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You were looking out the car window, watching the early morning sky, the rain falling down gently onto the glass and the trees of the forest going by, thinking about some memories, as well as the vacation ahead.
A year after you and Bela had left Romania for California, your friends and Bela's family had also followed suit, except for her two uncles. Mia had made sure to be in the same town as you and Bela in San Diego. Daniela had followed you both to California and decided to live in Los Angeles, mostly because she wanted to see what it was like there, but she wanted to be close to you and her sister. Angie wanted to live there as well to stay close to Daniela and you, though Angie was usually traveling for her DJ career. Donna ended up in Los Angeles as well because that was where her girlfriend lived, and you felt extremely happy to know that Donna was clearly content with her new love and managing a flower shop with her. Cassandra had made her home in New York, living her dream on Broadway. And Alcina had went to live in New York as well, to support Cassandra in her career.
And then, after a year, Alcina had, surprisingly, chose to move to California, except she chose a forest mansion that was further up north in the state.
When Bela had found out about her mother moving into California via text message, she had gotten a contemplative look on her face, frowning at her phone while she continued to sit on the couch.
You saw her in that position still after making sure Sherry was asleep in her bedroom. You had come over to your wife then, leaning down and gently kissing her forehead, smoothing away the frown lines on her face with your fingers, murmuring, "Palangga, what are you thinking about? Is it about Alcina moving into our state?"
Bela had taken your hand and kissed your palm, closing her eyes for a brief moment, before opening her eyes again. "I… can't help but feel that my mother is trying to make up for time that she lost with me and Daniela."
It did seem like that to you. You had assumed Alcina was going to stay as close to Cassandra as possible and continue to nurture her career in New York. You hummed thoughtfully. "Is that a bad thing?"
Bela shook her head, still pressing her face into your palm. "No, it's not. It's—just different. I don't really know how to feel about it."
You knew her feelings about her childhood, about her mother. You kept caressing her cheek with your thumb, thinking about the right words to say. "Well, you have time to figure out what you feel, what you need. And I'll be here, waiting to help."
Bela had looked at you then, fondness in her eyes with a hint of mischief. Then in one move, she quickly pulled you down to join her on the couch.
"Ahhh!" you exclaimed, sprawling on top of her before getting comfortable in her lap, hugging her, and resting against her. "You could've asked," you mumbled against her neck.
"I like to surprise you," she murmured, "And thank you. You're right. There is time."
Then she had touched your jaw gently, nudging so that you were looking at her, and then her lips pressing against yours the way the ocean rushes forth with its waves, rhythmically pushing forward before pulling back and over again, and you kissed her back, strong and unyielding, savoring the taste and feeling and love of your wife.
Then your thoughts turned away from those pleasant memories towards Alcina and how she began to act after she fully moved into her mansion in the north.
Over time, Alcina had shown more and more through her actions that she was trying to spend more time with Daniela and Bela, as well as you and Sherry. She often sent gifts, many of them of practical but usually very extravagant, and Bela at times asked you if she should put a stop to her mother spoiling Sherry with gifts. But Bela relented when you mentioned that Sherry was always happy to hear from her grandmother because her gifts to her granddaughter came with loving letters where Alcina explained why she chose this gift for Sherry, as well as some background information about the gift itself.
Alcina often initiated family calls as well, and you noticed with growing happiness that Daniela and Bela were slowly becoming more comfortable sharing more aspects of their lives with their mother.
Eventually, Alcina had pitched the idea of having the whole family come stay at her mansion for as long as their vacations afforded them. She even extended an invitation to Mia and Ethan, since Mia was your best friend.
And so, the yearly tradition of everyone visiting Alcina's mansion was born. These trips were always fun and filled with entertainment and adventure since Alcina was always an excellent host.
This year was the third year of the tradition. You, Bela, and Sherry always looked forward to the road trip and the actual vacation. In the group chat, Alcina had mentioned something about wanting to take everyone on a boat trip on the coast, which you and Sherry were very excited about. You were hoping to see some whales while on the trip.
You did feel a bit sad though since Mia and Ethan weren't coming along this year, because of Mia's pregnancy symptoms keeping her from traveling. It came as a shock, but you were happy that Mia and Ethan were extremely excited about the baby, despite Mia dealing with frequent morning sickness.
"I want my kid and Sherry to be the best of friends," Mia had said softly in a call with you after she revealed she was pregnant with Ethan's baby, "Even though they're gonna be what? 10 years apart?"
