked to fall in soft waves, “you exaggerate Eliza. If you brushed your hair it would be perfectly manageable, soft and wavy, but you don't so it's all over the place. You're too old to still not brush your hair.”
Eliza frowned at her mother, “I like my hair just the way it is. Its not wavy when I don't brush it, so its not wavy, beside I don't have time to brush it.” All of this was code for I'm not going to brush my hair. Hannah just chuckled at her daughter and started to braid it up, it fairy fanciful style she knew her daughter would love. Eliza watched her the whole time, smiling wide, as she saw the style take shape.
The doorbell rang as Hannah was just finishing up and Eliza shot out of the chair rushing down the stairs to open the door. She was so hungry and the faster the greeting were done, the faster she could get some food in her stomach.
It was the Johnson's at the door, who of course hugged Eliza and kissed her cheeks, commenting on how she was still so tiny, and how lovely her hair was and how they we're sure she could be a little model or something. Mrs Johnson had insisted for years Eliza should have been in pageants and Hannah said she rip her way out the dresses before she made it out of the dressing room. Eliza couldn't help but to laugh, even as she was hugged and kissed by the Ander's who swore she'd grown since they had last saw her, but still going on about they could not believe she was 16 already. Eliza grinned through it all ushering the group into the dining room, taking coats and getting everyone seated.
Dinner went along, everyone joking happily asking Eliza about school knowing the school she attended was a relatively new school, but a good school and they were curious about it. Of course Eliza was happy to go on and on mostly about her classmates and homework, but not really about the school. Dessert was served and the adults retired to the living room, but Eliza chose to head up to her room and change into her pajamas.
After she was dressed, she opened her window and climbed on the roof and lay down to look at the stars. It was another thing she didn't get in the big city. She missed being able to see all the stars, billions of them all over. She briefly wondered where in the big sky the surrounding, she got so lost in her thought, she startled badly when Lenore climbed up on her chest, but she calmed quickly cuddling the small kitten close.
She just lay there watching the stars twinkling in the sky thinking on how she already couldn't wait for Christmas to be home on the farm with her mom. City life was fun, but growing up with so much natural beauty around you was much better in Eliza opinions.
“You’re going to catch your death out here and just your pj's Liza love,” said Hannah coming out onto the roof her daughter's comforter in hand.
Eliza sat up looking at her mom with a sleepy smile, cuddling close when her mother sat down and wrapped the blanket around them both. “Your dad and I use to climb out on the roof and watch the stars to the early hours of the morning. It was so peaceful. One day I'm sure you'll share the same experience with your husband and with your children. Just you wait.”
Eliza yawned nodding against her mother's shoulder and dosing off, just happy for now to be there in such a peaceful moment with her mom and Lenore of course.
Word count: 3250
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 4:09 pm
It was home again for Eliza, for the winter break. She had Lenore, Puck and Hercules all packed up in there carrier and she was ready for two weeks of relaxing and fun, well to a point anyway. She had to help with the animals and she had to help with whatever winter crops they had growing, but it would be relaxing anyway because she was home.
She sat in the front seat of her mother's care of the 21st dozing lightly, forehead pressed against the grasses. She needed the sleep, she was desperately lacking since she had become more active as a knight. She was out most night taking out youma and meeting new people on both sides. She hadn't done much fighting chaos outside of youma dusting, but she was getting stronger and better at being a knight.
Eliza yawned opening one eye to see what had woken her to see the car had stopped and to hear her mother's voiced floating to her ears telling her they were home. She shifted in her seat not really wanting to fully wake, but her mother gave her a gentle shake and she turned to look at the woman and smile. “I'm up, really I'm up. I was just so warm and comfy.”
“Liza love, you haven't slept in the car in years. Are you getting enough sleep dear,” she asked softly brushing her hair back.
Eliza nodded, “mostly, but I'm in the 10th grade now mom. I had a few paper due before the break. I got them done, but I lost some sleep. I'll catch on break and we don't have anything due when I get back.” She gave a huge grin and unbuckled herself, although she felt slightly bad for not telling her mother the whole truth. She kept on top of her school work, trying to get everything done as early as possible because of her night time escapades. She didn't want to fall behind.
