|
Post by Natasha on Jan 13, 2007 19:57:04 GMT -5
Frank had sent an owl to Brooke to be home by six that evening. He hadn’t told her of their guest, nor had he explained anything except she needed to be home by then. He really needed her home by six thirty, but if he told her that, she’d be late. Much easier after these many years to tell her to get there so much ahead of schedule. Then she might be on time.
After heading home for the day, Frank had picked up the kids and taken them with him when he went to pick up steaks in Salem’s Peak. Gathering some other things for dinner, he finally made it back home with the children. Letting Dylan play with his toys, Frank set up Ana with him outside, running around with the dogs while the barbeque warmed up.
It also gave him a moment to enjoy a cigarette, watching Ana. Dylan came out later and asked Frank to help him with one of his toys. When he brought it out and set it on his lap, Frank set the cigarette to the side of his mouth and started fiddling with the remote control car, glancing up occasionally to make sure Duke was being gentle with Ana. Finally he popped the top off the toy, reaching in to fiddle with a couple wires. Pulling them out so he could see them easier, Frank frowned. How had Dylan gotten his toy this messed up?
It was just past five thirty that Frank was able to fix the wires. All it took was a little twisting and pushing and it was working again. Putting the back on it, screwing it down, he handed it back to Dylan who started playing with it outside. Frank walked back in the kitchen, keeping an eye on Ana while he swished his wand around, getting the steaks out and covering them with garlic and pepper and a little meat tenderizer. Letting them sit a moment, he set the potatoes to scrub themselves, and then to peal and chop themselves up.
Once they started to boil on the oven, he put the steaks back in the fridge to sit a little longer in apple juice. Walking back outside to play with Ana, he scooped her up and had Duke barking away as he threw her into the air. Laughing and giggling with his daughter, Frank finally set her back down after she started hiccupping. Handing her her sippy cup, Frank sat down next to her.
Glad that Ange decided to stay clear of him, Frank finally got up and took Ana in, picking up a couple toys and making sure the table looked ready and set. Giving his daughter a kiss and fixing her windblown hair just a little bit, he finally moved back in the kitchen, seeing the potatoes were done. Then began the fun part, and Ana was entranced as the potatoes began to mash themselves. Butter and pepper and garlic added itself to the mix, as well as a little of the buttermilk he had purchased. A little something extra always made them creamy.
After the mixing and mashing was done, Frank covered the pot and let it simmer while taking Ana back outside. Now, time for the steaks. It was just past six, and Mercy was set to arrive about six thirty. Brooke would be home soon, as well, and he had a feeling she wasn’t going to be happy to hear they were having a visitor on such short notice. He had spent the first part of getting home straightening downstairs, anyway. All she would have to do was clean herself and the children up, and perhaps help with the salad. That was harmless, right?
|
|
Brooklynn Pratt
Global Moderator
Muggle Studies Teacher, Cat Animagus, Global Mod
Posts: 206
|
Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Jan 14, 2007 11:55:15 GMT -5
Upon receiving the letter, Brooke had been somewhat confused. She hadn’t been told why she had to be back; nor what was going on. Perhaps Frank simply wanted to spend more time with her that evening. She had been, however, planning on coming home earlier due to the last argument they’d had about her lateness and not spending time with him.
Upon the clock on the opposite wall to where she faced, hitting 6, Brooke was still sat at the desk with a man sat opposite her talking about how he didn’t do it. The same words she’d heard over and over and again as she nodded, taking notes from what he’d said. She kept glancing up at the clock, wishing she could have left by then. The man was still talking and Brooke could have sworn what he was saying he’d already said. In fact, she wasn’t even listening to the man anymore, she was thinking about how much she needed to leave.
6.10…6.15…Brooke watched the minutes tick by and finally she just had to stop the man. “Mister Smithel, I am really sorry but I’m going to have to stop you there. Can you please make an appointment on the way out and I shall be happy to speak to you tomorrow. But I have an engagement which I am already late for.” Brooke didn’t leave the man a chance to reply, she simply headed straight towards the fire and threw some floo powder into the flames before muttering her home address under her breath and stepping into it.
After closing her eyes and feeling a horrible sensation, Brooke was soon thrown out of the fireplace in her living room and having not quite caught her balance, she fell forwards, nearly tripping over the small terrier that seemed stunned at his owner appearing from the flames. “Sorry boy” Brooke muttered, bending down and picking up the small dog. She gave him a quick fuss, looking around the living room in search of Frank and the kids.
Setting off outside in search of him, Brooke first spotted Ana running clumsily towards her. Her eyes scanned up, after smiling warmly, and they fell on Frank as she began to head over to him. She dropped the dog down first, knowing the relationship between the two. Finally reaching Frank near the barbeque, Brooke smiled weakly at him, “Sorry I’m late, hon’ I was stuck with a client.” She apologised before pulling him into a hug and kissing him softly on the lips. “So what was with the curfew?” she asked, feeling somewhat like a teenager being scolded for staying up late.
