Chapter 15 - What A Day to Be Alive

Author's note: This chapter contains some mature and sensitive themes that may be disturbing to some readers. It is never my intention to trivialize or sensationalize these topics. Reader discretion is advised. 

"Oh, smell that air!" Miranda drew in a deep breath of the cold, crisp winter. "What a day to be alive!"

"It's like there's something magical about this place," Mariah agreed.

"Well, this is a haunted house... and home to a powerful coven of witches... in a town that isn't really quite in the mortal world and stands between that world and another," Miranda laughed. "There are about twenty magical somethings in the garden alone!"

"Let's make a snowpal," Miranda said suddenly.

"A what?" Mariah blinked.

"A snowpal... you know, make a person out of snow," Miranda insisted. "It will be fun."

"I know what one is," Mariah laughed. "I've just never made one before."

"Well, then I finally get to be your first for something," Miranda grinned.

"OK, let's do this," Mariah grinned back.

Once again Mariah found herself enjoying the pure, childlike joy of the moment. She wondered if it was actually something magical about this place, making her feel like this... or was it Miranda who made her feel happy.

"Hmmm," Miranda said, studying the rough, blobby mass of snow like an artist considering a masterpiece. "Needs something more."

"Perfect!" she declared, after running around collecting odds and ends and adding them to the pile of snow.

Mariah laughed, "Madonna, it kind of looks like Raven."

"Raven?" Miranda asked.

"Oh, ex-girlfriend," Mariah shook her head. "The summer before I met you... I was going through a punk phase. Londyn was not thrilled."

"You know, I can't decide if I want to hear that story or not," Miranda admitted. 

"Yeah," Mariah sighed. "Sorry I brought her up."

"It's OK," Miranda said. "I know you had girlfriends before me. I just... I know things haven't been easy for you. I don't want to bring up painful memories."

"It wasn't all bad. There were fun parts," Mariah admitted, adding with a wicked grin, "Raven taught me this thing with ice-cubes..."

"OK, we are definitely talking about that later," Miranda laughed,.

"Hey, can we go for a walk?" Miranda continued, sobering. "There's... something I want to show you."

"Does it involve ice-cubes?" Mariah teased, unwilling to let go of the mood.

"Later," Miranda grinned, but Mariah couldn't miss the sadness behind her eyes.

"So, how many girlfriends?" Miranda asked as they walked.

"You really want to know?" Mariah replied.

"Well, you know mine," Miranda said.

"OK," Mariah said. It was pretty clear that Miranda wanted a distraction for whatever was bothering her. While this probably wasn't the best way to make her feel better, Mariah thought, she had a point.

"Well, I've told you about Emi," she said evenly, distancing herself from the memories. "Then was Peaches;.I met her after I ran away; she's the one who taught me how to boost cars, among other less savory things... my juvenile delinquent phase. Alessandra, a little after I moved in with Londyn and Danielle, sweet girl... merda, I screwed that up big. Christa, tourist... I ended up stealing her jewelry. Didn't even sell it, just tossed it off the pier. Tomi, but I don't think she really counts..."

"Wait, Tomi Tomi?" Miranda asked. "As in your friends Tomi and Angelo? Tomi who kind of hates you?"

"Yeah, big mistake," Mariah sighed. "but we only went out for a couple weeks... she was doing her experimental lesbian phase, like she was checking it off her to-do list. Funny, it's probably the only other relationship I've had I didn't sabotage.

"Anyway, then Raven," Mariah continued, "and now you. So, that's what... five, six if you count Tomi but I don't know..."

"So, this is it," Miranda said, stopping on the path.

"Um, what's tha...?" Mariah started.

"This is where I died," Miranda continued.

"I... you... what?" Mariah gasped.

"Two years ago, tonight," Miranda said. "Count Vlad Straud and his vampires attacked us..."

"You... you told us this story," Mariah said. "You and your moms and Jake and Beth, standing against this master vampire and his followers... fighting to protect Glimmerbrook. You beat them. You guys beat them."

