♡Livin' La Vida Loca♡

"Cody, go to your room real quick for me, ok?" She asked Cody, setting him down. "I got some soup on the stove cooking, just give me a minute to talk to your father and then I'll pour you a bowl." She waited until Cody was gone, and the moment he did, Vida's sweet smile dropped. Looking back at Chester, she leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms. "Your son that you abandoned at the daycare. That son?" She asked, chuckling quietly. "Na... No that's not your boy. Not since you died and they confirmed you were dead, which proves the question... how are you back?" She asked, taking his hand and examining his arm. "Surprisingly don't reek of rot."

"Well whoever brought you back was sloppy." She remarked, pinching at a part of his hand and seeing how stiff his arm moved. "You're bound to just rot and fall apart." She warned, tapping his ankle with her cane. "And don't try to correct me on stuff your son picked out himself." She answered, moving so she was blocking Chester from being able to get to Cody if he tried.

"Cody, go to your room real quick for me, ok?" She asked Cody, setting him down. "I got some soup on the stove cooking, just give me a minute to talk to your father and then I'll pour you a bowl." She waited until Cody was gone, and the moment he did, Vida's sweet smile dropped. Looking back at Chester, she leaned against the doorway, crossing her arms. "Your son that you abandoned at the daycare. That son?" She asked, chuckling quietly. "Na... No that's not your boy. Not since you died and they confirmed you were dead, which proves the question... how are you back?" She asked, taking his hand and examining his arm. "Surprisingly don't reek of rot."

"Sounds a plan." She answered, smiling brightly at the kiss. "I love you too, sweetheart." Vida whispered, moving to be in front of Estelle and hugging her tight, burying her face in Estelle's shoulder. "I got the cookie scent that you like for the candles, Perhaps we can make a snickerdoodle candle just for the house?" Ever since Estelle and Vida met, Vida's home was more lively, more energetic. She loved it so so much.

Vida nodded and leaned against Estelle. "Everyone is chill." She muttered, parting just to go to the kitchen to put the supplies away. Of course while she was out, she got some groceries too for the kids, some snacks. "Thankfully the store wasn't too crowded. First time I went in a long time without getting anxious."

"Sounds a plan." She answered, smiling brightly at the kiss. "I love you too, sweetheart." Vida whispered, moving to be in front of Estelle and hugging her tight, burying her face in Estelle's shoulder. "I got the cookie scent that you like for the candles, Perhaps we can make a snickerdoodle candle just for the house?" Ever since Estelle and Vida met, Vida's home was more lively, more energetic. She loved it so so much.

"Astra couldn't find Lance and then I guess she tried to find her brothers but couldn't. Whisp and Ridley were out with Calynn camping." Vida shrugged her shoulders, a small frown on her face. "Whisp's quintessence was flaring up and I managed to calm him down... He's a good kid he just... needs to realize he's finally safe with us and that we'd never let anyone harm him."

"His emotions. It's sort of like when your quintessence flares up when you get worked up." She suggested, shrugging her shoulders. "He thinks Ridley is mad at him and he was bundling up emotions and getting worked up and trying to hide it." Vida shrugged her shoulder, grabbing Estelle's hand and kissing the knuckles. "I want to keep this cabin a little sanctuary for the kids, so I don't plan on shutting any of them out."

Vida nodded her head, giggling softly. "Ridley just seems confrontational like his dad... I dunno. Can't vouch for Secondo but from what I remember he's always had attitude." Vida didn't let go of Estelle's hand, just happy she's home again. "We'll figure things out though, I know we will."

Vida nodded, watching as Whisp stirred in his sleep but did not wake up, thankfully. "Mainly hung around Primo when I was younger so of course I heard some of the stuff Secondo got into. A lot of trouble." Vida giggled a little bit.

"Astra couldn't find Lance and then I guess she tried to find her brothers but couldn't. Whisp and Ridley were out with Calynn camping." Vida shrugged her shoulders, a small frown on her face. "Whisp's quintessence was flaring up and I managed to calm him down... He's a good kid he just... needs to realize he's finally safe with us and that we'd never let anyone harm him."

"His emotions. It's sort of like when your quintessence flares up when you get worked up." She suggested, shrugging her shoulders. "He thinks Ridley is mad at him and he was bundling up emotions and getting worked up and trying to hide it." Vida shrugged her shoulder, grabbing Estelle's hand and kissing the knuckles. "I want to keep this cabin a little sanctuary for the kids, so I don't plan on shutting any of them out."

Vida nodded her head, giggling softly. "Ridley just seems confrontational like his dad... I dunno. Can't vouch for Secondo but from what I remember he's always had attitude." Vida didn't let go of Estelle's hand, just happy she's home again. "We'll figure things out though, I know we will."