Before Brooke knew it, Ana was moving swiftly over to her and soon tugging on her mothers knee length black skirt. Brooke sighed and pulled away from Frank, bending down to pick the child up. “And how is my favourite princess today? I hope grand-mère hasn’t given you too much sugar.” Brooke gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and Ana laughed and started to tug at Brooke’s hoop earrings. “Ow. Want Daddy to start tickling you for that?” Brooke joked, pulling her head back as if trying to keep her earrings out of the child’s reach, but failing.
|
|
|
Post by Natasha on Jan 15, 2007 12:34:40 GMT -5
Frank checked the barbeque one last time, making sure it was ready. Smiling, he heard a noise in the house and figured Brooke was finally home. Having the brush out, he was quickly cleaning the grill one last time, getting anything off that had been hard pressed to begin with. It looked much better, like new, and it gave Brooke a chance to get out there with them.
“Sorry I’m late, hon’ I was stuck with a client.”
Turning to her, he smiled warmly and hugged her back. Kissing her lips gently, he pulled her body against his and nodded as they pulled back. “Not a problem, dear. How was work?” They had a couple minutes to spare, right? He’d throw the steaks on in a moment. Hearing a growl, he glanced over his wives shoulder at the little dog, frowning. “He could’ve stayed inside…”
“So what was with the curfew?”
Turning his eyes back to Brooke, Frank grinned knowingly. “We’re having a guest for dinner. She is arriving at six thirty. I figured you’d get home in time to get yourself ready and the children?” Kissing her lips again, he let Brooke pull away as Ana started pulling on her legs. Good, it gave their daughter the distraction away from the barbeque. He had had to pull her away from getting near it a few times.
“And how is my favourite princess today? I hope grand-mère hasn’t given you too much sugar… Ow. Want Daddy to start tickling you for that?”
Watching Brooke with Ana, he smiled. Laughing as she tugged her earrings, he moved up behind Brooke and kissed her other cheek before pulling back. “Dinner will be ready soon…” Dylan came over and gave his mother a hug while Frank messed his hair up and went inside. Oh! He almost forgot dessert… Grumbling to himself, he set the cake mix to making itself while pulling the steaks out, checking the juice he had set them in.
Dumping the rest of the juice down the sink, Frank poured the cake mix in a pan and set it in the oven, leaving it to cook while heading out back. Duke tried following him around and Frank ended up kicking one of his balls so he would run after it. One steak after another and then the two hamburger patties were set down on the grill. The plate he took back in, letting it clean itself while grabbing a clean plate to set the meat back on. Calling after his wife, he smiled as he did. “Will you mind listening for the door, babe?”
Back outside, he set the plate next to the barbeque, checking the steaks and the patties before waiting to flip them. Humming to himself, he kept kicking the ball that Duke brought him, glad that Ange had decided to terrorize Brooke. That might have ruined the mood in the back if the little demon dog stayed out there with Frank…
|
|
Brooklynn Pratt
Global Moderator
Muggle Studies Teacher, Cat Animagus, Global Mod
Posts: 206
|
Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Jan 15, 2007 15:55:38 GMT -5
“Not a problem, dear. How was work? He could’ve stayed inside…”
Brooke frowned with the reference to the dog. “You could’ve as well. Leave him alone. He’s smaller than you.” Brooke replied. What was Frank’s big problem with the poor animal? She knew very well of him changing into his animagus dog form just to annoy Ange and that just made her wonder who was the stupidest at times. It wasn’t like she tried to rile Duke…much. “But work was fine. Tiring, but fine.” Yes, all Brooke now wanted to do was eat, then relax with Frank and the kids before sending them off to bed. That sounded like a perfect evening.
“We’re having a guest for dinner. She is arriving at six thirty. I figured you’d get home in time to get yourself ready and the children?”
Eyes wide, Brooke was about to say something but before she could open her mouth to, Frank was kissing her and she was just surprised. When he pulled back, she frowned. “I’m sorry, what?” she asked, as though not comprehending. “You tell me this, what? About ten minutes before the unnamed guest is due to arrive?” she shook her head and grabbed Frank’s shirt, playing with it. “I wanted a quiet night in with you tonight…once the kids are in bed.” She said, pulling him closer by the shirt.
She lay her hand on Frank’s chest and moved forward to kiss him but stopped an inch short of his lips, shaking her head. “Do I at least get to find out who it is that I am to be sociable with?”
“Dinner will be ready soon…”
“Right.” Brooke nodded before looking at the child she was holding up in her right arm. Ana was definitely getting heavier with time. Dylan was soon rushing up and Brooke bent down, giving her son a hug and kiss on the cheek only to have him rub it off. “Talk about making your mother feel loved.” Brooke joked, motioning him into the house with her. “I think you need to get scrubbed up for Daddy’s secret guest. Can’t have them meeting my son when he looks like he’s been rolling in mud all day. What have you been doing?”