"It wasn't..." Miranda took a breath. "Mom, Jake and Beth held off the vampires. Gwen... Vlad had this wizard, Faust, with him and Gwen took him on. Vlad... he ran past all of us... here... his goal. I... I went after him. Alone."

"Merda," Mariah said in a hushed tone.

"I thought... Goddess, I don't know what I thought," Miranda said, tears shining in her eyes. "I had to stop him. I was the only one. I couldn't resist him."

"They're always so strong," Mariah whispered, half to herself.

"It was like I could think, couldn't move. It was like... like I wanted it." she sobbed. "In that moment, I think I wanted him to push into me and take... take everything... and he did. He took all of me. He killed me... and I wanted it."

"No, you didn't," Mariah said softly. "Mia amata, you didn't... just like I didn't. He was stronger than you and he forced you... but he didn't win. You're here... you're alive. It's a good day to be alive, remember. You beat him. "

"I... I came back," Miranda whispered. "I don't know how... but I... I..."

"You what?" Mariah prompted.

"I chose," Miranda said, her voice growing stronger. "I chose... to get up, to keep fighting. I stopped him. I beat him. I did."

"Yes, you did." Mariah embraced her. "Yes, you did."

"Thank you," Miranda said finally. "I... You told me your nightmare. This is mine."

"I'm here for you," Mariah said. "You don't have to fight this alone."

"Neither do you," Miranda said.

"I know," Mariah sighed.

"OK, one question," she continued. "What is That?"

"The reason Glimmerbrook is here," Miranda said. "The thing the coven of Glimmerbrook Watch exists to protect and that Vlad Straud wanted to conquer. The Gateway. A portal to the Magic Realm."

"OK," Mariah breathed. "So, this is a magic portal... to another world... and you and your moms defend it?"

"Pretty much," Miranda nodded. "Want to go through?"

"Through there? To another world?" Mariah blinked. "No... No, I'm not ready for that. Not yet."

"OK," Miranda smiled.

"Let's go home," Mariah said.

Chapter 14 - Glimmerbrook Yule

Snow, Mariah thought. Actually, honest, real snow. A child of warm sunny coasts and tropical islands, snow was something Mariah saw on TV or on distant mountaintops. It wasn't something that covered the ground in a glittering, magical veil of white. She watched in wonder as her breath billowed out visibly in front of her and considered whether it was beneath her dignity to run around laughing like an idiot.

"Hey," Miranda called from the doorway. "If you're done turning into a block of ice, mom's making French Toast."

"Fantastic," Mariah laughed. As she climbed back into the warmth of the hearth fire, she added, "You know, for a global superstar, your mom is surprisingly domestic."

"I never really thought about it," Miranda admitted.

"This is delicious, Mrs G," Mariah commented as she ate.

"Thank you," Cassie smiled. "It's nice to have someone appreciate it."

"I appreciate your cooking, mom," Miranda insisted. "Especially because it means we don't have to eat what I make."

"Don't let her fool you," Cassie told Mariah in a stage whisper. "Miranda is a wonderful cook... and she loves it."

"I'll remember that," Mariah grinned. "Aren't you having any, Mrs G?"

"No, I'm not hungry," Cassie replied with an odd look.

"If you are done eating," Gwen called, "there are presents here and I've been very patient."

"Coming," Miranda called back.

"I swear, Gwen's such a little girl sometimes," Cassie smiled. "Come on, Mariah. She loves giving presents."

Mariah had, of course, seen the piles of gifts under the glittering tree. She was, however, a little surprised how many were for her. 

The holidays were usually a strange time for Mariah, a mix of uncomfortable memories. Her dad had always taken time out of his busy schedule to spend the holidays with her and always gave her great gifts. Janet, her birth mother, had never seemed to consider her anything but a burden, especially at the holidays. Looking back, she realized how Londyn and Danielle had always done everything they could to make the holidays special for her but she'd been too 'tough and cool' (wounded and angry, she recognized now) to really appreciate it.

Miranda's family were so full of fun, joy and happiness. It reminded her of being a kid. It reminded her of Londyn and Danielle.

Later, she called them.