"Astra couldn't find Lance and then I guess she tried to find her brothers but couldn't. Whisp and Ridley were out with Calynn camping." Vida shrugged her shoulders, a small frown on her face. "Whisp's quintessence was flaring up and I managed to calm him down... He's a good kid he just... needs to realize he's finally safe with us and that we'd never let anyone harm him."

"His emotions. It's sort of like when your quintessence flares up when you get worked up." She suggested, shrugging her shoulders. "He thinks Ridley is mad at him and he was bundling up emotions and getting worked up and trying to hide it." Vida shrugged her shoulder, grabbing Estelle's hand and kissing the knuckles. "I want to keep this cabin a little sanctuary for the kids, so I don't plan on shutting any of them out."

"Astra couldn't find Lance and then I guess she tried to find her brothers but couldn't. Whisp and Ridley were out with Calynn camping." Vida shrugged her shoulders, a small frown on her face. "Whisp's quintessence was flaring up and I managed to calm him down... He's a good kid he just... needs to realize he's finally safe with us and that we'd never let anyone harm him."

I want my mums- and my brother :(

You alright, dear? What happened?

Don't know where bird dad is- not seen Ridley or you guys for a bit too- just sad

I know Ridley is out with Calynn and Whisp camping. Would you want me to text Calynn to come back with them?

They're probably having a good time- Don't want to ruin it for them. Dunno maybe- Can I sit with you?

I can text them if you wish. And yeah you can sit with me. I'm just relaxing outside for once. Your mama is helping me with deliveries because a lot of it is going up and down stairwells and I can't quite do that today.

"What? Oh uh- okay." Ridley muttered, looking at Whisp confused before complying, getting up to dismantle the tent. Ridley had been showing a bit of anxiety the last couple of days as well, seemingly the same time as Astra too. Was it connected? "Something happen that we need to go back?" Ridley asked Calynn while he was busy taking down the hammock.

Ridley immediately tensed up, his eyes going wide for a second. Sure it's nothing? Really? Ridley was quicker to pack the stuff up, making sure to clean as well before hopping in the backseat. Something wasn't sitting right with him and he didn't know how to explain it. He seemed a little freaked out and antsy.

*The drive back was strangely quiet and the moment the car was put into park, Whisp got out the car leaving his bags to go look for Astra and Vida*

Vida was sitting in the small garden by her cabin with Astra, rubbing Astra's back and humming. Hearing footsteps, she looked over and smiled. "Hey, little dove, look who's coming over." She whispered to Astra, her voice and smile both warm and welcoming.

Ridley was surprised Astra clung onto him, hugging her back and picking her up. "I-I know. I know I'm sorry... what's going on? Heard you're a bit freaked out right now?" He tried to hide his own anxiety, but he knew Whisp could probably tell. Ridley forced a smile, wiping Astra's tears away and he held her.

"I-its going to be okay. I can go looking for him if you want me to and you can stay with your brother and mama." Ridley offered, chuckling a little bit nervously. He was a bit stressed about the whole situation, so he wanted to help reassure Astra before he worked on his own feelings right now.

Ridley looked confused but nodded his head, sitting down and hugging her close. Vida gave Whisp a reassuring smile. "You two have fun camping?" She asked quietly, trying to lighten the mood a bit since Astra and Ridley both seemed freaked out and anxious.

Vida snorted and nodded. "That's cool, kiddo. Glad you guys had fun out there." Vida rubbed Whisp's back, watching Ridley and Astra basically cling onto each other. "Something... something happen that you know of? I don't know what has Astra all freaked out she tried finding Lance but can't."

"I don't have Lance or Secondo's numbers so I can't text them..." She answered, letting Whisp scoot closer. "It'll be okay." She reassured, giving Whisp a smile on her face.

"Delivering orders. I can't really go down stairs easy and it's not like we have elevators here that work..." She mumbled, rolling her eyes and giggling a little bit. Vida was doing her best to stay calm, but she couldn't help be worried either.

"I'm fine without the elevators for a bit. It's just a bad knee day." She whispered, looking at the square and nodding her head. "Crocheting? I can give you some patterns if you want to practice a little bit more.

"Cody is well. Speaking some words now and again and I can't help but feel proud of him." Vida smiled a little bit, looking at Whisp and noticing the constant change of subjects. "Are you alright, kiddo?"

"Just... thought you would be concerned." She replied, gesturing to Ridley and Astra clinging to each other. Vida didn't know how to handle the situation, not quite knowing exactly what was wrong either.

Vida was quiet and nodded, flinching when she saw the intense glare Ridley gave Whisp when Whisp seemed to just not care. "You guys just be careful okay. Don't want you guys fighting over something." She remarked.

"I dunno. Just don't let emotions get the better of you." She instructed to both Whisp and Ridley, Ridley grumbling under his breath and paying attention to Astra again. Ridley just didn't seem okay right now, glancing at his phone now and again.