They were in the house now and Dylan was telling her about how he’d been playing in the garden at his grandparents’ and Brooke nodded and laughed along, messing his hair up even more. They were climbing the stairs, Brooke’s arm feeling the strain of the small child and her ears constantly being yanked from the earrings and the tiny hand around them.
“Will you mind listening for the door, babe?”
“Sure!” Brooke shouted down the stairs, following Dylan into his room and laying out a checked shirt and some jeans for him. “Right, get in there,” she pointed to the door of the family bathroom. “Scrub all that horrible mud off your face and slip those one,” she indicated the clothes. The young boy reluctantly nodded and followed Brooke out of the room, only heading into the bathroom as Brooke went into her bedroom. Right, she didn’t want to spend the rest of her evening in painful shoes and dressed up for work.
The bell soon went and Brooke was midway pulling her floating red skirt on. She straightened out the thin white blouse and picked Ana up, slipping the high heeled sandals on and quickly walking towards Dylan’s room. “Come on, mate.” She said to him watching him do up the top button on his shirt. She then walked down the stairs, Ana in her right arm, and headed toward the door. A quick stop by the hall mirror to adjust her loose, wavy hair, and Brooke was soon opening the door. “Frank, come and greet our guest.” She shouted, hoping her husband to actually hear her.
|
|
Mercy LaCroix
Global Moderator
SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
|
Post by Mercy LaCroix on Jan 16, 2007 12:42:33 GMT -5
Mercy casually walked through the small cluster of cottages that housed the teachers' families or at least those who had one.It was a nice warm day. Since she was technically off duty, Mercy left her gun locked up in her room and dressed in more civilian style clothes (jeans and a nice tee shirt.)
She smiled as she observed the different families all out enjoying the cool summer day. It was funny to Mercy that Salem's summer was the equilvalent of a Louisiana spring. Of course she grew accustom to all sorts of weather in her career. So Her body was adjusting nicely.
Soon she reached the Pratt's cottage. Smiling, she walked through the small yard as she surveyed the toys that were sparsely scattered about. After determining the appropriate age level of them, she deuced Frank had two young children a few years apart. Mercy loved kids but had very limited exposure to them. She was very glad she left her gun at home.
Mercy knocked on the front door and waited. Inside she could hear the sounds of organized chaos from with in. She smirked, She had a feeling Frank waited until the very last minute to tell his wife he was having company. Poor woman. Mercy smiled as charmingly as she could as the door opened.
“Frank, come and greet our guest.”
Mercy bit back a laugh as the beautiful woman holding an equally gorgeous young girl stood in the doorway. Frank had found himself a couple of angels in Mercy's opinion. The young boy that join her still had a few specks of mud on him that reminded Mercy of the few times her parents pulled her from playing to get ready for company. She gave the boy an apologetic look before looking back at the woman.
"Good Evenin', Ma'am. I'm sorry to cause any trouble. Your husband invited me to join you all for dinner." Mercy explained gently as she softened her accent a bit, "I'm Special Agent Mercy LaCroix."
|
|
|
Post by Natasha on Jan 16, 2007 19:58:08 GMT -5
“You could’ve as well. Leave him alone. He’s smaller than you.”
Laughing, he shook his head. “Just because Duke is bigger than you doesn’t mean it’s any less of a fair fight…” Yes, they did give the dogs a run for their money, though it was part of the reason he loved his wife. That she can be as content to make problems for their animals as she will for him, all for a laugh.
“But work was fine. Tiring, but fine.”
Kissing her lips softly, he smiled as he pulled back. “Good. At least dinner will taste amazing. You won’t be quite so tired after this meal.” He hoped. Perhaps it’d give his wife a little more energy for after the guest had gone home. By then, the children would be in bed, and it’d be just them.
“I’m sorry, what? You tell me this, what? About ten minutes before the unnamed guest is due to arrive? I wanted a quiet night with you tonight…once the kids are in bed.”
Ah, her reaction now… Smiling as she gripped his shirt, he nodded as she started questioning him. Unnamed guest? Sure, he could keep the suspense going. “About ten minutes. Imagine if I had said be here at six thirty… then you’d be really late.” As she pulled him closer and finished her little speech, he opened his mouth and laughed softly. “We can still have a quiet night, after dinner and entertaining the guest…”
“Do I at least get to find out who it is that I am to be sociable with?”
She was being mean now, teasing him like that. Moving the extra inch, he pressed against her lips, his arms wrapped around her. After a moment, he pulled back and kissed her nose. “You will find out. Eventually.” Watching as she moved to the children, Frank smiled softly at her back. Listening to her and the children, he laughed softly and checked the steaks. Almost ready to flip.