Eliza grabbed the kittens traveling case and ran up the porch steps trying not jostle it to much. “Home again, home again,” she spouted before dissolving into a fit of giggles. Her mother came up to her brushing her hair back and kissing her one her forehead.
“Its good to have you home my Liza love. Come on now, let's get dinner started and then we can go check on the puppies. You told me you found some good home for at least two of them yes.”
Eliza nodded following her mother into the house, “Yes two of my friends said that they would love a puppy. I haven't had a lot of time to try and talk to anyone else about it, but I sure the remaining two will be easy to find home for.”
A knock at the door had Eliza looking at her mother curiously, but her mother just waved a hand to the back door motioning for Eliza to run and get it. “It's William. You remember little William although you two have scarcely seen each other since you were 13, before that even. He's been helping me with the farm as of late. You know he's got six older brother's so they've hand to spare. Williams hands to be exact.”
Eliza nodded and ran off to get the back door. She was surprised to hear that Willie was helping her mother. She had always been just a scrawny and small a Eliza, but twice a spoiled. With six older brother there wasn't much for him to do, so he mostly ran wild with Eliza when they were really young, but that like most things grew tiring when Willie got more into baseball and Eliza still liked make believe.
When she threw open the door she was surprised to see the now 16 year old William had shot up several inches and was now much taller than herself. It was weird to have to look up to him. He gave her a smile.
“Hey, Eliza. Same as always I see, even life in the city couldn't change you. Your hair's still a bird's nest and you haven't grown an inch.”
Eliza laughed, “nope not going to change, not even living in the city. I much prefer this life William. You changed a lot though. You got so tall, it's crazy. You're like a giant compared to me. I'm a afraid you might snatch me up and carry off.”
William arched an eyebrow at Eliza and stood up straight so he was at his full height, “5'10 and still growing apparently,” then he grinned surprised at Eliza's words, “well your certainly little enough for me to carry you off.”
He made to grab her, but dodged him and ran out the back door, right as her mother was walking into the kitchen. “Eliza,” she called shaking her head, “dinner will be in an hour, please don't come back looking like you rolled though a pig stye.”
William blushed, but he was waved off, “she'll keep running until you catch her. You really shouldn't have started that game. Go on. I call your parents and tell them your staying for dinner.”
William had run off before she had even finished her sentence and she just couldn't help but to smile because it been a long time since William and Eliza had truly acted like the friends they been when they were younger.
Eliza ran quickly at first, but slowed when it became apparent that William hadn't followed her. She was slightly confused because he had started it. She stopped all together looking around the woods and wondering where the boy could have gotten off to when she heard twigs snapping and leaves crunch. A head of sandy brown hair became visible and Eliza took of running because if she didn't William would catch her. It seemed he did indeed want to play.
Eliza made a mad dash trying to make it out of the woods behind the house and heading for the barn. It wasn't too far, but William was right on her tail. She was fast, but he had gotten faster since she'd last run with him and just before she made it to the barn he grabbed her up.
“Ahh,” she shouted at being grabbed up and slung over his shoulders. “Put me me down Willie. Put me down. Come one put me down now.”
William laughed all the while making his way into the barn and over to the biggest pile of hay he saw before dropping Eliza right into with the satisfying splatter of hay needles. “Looks like I win this time, huh Liza.”
Eliza popped up out of the hay tossing a huge pile of the stuff at William and watching it rain down on him, “maybe but you still ended up covered in hay too, oh giant one.”
William laughed and rolled his eyes, trying to brush the hay of him will Eliza seemed happy to just sit in the hay, even though she started scratching at the hay sticking off of her everywhere. William rolled his eyes and held out his hand to her, pulling her out of the hand in one quick motion.
Eliza laughed, “thanks,” she said laughing before pointing at William. “You look like an alien, you've got hay antenna.”
William smirked at Eliza, “right, says the girls who currently got more hay in her hair than she has hair.”
Eliza rolled her eyes and started trying to shake the mess out, “you did it Willie.”
William laughed but tried to help Eliza get the rest of the hay out. “You know this would be a lot easier if you brushed you hair more often. I thought by 16 you would get over your fear of the brush.”