Vida observed Ridley pick up Astra and carry her away, Vida sighing. "Whisp, what's going on. Tell me. Something is on your mind so you're okay to tell me."

"I just want to figure out what's going on so I can help." She explained, her voice going softer. Instead of insisting or reacting negatively, she just gave up, looking away with a small frown. Vida didn't know how to help without Whisp lashing out. "Y-you have every right to be worried, don't- it's okay to not to be okay."

"I didn't mean it like that." She spoke softly, looking at Whisp and observing his body language. Vida looked like she wanted to add onto what she was saying, but her mouth shut after a couple of seconds.

Vida went quiet, but she didn't push Whisp away. She kept her hands on her knees, waiting if Whisp would speak first. She can't help if Whisp won't ask for help.... and it sucked.

"I don't know kid... I don't know..." She whispered, not quite having an answer for it either. This place was full of beings of hell so of course nothing was going to be calm. "That's what happens here all the time, trust me. Never a dull moment."

"If I could I would go back in time and prevent him from doing anything to you." Vida whispered, tears brimming her eyes. A thing with her is that she had a feeling stuff was going on and that she did nothing to save him or prevent any more harm. She felt like she knew what was going on but she did nothing at the end of the day. "I-I should have said something back then..."

Vida looked at Whisp, seeing how even if he was looking calm and trying to keep himself together, she can just tell he was close to breaking down. She held her arm out in case he needed a hug, in case he wanted a hug. "Even then Chester just seemed... off. I should have at least brought something up to someone."

"Whisp..." Vida whispered, getting up and going to Whisp, pulling him into a gentle hug, making him rest his head against her shoulder. "It's okay to cry, honey..." She cooed, kissing his temple and rubbing his back.

Vida nodded and hugged him a little tighter. "I know... I know you get tired of crying but sometimes it's good to cry a lot. I know it well." She whispered, rubbing the back of his head and running her hand through his hair. "You don't have to be strong all the time, little moth, You are welcome to cry as much as you want."

"You are strong. You are... You're strong for surviving this, strong for pushing through and beating that bastard. He's gone and you're still standing. Yes, you may need help now and again but you're still here and I can't help but be so damn proud of you, baby." Vida reassured, gently massaging the back of his neck to help ease the tension.

"I know.... I know...." She whispered, nodding her head and rubbing Whisp's back. Vida understood that frustration of always needing help with little things. It's a lot of why she isolated herself after her injury years ago, why she was such a recluse. "Just because you need help with some things doesn't mean you're weak. Your mother taught me that." Vida giggled a little bit, pulling away to wipe away Whisp's tears.

Vida let him lean on her, nodding her head. "Yup, she taught me a lot and one thing is that it's okay to take breaks for the sake of your health and that it's more than okay to cry." She remarked with a small smile, not judging him for shedding a tear. "You are safe with me, Whisp. No matter what, I will always have my door open for you, food, open arms and a shoulder to cry on."

Vida smiled even more (if possible) and nodded her head, brushing his hair out of his face. "It's no problem at all, Whisp. Want to wait for your mother with me? I can get started on some banana bread!" Vida had recently gotten back into baking again. She used to bake all the time but once she started getting insecure about her weight, she stopped. Estelle helped get rid of her insecurity and so Vida felt more at ease baking again since it wasn't just out of boredom or stress eating.

"What? Oh no it's like a loaf of bread. You can make it cakey if you make it right. Trust me come on." Excited to let Whisp try her baking, she grabbed his hand and walked back to her cabin, going to the kitchen to get the ingredients prepared. "We can add chocolate and blueberries in it, which one do you want? We can do both too I don't mind." She was so happy to bake something for Whisp, that sparkle in her eyes back.

"We can do both!" She remarked, taking her time preparing everything. She even went to the little radio on the kitchen counter and turned it on, the quiet old rock music providing a little bit of ambience. "You can have it with milk, cocoa, anything! Can even put honey on it too if you want it really sweet."

"I try not to add too much sugar." She reassured, seeing where Ridley and Astra are and seeing Astra trying to teach Ridley how to make flower crowns. "Things are tense right now, but I know we can make it out, ok?" She reassured, mashing up the bananas and mixing the ingredients, leaning against the counter.

"I wouldn't say pissed. He's just... stressed?" She remarked, looking back at Whisp. "It sounds easier than it is, but just say it." Vida shrugged her shoulder, sprinkling in chocolate chips and blueberries. While she poured the batter in the pan, she cleared her throat. "Admitting when you're wrong is something the strongest and smartest of people sometimes won't ever do."

"You do look tired. You can take a nap on the couch and I can wake you when the banana bread is ready." Vida couldn't fully reassure how Ridley reacts, considering she's not his parent and she doesn't quite know him as much as Estelle does. "I think your mother should be almost done." She muttered, looking out the window. Vida's hair had been pinned back with a bow, but there were a couple of feathers as well. Estelle's smaller molted feathers. Estelle probably put them in Vida's hair without her even realizing.