“Sure!”
Walking into the house, hearing noises going up the stairs, Frank started the salad, the lettuce chopped up with cucumbers, tomatoes, and cheese. Nothing special, just a little vegetables to go with the meat and potatoes. Glad that Brooke was listening for the door, Frank went back outside and flipped the steaks. The patties were almost cooked. Yes, the steaks would take longer… Kicking the ball again for Duke, Ange gave him a growl before heading into the house to find Brooke.
“Frank, come...”
Frowning slightly as he turned from the sizzling steaks, he frowned at the backdoor. Come? Why? “Hold on!” They were almost done, he didn’t want them to overcook. Checking one, he found the pink in the middle just enough to not be bloody and yet soft enough to chew. The meat tenderizer would help with that as well… It smelled delicious, and after placing all the meat on the plate, he went back in the kitchen, setting them down. Duke followed him in, and went bounding after the door, barking somewhat. Growling, Frank shook his head. “Duke! Stop that.”
“-ecial Agent … LaCr…”
Eyes going wide, Frank hit his head. No wonder Brooke had been calling him! Not realizing he had just marked himself with a little of the barbequed meats flavoring, he wiped his hands off on a towel and went out to greet their guest. Coming up behind his wife and children, he rested a hand on Brooke’s hip, the other on Dylan’s shoulder. “Mercy! So glad you could make it.” Kissing Ana and hearing her giggle, he smiled. Then Duke was trying to paw his way through the wall of people…
Frank gripped the dog’s collar, pulling him back and reprimanding him. “Mercy, make yourself at home. Hope you like steak. This is Brooke, my lovely and talented wife, and my two beautiful children.” Dylan gave him a look to say that he was not beautiful, though he knew better than to argue with a guest there.
|
|
Brooklynn Pratt
Global Moderator
Muggle Studies Teacher, Cat Animagus, Global Mod
Posts: 206
|
Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Jan 19, 2007 16:49:21 GMT -5
“Just because Duke is bigger than you doesn’t mean it’s any less of a fair fight…”
Sighing, Brooke frowned slightly. “That comment leads me to believe you chose a huge brutish dog for the simple reason that it was bigger than your poor beloved wife. And I’ll have you know I never pick a fight with the animal, it comes at me,” When in cat form was a final silent thought of Brooke’s as she flicked her head slightly, a flyaway hair that had escaped the confines of the tight bun finding it’s place once more among the others enslaved into behaving perfectly.
“About ten minutes. Imagine if I had said be here at six thirty… then you’d be really late.”
A quick shake of her head and once more, the flyaways found their escape route from the rest of the mane of blonde. “I was planning on being on time anyway. Some people however really can’t get the signals that you’re in a rush so they can round everything up. I cut my poor client short and rushed out as if I couldn’t stand another moment with him.” Brooke spoke quickly, Frank however must have been used to catching everything by now, she wrinkled her nose slightly, “Though, he did have a bit of an…odd smell. Cabbages, I am led to deem.”
"Good Evenin', Ma'am. I'm sorry to cause any trouble. Your husband invited me to join you all for dinner. I'm Special Agent Mercy LaCroix."
Brooke smiled warmly and pulled Ana up a bit, feeling her arm numbing and dropping down. “Pleasure. Ma’am? Don’t think I’ve ever been called that.” Brooke spoke briskly, her words slightly hard to make out at first due to the French accent still remaining in her voice. “Trouble? No trouble. If it was, my husband would be on the barbeque rather than what ever concoction he’s produced.” Dylan moved over to her side and she smiled down at him. He still had dirt on his face and she frowned.
Frank then moved up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. Instead of Brooke remaining still however, Brooke dropped down and whispered something in Dylan’s ear about washing his face. “…or I’ll get a flannel on it myself.” She finished, standing back up straight, adjusting Ana in her arm. The young child seemed content enough to pull at her mother’s hair as the dog fought for the door.
“Mercy, make yourself at home. Hope you like steak. This is Brooke, my lovely and talented wife, and my two beautiful children.”
With the look Dylan gave Frank, Brooke frowned at him and he muttered something about having a name. “Yes, you do.” She smiled and looked up at Mercy. “What Frank has failed to say is that we have actually named them. Child One and Child Two.” She then whispered to Dylan “You’re number two.” Dylan groaned and glared up at his mother. “Not happy? Introduce yourself then. You’re a big boy.”
Smiling back up at Mercy as Dylan shook his head, Brooke stepped aside, avoiding the large dog. “Yes, this is Dylan, a little moody today.” Brooke’s final bit was directed at her son as she raised her eyebrows before her eyes fell back on Mercy. “and Anastasia. Anyway, come in, sit down. Or go into the garden. Or just stand in the doorway looking beautiful. Your choice.” Brooke really did say too much too fast at times. Perhaps her brain was still in overdrive.
|
|
Mercy LaCroix
Global Moderator
SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
|
Post by Mercy LaCroix on Jan 23, 2007 8:42:38 GMT -5
“Pleasure. Ma’am? Don’t think I’ve ever been called that. Trouble? No trouble. If it was, my husband would be on the barbeque rather than what ever concoction he’s produced.”