"Me too," you replied, sniffling as you wiped the tears of happiness from your eyes, "Congratulations on the baby, Mia."
Mia sniffled a bit, then said, "I hate throwing up though."
At that, you and her broke out into giggling.
You and Bela had talked about having a baby after learning about Mia's pregnancy, and in the end, had agreed that having and loving Sherry was enough for you both.
Sometimes, you wondered idly about a universe where you and Bela did make the choice to have a baby together, how different that would've been.
"Is Sherry asleep?" Bela asked softly as she kept her eyes on the road, making the turn to Alcina's mansion.
You turned around and saw that Sherry was definitely knocked out, sleeping soundly in her seat.
"She is. I think she slept almost the whole way here from the motel," you murmured.
"She was very focused on studying for the tests she needs to take when she comes back to school before we left this morning," Bela responded softly.
"Mm, I think she brought her textbooks with her too."
You watched as Bela smiled a little, and couldn't help but smile in return. You knew Sherry was following in Bela's footsteps. Sherry wasn't blood-related to either of you, but she was a true Dimitrescu in spirit. It amazed you to see how Sherry seemed to take after Bela in her facial expressions and mannerisms. But Bela always told you that Sherry took after you in personality.
"We'll have to make sure she relaxes and enjoys the vacation," Bela said as she pulled the car up to the gate to Alcina's mansion, and you hummed your agreement.
A few moments later, the gate opened and Bela continued driving down the long stretch of road to Alcina's mansion.
Once you reached the entrance, there were a few members of Alcina's staff waiting outside for the three of you.
You quickly got out of the car, and opened the back, carefully picking up Sherry in your arms so you didn't accidentally wake her, while Bela went to speak to one of the staff, asking them about Alcina.
You stepped back, holding your daughter close as Alcina's staff carefully took out the bags from the trunk, placing it onto a cart to be delivered to your rooms. And then Bela placed her hand on your back, getting your attention.
"Mother is in a call right now, so we can just head to our rooms and lay Sherry down in her bed."
You nodded, following her up the grand staircase that felt reminiscent of the stairs in the Romanian mansion, and headed towards Sherry's room, which was always prepared for her. Bela opened the door for you and you walked into the room.
The room held a vintage aesthetic, windows looking out into the vast forest, and complete with cherry wood desk, chair, and bookshelf since Sherry was very focused on her studies and reading non-fiction books.
You gently put Sherry down on her queen-sized bed, simply removing her shoes and putting them by the door. Then you and Bela left the room, closing the door softly behind you both, happy to just let your daughter sleep.
"Do you know who else is already here?" you asked, grabbing her hand and intertwining your fingers together as the both of you headed towards the kitchens.
Bela hummed, gently squeezing your hand, and said, "I know Donna and Mariani got here yesterday. They might be in their room still or taking a walk on the grounds. Daniela and her girlfriend are heading to the nearby airport to pick up Angie and Cassandra, so they'll be here in the afternoon."
"And Sherry is asleep, so that gives us some time to ourselves before everyone arrives," you wondered out loud. "You know what this means?"
Bela looked over to you, raising her eyebrow, curiosity in her eyes, "And what does it mean exactly?"
"That we can take our breakfast and have it on one of the balconies!" you said happily, looking forward to having a nature view with your breakfast.
Bela stopped in her tracks, still looking at you and holding your hand, making you stop and look at her questioningly.
"Bela, what's up—"
Then she quickly leaned down and kissed you, before pulling back slightly, looking at you in the eyes, and whispering softly, "I would like to have you for breakfast."
You felt your face grow extremely warm as you stared up at her, your mouth open, your eyes searching her gray-blue eyes. You figured deep down her words would always affect you, no matter how many years passed between you both—
Then she smirked at you, making a familiar heat coil and twist in your abdomen.
"You're adorable," she murmured, pulling back, "And worth the wait to have later."
And then she was off, walking past you, humming happily to herself, leaving you to watch her sway her hips as she went.
"B—Bela!" you sputtered, running after her as she walked faster to the kitchens, feeling your heart beat faster as you heard her laugh.
You eventually caught up to your wife in the kitchens and the both of you prepared your plates with food before heading to the western balcony because it had a great view of the surrounding forests and a nearby lake.
The staff had made sure the tables on that balcony were already prepared, so when you and Bela arrived to that balcony, you both sat next to each other on the fancy wooden chairs, facing the forests, and began to dig into your respective breakfasts.
You took a bite of your french toast and made a few happy sounds.
Then you felt your phone vibrate in your pocket.