I want my mums- and my brother :(

You alright, dear? What happened?

Don't know where bird dad is- not seen Ridley or you guys for a bit too- just sad

I know Ridley is out with Calynn and Whisp camping. Would you want me to text Calynn to come back with them?

They're probably having a good time- Don't want to ruin it for them. Dunno maybe- Can I sit with you?

I can text them if you wish. And yeah you can sit with me. I'm just relaxing outside for once. Your mama is helping me with deliveries because a lot of it is going up and down stairwells and I can't quite do that today.

"What? Oh uh- okay." Ridley muttered, looking at Whisp confused before complying, getting up to dismantle the tent. Ridley had been showing a bit of anxiety the last couple of days as well, seemingly the same time as Astra too. Was it connected? "Something happen that we need to go back?" Ridley asked Calynn while he was busy taking down the hammock.

Ridley immediately tensed up, his eyes going wide for a second. Sure it's nothing? Really? Ridley was quicker to pack the stuff up, making sure to clean as well before hopping in the backseat. Something wasn't sitting right with him and he didn't know how to explain it. He seemed a little freaked out and antsy.

*The drive back was strangely quiet and the moment the car was put into park, Whisp got out the car leaving his bags to go look for Astra and Vida*

Vida was sitting in the small garden by her cabin with Astra, rubbing Astra's back and humming. Hearing footsteps, she looked over and smiled. "Hey, little dove, look who's coming over." She whispered to Astra, her voice and smile both warm and welcoming.

Ridley was surprised Astra clung onto him, hugging her back and picking her up. "I-I know. I know I'm sorry... what's going on? Heard you're a bit freaked out right now?" He tried to hide his own anxiety, but he knew Whisp could probably tell. Ridley forced a smile, wiping Astra's tears away and he held her.

"I-its going to be okay. I can go looking for him if you want me to and you can stay with your brother and mama." Ridley offered, chuckling a little bit nervously. He was a bit stressed about the whole situation, so he wanted to help reassure Astra before he worked on his own feelings right now.

Ridley looked confused but nodded his head, sitting down and hugging her close. Vida gave Whisp a reassuring smile. "You two have fun camping?" She asked quietly, trying to lighten the mood a bit since Astra and Ridley both seemed freaked out and anxious.

Vida snorted and nodded. "That's cool, kiddo. Glad you guys had fun out there." Vida rubbed Whisp's back, watching Ridley and Astra basically cling onto each other. "Something... something happen that you know of? I don't know what has Astra all freaked out she tried finding Lance but can't."

"I don't have Lance or Secondo's numbers so I can't text them..." She answered, letting Whisp scoot closer. "It'll be okay." She reassured, giving Whisp a smile on her face.

"Delivering orders. I can't really go down stairs easy and it's not like we have elevators here that work..." She mumbled, rolling her eyes and giggling a little bit. Vida was doing her best to stay calm, but she couldn't help be worried either.

"I'm fine without the elevators for a bit. It's just a bad knee day." She whispered, looking at the square and nodding her head. "Crocheting? I can give you some patterns if you want to practice a little bit more.

"Cody is well. Speaking some words now and again and I can't help but feel proud of him." Vida smiled a little bit, looking at Whisp and noticing the constant change of subjects. "Are you alright, kiddo?"

"Just... thought you would be concerned." She replied, gesturing to Ridley and Astra clinging to each other. Vida didn't know how to handle the situation, not quite knowing exactly what was wrong either.

Vida was quiet and nodded, flinching when she saw the intense glare Ridley gave Whisp when Whisp seemed to just not care. "You guys just be careful okay. Don't want you guys fighting over something." She remarked.

"I dunno. Just don't let emotions get the better of you." She instructed to both Whisp and Ridley, Ridley grumbling under his breath and paying attention to Astra again. Ridley just didn't seem okay right now, glancing at his phone now and again.

Vida observed Ridley pick up Astra and carry her away, Vida sighing. "Whisp, what's going on. Tell me. Something is on your mind so you're okay to tell me."

"I just want to figure out what's going on so I can help." She explained, her voice going softer. Instead of insisting or reacting negatively, she just gave up, looking away with a small frown. Vida didn't know how to help without Whisp lashing out. "Y-you have every right to be worried, don't- it's okay to not to be okay."

"I didn't mean it like that." She spoke softly, looking at Whisp and observing his body language. Vida looked like she wanted to add onto what she was saying, but her mouth shut after a couple of seconds.

Vida went quiet, but she didn't push Whisp away. She kept her hands on her knees, waiting if Whisp would speak first. She can't help if Whisp won't ask for help.... and it sucked.

"I don't know kid... I don't know..." She whispered, not quite having an answer for it either. This place was full of beings of hell so of course nothing was going to be calm. "That's what happens here all the time, trust me. Never a dull moment."