Mercy smiled at the family in front of her again. It was nice to see that the American family still existed in this age of constant rushing. It was hard not to enjoy the family dynamic as Brooklynn leaned down and told her son to clean his face up a bit more as her daughter tried to tug on her hair. Mercy understood that being a mom to two feisty kids was hard work. She admired her own mother for raising her on her own in the middle of Jefferson Parish in New Orleans.
“True enough, Mrs. Pratt.” Mercy grinned, “I would mighty tempted to help too in that was the case.”
“Mercy! So glad you could make it.”
Mercy grinned as Frank walked up next to his lovely wife and children. It really was picture perfect. Sure you could see some of the tension, but it was regular family dynamics and in the long run wasn’t a big concern. Mercy grinned and wonder briefly if she was going to be let in. Granted it was a gorgeoud day. Well everything in their own time.
“Mercy, make yourself at home. Hope you like steak. This is Brooke, my lovely and talented wife, and my two beautiful children.”
“What Frank has failed to say is that we have actually named them. Child One and Child Two.”
Mercy laughed at the joke. The poor little boy was not as amused. The look he gave his parents said as much. Mercy could tell that he was at that fun age. Mercy gave him a bright smile. Child Two wasn’t so bad. Better than something she heard parents call their kids.
“Yes, this is Dylan, a little moody today. And Anastasia. Anyway, come in, sit down. Or go into the garden. Or just stand in the doorway looking beautiful. Your choice.”
Mercy again laughed as made a move to step in. She was genuinely liking the Pratt’s. They were a normal family to her. It was plain to see they were not even capable of being Death Eaters and mercy was happy to throw them off the suspect list. She smiled at Brooke happily.
“Just put me where you want me. Is there anything I can do to help?” Mercy told Brooke and Frank, before turning to Dylan, “A pure pleasure to meet you Dylan. I grew up with a Dylan back New Orleans. I believe he is the Keeper for the American Quidditch team now. He is good ole boy.”
|
|
|
Post by Natasha on Jan 25, 2007 16:58:53 GMT -5
“That comment leads me to believe you chose a huge brutish dog for the simple reasont aht it was bigger than your poor beloved wife. And I’ll have you know I never pick a fight with the animal, it comes at me.”
Raising an eyebrow, he smirked and shook his head. “Took you that long to figure that out?” He knew as well as she did that they both enjoyed making the other’s dog riled up. It was a fun joke between the two of them, and it had once gone into a full blown competition. Frank was still under the impression that he had won that one, because Ange still refused to come near him. Duke was too loving to care for long, and was always trying to lick and jump on Brooke.
“I was planning on being on time anyway. Some people however really can’t get the signals that you’re in a rush so they can round everything up. I cut my poor client short and rushed out as if I couldn’t stand another moment with him… Though, he did have a bit of an…odd smell. Cabbages, I am led to deem.”
“Oh, always planning on being home on time, but when are you?” Smirking at his wife, Frank crossed his arms over his chest and watched her. Cut her poor client short… right. Knowing her, she was probably having a party and the client was involved. It was always a client’s fault, never Brookes. Not that she scheduled them right at her time to leave, oh no! Oh, well, he loved her anyway. All her excuses wouldn’t stop that.
“Cabbage…” Making a disgusted face, he felt a shudder go through his body. “Gross.” And then she was gone, and he could get back to dinner. Which did not include disgusting cabbage… no, just good, wholesome lettuce. There was a distinct difference, especially in taste and smell.
“…or I’ll get a flannel on it myself.”
Raising an eyebrow and giving Dylan a look of ‘you don’t want that,’ he smiled. No… knowing Brooke, she would make it as embarrassing as possible. Probably put a little spit into it, and hold their son’s head to wipe at it. Now that he thought of it, he wanted to watch that. Seeing Dylan squirm and being unable to stop it would prove interesting.
“Yes, you do… What Frank has failed to say is that we hav actually named them. Child one and Child Two.”
Laughing, Frank nodded in earnest. Now he would call them that, lucky for his son. He did notice the look Dylan gave Brooke, and shook his head to say he wouldn’t help him. He was shy, and it was obvious he hadn’t gotten that from his mother. Ana was content to mess with Brooke, and Frank tugged a little at Duke’s collar, finally getting him to sit down. He was still straining against it, however.
“Yes, this is Dylan, a little moody today. And Anastasia. Anyway, come in, sit down. Or go into the garden. Or just stand in the doorway looking beautiful. Your choice.”