Eliza pouted, “but brushing takes to long. I just don't have time for all that,” before looking around the barn and noticing that Shake, Park and the puppies weren't about.
William noticed, “they're just out getting some exercise. I was going to let you mother know before I went home, but now I'll just round em back up myself after dinner. Speaking of which, we should probably go help you mom.”
Eliza laughed, “such chivalry Willie. How charming. Who knew you'd turn out to be such a prince?” Even though she laughed at the statement, it was clearly a compliment.
William made a face, but turned to make his way out of the barn, “Come on Liza. Stop fooling around.”
Eliza pouted, but grinned after a moment watching William walk toward the barn door, before she ran and gave a leap right onto his back. William startled and caught her, sort of, managing to stay up just barely.
“Liza,” he shouted, but she just laughed.
“I'm glad your tall now. Now I can ride on you back. Though it is a little weird that you're not scrawny anymore.” She put her chin on his shoulder, “this was fun. I can't do stuff like this in the city you know, running in the park isn't like running through the woods behind the house and there is no hay to jump in. I miss the farm, the fresh air and watching the stars come out at night.”
William walked with Eliza on his back, listening to his old friend, happy she would be around for a while. He'd been spending weekends and after school at the Satchlyn farm, but it could get a bit boring without someone his own age to keep him company. “You still stare gaze? Always the dreamer huh?”
Eliza nodded, “yeah I love the stars. They are lovely and just so much more special than one would think.”
William laughed, “oh really? When did you get so philosophical Liza. Sounds like someone growing up.”
Eliza frowned, “so not funny Willie. I'm very grown up. I don't see why I can't imagine and believe in magic. Mom always says life is short. I want to enjoy my whole life. Beside letting yourself go to a whole other place for just five minutes, its just nice.”
William nodded, “maybe one day you can go to some of those places in your dreams. Who knows maybe you'll be the first person to land on Mars. If anyone could do it, a dreamer like you, seems just right.”
Eliza laughed, “Thanks Willie. Glad to hear you've grown up too and don't think I'm the weirdest anymore.”
William shook his head and laughed lightly, “you'll always be kinda of weird Liza, but weird is not bad. It's mostly refreshing. When I was younger, I was being stupid, but I missed my best friend. A lot. No one can plan an adventure like you Liza.”
Eliza hugged William, “I missed you too Willie.”
William could feel his cheeks heat up slightly, but was very happy to be able to place the blame on the chilly December air. “Are you going to be staying through the new year because there's a party and you should really come. I bet people are wondering about you. Even when you are here we hardly see you.”
Eliza nodded, “I can come. I don't mean to be scarce. It's just when I come home for the summer there is so much to do and my mom needs my help. Plus I miss her. I like spending time together just the two of us.”
“Unless your mom decided she doesn't need me, I'll be around this summer too. I hope you don't mind,” he mumbled not really liking the idea of cutting into her time with her mother.
Eliza laughed, “I don't mind. Mom will have you around even if she doesn't need you. So I will have more company and not constantly spending time with an “old lady”, her words not mine.”
William laughed as he reached the house pulling open the back door and walking right in with Eliza still on his back.
Hannah turned and look at the pair, still having lots of hay on them, flushed from the cold, but simply look as adorable as ever and laughed. “Oh geez guys. Look at you. Made your way to the barn I see. Out, out, out you go. Let me get the hay off. Put her down Willie, so I can help you guys get brushed off. Dinner's just about ready. You too, good lord.”
Word Count: 2111
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Apr 19, 2013 11:48 pm
Eliza frowned in her sleep feeling a fuzzy paw batting at her face. She didn't want to wake up yet, it was too early. Her weekend thus far had been full of catch with her mom and William and farm work of course. She was beyond tired, so much so that she forgot the previous night was Christmas eve. She swatted away the present paw only to receive a mew of protest which causing her to sigh and open her eyes.
She gave a sleepy smile at her kitten, 'of course it's you Puck. Always making mischief. It's to early to be awake. Cuddle with me and sleep a bit more wont you.” She reached out and pulled a kitten into a cuddle only to find her hair on the receiving end of a bath. She laughed, “not clean enough for you, huh? I'll have you know, oh Puck, that I washed it just yesterday.”