"If I could I would go back in time and prevent him from doing anything to you." Vida whispered, tears brimming her eyes. A thing with her is that she had a feeling stuff was going on and that she did nothing to save him or prevent any more harm. She felt like she knew what was going on but she did nothing at the end of the day. "I-I should have said something back then..."

Vida looked at Whisp, seeing how even if he was looking calm and trying to keep himself together, she can just tell he was close to breaking down. She held her arm out in case he needed a hug, in case he wanted a hug. "Even then Chester just seemed... off. I should have at least brought something up to someone."

"Whisp..." Vida whispered, getting up and going to Whisp, pulling him into a gentle hug, making him rest his head against her shoulder. "It's okay to cry, honey..." She cooed, kissing his temple and rubbing his back.

Vida nodded and hugged him a little tighter. "I know... I know you get tired of crying but sometimes it's good to cry a lot. I know it well." She whispered, rubbing the back of his head and running her hand through his hair. "You don't have to be strong all the time, little moth, You are welcome to cry as much as you want."

"You are strong. You are... You're strong for surviving this, strong for pushing through and beating that bastard. He's gone and you're still standing. Yes, you may need help now and again but you're still here and I can't help but be so damn proud of you, baby." Vida reassured, gently massaging the back of his neck to help ease the tension.

"I know.... I know...." She whispered, nodding her head and rubbing Whisp's back. Vida understood that frustration of always needing help with little things. It's a lot of why she isolated herself after her injury years ago, why she was such a recluse. "Just because you need help with some things doesn't mean you're weak. Your mother taught me that." Vida giggled a little bit, pulling away to wipe away Whisp's tears.

Vida let him lean on her, nodding her head. "Yup, she taught me a lot and one thing is that it's okay to take breaks for the sake of your health and that it's more than okay to cry." She remarked with a small smile, not judging him for shedding a tear. "You are safe with me, Whisp. No matter what, I will always have my door open for you, food, open arms and a shoulder to cry on."

Vida smiled even more (if possible) and nodded her head, brushing his hair out of his face. "It's no problem at all, Whisp. Want to wait for your mother with me? I can get started on some banana bread!" Vida had recently gotten back into baking again. She used to bake all the time but once she started getting insecure about her weight, she stopped. Estelle helped get rid of her insecurity and so Vida felt more at ease baking again since it wasn't just out of boredom or stress eating.

"What? Oh no it's like a loaf of bread. You can make it cakey if you make it right. Trust me come on." Excited to let Whisp try her baking, she grabbed his hand and walked back to her cabin, going to the kitchen to get the ingredients prepared. "We can add chocolate and blueberries in it, which one do you want? We can do both too I don't mind." She was so happy to bake something for Whisp, that sparkle in her eyes back.

"We can do both!" She remarked, taking her time preparing everything. She even went to the little radio on the kitchen counter and turned it on, the quiet old rock music providing a little bit of ambience. "You can have it with milk, cocoa, anything! Can even put honey on it too if you want it really sweet."

"I try not to add too much sugar." She reassured, seeing where Ridley and Astra are and seeing Astra trying to teach Ridley how to make flower crowns. "Things are tense right now, but I know we can make it out, ok?" She reassured, mashing up the bananas and mixing the ingredients, leaning against the counter.

"I wouldn't say pissed. He's just... stressed?" She remarked, looking back at Whisp. "It sounds easier than it is, but just say it." Vida shrugged her shoulder, sprinkling in chocolate chips and blueberries. While she poured the batter in the pan, she cleared her throat. "Admitting when you're wrong is something the strongest and smartest of people sometimes won't ever do."

I want my mums- and my brother :(

You alright, dear? What happened?

Don't know where bird dad is- not seen Ridley or you guys for a bit too- just sad

I know Ridley is out with Calynn and Whisp camping. Would you want me to text Calynn to come back with them?

They're probably having a good time- Don't want to ruin it for them. Dunno maybe- Can I sit with you?

I can text them if you wish. And yeah you can sit with me. I'm just relaxing outside for once. Your mama is helping me with deliveries because a lot of it is going up and down stairwells and I can't quite do that today.

"What? Oh uh- okay." Ridley muttered, looking at Whisp confused before complying, getting up to dismantle the tent. Ridley had been showing a bit of anxiety the last couple of days as well, seemingly the same time as Astra too. Was it connected? "Something happen that we need to go back?" Ridley asked Calynn while he was busy taking down the hammock.

Ridley immediately tensed up, his eyes going wide for a second. Sure it's nothing? Really? Ridley was quicker to pack the stuff up, making sure to clean as well before hopping in the backseat. Something wasn't sitting right with him and he didn't know how to explain it. He seemed a little freaked out and antsy.