Brooke talked very fast when she got a little uncomfortable. Or perhaps that was just something she did on a regular basis, and Frank only noticed it then. As Mercy moved inside, Frank waited for the front door to close until he let Duke go. Bad idea, perhaps, because he bounded off to Mercy and started to lick her hands. “Oh! Duke…” That dog could be too friendly sometimes.
Looking up apologetically at Mercy, he grabbed the dog’s collar again, laughing slightly. “I’m sorry.” Pulling Duke with him, he pushed into the kitchen to take him outside. Dinner was almost ready, anyway. Pushing him outside, and closing the door, Frank turned back to make sure dinner was all ready. Back out into the living room, he wondered what he had missed as Mercy was talking.
“-back New Orleans. I believe he is the Keeper for the American Quidditch team now. He is good ole boy.”
Seeing Dylan’s eyes widen, and hearing the twenty million questions begin, Frank glanced first at Brooke and then at Mercy, slightly concerned. Dylan began talking almost as fast as his mom, asking Mercy all sorts of questions about the Quidditch team and jumping around slightly as he acted like a player. As active as his son could be, it wasn’t necessary in the living room with a guest.
Taking a couple steps forward, he put a hand on Dylan’s shoulder, gently pulling him aside. “Your mother said to go clean up.” He could be stern when he needed to be. Dylan gave him one look before sighing and trudging to the bathroom, mumbling something about “ruining his fun.” Frank smirked and called out, “Don’t forget the soap!” Turning back to the three ladies, he motioned to the dining room and grinned at Mercy.
“Unless you aren’t hungry yet… but dinner is ready if you are. Can I get you anything to drink?” Moving over to his wife, he gently rubbed her shoulder before moving to the kitchen. Pushing open the door, his back to it, he looked from one woman to the next, finally landing on his little princess. “Wine? Beer? Water? Apple Juice?”
|
|
Brooklynn Pratt
Global Moderator
Muggle Studies Teacher, Cat Animagus, Global Mod
Posts: 206
|
Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Jan 25, 2007 17:56:12 GMT -5
Brooke moved her arm again, getting comfortable holding the young child. She would have to put her down some time soon. Just not while the large dog was being pulled back by Frank and the door was open. The small toddler could move fast, be it unsteadily. She didn’t fancy running after her. Much better struggle for a while longer.
Mercy stepped in and the door was closed, leaving Frank to let go of Duke’s collar. Cringing as Brooke closed her eyes for a moment, she just knew where the dog was heading. She opened her eyes to see Duke licking Mercy, and Frank calling him. Great first impressions for Mercy. Brooke was sure being mobbed by a Great Dane wasn’t on the woman’s to do list. “Just had to let it go.” Brooke muttered under her breath, looking at Ana. “Daddy is a big twit isn’t he?” she said quietly before watching Frank finally pull the dog back enough.
“I’m sorry.”
“Ange wouldn’t do that.” Brooke couldn’t resist saying to Frank before he headed out with the dog. She then moved over to the corner of the room holding all the kid’s toys as Mercy addressed Dylan. Brooke bent down and took a few toys out of the box before putting them on the floor in front of the sofa and putting Ana on the floor next to them. “There you go darling.” She kissed the child on the forehead only to have Ana giggle before she started to bang the toys on the floor. Brooke couldn’t help but smile before she stood up to her full height only to hear Dylan shooting loads of questions at Mercy.
Brooke now felt very sorry for the poor woman. She’d been in their house a couple of minutes and had been mobbed by a dog and interrogated by a six year old boy who loved Quidditch. Brooke hated the sport. She was terrified of flying and hated watching people up on brooms. It was something about not being able to feel solid ground and it being a long way to fall if the broom faltered.
“Your mother said to go clean up…Don’t forget the soap!”
Brooke smiled, folding her arms and standing at the side watching Frank tell Dylan to go off and wash. She laughed out when he shouted after the young boy and shook her head, smiling. She could only think ‘he’s going to get worse’. That was something they’d face when he did however so Brooke smiled at Mercy before looking back down at Ana. At least she wasn’t answering back yet.
“Unless you aren’t hungry yet… but dinner is ready if you are. Can I get you anything to drink?...Wine? Beer? Water? Apple Juice?”
“How about opening a bottle of wine?” Brooke called after Frank. “Ana can manage it herself.” She smiled and turned to Mercy. “I’m so sorry. You’ve only been here a few minutes and you get attacked by a dog and a six year old kid. I guess you’ve had worse however.” Brooke frowned and dropped to her knees by Ana. “But I wouldn’t know. Frank hasn’t actually mentioned what you do. Or how he knows you. But the wife is always the last to know, after all.” Now it was Brooke’s turn for the questions. She did after all need to know who she was talking to. But hadn’t Mercy introduced herself as a… “Special Agent didn’t you say?”