Oh, maybe Sherry is awake and looking for us, you wondered as you pulled your phone from your pocket.
But it wasn't Sherry. It was Uncle Moreau.
"Who's calling?" Bela asked, putting her utensils down.
"Uncle Moreau," you said, before answering the call cheerily, "Uncle Moreau? Me and Bela haven't heard from you in a while. How have you been?"
There was no response. You were used to Uncle Moreau fully launching into his life updates about his lake cabin business and his new boyfriend, but not silence. You frowned and pulled the phone back from your ear.
The call was still ongoing. Silently, but it was there.
"Uncle Moreau? You there?" you tried again, feeling confused, and wondering if the signal was bad. But that couldn't be the case since Alcina also invested in the best wi-fi and internet connection in this area.
"Is he not answering?" Bela whispered, sounding confused as you felt.
You looked at her and shook your head, still listening to the call. It wasn't like Uncle Moreau to be silent. Was something wrong? Was he in some sort of trouble?
You spoke again, feeling worried, "Hello? Uncle Moreau?"
Then the call ended. You looked at your phone before redialing his phone number, hearing it ring a few times. Then you heard Uncle Moreau's voice message: "I'm probably fishing but I will get back to you soon!"
You squinted at your phone, feeling like something was off about the call, but you didn't know what.
"Bela," you started, turning to her, "That call felt… off."
You watched as her shoulders tensed, a frown overtaking her face.
You knew what she had to be thinking about.
Miranda. Could she be involved in this?
But it couldn't be. Not after the ritual, not after everything.
"I'll call Uncle Heisenberg and ask him to check on Uncle Moreau," Bela said as she pulled her phone from her jacket.
You nodded, still frowning. The call felt eerie almost. You just had this feeling that someone was there, but they were just listening to you talk.
But why?
An hour later, you and Bela learned from Heisenberg that Uncle Moreau was doing fine, he just had apparently fallen and hit his head as he fell. His phone wasn't on him though. Heisenberg went looking for it and eventually found it sitting on his kitchen table.
None of that reassured you about the strangeness of the call.
"Something must be going on in Romania," Bela said to you, echoing your own thoughts, when the both of you were back in your own guestroom, unpacking your clothes and placing them into the closet.
"I think so too," you started, "What should we do?"
"I'll make sure our wards are strong, and then I'll call Emily and ask if she knows anything about what's going on over there," Bela said firmly, a haunted look in her eyes, "I'm not losing you, Sherry, and the rest of my family ever again."
You stepped closer and wrapped your arms around her midsection, hugging her tightly from behind. "You won't, Bela. It's me and you."
She slowly turned around, kissing your forehead, and hugging you close.
A few knocks on your door, and then, "Mom? Mama? Are you guys in there? Aunt Mariani and Aunt Donna are looking for you guys! They're waiting in the kitchens."
"We're in here, Sherry, come in!" you called out, letting go of Bela and opening the door to see her staring up at your daughter, a relaxed grin on her face.
You felt better knowing your daughter was there with you and Bela, safe and sound.
"Did you sleep well, Sherry?" Bela asked as she came up beside you.
"I did! Did you guys already eat? I'm starving."
You chuckled. "We ate a late breakfast on the balcony earlier, but we'll join you as you eat."
Sherry beamed. "Yay! Okay, we have to see Aunt Mariani and Aunt Donna now," she said, before turning around and already walking towards the kitchens, you and Bela following her closely behind.
Sherry turned around, slowly walking backwards, looking at you both, and asked in a hushed voice, "When do you think Aunt Mariani will propose to Aunt Donna?"
You smiled in amusement. "What makes you so sure it'll be Aunt Mariani?"
"Well… I saw a little box in Aunt Mariani's jacket."
You gasped. Was she really going to propose to Donna? On this trip?
Bela watched and listened as you and Sherry kept talking in hushed whispers about Mariani's potential proposal plans. She was happy and excited for Mariani and Donna's future engagement, but she still felt off kilter because of the call.
She moved closer to you, silently grasping your hand and holding it, intertwining your fingers as you both continued to walk to the kitchens, following your daughter down the stairs.
Your touch grounded her, and always reminded her that this life, this reality, was real.
If I have to do everything over again in order to have them, to have Sherry, and this life together permanently, then I will do it, she thought to herself, because they are worth it.
Then another thought struck her, making her lips twist into a bemused smile.
I'm… not that different from her, am I?
She looked at you then, watching you as you kept talking, feeling relief that you were here, that you chose her, loving her for the rest of your lives.