*The drive back was strangely quiet and the moment the car was put into park, Whisp got out the car leaving his bags to go look for Astra and Vida*

Vida was sitting in the small garden by her cabin with Astra, rubbing Astra's back and humming. Hearing footsteps, she looked over and smiled. "Hey, little dove, look who's coming over." She whispered to Astra, her voice and smile both warm and welcoming.

Ridley was surprised Astra clung onto him, hugging her back and picking her up. "I-I know. I know I'm sorry... what's going on? Heard you're a bit freaked out right now?" He tried to hide his own anxiety, but he knew Whisp could probably tell. Ridley forced a smile, wiping Astra's tears away and he held her.

"I-its going to be okay. I can go looking for him if you want me to and you can stay with your brother and mama." Ridley offered, chuckling a little bit nervously. He was a bit stressed about the whole situation, so he wanted to help reassure Astra before he worked on his own feelings right now.

Ridley looked confused but nodded his head, sitting down and hugging her close. Vida gave Whisp a reassuring smile. "You two have fun camping?" She asked quietly, trying to lighten the mood a bit since Astra and Ridley both seemed freaked out and anxious.

Vida snorted and nodded. "That's cool, kiddo. Glad you guys had fun out there." Vida rubbed Whisp's back, watching Ridley and Astra basically cling onto each other. "Something... something happen that you know of? I don't know what has Astra all freaked out she tried finding Lance but can't."

"I don't have Lance or Secondo's numbers so I can't text them..." She answered, letting Whisp scoot closer. "It'll be okay." She reassured, giving Whisp a smile on her face.

"Delivering orders. I can't really go down stairs easy and it's not like we have elevators here that work..." She mumbled, rolling her eyes and giggling a little bit. Vida was doing her best to stay calm, but she couldn't help be worried either.

"I'm fine without the elevators for a bit. It's just a bad knee day." She whispered, looking at the square and nodding her head. "Crocheting? I can give you some patterns if you want to practice a little bit more.

"Cody is well. Speaking some words now and again and I can't help but feel proud of him." Vida smiled a little bit, looking at Whisp and noticing the constant change of subjects. "Are you alright, kiddo?"

"Just... thought you would be concerned." She replied, gesturing to Ridley and Astra clinging to each other. Vida didn't know how to handle the situation, not quite knowing exactly what was wrong either.

Vida was quiet and nodded, flinching when she saw the intense glare Ridley gave Whisp when Whisp seemed to just not care. "You guys just be careful okay. Don't want you guys fighting over something." She remarked.

"I dunno. Just don't let emotions get the better of you." She instructed to both Whisp and Ridley, Ridley grumbling under his breath and paying attention to Astra again. Ridley just didn't seem okay right now, glancing at his phone now and again.

Vida observed Ridley pick up Astra and carry her away, Vida sighing. "Whisp, what's going on. Tell me. Something is on your mind so you're okay to tell me."

"I just want to figure out what's going on so I can help." She explained, her voice going softer. Instead of insisting or reacting negatively, she just gave up, looking away with a small frown. Vida didn't know how to help without Whisp lashing out. "Y-you have every right to be worried, don't- it's okay to not to be okay."

"I didn't mean it like that." She spoke softly, looking at Whisp and observing his body language. Vida looked like she wanted to add onto what she was saying, but her mouth shut after a couple of seconds.

Vida went quiet, but she didn't push Whisp away. She kept her hands on her knees, waiting if Whisp would speak first. She can't help if Whisp won't ask for help.... and it sucked.

"I don't know kid... I don't know..." She whispered, not quite having an answer for it either. This place was full of beings of hell so of course nothing was going to be calm. "That's what happens here all the time, trust me. Never a dull moment."

"If I could I would go back in time and prevent him from doing anything to you." Vida whispered, tears brimming her eyes. A thing with her is that she had a feeling stuff was going on and that she did nothing to save him or prevent any more harm. She felt like she knew what was going on but she did nothing at the end of the day. "I-I should have said something back then..."

Vida looked at Whisp, seeing how even if he was looking calm and trying to keep himself together, she can just tell he was close to breaking down. She held her arm out in case he needed a hug, in case he wanted a hug. "Even then Chester just seemed... off. I should have at least brought something up to someone."

"Whisp..." Vida whispered, getting up and going to Whisp, pulling him into a gentle hug, making him rest his head against her shoulder. "It's okay to cry, honey..." She cooed, kissing his temple and rubbing his back.

Vida nodded and hugged him a little tighter. "I know... I know you get tired of crying but sometimes it's good to cry a lot. I know it well." She whispered, rubbing the back of his head and running her hand through his hair. "You don't have to be strong all the time, little moth, You are welcome to cry as much as you want."

"You are strong. You are... You're strong for surviving this, strong for pushing through and beating that bastard. He's gone and you're still standing. Yes, you may need help now and again but you're still here and I can't help but be so damn proud of you, baby." Vida reassured, gently massaging the back of his neck to help ease the tension.

