#task 20

TW’s: Death, Blood. 

E v e r y b o d y ‘ s  F o o l 

T a s k  2 0  -  T e n  Y e a r s  L a t e r

TASK #20; THE FUTURE, PART TWO

“Happy birthday to yew. Happy birthday to yew. Happy birthday dear Timmy… Happy birthday to yew.”

It was barely even light outside and already Savanna was in her brother's room singing to him. She seemed more excited about Timothy’s birthday than he appeared to be. Keeping his present a secret all week hadn’t been easy for her. There were a couple of isolated incidents where she nearly ruined the surprise. She couldn’t wait for the grand reveal.

“Savvy…” The nine year old mumbled as he pulled the blankets up over his head. “It’s too early…” Timothy groaned. Victoria wasn’t even finished with his traditional birthday breakfast. Every year on her children’s birthday she made a fat stack of rainbow pancakes with homemade whipped cream. A single candle held breakfast in place until their wish was made. This year was no exception.

“But it’s yer birthday! Ya gotta get up.” Savanna explained. “Mommy is makin’ yer special pancakes an’ daddy is gonna come over.” That was all Timmy needed to hear to get out of bed. This was the first year he’d be celebrating his birthday with their father at home. What made the day even sweeter was having off of school. Palm Valley Elementary School had parent/teacher conferences. It wasn’t mandatory that parents attend if their kids were doing well in school, which Timothy and Savanna both were, so Vic and Declan didn't have to go. “We get’a spend the whole day with mommy an’ daddy.” Savvy beamed. The smile on Timmy’s face was proof that he was equally as excited. “Are ya gonna get up now?” The seven year old questioned.

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Downstairs Victoria was busy making breakfast. She had Timothy’s plate ready by the time he came down. “Happy birthday, my sweet boy.” She greeted the nine year old with a kiss on the forehead. “Mommy, what’a ‘bout me?” Savvy chimed in causing Vic to chuckle softly. She kissed her daughter on the forehead too. “Good morning, my little butterfly.” She spoke before turning her attention back to the stove.

“What are we gonna do t’day?” The seven year old asked as she patiently waited for her pancakes to be ready. Victoria turned to face her children. Declan would be there shortly. She sent him a text when she woke up to let him know the kids were already waiting for him. It amazed her how difficult it was to get Timmy and Savanna out of bed when it was time to get ready for school, but when they had the option to sleep in for a little bit… They were up before sunrise. “Are we waitin’ for daddy ‘ta eat breakfast?” Savvy asked. No one knew when Declan would arrive, so Vic told the kids they could eat without him. She would wait. She was satisfied with her cup of coffee for the time being.

“Mom…” Timmy spoke after taking a bite of his pancakes. “If we go out ‘ta dinner t’nite, can dad come too?” The little boy opted out of a party this year. He just wanted to celebrate with his family. He knew his friends would understand. “Are Ransom an’ Dottie gonna come over?” He hoped they would. He hadn’t seen either of them in over a week and he missed spending time with them. “An’ aunt Clara?” One of his favorite traditions was when Clara and Victoria made him a cake. “They can all come ‘ta my birthday dinner.” He also secretly hoped Rory would tag along too.

Before Vic had a chance to reply, Declan walked through the front door and Timothy’s attention shifted to his father. “Dad!” His face lit up. The nine year old had a feeling this would be one of the best birthdays yet. “Happy birthday, little dude.” DC replied as his arms wrapped around his youngest son and kissed his crown. He could have sworn Timmy grew a foot overnight. Declan was all too aware of how quickly the kids were growing up. How dare they? Who gave them permission to turn into miniature adults so soon?

“Can I open presents now, mom?” Timmy turned to face Victoria giving Savanna a chance to properly greet their father. The seven year old felt like it was her birthday she was so excited to see her brother open his gifts. “After breakfast.” Vic replied. She could tell how eager he was, but it was still very early. She wanted to make sure everyone ate (especially Timmy) because she knew once gifts were opened she wouldn’t see her son again until dinner time. “Awww…” The little boy groaned, but he didn’t protest further. He knew his mother was up early to make his birthday pancakes and he wouldn’t let them go to waste.

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After breakfast, once the kids were both dressed for the day, the four of them headed to the living room to watch Timothy open his presents. There weren’t many, but quantity didn’t matter to him. Everything Victoria picked out was something he loved. In fact, he couldn’t wait to put his new Lego star destroyer together. Timmy even agreed to let Savanna help as long as she didn’t lose pieces this time. “Thank you mom.” The little boy said as he stood up to hug Victoria. “Thank you dad.” He did the same with Declan. “Savvy… I love my treasure box. It's perfect.” He pulled his little sister close and kissed her on top of the head. She had given him a hand painted box (similar to last year) with all kinds of things she collected over the course of the year. Each piece was linked to a memory. A memento of their journey whether it was a coin from a trip to the arcade, or a heart shaped rock. Everything had a specific meaning. She put a lot of thought and effort into the present so she was glad he actually liked it.

