Chapter 158 - Almost Time

Delia couldn't wait to go see her newest grand children. Alia and Jaycen's girls were released from the hospital after only a week even though they were early. The doctors were very pleased at how well they had done.

Delia wasted no time going to see them. Delia scooped up Elsa and cuddled her while Alia entertained Kari.

Jaycen had taken the two older children, Randi and Elliott to the park so they could run off some of their excess energy and give Alia a break.

While she was with Alia, Delia let her know that she and Cordell were heading to Egypt after Joy's little boy was born. She felt bad because they hadn't let the rest of the family know what they had planned to do with Adele. She and Cordell made an "ours" decision that they would introduce Adele as someone that Newt met in Moonlight Falls. They didn't want to burden them with all the gory details of Delia's life. It was bad enough that Jewel knows. But the rest of them could remain blissfully unaware.

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After she visited with Alia and her babies, she went to see Jewel. She wanted to see if Donnovan had found out anything more.  Cheyenne greeted her and took her into the Nursery to see Ethan. Ethan had grown so much. He was already crawling around. She scooped him up and cuddled him. He looked just like his father. Both of Jewel's children took after Donnovan.

"Hi Mom!" Jewel yelled out as she came into the Nursery, "I thought I heard voices."

Delia turned to see her daughter looking lovely as always. "Cheyenne let me in. You are all dressed up. Going somewhere?" she asked.

"Yes. Another one of Donnovan's client dinner meetings. Wives included. Cheyenne has been great and babysits for us."

"Darn, I was going to offer." said Delia smiling. "Cheyenne is a good kid. You have done well with her."

"Yes, she is, but I worry as she gets older. She is getting so much stronger. Donnovan has been working with her to help her understand and control her powers."

Changing the subject, Delia said "I just stopped and saw Alia's girls. They are adorable!" Then looking at Ethan she added, "and this little man is so handsome and looks just like his father!"


"I know. If I didn't give birth to them, I wouldn't be able to claim them as mine."

"Speaking of Donnovan, has he learned anything more?"

"Yes, he found out the name of merchant in Egypt that sells the incense. I will email the info to you."

"What about Newt? Will he be able to participate?"

"He is still discussing the exact way to make this work Mom, he went to the Elders in the Coven here. They were shocked at what he wanted to do and wouldn't help him at first. When he told them my grandmother was a fairy, they were even more taken aback. He explained that we would do it with or without their help. They grudgingly agreed to give him direction, but aren't sanctioning it. They really, really don't want us to do this. It crosses so many boundaries."

Delia looked at the floor. "I know Jewel. That is precisely why I don't want to involve your siblings. Cordell and I decided to tell them that she is someone he met in Moonlight Falls and they fell in love and got married. They don't need to know that she is their grandmother."

"I won't say anything Mom. Also, the Elders are getting us all a charm to wear to help protect us. We also have to wear white to signify light magic. It is all very mystical. We don't have a lot more time do we?"

"No we don't. Joy's baby is due in a month and then your father and I are going to Egypt. I hope we are ready to do this as soon as we get back. Everyone is so anxious and stressed. Let me put this little one down and we can talk some more."


Delia turned around and put Ethan in his crib. She leaned down and kissed him as she tucked him in, inhaling the sweet baby smell, bringing back so many memories of her own children. She realized in that moment that she had never been able to stay in one place long enough to see her children's children grow up. She was always running after her children grew up hiding from tragedies.This was the first time someone had come with her. Cordell, her Genie. That is when it hit her. Jewel didn't know ALL about her past lives.

"Jewel, I need to tell you something. I have a hidden room in our home where I have a lot of memories of my life over the last 200 years tucked away. I never wanted you to have to see it, but that is where we will perform the ritual. It's hard for Cordell to go in there but that is where Mother's ashes are as is the Philosopher's stone. Please don't judge me when you walk into the room."

"Mother, I am not foolish. If you have lived that long, you must have seen a lot and - well - done a lot. I won't promise that I won't get emotional, but I do have a question. Do I have other relatives out there other than Newt, Dee and Niall?"

