for the rest of us death will be a relief

[praevaricatio]

Comments

[saveslives]

They had a stall tactic in place. These rooms where we were distracted by a ghost from our past. I had Kai. There were these keys we had to find, and he and I were talking about what got us here.

When we found our key, I let him open the door.

[So is she responsible for this?]

Then there was the actual curse which involved channeling a lot of magic from a pillar in the middle of a room of ghosts that had the Parker witch that triggered the curse in it.

[daydrinker]

It still sounds like breaking the curse might have unmerged you, but you didn't do this. That curse was never supposed to be there in the first place.

( He grimaces. )

Kai was never supposed to be a part of you.

[saveslives]

I know. But that doesn't change the fact that he kind of is now.

[They've been one person for almost twenty years. It's hard not to feel like the fact that he's re-emerged means that there's a part of her living outside her skin.]

[daydrinker]

We'll get answers soon about what it means. For you and for Kai.

( They need them. )

[saveslives]

[She nods briefly, before glancing down at her watch.]

We have a while before Stefan gets here. I should call the girls and tell them about the curse.

[Because she has a feeling that while Ric updated them, he didn't tell them that.]

[daydrinker]

I'll keep an eye on your brother.

( But, also keep his distance. )

[saveslives]

[She lets Ric slip inside, before pulling out her phone and WhatsApp video-calling her daughters. There are a couple rings before Josie answers the phone, flashing her a smile.

"Hey, Mom."]

Hey, sweetie. Let's just give your sister a chance to connect.

[bibrid]

( They rarely miss each other's calls, especially when their mom is up to poorly covered witch business. So, Lizzie answers, too. )

No dad?

[saveslives]

Dad's handling something else for me right now, and I wanted to talk to you alone. I know that he sent out a message already that everything was fine, but I want to tell you what it actually was that was fine.

[A pause, deep breath:]

We broke the Gemini curse.

[Josie stares, blinking for a moment: "THE Gemini Curse. The merge curse?"]

[bibrid]

The... whole thing?

( Shopping has halted for now, as she's sat for lunch. She's trusted Danny at the chicken shop. He knows what she likes and she's trying new things. This is... new. )

[saveslives]

The whole thing.

[She swallows hard, giving them a chance to process that before she continues.]

I'm sorry for not including you, but I knew you both had plans and I also knew it might be dangerous. So I pulled rank as your mother, just in case. But I didn't go alone. Your aunt and uncles helped, as well as Bonnie and some other friends. This wasn't just about our curse this was also about some very dangerous external witch stuff, and I wanted you both to be safe.

[bibrid]

Just - don't lie to us next time. You can't stop us from worrying, you as the parent should know all about it. Or, if you do, be the one to make the lie, cause dad... It's not one of his strong suits.

( It's his tone and general everything. )

[polydeukes]

["I promise, I will be more transparent in the future." She then glances her attention to her other daughter. "Jo? You alright over here?"

She's ... well, she's a little shell shocked. She blinks as her mother addresses her, before shaking her head.]

Yeah. Yeah, I'm fine.

[She is not fine. She may need her girlfriend to talk her through some stuff when this phone call is over.]

[bibrid]

Jo?

( She frowns, too, sister's intuition. But, what also comes with intuition, knowing that this isn't the place to air it. )

Is there anything else we need to know, mom? Any curse blowback or, anything? Or are we just -- it's over?

[saveslives]

["I'm okay." That sounds a bit firmer, but they'll talk later, when their mom isn't around.

Jo hesitates, unsure what to say but she might as well:]

There does seem to be a side effect or complication but we're still trying to figure out all the nuance. But when we've figured it out, I will update you all. Promise.

[bibrid]

Once you know.

( She even believes the promise, at least. )

[saveslives]

Once I know, there will be a big update in the family group chat, because your aunt and uncles don't know yet either.

[And due to what it is, she definitely has to update everyone.]

It's a very recent development.

[bibrid]

Fine. We accept. Danny's waiting and Josie looks like ( she'd rather be anywhere than here ) she has Hope waiting?

[saveslives]

["Yeah. Sorry, I have to go. I'll talk to you guys later. Love you." And with that, she's gone.

Jo sighs, worried, but she'll make a note to check in with her daughter later. She then turns back to Lizzie.]

I want to hear all about your trip later. I love you.

[bibrid]

I will. And I'll talk to Josie. You dropped a big bomb.

( It was bound to make a big impact. )

But, for what it's worth, I'm happy it's not hanging over our heads.

( Or Josie's kids. And since Josie is off and her boyfriend is giving her space. Thank you, Danny for understanding Saltzman business. )

Hey, mom? ...Did you ever see me being a mom?

[saveslives]

I thought about it. I don't think you can have kids and not think about your kids having kids.

[It is the circle of life in a roundabout way.]

But I didn't want to put too much pressure on you, though. You both had to find your own lives - decide what you wanted.

[bibrid]

You didn't. Or wouldn't. And I know you gave us space to be who we are and to work things out between us and really get it right, finally, as sisters. But, I'm talking about... I can't anymore. I can't have my own kids. So, the curse is quashed but -- I'm not continuing our family line that's finally free.

( It's heady. )

[polydeukes]

[Josie hangs up the phone and finds herself just staring at the wall of Hope's bedroom, trying to get her thoughts to process. She really is too young to be having his kind of existential crisis and most people would think that her mother's news was good news.

And it is.

She swears it is.

If it hadn't upended all of the potential plans she already had for her life by giving her options.

She hears Hope come in, but doesn't let it draw her attention just yet. She's still ... processing.]

[bereavements]

( Hope lets herself in, setting her bag down by the door. )

I swear to Ken or Ben or Jen, I won't miss Calculus. I don't know why that was my general studies math requirement I decided to take, but... ( she sighs. ) I'm just lucky my teacher gave me another week to study.

( eh... she compelled her. she plops down on her bed. )

But, I did really try. Whatever my grade is I earned, then, that will be my legacy before I switch majors. ( she turns her head. ) Jose? ( She shifts closer and sits up, tilting her head. ) Is something wrong, I didn't receive a disapproving look at compelling Mr. Grantham so I had extra study time.

[polydeukes]

[Well, she didn't say she compelled him, but even if she did, Josie might not have heard it. She's not sure if any of what she says about Calculus has settled. Maybe it will after. But instead, she turns and meets Hope's eyes.]

My mom broke the curse.