“Ya still have one more thing ya didn’t open…” The seven year old said in a cheery tone. Her attention moved from the birthday boy to her parents. They couldn’t possibly have forgotten the biggest gift all. Savanna had been hyper-focused on it all week. “Yer right, princess.” Declan smirked. “How could we forget?” He teased. “Everyone grab jackets.” He stood and pulled Victoria to her feet. Savvy couldn’t locate her own jacket so she grabbed the closest thing she could find… One of Vic’s cardigans from the hall closet.

“Yer gonna have ‘ta cover yer eyes, pal. Wouldn’t wanna ruin tha surprise.” Declan explained as he carefully led Timothy into the detached garage Declan used to store his tools. Now they were collecting dust. Ransom borrowed them from time to time, but for the most part they remained untouched for the duration of DC's incarceration. “Ya didn’t get me’a goat or somethin’ did ya?” Timmy laughed softly. “I wish!” Savanna chimed in. In her opinion, they didn’t have enough animals.

“Almost there.” Declan stopped so Timmy was standing directly in front of his present. “No peekin’.” He liked keeping the kids in suspense. “Alright… Open um.”

The nine year old uncovered his eyes but his smile quickly faded when he saw nothing but a dirty blue tarp in front of him. “Is this it?” The question made Declan and Victoria laugh. “Why don’t I give ya a hand?” Before Timothy could nod, DC pulled the tarp aside to reveal a small, but fully functional motorcycle. It was a little big for him, but Timmy would grow into it.

“What do’ya think?” Timmy was honestly speechless. He wasn’t sure what he was more excited about… Learning how to ride it or learning how to fix it. “This… Th-this is mine?” He couldn’t believe it. “Mom… Did ya know ‘bout this?”  It didn't seem like a gift Victoria would be completely onboard with given how dangerous it was. Savanna spoke for her mother. “We all knew ‘bout it.” Declan chuckled watching his family. “Happy birthday, little man.” He said as he placed a new helmet on Timmy’s head. "Can't ride without one'a these. Safety first."

“...This is the best birthday ever.”

Nine years old.

Timothy Deschaine had been alive for almost a decade. It was hard to believe, yet easy at the same time. He had always been so smart, kind, helpful, and sensitive. Timmy was what some people referred to as an old soul. He was very mature for a boy of his age. Nine going on nineteen. It was easy to forget that he was still just a child.

“I can’t wait for Timmy ‘ta see his present!” Savanna said excitedly. Declan made the mistake of showing her what he and Vic bought the little boy for his birthday... Now he was hoping and praying that his youngest could keep a secret. “Shhhh. Not so loud. I don’t want him’ta come snoopin’ ‘round here.” DC spoke in a hushed tone. He covered the gift with a tarp and an old saddle just in case Timmy wandered into the garage for anything. “Yer job this week is ‘ta keep yer brother out’a here... Got it?” Declan raised a brow in Savvy’s direction. She nodded to let him know she understood. The seven year old wouldn’t dare ruin this for her big brother. Not when she knew how hard her parents worked for it.

Truth be told, she was a little jealous of Timmy’s birthday present. Especially because she didn’t have one of her own, but she had an acute awareness of why Timmy got to do some things she couldn’t. He was older. While she didn’t always think that was fair she wasn’t allowed to do more grown up things, she knew it was for her own safety.

“Daddy…” Savanna said as Declan shut the garage lights off and they headed back towards the house. “Yeh munchkin?” He replied, his hand running over the top of her head to smooth down flyaways. “I think this is gonna be Timmy’s bestest birthday ever… Know why?” Savvy asked with her signature grin. Declan shook his head. He didn’t know why, but he knew his youngest was going to tell him whether he wanted to hear it or not. “Cause we get’a celebrate it at home with mommy an’ you this year… An’ cause mommy an’ aunt Clara said I get’a help make Timmy’s cake. We’re gonna make him’a Star Wars cake… like maybe the death star… Or Kylo Ren ‘cause that’s his favorite.”

DC arched a brow. “I thought motorcycles an’ cars were his favorite.” He teased. “Not Star Wars…” For a second Savvy couldn’t tell if he was actually kidding or being serious. There was still a lot he didn’t know about his kids as far as likes and dislikes. Seven years behind bars was a long time, and as much as he was grateful for family visits, they were never quite long enough. Declan missed out on a lot of his children’s milestones. Not just with Timmy and Savvy, but Ransom and Dottie too. He hadn’t taken his role as a father very seriously. It took some hard time at High Desert State Prison for him to come to the realization that things had to change. He had to change before he lost the love of his life and everything that was important to him. He couldn’t make the journey through life on his own. He needed his family whether he cared to admit it or not.

“Timmy likes that stuff too, but he really likes Star Wars. Rannie taked him ‘ta see the new movie when we had our winter break, but I didn’t get’a go ‘cause I was sick...” If anyone knew Timothy’s likes and dislikes, it was Savanna. She and Timmy were not just siblings… They were best friends. There wasn’t a single thing she didn’t know about him and vice versa. Because of this… Keeping secrets from him was especially hard. She knew this week wasn’t going to be easy for her, but she couldn’t ruin the surprise. She wouldn’t ruin the surprise.