I can never give you up, not after everything, she wondered in awe, Even if you were different, I would've loved you anyway.
And maybe… maybe that's what made her different from Miranda in the end. Miranda couldn't let go of who you were. But Bela would love you, no matter what.
You looked at her then, searching her eyes, before finding something and murmuring, "Bela, I'm here. I love you."
Bela blinked and smiled, "I love you too."
Sherry sighed and turned around, murmuring something about how sappy the both of you were, making you and her laugh before the three of you entered the kitchens.
As Mariani and Donna came up to greet you and her both, there was a strange sensation in her body, as if something was trying to reach her, and Bela felt it in her bones then, the feeling that this life she had with you and Sherry was permanent, that it was hers and hers alone, that you would always be hers from this life and to the next, for eternity.
Relief flooded her veins, and she was able to truly smile as she spoke with Donna while staying close to your side. I'll prove that I'm worthy of them every time.
Later than night, when everyone retreated to their rooms to sleep, and you settled in bed next to her, Bela found Emily had already messaged her back about what was happening in Romania.
Miranda has, in essence, acquired another version of your partner from another universe a few months ago through her ritual of her own. But do not be alarmed, the situation is being monitored. There is no threat to you and your family.
Because of their presence, Mother Miranda's behaviors have… changed. She has ceased the activities she had been doing before, changing her behaviors. She has been very kind to them from what we've seen, though obviously withholding how they got there. And she seems to be actively trying to romantically court them, to make them fall in love with her.
Bela blinked at her phone, a spike of dread piercing her stomach. Did Miranda somehow remember you? But the ritual was permanent, and Emily had said there was no threat. And Miranda had never given you, her, or her family any attention ever since the ritual. The last seven years had been quiet. Safe. Peaceful.
But kidnapping another version of you from another universe was, of course, something Miranda would do. It seemed Miranda's heart remembered you, even if she had no memories.
And Emily said Miranda was courting?
Bela gave a quiet, derisive laugh. She couldn't exactly imagine Miranda courting someone.
And yet—
Deep down, some darker part of her hoped Miranda succeeded. Bela knew the right, morally correct thing to do would be to help that MC escape back to their home universe. She knew that. But at the same time, if Miranda succeeded…
Bela looked at you as you slept beside her, facing her, your hands clutching the blankets to your chest, breathing softly.
If Miranda succeeded, then she would never come after you ever again. Because she would already have her own. And you would be safe.
Bela put her phone down and wrapped her arms around you, pulling you closer, relaxing because you were there with her.
As she fell asleep, she wondered how you would take the news.
The next morning, when she told you everything Emily told her in hushed whispers after getting ready, she half-expected you to exclaim that the both of you needed to do something to help them.
Instead, you were quiet, sitting back down on the bed, frowning deeply.
Bela automatically lifted her hands to your head, massaging your temples as she kept standing in front of you.
You closed your eyes and leaned into her touch, making a noise of contentment.
After a few moments, Bela asked, "What do you think of it?"
You opened your eyes and looked up at her, blinking slowly. "I think it's terrible how she kidnapped them..."
Bela knew her partner. She sensed a 'but' and waited for them to continue.
"But… I do wonder… if Miranda can actually pull it off. If she can court them. If she can make them fall in love with her."
"You want her to succeed?" Bela asked, deciding it was better to be blunt.
You flinched slightly and looked off to the side, and Bela brushed her thumbs back and forth against your cheeks in apology.
"I'm not judging you, my love."
You kept looking off to the side, and said, "I—I do. She's not supposed to remember me. But she still kidnapped another version of me. And if she—if she succeeds, then…"
Bela waited, holding her breath as she looked at you.
You closed your eyes. "Then she would never have to come after me again, if there is a chance of that still. Because she would have that version…"
Bela slowly released the breath she was holding. "I was thinking that as well."
Your eyes opened and darted up to her own, grasping her hands in your own. "Really?" you breathed quietly, "I thought—I thought it was just me."
Bela shook her head. "I thought that when I read the news. Does that make me selfish?"
You quickly shook your head, still looking up at her. "No, not at all, I get why."
"Then you're not selfish for thinking that either," Bela murmured.
You hummed, looking out the window of your guys' room, at the trees swaying gently in the wind.
"You're not," Bela repeated as she sat next to you.
"It would be good for Eva too, if Miranda succeeds," you murmured as you stared at your hands, "Then she would have another parent watching over her, taking care of her."