"Yeah, everything's great here, Londyn. Really," Mariah told her. "Gwen and Cassie's house is fantastic. It's even snowing."

"Well, take care of yourself," Londyn said. "We sent you some packages. They should be at your dorm when you get back. Danielle found some old pictures she thought you'd like to have. Happy holidays, Mariah."

"Thanks," Mariah said. She was shocked by the feeling that suddenly welled up in her. "Londyn... really... thank you. For everything. For all of it. Happy holidays... mom."

Chapter 13 - Home for the Holidays

"Oh God, she's waiting at the door... Hi, mom," Miranda groaned, adding, "Well, welcome to Glimmerbrook Watch, home of the weird and embarrassing."

"It's amazing," Mariah said, looking over the old house.

Having grown up with Tartosan villas, the ramshackle huts of the poor parts of Sulani notwithstanding, Mariah had lived in her fair share of grand old homes. Glimmerbrook Watch, with its red brick and antique glass, was different somehow. It was certainly the kind of home she expected for a coven of witches. At the same time, the sight of Mrs G waiting for them on the doorstep made it welcoming and safe.

"You made it!" Cassie said as they climbed the steps, "I was starting to worry."

She pulled an embarrassed Miranda into a quick motherly embrace and then, to her shock, swept Mariah into an equally warm hug.

"You're half frozen," she said, giving Mariah a maternal look. "Come inside and get warm. We've got a fire on. Londyn would never forgive me if let your freeze on the doorstep."

"Any problems getting here?" Cassie asked as they settled in by the fire.

"No, the driver knew the way," Miranda smiled. "I had him drop us at Elixirs and we walked the rest of the way. I wanted to give Mariah the whole Glimmerbrook experience."

"No wonder she's frozen," Cassie scolded gently.

"I'm fine," Mariah said, enjoying the cheery warmth of the fire. "It was a nice walk... and your home is lovely."

"It's been in Gwen's family just this side of forever," Cassie said. "I'm still getting used to it myself. Well, now that you've warmed yourself a bit, let's get some food into you both."

 -----------------------

Warm and now fed, the dinner dishes mostly cleared, Mariah felt relaxed and comfortable as she listened to Miranda sharing stories of college classes and the dorm-mates (though Mariah noticed she left out most of what happened between Genie and Orange) with her mothers.

"... so, yeah, it's going pretty well," Miranda said at the conclusion of her tale. "At least, we made it through fall term without any alien invasions."

"Oh, they haven't bothered anyone in years," Gwen said.

"Who?" Mariah blinked.

"The aliens," Gwen replied, as if it were the most normal and obvious thing to say.

"Don't" Cassie said warningly to Mariah. "Just don't... no matter what she says, it won't help."

"No, it isn't like that now," Miranda said suddenly, addressing an empty chair. "There are lots of us and anyway, we look out of each other."

"My grandmother," Gwen said, answering Mariah's confused look. "In her day, women students at Britechester was still a new thing. She worries."

"Your grandmother?" Mariah said, looking sideways at the empty chair and releasing that either it wasn't empty or Miranda was on the way to talking to potted plants, like Gwen did. She couldn't decide which idea disturbed her more. 

"Yes," Gwen said with a smile. "She was involved in the Suffragette movement as well... very passionate about her causes. It's a real wonder, how much things have changed for women in just the past century. We still have a ways to go but it's nice to see how things get better."

"Well yeah, but we really do have a lot to improve," Mariah said, latching on to a topic she could relate to. "I mean, we've still got a lot to do for more LGBTQ+ representation in the University leadership..."

 -----------------------

"Still I can't believe you said that," Miranda laughed.

The dinner table conversion had continued well into the night and finally, recognizing Mariah's visible fatigue, Cassie has sent them all off to their beds.

"Well, I just think your great-grandmother has some outdated ideas about gay rights," Mariah insisted.

"Sweetie, my great-grandmother's been dead for like thirty years," Miranda pointed out, "and she was ancient then. Also, you can't see or hear her."

"Well, that's... yeah," Mariah sighed. "When did my life get this weird?"

"Welcome to Glimmerbrook," Miranda smiled.