Declan couldn’t help but smile at his daughter. She was so much like Victoria that he was having a hard time figuring out what traits of his she inherited. It warmed his heart knowing how much Savvy loved and looked up to her big brothers and her big sister. He was glad that she at least had them to guide her while he couldn’t. High Desert took precious time from him that he’d never be able to get back. Time in which Ransom and Dottie had really grown up. Things weren’t the best between him and Vic at the moment, but Declan wasn’t going to let that stop him from spending as much time with Timothy and Savanna as he could. He still had the opportunity to watch them grow. There was a lot of lost time to make up for.

“What do’ya say we fix dinner for yer mom an’ brother? I don’t think I can do it on my own.” He chuckled. Vic had taken Timmy for his annual eye exam and they probably wouldn’t be back for another hour. Declan was still trying to earn brownie points and since he knew Savvy loved to help in the kitchen, he figured he could kill two birds with one stone. “What do ‘ya think we should make?” He rubbed the stubble growing back on his chin as he looked at the seven year old. “How ‘bout we make mommy’s favorite?” Savanna suggested, but before he agreed to it she added one condition. “But I’ll only help ‘ya if ‘ya let me paint yer nails after…” A soft giggle escaped, but her eyes remained locked on his. “Deal?” She arched a brow with her right arm extended.

It took DC a moment to consider his options. He really couldn’t do this without her. Cooking had never been Declan’s strong suit so he reached out and shook her tiny hand. He couldn’t believe he was actually agreeing to this. “Deal.”

Reunion Event - AU #2

It has been so long, but if she can think back on the last 10 years Keira would be happy with the path she has chosen. Around 10 years ago, Hennessy claimed Keira when the two of them grew even closer and happier in each other’s presence. He secured for her the only thing she truly wanted - the ability to shift during the full moons. Once more with permission from the school she could free her wolf under the pale moonlight. It was quite an adjustment for Keira to allow someone into her life fully like that, but she continued to feel safe and protected in Hennessy’s heart. She truthfully did not know how she would fare the trials of him being poly, but she soon found she could be happy in such a situation. He still cared for her deeply no matter who else he cared for as well. 

Hennessy took her off the island for trips, he showed her his home in England and she wished she could show him her home - though it was nothing short of impossible. One day when they were curled up in the black fur blanket that always reminded her of her own wolf’s coat, she told him the truth. Of course he had suspected that something traumatic had happened to her, but he never knew just how much she had been through. He held her close and promised once she revealed everything that he would never let something like that happen to her again. In private he started to call her Freya but he knew he still needed to protect her true identity. 

Keira graduated and was quite proud and pleased with herself. However, Hennessy did not wish to leave the island and she did not wish to leave him. Keira had come to love him deeply and hoped to stay with him. Perhaps forever. She secured a job full time at the vet clinic while Hennessy continued to teach. 

Over the years he has become colder towards others, he has indeed become more selective. Keira still brings out a warmth in his black heart and it is quite clear how much he warms up when in her presence. Since they were already stationed at the Institute, it was quite easy to agree to attend the reunion. She is quite curious to see how others have turned out. 

TASK #20: THE FUTURE

FULL CIRCLE

After so many years on the island, it was no surprise that Abbi was reluctant to leave. To her, it seemed that she had known little else. And the safety net that her collar provided in binding her powers didn’t hurt either. But eventually she ran out of reasons to stay there, except for one: Aspen. They both knew that she needed to live out in the real world for a while, as well as fulfill a promise that she had made to Dakota years before. So after she received her masters in music, the two decided to split and she left. It broke her heart, but she knew that it had to be done. The island had long been the least healthy place for the seer.

Abbi’s first stop was London, where she found and reconnected with Preston. Then it was time to contact Dakota. The two left for the ultimate road trip, taking only what they needed and working their way around the world for the next few years. And was both exhilarating..and terrifying. Being thrown into the world after not having her powers for so many years was overwhelming to Abbi, and not in any way without its struggles. Support from Dakota, and remembering her meditation, helped her through, and she returned to London a stronger and wiser woman. She spent another year or so in London with Preston and his husband, working in a local record shop that she used to frequent as a teen. It always felt like something was missing though. Or rather, someone. With her beloved twin’s help, she made the decision that would end up bringing her life full circle. She got her degree in education, she returned to the island and her Dryad prince. This time, as the music professor.

She and Aspen now live together, in the treehouse that she had always felt so at home in. Teaching isn’t always easy, and neither is being back on the island. But she feels like she’s where she belongs again, and not only back with Aspen but with her younger sister Chloe as well. The two kept in touch through the years and have developed and maintained a close relationship…mostly thanks to Chole’s continued compulsion. Being back with Aspen is everything that she could have ever wished for though, and she is ready and excited for whatever their future holds.