It was then that Dylan came down the stairs and Brooke looked up frowning. “Dylan Nathan Pratt, I can see the dirt from here. If you don’t want me to do it and torture you with embarrassment, get back up there.” She said quickly in a loud stern voice, causing the young boy to freeze on the stairs. His expression changed to one of disgust before he began to trudge back up the stairs. “You’ll never be as grubby as your brother, will ya’?” Brooke laughed, addressing Ana, who was obviously more interested in the toys scattered on the floor.
|
|
Mercy LaCroix
Global Moderator
SWIM's Lead Auror/Profiler
To Protect and Serve
Posts: 175
|
Post by Mercy LaCroix on Jan 31, 2007 21:24:11 GMT -5
Mercy grinned as the big teddy bear aka great dane came pouncing forward. With a giggle she pat his head between kisses. He was the second most adorable thing ever. The first was the baby mare that Tristin let her name, Cait. Smiling, Mercy gave the friendly dog one last pat as Frank pulled him away.
Mercy smiled and did her best to answer Dylan’s questions. He was such a sharp kid and very into Quidditch. Mercy nodded and commented where she felt appropriate. She loved kids and wish to have her own someday. Maybe with Tristin, maybe not. But someday she’ll be ready to have them and a marriage. Someday, but not now.
Smiling as Brooke send Dylan sulkily upstairs to get clean, Mercy looked around the small cottage. It was nice and homey. It reminded her of her little home in Jefferson Parish where her mother lived alone. Her father was taken nearly fifteen years earlier with no sign or indication of what happened to him. That dark cloud still hung over her home and won’t leave until Timothy LaCroix’s fate was revealed to them.
“Unless you aren’t hungry yet… but dinner is ready if you are. Can I get you anything to drink?...Wine? Beer? Water? Apple Juice?”
“How about opening a bottle of wine? Ana can manage it herself.
“Wine sounds lovely.” Mercy agreed, “I always like strawberry wine myself. Especially from thi cute little bistro on the Decartes in my hometown. I believe a have a bottle up at the school.”
“I’m so sorry. You’ve only been here a few minutes and you get attacked by a dog and a six year old kid. I guess you’ve had worse however. But I wouldn’t know. Frank hasn’t actually mentioned what you do. Or how he knows you. But the wife is always the last to know, after all. Special Agent didn’t you say?”
Mercy laughed and smiled at Brooke. She liked her all ready. There wasn’t many lawyers that Mercy could say that about. But Brooke didn’t strike Mercy as a typical lawyer either. Tucking her hair back, Mercy wondered how much she was allowed to say. True Frank would probably fill her in later.
“Yes, I did. I work in the Magical Law division of the FBI. More specifically the Criminal Behavior division. I do profiling and the like.” Mercy explained as plainly as she could, “I’m currently assigned to help protect the school and figure out if there were any spies still at the school.”
Mercy felt for the poor boy. Someday he’ll appreciate it but right now not so much. Mercy chuckled as Brooke cooed to her little daughter. Mercy turned to Frank and commented, “We can eat when ever. I don’t want to disrupt your daily routines too much. And don’t worry about the dogs. I love them. Almost as much as I enjoy children.”
|
|
|
Post by Natasha on Feb 2, 2007 17:01:50 GMT -5
“Just had to let it go… Daddy is a big twit isn’t he?”
Raising an eyebrow as he turned to give his wife a stern look, he shook his head. Great words to teach their daughter. “I hope that isn’t her next word, Brooke.” He knew she would end up making a comment about having let Duke go, but did she have to go there?
“Ange wouldn’t do that.”
Giving her a look that spoke volumes, he merely shook his head. “Oh, no, Ange would have attached himself to her leg. How else would he lose the rest of his teeth?” Grunting slightly as he pulled the straining Great Dane through the kitchen, Frank wondered briefly where the little crap dog was, anyway… And then, speak of the devil, it ran inside past Frank growling and barking. Chasing Ange back outside was something close to daring… but it was accomplished and the back door shut.
“How about opening a bottle of wine? Ana can manage it herself.”
Nodding to his wife, he went back to the kitchen after having just stepped back into the living room. Right… wine. Going to the rack they had, he glanced over the bottles they had for special occasions. Brooke didn’t care for wine, though with company she would have a glass or two, just to be civil. Pulling out a red wine, not glancing much at the name or year, he set it aside and pulled down three wine glasses.
Next he moved over to another cupboard and pulled out two plastic cups, one with a sippy cup lid. Filling both up with apple juice, he set them aside, screwing the sippy cup lid onto one. Back over to the wine, he filled up the three glasses, taking a small sip from his before setting it besides the children’s drinks. Taking the other two back out into the living room, he handed one to Mercy, the other to Brooke.
“We can eat when ever. I don’t want to disrupt your daily routines too much. And don’t worry about the dogs. I love them. Almost as much as I enjoy children.”
