"Kids, come on! The car's all packed," said Shelly.
"Hey, Mom, did you grab my cellphone? I can't find it," Era said, as her voice tinged with annoyance.
I know I left it by my bed.
"Yes, I put it in the car because I knew you would forget it. Go get your brother so we can go. He's probably out back getting his backpack with his treehouse toys."
"SHELLY!" shouted Gabe from the yard.
"Here's something to remember me—well, the coffee shop by. We'll miss you, Safe travels shelly.
"Bye, Gabe. Tell everyone I'll see them again soon," Shelly replied.
"Alright, guys, let's head out. We'll call Grandma on our way into town we should arrive by 11pm tonight if we leave now," Shelly said, closing the car door with a smile.
Hey guys it's been a while anyone hungry? "Yeah mom" said cooper. Can we have some pizza I'm starving. What abouuuut some burger and soft drinks it'll be quicker so we can get back on the road. Said Shelly.
"Honestly idc can we just get the heck out of whatever town this is because I haven't had a signal since two hours ago" said Era.
They pulled up to a diner for a quick bite and as they headed out Shelly noticed that Cooper was eyeing something at the vending machine. Let's go coop! Okay mom he said as he sighed.
They finally pulled up to the new place with grandmas car outside. The kids ran inside to see her as they haven't seen her in a few months.
Hey! How's my favorite grandkids? Well don't just stand there u ran all the way from car gimme some big hugs. Said grandma Jean.
Once settled in, the kids carried their things to their rooms. "Everything looks perfect," Shelly said. "Can we unpack now?" Gabe asked eagerly. "Of course," Jean said. Shelly hesitated, then whispered, "Are you sure the bedrooms are set up the way we agreed?" Jean's smile tightened. "We can adjust later if needed," she replied. Shelly nodded, keeping her frustration to herself. The kids busied themselves with unpacking, and Shelly moved from room to room, thinking about the disagreement. By the time cocoa was poured and the lights dimmed, the kids were tucked into bed. "Goodnight, everyone," Shelly whispered. "Goodnight," the kids murmured back. The house was calm, filled with the soft sounds of settling in and a new beginning. When morning came and Shelly woke up she peeked in on the kids well cooper, Era had locked her door and seemed to be on the phone already this morning. Kids! Breakfast is ready come eat. I made plasma fruit salad and juice for this morning. Really mom? Said Cooper. Why do you call it that? we know it's not actually blood or plasma. Yeah don't you think we're both a little old for that mom? Said Era. Where grandma anyway? Well-erm uhhh well she sleeps in, and we have a busy to do list so we'll see her later. Shelly said strangely. Alright let's go and give grandma sometime to finisher her unpacking.
So good to be back home . Said Cooper. That was a lot for one day mom maybe stay home to row before we have to start school. Yeah what he said because I am soooo not sitting in the car with you too again for a long while got it? Said Era.
At dinner Grandma smiled and said, "Why don't we eat in the living room tonight and watch a movie together?" The kids agreed eagerly, and soon they were on the couch with plates in hand. "You know, sometimes staying up past sunset isn't always a good idea," Grandma said, her eyes glinting. "Some of us find the night more energizing than the day." Cooper smirked at Era, and they kept watching. "And always remember to choose what feeds you carefully," Grandma added with a soft laugh. Shelly shifted, then finally said, "Alright, that's enough. Time for bed." Later, alone in her room, she opened her journal and wrote slowly. Could she live with her mother and still keep the kids normal, safe, and happy? Could she give them a better life while hiding truths too heavy to tell?she can't keep sneaking the potion into their food if they won't always be around they have to grow up and leave the nest. Shelly's mind just couldn't settle tonight. She contemplated telling the kids everything but she couldn't. She always yearned to be normal but do her kids want the same thing?