Chapter 12 - Old Friends

"So, this is it," Miranda said, "3 Olde Mill Lane, Old New Henford... the humble country cottage where I grew up."

The bus had taken them from Britechester to Finchwich. From there it had been a short walk down the green country lanes of Miranda's childhood. Even with the chill of winter hovering in the air, the grey damp of autumn still clung to Henford.

"You do know this isn't humble or a cottage, right?" Mariah asked.

"Yes," Miranda laughed, "I'm kidding about that part, but this is the place. It's funny, looking at it, not to think of it as home really. Let's go meet the new owners."

"Hey Jake!" Miranda cheered as they entered the sprawling farmhouse.

"Hey yourself!" Jake laughed, "You're looking good."

"So, this is Mariah," Miranda said. "Mariah, this is Jake and Beth and... Oh My God, Beth! Look at you."

 "I know," Beth moaned, "I'm huge."

"You're pregnant!" Miranda laughed. "I mean, you told me over the phone... but you're very pregnant. You have a little person inside you."

"Wanna feel?" Beth smiled.

"Wow," Miranda grinned as she touched Beth's belly. "This is amazing. Mariah, isn't this amazing?"

"Umm, yeah," Mariah said uncomfortably.

"Why don't we go into the living room," Jake suggested, "and we can sit and catch up... and get to know you, Mariah."

"Yeah, sorry," Miranda smiled.

"Baby-shock," Beth smiled back. "It happens to everyone. You should have seen Kristopher the last time he visited."

_______________

"... so Jake does construction and odd jobs around the village," Beth was describing their lives in Henford, "but mostly we take care of the farm. We grow most of our own food and enough extra to sell at the market. Plus, I sell my little handicrafts...  I do some flower arrangements and cross-stitch. I've even taken up painting... nothing like Gwen's pieces, but seeing them inspired me. I guess it's good enough for the tourists."

"She's being modest," Jake put in from the other couch. "They love her work."

"So what about you two," Beth said. "I know Miranda is in the arts... what about you Mariah? What are you studying?"

"Umm, psychology," Mariah replied. She was feeling strangely intimidated by this vibrant young woman. "I think I might go into counseling after I graduate, but I'm not sure."

"Well, that's wonderful," Beth said. "Oh, would you two please excuse me... I need to run to the little pregnant lady's room. The joys of having someone doing handstands on your bladder. If you can pull your eyes off the football match, Jake, maybe you can entertain our guests..."

"The match is entertaining," Jake countered.

"Men," Beth rolled her eyes.

"We'll be fine," Miranda laughed.

"Are you OK?" Miranda asked Mariah. "You seem a little uncomfortable."

"I'm fine," Mariah lied. "Really, I'm fine."

"No, you're not," Miranda said. "I'm sorry... I guess it's not really fun for you listening to me catch up with old friends. I just... I really wanted you to meet Jake and Beth."

"It's fine, really," Mariah said. "I'm just going to stretch my legs, if that's OK. I'll be right back. Jake, is it OK if I walk around a little?"

"Sure," he replied, eyes still fixed on his match, "Make yourself at home."

Pull yourself together, Mariah thought. You are a strong, confident woman. You can make a good impression on these people. So what if they're her closest friends and two of the most important people in her life... and she once told you she couldn't keep her hands off Jake... and Beth is the first girl she ever kissed... and... merda! Porco Eva! Pull yourself together, puttana.

"Kind of a lot," Beth's voice interrupted as Mariah thoughts chased themselves around her head, "meeting her old friends. I'm sorry I'm not being the best hostess."

"What, no, you're fine," Mariah said. "You're great. I've just got some things on my mind."

"Well, I was hoping to have a chance to get you to myself," Beth said. "If you wouldn't mind."

"Umm, sure, yeah that would be fine," Mariah said carefully.

"Great, come sit with me," Beth led her into another room. 

"You really have a lovely home," Mariah said, taking a seat in the comfortable chair. 

"Thank you," Beth said, "Most of what we have is a gift from Miranda's moms, but I brought a few things with me from home. We've been slowly making it more our own."