Bela nodded. She knew you loved Eva dearly, and a part of her did wonder on the nights of Eva's birthday when she found you crying quietly, if it would've possible to take Eva with you both, to hide her away from Miranda. But you had made your decision. And she would always respect it.
"If—If that version of me is looking for help, if they ask for help," you started quietly, "I think—I think we should help them."
Bela nodded in agreement. "Then we will help them."
You turned to her then, worry in your eyes. "Even if it means facing Miranda again, even if it means—"
Bela bent down and kissed your forehead, making you go quiet, and then she kissed you. "Yes, even if it means facing Miranda again. But I won't lose you or Sherry. We won't lose each other. I know it."
You blinked at her, your face still pinched in a frown, "How do you know?"
"I just do," Bela whispered, the words brimming with honesty and tumbling out of her mouth like a resolute claim.
Then rain was beginning to come down on the roof, turning into a downpour, its soothing rhythm filling their room.
You kept looking at her, searching her face for something Bela didn't know. Was it her resolve? Her honesty? Her love? Those three things would always be found by you.
You took a deep breath and sighed. "Alright."
"In the mean time," Bela murmured, "I'll ask Emily to keep us updated on the situation."
You nodded again and grabbed her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. "Alright. We're—we're playing it by ear then."
You leaned forward this time, kissing her gently, before standing up and offering a hand to her, smiling a little this time. "Shall we go to breakfast?"
Bela took your hand and stood along with you, smiling at you.
The both of you left your room and walked down the halls, listening to the downpour and taking in the scent of rain wafting through the slightly open windows.
Weeks later, when the three of you were home, when Bela and you found out that version of you chose to stay, freely, out of your own volition, there was a wave of immense relief Bela had never known before washing over her.
"I wonder what they're like," you asked while you looked at Emily's message. "I wonder what made them choose to stay."
Bela looked at the laundry in her hands and continued to fold their clothes on their bed. "Do you want to see them?"
You hummed. "I do... But would that be breaking any universal laws or rules?"
"I'll check with Emily to see. But I think it would be fine."
You nodded, still looking at her phone. And then you got up from the bed, putting her phone down, and hugging her from behind, sighing softly against her back.
Bela continued to fold the laundry, smiling softly to herself. She liked it a lot when you held her from behind.
"You know what this also means, Bela?" you asked, sounding excited.
"What?" she asked, her voice hushed.
"We can visit Romania again. We can visit your uncles. We can go to the lake again," you said, "Sherry can see Romania for herself—"
Bela stiffened.
"Palangga?"
You gently urged her to face you, looking up at her with concern, your hands reaching up to her face, touching her cheek gently.
She blinked and felt the tears when they dripped down her face.
I… I accepted that I would never be able to go back to Romania. Because it wouldn't be safe for you and Sherry to be there. I thought I would only be able to tell Sherry about my home country, show her pictures, tell her stories—
"I know, my love, I know," you murmured softly, "But we can show her now."
Bela chuckled through her tears. "I didn't know I was saying all of that out loud," she took a deep breath, "And you're right. We can show her now."
You nodded eagerly. "Yeah. And this also means we can take up Heisenberg's invitation. You said he has been pretty insistent on having me and Sherry meet him."
Bela thought about all the messages Uncle Heisenberg had sent her over the last few years. It felt like every year around the holidays, he asked her to visit with her family.
I never got to meet your wife and your daughter officially, you know!
It would be nice to see you and the rest of the family this year!
Christmas sure gets a bit lonely when it's just me and Moreau!
Bela sighed. Even when they visit, she was probably not going to hear the end of it from him for a while.
"Let's—let's work up slowly to visiting my uncles…"
You chuckled a little. "Alright. When do you want to plan a vacation to Romania?"
Hearing those words made Bela feel as if a great weight had been taken off her being.
"First, let's check with Emily if we need to take any precautions. And then we need to check Sherry's schedule. She signed up for a few summer activities this year."
Then she leaned down, kissing you deeply.
She loved you. So much. Even in the moments where she forgot her own needs and wants, you always remembered them.
With that thought, came a surge of desire to make you feel good, to make you feel loved and warm.
"I want you now," she murmured against your lips.
"You can have me," you breathed.
Bela quickly moved to lock the door and immediately pushed you down onto your shared bed. You were looking up at her, breathing deeply through your nose, your heart beating erratically in your chest under her hand.
You were safe. You were hers. You would be together for the rest of your lives.
"Bela, please just kiss me," you panted.
And so she did.