Chuckling softly, Frank moved over to kneel beside Ana, rubbing her back a little and pulling her attention away from the toys for just a moment. “Daily routines?” Glancing at Brooke, he grinned. “We have those?” Shaking his head, he kissed the top of his daughter’s head before standing back up. “I thought those went out the window once we had the children.”
Nodding to the kitchen, he smiled. “Well, dinner is ready. I wouldn’t want it to get cold, so if you all are ready…” Shrugging, Frank moved in to pick up the drinks, moving both kids’ drinks into the dining room and setting them at their respectable places. Next he brought in his wine and the children’s hamburgers, setting them on each plate. He would cut up them in a moment… With his wand, he brought the other food in and set it in the middle of the table, leaving it for the adults to pick their own.
Back out into the living room, Frank motioned to the crowd. Dylan came back downstairs and Frank looked over his face, examining it. “All right, you look good enough… come on bud, go sit down and wait.” Picking up Ana, he smiled warmly at his wife and gave her a gentle kiss on the cheek before turning to Mercy. “Dinner is served?” Moving to the dining room, he set up Ana in her high chair, sitting down next to her. Picking up a knife, he began cutting at her hamburger, leaving them in small chewable bites before giving her some mashed potatoes. They would keep her occupied…
|
|
Brooklynn Pratt
Global Moderator
Muggle Studies Teacher, Cat Animagus, Global Mod
Posts: 206
|
Post by Brooklynn Pratt on Feb 2, 2007 17:55:11 GMT -5
“I hope that isn’t her next word, Brooke.”
Brooke rolled her eyes at the look Frank gave her. He always had to be so serious revolving the children and it wasn’t as if Ana would pick that up straight away when she was more occupied with the earrings her mother wore. “No dear, there’s a slim chance that word could just be alimony.” She smiled sweetly and looked to her right at Ana. It wasn’t a threat, it was only to stop Frank from going on in company and with any hope, it would work.
“Oh, no, Ange would have attached himself to her leg. How else would he lose the rest of his teeth?”
Examining the polished fingernails of her free, left hand, Brooke finally looked up and sighed. “Why would he want to go for someone other than his enemy?” There they were making comments about the dogs again. It would have been far more easier and saving many arguments if they just got rid of both dogs and forgot about them. It was always a case of ‘mine’s better than yours’ regarding the animals. Brooke was at least glad it wasn’t going to turn into ‘s/he loves me more than you.’ Then things would have been getting beyond stupid.
“Yes, I did. I work in the Magical Law division of the FBI. More specifically the Criminal Behavior division. I do profiling and the like. I’m currently assigned to help protect the school and figure out if there were any spies still at the school.”
Brooke looked up from her daughter and listening interestedly. “Fascinating.” She said; taking the small toy Ana had just handed to her. “Thank you Ana. Don’t think you’d much like someone in my line of work then.” She replied, honestly. Brooklynn occasionally saw the aurors as the enemies when it came down to her cases. The evidence they produced had to be reversed against them by Brooke to get her clients off. “But I must say, aurors at the school seems a bit much. Though, I am positive you’ll have your work cut out for you. Finding a spy there will be like finding a very tiny needle in an exceptionally large hay stack.”
Brooke did tend to say a lot, but she said it very fast, and as she had been speaking, Ana had obviously decided she didn’t want her mother holding the toy and had taken it from her and was soon banging it and another plastic toy together only to have Brooke cringing.
“We can eat when ever. I don’t want to disrupt your daily routines too much. And don’t worry about the dogs. I love them. Almost as much as I enjoy children.”
Taking the wine glass, Brooke took a small sip and swallowed it somewhat quickly. Why did she bother being polite and having that when she always found it tasted somewhat putrid. It was a taste her mother had always told her she’d acquire one day. That day however had never come. With Mercy mentioning daily routines, Brooke swallowed a small laugh as she lowered the glass and rested in on her thigh, still kneeling on the ground.
“Daily routines? We have those? I thought those went out the window once we had the children.”
Grinning down at Ana, Brooke nodded. “They did. Along with sanity and full night’s of sleep.” She joked, her eyes moving from Frank to Mercy. “I wouldn’t worry about any routines. We don’t. What with Frank and his funny hours.” She winked at her husband and knew perfectly well it was her with the oddest of hours.
Frank then said something about dinner being ready and Brooke watched him heading into the small dining room. Getting up when he came out and told them dinner was served, Brooke followed him into the dining room after giving Mercy a look to say ‘beware’. She was only joking about the food obviously and was soon sat down at the table, by Ana in her highchair. Frank had given her mashed potato and she only bit her lip. Why did she get the feeling she’d be wearing that by the time they left the table?
“Looks great hun’.” She of course was waiting for Mercy to go first. Brooke was now a little reproachful about Mercy. With the woman having a job like that and Brooke being one of those lawyers that tended to twist everything, she didn’t want to say anything stupid.
|
|