"Anyway, I'm really glad we have a little time to chat," Beth continued, "You know, Miranda is very special to us. Jake and I both defied our pack, our families, to stand beside her. My brother died for her. She is my best friend, my pack-sister. For her sake, I have looked into the jaws of Death Herself, and I would do it again without hesitation. Do you understand?"

"Merda... no," Mariah said in horrified awe, "but I am getting the 'if you hurt her, I will end you' part."

"Oh, I'm saying this all wrong," Beth smiled, "I mean to say... well, we know how special she is... and how special she must be to you... because I know you would do anything for her too. I hope that we can be friends.... but also, if you hurt her, I will end you."

"She is special," Mariah sighed, "and I've never... I haven't done the things you've done... fought monsters and gangsters and stuff. You guys are incredible... proco cane, you're a werewolf... and I'm just... me. I guess I'm having a little trouble with that."

"Oh Mariah," Beth smiled, "Do you know how intimidated I was by the thought of meeting you?"

"You... intimidated by me?" Mariah blinked. "Col cavolo! No way."

"You're the daughter of a movie star," Beth said, "You're a beautiful, glamorous, smart, sophisticated woman from far off, exotic Tartosa."

"I'm not... that's not me," Mariah said. "I mean, I'm just... Proco miseria, Miranda's Cassie's daughter!"

"Believe me, we were all stunned when we found that out - Jake still treasures Cassie's autograph," Beth said, "but by then we already knew her. As for that not being you - 'beautiful, glamorous, smart and sophisticated' is how she described you to me... and it seems pretty accurate from here."

"I... I mean," Mariah stammered. She felt completely thrown, unable to pull back her mask of snarky confidence. She'd lost it, she realized, somewhere at the front door. Taking a deep breath, she tried again and failed immediately.

"We should maybe get back," Mariah tried again, "I mean... Miranda told me about her and Jake."

"You mean how they couldn't keep their hands off each other a couple years ago," Beth chuckled.

"I mean," Mariah said, "doesn't it worry you a little?"

"No," Beth replied. "We've all grown up a lot since then... and Jake knows that if he tries anything I'd bite him... but most of all, I know that Miranda's completely head-over-heels in love with you. Short of black magic, we have don't have anything to worry about... but we can go back if you want."

"Thanks," Mariah said. "You know, I hope we can... be friends, I mean. You're pretty cool."

"Thank you," Beth smiled.

"Hey, we were wondering where you had gotten to," Jake said as they returned to the living room.

"Caught me," Beth replied. "I wanted a little time to get to talk with Mariah. How's the match going?"

"I turned it off," Jake said. "Those Windslar United bastards were leading..."

"... and you didn't want to get mad and have to reupholster the couch again," Beth finished.

"Not with guests here anyway," Jake grinned.

"We should probably get going," Miranda said. "Mom's car service will be arriving soon to take us the rest of the way."

"You should have said something," Jake out in, "I could have driven you."

"I didn't want to put you out," Miranda replied. "Would you guys mind if I showed Mariah a little of the grounds before we do?"

"Of course not, you don't even have to ask. You're family" Beth answered, "both of you."

"Thank you," Mariah answered Beth's meaningful look.

"Want to feel the baby?" Beth added.

"I...," Mariah stammered.

"Go on," Beth grinned.

"Oh, wow," Mariah whispered as she felt Beth's belly, then added more loudly, "What was that?"

"Afternoon aerobics," Beth laughed. 

"That's the baby? Wow, I felt the baby! Miranda, this is amazing!" Mariah laughed.

"Are you really OK?" Miranda asked as they walked around the farm.

"I wasn't," Mariah admitted. "I am now. I was... intimidated, I guess."

"The werewolf thing?" Miranda said.

"Not really," Mariah said. "I mean, I think on some level I don't really believe that part... but the rest. The things you guys have done together... and the relationships you've had. All those big adventures... and you're here, with me."

"Of course I am," Miranda replied.

"Did you really tell Beth I was beautiful, glamorous and sophisticated?"

"Yeah," Miranda smiled. "Granted, sweats and a sports bra isn't your most glamorous look but..."