Knock. Knock, “Eliza love are you feeling out,” asked her mother Hannah from the now open door.
“Yes, just having a little cuddle with Puck,” she said watching as Lenore and Hercules awoke and stretched, before hopping from their placed on the bed and heading out into the hall. “Are you okay?”
Hannah laughed, “of course I'm okay, but I wasn't sure about you because usually you'd be tearing into your present by now.”
Eliza's eyes went wide and she released Puck who happily escaped after his siblings. She sat up quickly scrambling to get out of the bed, but fail as she only managed to tangle herself up in the covers. “I can't believe I overslept on Christmas and it's the kittens first one too.”
Hannah approached and proceeded to help untangle her daughter from the covers which was quite a task as she tried and failed to hold her laughter in at the mess her daughter had gotten herself into already and it was barely half past eight. “You really didn't sleep that long, Liza love.”
Eliza grinned, “yeah only because Puck woke me up. Bet he knows its Christmas, huh.” She gave a laugh and bounced free of the bed once free of the covers, heading straight for the door and thundering down the steps, scooping up Puck (who played with the garland on the banister) and traipsing into the living room.
Hannah followed at a more sedated pace in no real rushing knowing her daughter would wait for her to get there before she started tearing into presents left and right. She was right of course, when she entered the living room, her daughter was patiently waiting for her with a present in hand, sitting on the floor before the tree.
Eliza grinned at her mother, “It's addressed to the kittens,” she said with a laugh, “I wondering what it could be … here kitty kitties.” She called out and Lenore and Hercules found there way into the living room after which she tore open the box to find three collars with shiny licenses and vaccination tags. She grinned at her mother scooping up one kitten at a time and putting there new collars on.
“Thank you mom, they're so cute. Now they if they get out of the apartment building, someone will be able to contact me.”
Hannah smiled and watched as Eliza turned back to the present and opened one after another, after another, sometimes scurrying over with a present for her and waiting patiently for her to open it. She loved it, loved that her daughter still had a childish wonder about her most teens quickly lost with puberty.
Eliza finally came to the last present and gave a small smile before opening it slowly. Inside was another two collars, one had her puppies name on it, Cesar, but the other said Oliver Twist and Eliza looked at her mother confused.
“I know you Eliza and I know you know exactly who that's for,” Hannah said with a smile.
Eliza grinned and laughed wanting to hop up and run off, but knowing her mother would want help with breakfast and with getting started on dinner, before she went out to take care of the animals quickly and finally had a moment to herself.
She got up and gave her mother a hug squeezing her tight before running off into the kitchen her mother trailing behind her, kittens prancing about her feet batting at each other tags as they went clearly amused by what they viewed to be new toys.
She went about grabbing eggs and sausage from fridge and while her mother fished out the pots and pans and a box of cream of wheat. She turned on the radio and danced over to her mother grinning and handing her the eggs and sausage before going to feed the cat.
Breakfast was made with much dancing and laughter before the duo went out to feed the animals. Eliza running about in the cold as if it were spring time greeting the animals, playfully as was her style and getting them riled up in general.
“Liza love, come on lets get warm and let the animals rest,” she said pulling her daughter way from Pocahontas one of their horses, only to notice the dog collar in her pocket. She sighed pulling it out and shook her head at her daughter.
“Twenty minutes Eliza,” she said putting the collars in her daughters hand, “be quick or you'll both catch your death.”
Eliza gave her mom a quick hug and ran off looking at her phone seeing she was already late and hoped Willie hadn't been waiting to long. She spotted him waiting by the tree house all the kids use to play in the woods and grinned.
“Hey Willie,” she said jumping on him and giving him a big hug, “Merry Christmas!”
Willie gave Eliza a tight squeeze and grinned, “Merry Christmas Eliza!”
Eliza laughed, “we haven't done this since we were 11. Christmas present exchange! You have to go first though.”
Willie gave Eliza a curious look but nodded pulled a package out of the inside of his coat and handed it to Eliza with a grin, looking a bit nervous. Eliza took the package and carefully tore the paper off revealing a box on top of a photo album entitled 'Best Friends'. She opened it and lit up looking at pictures of she and Willie from toddlerhood on up until they were eleven and the last picture had been taken over the weekend of them feeding the horses.