"I know.... I know...." She whispered, nodding her head and rubbing Whisp's back. Vida understood that frustration of always needing help with little things. It's a lot of why she isolated herself after her injury years ago, why she was such a recluse. "Just because you need help with some things doesn't mean you're weak. Your mother taught me that." Vida giggled a little bit, pulling away to wipe away Whisp's tears.

Vida let him lean on her, nodding her head. "Yup, she taught me a lot and one thing is that it's okay to take breaks for the sake of your health and that it's more than okay to cry." She remarked with a small smile, not judging him for shedding a tear. "You are safe with me, Whisp. No matter what, I will always have my door open for you, food, open arms and a shoulder to cry on."

Vida smiled even more (if possible) and nodded her head, brushing his hair out of his face. "It's no problem at all, Whisp. Want to wait for your mother with me? I can get started on some banana bread!" Vida had recently gotten back into baking again. She used to bake all the time but once she started getting insecure about her weight, she stopped. Estelle helped get rid of her insecurity and so Vida felt more at ease baking again since it wasn't just out of boredom or stress eating.

"What? Oh no it's like a loaf of bread. You can make it cakey if you make it right. Trust me come on." Excited to let Whisp try her baking, she grabbed his hand and walked back to her cabin, going to the kitchen to get the ingredients prepared. "We can add chocolate and blueberries in it, which one do you want? We can do both too I don't mind." She was so happy to bake something for Whisp, that sparkle in her eyes back.

"We can do both!" She remarked, taking her time preparing everything. She even went to the little radio on the kitchen counter and turned it on, the quiet old rock music providing a little bit of ambience. "You can have it with milk, cocoa, anything! Can even put honey on it too if you want it really sweet."

"I try not to add too much sugar." She reassured, seeing where Ridley and Astra are and seeing Astra trying to teach Ridley how to make flower crowns. "Things are tense right now, but I know we can make it out, ok?" She reassured, mashing up the bananas and mixing the ingredients, leaning against the counter.

I want my mums- and my brother :(

You alright, dear? What happened?

Don't know where bird dad is- not seen Ridley or you guys for a bit too- just sad

I know Ridley is out with Calynn and Whisp camping. Would you want me to text Calynn to come back with them?

They're probably having a good time- Don't want to ruin it for them. Dunno maybe- Can I sit with you?

I can text them if you wish. And yeah you can sit with me. I'm just relaxing outside for once. Your mama is helping me with deliveries because a lot of it is going up and down stairwells and I can't quite do that today.

"What? Oh uh- okay." Ridley muttered, looking at Whisp confused before complying, getting up to dismantle the tent. Ridley had been showing a bit of anxiety the last couple of days as well, seemingly the same time as Astra too. Was it connected? "Something happen that we need to go back?" Ridley asked Calynn while he was busy taking down the hammock.

Ridley immediately tensed up, his eyes going wide for a second. Sure it's nothing? Really? Ridley was quicker to pack the stuff up, making sure to clean as well before hopping in the backseat. Something wasn't sitting right with him and he didn't know how to explain it. He seemed a little freaked out and antsy.

*The drive back was strangely quiet and the moment the car was put into park, Whisp got out the car leaving his bags to go look for Astra and Vida*

Vida was sitting in the small garden by her cabin with Astra, rubbing Astra's back and humming. Hearing footsteps, she looked over and smiled. "Hey, little dove, look who's coming over." She whispered to Astra, her voice and smile both warm and welcoming.

Ridley was surprised Astra clung onto him, hugging her back and picking her up. "I-I know. I know I'm sorry... what's going on? Heard you're a bit freaked out right now?" He tried to hide his own anxiety, but he knew Whisp could probably tell. Ridley forced a smile, wiping Astra's tears away and he held her.

"I-its going to be okay. I can go looking for him if you want me to and you can stay with your brother and mama." Ridley offered, chuckling a little bit nervously. He was a bit stressed about the whole situation, so he wanted to help reassure Astra before he worked on his own feelings right now.

Ridley looked confused but nodded his head, sitting down and hugging her close. Vida gave Whisp a reassuring smile. "You two have fun camping?" She asked quietly, trying to lighten the mood a bit since Astra and Ridley both seemed freaked out and anxious.

Vida snorted and nodded. "That's cool, kiddo. Glad you guys had fun out there." Vida rubbed Whisp's back, watching Ridley and Astra basically cling onto each other. "Something... something happen that you know of? I don't know what has Astra all freaked out she tried finding Lance but can't."

"I don't have Lance or Secondo's numbers so I can't text them..." She answered, letting Whisp scoot closer. "It'll be okay." She reassured, giving Whisp a smile on her face.

"Delivering orders. I can't really go down stairs easy and it's not like we have elevators here that work..." She mumbled, rolling her eyes and giggling a little bit. Vida was doing her best to stay calm, but she couldn't help be worried either.