"Madonna," Mariah laughed.

Chapter 11 - Winter Break

Autumn was nearly spent and the stiff wind that blew through Britechester campus carried with it the chill of coming winter.

"We made it to Winter Break," Orange mused.

"We survived," Sheldon sighed.

"Are you sure?" Gabbie shuddered.

"I didn't," Anthony groaned. "I absolutely didn't."

Mariah was already jogging back to the dorm, leaving her classmates behind. At least Orange was giving Genie, and her, as much space as he possibly could while living in the same dorm and attending some of the same classes. No, she couldn't blame her bad mood on him.

It had just been too long since she'd gotten to be with Miranda. Their wretched class schedules just didn't line up well. Couple that with end of term homework and projects, she'd barely gotten to see Miranda for days.

Instead, Miranda had been hanging out a lot with Aadi and...

... Genie.

Madonna, what's going on here?

Mariah did not storm up to Genie as Miranda disappeared into her dorm room. She had too much dignity for that. She simply walked in a determined manner.

"Mariah, hi," Genie smiled. "I've been looking for you."

"Sure you were," Mariah muttered. "What did you...?"

"Here you go," Genie smiled broadly, handing her a wrapped package.

"What... Dio santo, what is this?" Mariah gasped.

"Your present, of course," Genie replied.

"I just gave Miranda hers," she continued. "I've already gotten Aadi, and Gabbie, and Carlos. Don't you think he's cute. I mean, maybe you don't but..."

"No, yeah, I guess he's cute," Mariah stammered. "So, you're giving presents to everybody?"

"Well yea, to all my friends," Genie smiled, "It's the holidays. Are you going to open it or what?"

"What? Yeah, yeah," Mariah blinked. "Thank you."

-----------------------------

"So, I hear you guys have big holiday plans," Genie said as they gathered in what had become their usual spots around her bed. 

"Oh, share-zies," Aadi crooned.

"Mariah is going to spend the winter holidays with my family," Miranda said, "and I'm going to stay with hers for spring break."

"Oooo, meeting the parents," Aadi grinned.

"I've met her parents, lo stupido, " Mariah laughed, "and she's met mine."

"Still, spending the holidays together," Aadi smiled, "that's like a step."

"Whatever," Mariah rolled her eyes. "What about you guys? Big plans?"

"Oh sure," Genie groaned, "the annual holiday fundraiser with dad's political cronies... smiling and being polite while a bunch of creepy old men peek down my cleavage and grab my butt." 

"Well, I have nothing to rival that," Aadi said, "just a winter in the city with my folks."

"Enough about that," Aadi continued, "What I really want to know is... did Carlos like Genie's present... and did he have a nice big one to give her?"

"Aadi!" Genie squealed, blushing.

"Oooo, he did," Aadi laughed.

"No, he did not!" Genie grinned. "He's nice and I like him... and I am totally off the market for quick hook ups."

"Anyway, what about you?" she continued, "Didn't I see you making eyes at that footballer?"

"Sweetheart, he was not for Aadi. I have to be careful," they grinned. "It takes a special kind of man to handle all this fabulousness."

"It's true," Miranda smiled. "We all know you are too fabulous."

"Girlfriend, you do not know how lucky you two are," Aadi looked from Miranda to Mariah, "There is something magical about our little M&Ms."

"Oh, I know it," Miranda smiled.

"Well, here's wishing us all a joyous holiday season," Genie smiled warmly. 

"We can all share stories when we get back." Aadi nodded.

"We'll be back for New Years," Miranda said, "and if any of those political creeps get fresh, we can always have Mariah kick their butts."

"Absolutely," Mariah agreed.

"Enjoy Glimmerbrook," Aadi said to her.

"Miranda, I've been meaning to ask," Genie put in, "where is Glimmerbrook? I know it's somewhere near Windenburg but I can't find it on my phone's map app."

"Oh, it's out past Old New Henford," Miranda said with forced casualness, not adding that the town did not, as far as she knew, appear on any maps. "In fact, we'll be stopping there to visit some old friends on the way."