“I had a bunch at home and your mom gave me a bunch,” he said grinning, “Do you like it?”
Eliza grinned and nodded, “its amazing and I didn't even know you had all these. I love it. I'm going to take it back to the city with me so I can have it in my apartment.”
Willie gave a smile, “open the other part.”
Eliza nodded and opened the smaller box and she giggled colorful necklace with was made from a zipper, with rainbow teeth and the pull tab had her name on it. Eliza pulled it out instantly dropping the box to try to keep hold of the photo album and holding it out to Willie. “Put it on please, its so amazing. I love it.”
Willie laughed and took the necklace to put it on, “I found someone making them on esty and it looked like something you would like, so I got one made.”
Eliza grinned, “It's the best. I'm going to wear it everyday!”
Willie fastened the necklace and spun Eliza around, “okay now it's your turn Liza.”
Eliza gave a grin and grabbed Willie's hand. She missed her best friend so much and really hanging with Willie again was just perfect. It was like they never stopped being friends. “Come on follow me and close your eyes. Keep them closed Willie.”
Willie closed his eyes and allowed Eliza to lead him to the barn. Eliza giggled as he stumbled a couple times, but she got him there without him falling flat on his face. She pushed the barn door open and the puppies ran up whining and almost making Willie trip.
“Eliza? Why are we in the barn,” he asked with his still closed.
Eliza fished the two collars out of her pocket and placed the one for William in his hand. “You can open you eyes now.”
Eliza watched as Willie open his eyes and looked at the collar and turned and grinned at her, “so I get to keep Ollie then?”
Eliza nodded enthusiastically, “Mom and I couldn't help, but to notice that you named him and that he just loves you, so Oliver Twist is all yours. I think mom wants one of the puppies to stay close too since two will definitely being going to the city. Not to mention we get to Cesar and Ollie will still get to play together.”
Willie grinned and gave Eliza a tight squeeze noticing the collar in her hand as well, “so shall we collar them?”
Eliza nodded and both grabbed up their puppies and fastened their new collars on, before Willie scooped his puppy to take home with him. “Thank you so much Liza,” he said kissing her on the cheek, “I'm sorry I started pulling away from you. I really did miss my best friend. This will be the best two week ever. I already can't wait for Spring break.”
Eliza smiled and headed out of the barn beside Willie, “I missed you too, but we'll be best friends forever.”
Willie smiled and nodded, “yeah, sorry in advance for any male bouts of stupidity.”
Eliza laughed punching Willie lightly in the arm, “go home you and show off your puppy. I know you dad will be happy to she you got one of Shake and Park's puppies. Don't let your brother's try to take him.”
Willie shook his head, “don't worry. I will take good care of him Liza. I promise. Merry Christmas Liza,” she said heading back in the direction of his own farm.
“Merry Christmas, Willie,” she said dashing off back in the direction of her house where she knew her mom would be starting dinner. Her feet pounding across the ground, grass crunching beneath them. She ran right in the back door, shutting it gently behind her and straight up the stairs to drop her album off in her room and heading back down to help her mother.
Hannah grinned as her daughter came in, “oh Liza that a pretty necklace, sweetheart, so very you. Did you too have fun.”
Eliza grinned back at her mother and nodded, “he gave me the photo album, thanks for giving him the pictures mom. He loved his gift of course. He took Ollie right home. I'm really glad Ollie and Cesar will get to be neighbors and grow up together. Maybe they will be best friends like Willie and I.”
Hannah nodded and smiled motioning for Eliza to come over, “lets get this Christmas dinner under way love. I've only got the turkey ready for cooking and if we don't get this meal fully underway we will be eating on the 27th. The Adams are coming over tomorrow so he have to make a lot.”
Eliza laughed brightly and bounced over to her mother ready to get Christmas dinner together. Her mother pointed, shuffled and prodded Eliza into place and dinner started coming along one step at a time. Eliza didn't need too much direction, she had been in the kitchen with her mother since she was a toddler. She smiled at her mother and secretly fed pieced of the meal to the kitchen periodically really just enjoying being home. She missed the farm so much.
Word Count: 2008
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Fri Jul 05, 2013 8:03 pm
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