"I'm fine without the elevators for a bit. It's just a bad knee day." She whispered, looking at the square and nodding her head. "Crocheting? I can give you some patterns if you want to practice a little bit more.

"Cody is well. Speaking some words now and again and I can't help but feel proud of him." Vida smiled a little bit, looking at Whisp and noticing the constant change of subjects. "Are you alright, kiddo?"

"Just... thought you would be concerned." She replied, gesturing to Ridley and Astra clinging to each other. Vida didn't know how to handle the situation, not quite knowing exactly what was wrong either.

Vida was quiet and nodded, flinching when she saw the intense glare Ridley gave Whisp when Whisp seemed to just not care. "You guys just be careful okay. Don't want you guys fighting over something." She remarked.

"I dunno. Just don't let emotions get the better of you." She instructed to both Whisp and Ridley, Ridley grumbling under his breath and paying attention to Astra again. Ridley just didn't seem okay right now, glancing at his phone now and again.

Vida observed Ridley pick up Astra and carry her away, Vida sighing. "Whisp, what's going on. Tell me. Something is on your mind so you're okay to tell me."

"I just want to figure out what's going on so I can help." She explained, her voice going softer. Instead of insisting or reacting negatively, she just gave up, looking away with a small frown. Vida didn't know how to help without Whisp lashing out. "Y-you have every right to be worried, don't- it's okay to not to be okay."

"I didn't mean it like that." She spoke softly, looking at Whisp and observing his body language. Vida looked like she wanted to add onto what she was saying, but her mouth shut after a couple of seconds.

Vida went quiet, but she didn't push Whisp away. She kept her hands on her knees, waiting if Whisp would speak first. She can't help if Whisp won't ask for help.... and it sucked.

"I don't know kid... I don't know..." She whispered, not quite having an answer for it either. This place was full of beings of hell so of course nothing was going to be calm. "That's what happens here all the time, trust me. Never a dull moment."

"If I could I would go back in time and prevent him from doing anything to you." Vida whispered, tears brimming her eyes. A thing with her is that she had a feeling stuff was going on and that she did nothing to save him or prevent any more harm. She felt like she knew what was going on but she did nothing at the end of the day. "I-I should have said something back then..."

Vida looked at Whisp, seeing how even if he was looking calm and trying to keep himself together, she can just tell he was close to breaking down. She held her arm out in case he needed a hug, in case he wanted a hug. "Even then Chester just seemed... off. I should have at least brought something up to someone."

"Whisp..." Vida whispered, getting up and going to Whisp, pulling him into a gentle hug, making him rest his head against her shoulder. "It's okay to cry, honey..." She cooed, kissing his temple and rubbing his back.

Vida nodded and hugged him a little tighter. "I know... I know you get tired of crying but sometimes it's good to cry a lot. I know it well." She whispered, rubbing the back of his head and running her hand through his hair. "You don't have to be strong all the time, little moth, You are welcome to cry as much as you want."

"You are strong. You are... You're strong for surviving this, strong for pushing through and beating that bastard. He's gone and you're still standing. Yes, you may need help now and again but you're still here and I can't help but be so damn proud of you, baby." Vida reassured, gently massaging the back of his neck to help ease the tension.

"I know.... I know...." She whispered, nodding her head and rubbing Whisp's back. Vida understood that frustration of always needing help with little things. It's a lot of why she isolated herself after her injury years ago, why she was such a recluse. "Just because you need help with some things doesn't mean you're weak. Your mother taught me that." Vida giggled a little bit, pulling away to wipe away Whisp's tears.

Vida let him lean on her, nodding her head. "Yup, she taught me a lot and one thing is that it's okay to take breaks for the sake of your health and that it's more than okay to cry." She remarked with a small smile, not judging him for shedding a tear. "You are safe with me, Whisp. No matter what, I will always have my door open for you, food, open arms and a shoulder to cry on."

Vida smiled even more (if possible) and nodded her head, brushing his hair out of his face. "It's no problem at all, Whisp. Want to wait for your mother with me? I can get started on some banana bread!" Vida had recently gotten back into baking again. She used to bake all the time but once she started getting insecure about her weight, she stopped. Estelle helped get rid of her insecurity and so Vida felt more at ease baking again since it wasn't just out of boredom or stress eating.

"What? Oh no it's like a loaf of bread. You can make it cakey if you make it right. Trust me come on." Excited to let Whisp try her baking, she grabbed his hand and walked back to her cabin, going to the kitchen to get the ingredients prepared. "We can add chocolate and blueberries in it, which one do you want? We can do both too I don't mind." She was so happy to bake something for Whisp, that sparkle in her eyes back.

"We can do both!" She remarked, taking her time preparing everything. She even went to the little radio on the kitchen counter and turned it on, the quiet old rock music providing a little bit of ambience. "You can have it with milk, cocoa, anything! Can even put honey on it too if you want it really sweet."