"Oh Jewel. If you do darling, I don't know where they are. It would have been too painful to try and watch them from afar. Regardless, they are all deceased or think I am. Please don't take it wrong. Maybe after all of this is done, I will be able to share it with you and maybe you can understand. But, please, not now. It is hard for me to relive and very hard for your father to hear."

Jewel hugged her mother. "It's okay. I guess I shouldn't have asked. It doesn't matter. I love you."

"I love you too Jewel and I am so very proud of you and Donnovan too. You have no idea. Let us know when you have more information so we can be prepared. The sooner this is done, the better."

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The following week Cordell went by to see Corrie and her kids. Liza
and Sidney were already crawling around. He picked up Liza while he discussed the trip to Egypt with Corrie and asked how she was doing.

Little Sidney just sat on the floor waiting his turn with his Papa.

Corrie's career was going well thanks to Pete and his contacts. Since the babies were born she was able to get back into some of the acting jobs she had missed out on earlier.

Cordell was amazed at how much Corrie's twins looked like Pete. Maybe it was just the vampiric nature of the children and the mutual blonde hair that both Corrie and Pete shared, but still, they looked like her husband.

Still they were sweet. When Cordell was finished talking to Corrie and playing with Liza he went to find Sidney and he was no where to be seen when he had been sitting at his feet just a few minutes ago. He gave Liza to Corrie and went to look for his grandson.

Cordell found him outside in the yard in the dark. They had left the front door open and the little boy had crawled out the door and around to the side of the yard. Cordell quickly picked him up and carried him back into the house.

Of course he was too little too scold so he reprimanded Corrie for leaving the door open and as usual she just rolled her eyes and said he liked the dark. He could see just as good in the dark because he was a vampire.

He kissed his grandchildren and went home exhausted. Corrie always wore him out.

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"Mrs. Shinn - thank you so much for getting here so quickly. I think we have plenty of time but this is such a help," said Sahan as he shook Delia's hand.

Delia just laughed. "Sahan, you can call me Delia. It's really okay."  Then she heard Joy calling from the other room, "Honey, is that Mom?"

"Okay Mrs uh Delia," said Sahan, "I think your daughter needs you."


Delia ran into the next room where Joy had been sitting on the couch.

Joy stood up holding her very pregnant belly. "Oh, another one!" she exclaimed.

"Oh let me feel," said Delia. Delia gently rubbed her hands across her daughter's belly and felt while she had the next pain. "Yes, definitely labor. You two should get going. I will stay here with Jerald. When the baby comes, call and we will bring him to see you."

"Thanks Mom! I appreciate you coming to take care of Jerald. It means a lot," said Joy as she continued to hold her belly like she was trying to keep the baby inside.

"Okay - just go now!"

With that Joy and Sahan took off for the hospital to deliver their second little boy.

After they left Delia sat thinking. It' almost time. Joy's delivery was the trigger for them to be able to leave. Once they knew Joy and her baby were okay, she and Cordell would be able to leave for their trip. Just the two of them. They had never been anywhere together outside the visit to Moonlight Falls and that was stressful. This should be fun. Delia was excited thinking about it.

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Chapter 157 - Phone Calls

Donnovan looked at the Caller ID when his phone rang. How curious, he thought, Jewel's mother never calls me directly. I hope everything is okay.

Donnovan touched the screen to answer the call. “Delia? Hi, this is Donnovan. Is everything alright?”

“Yes.  No worries Donnovan!" answered Delia, "Sorry to scare you!”

“Good!  What can I do for you Delia?  Jewel isn't here right now. She ran to the store with Cheyenne to pick up a few things for the baby. I am babysitting. Easy enough though. She waited to leave until Ethan was napping.”

“He is such a good baby!” exclaimed Delia before getting into why she called. “I wanted to talk to you anyway. Sounds like now might indeed be a very good time.”

“Yes,” laughed Donnovan, “Even though Ethan is a good baby, we take advantage of the quiet times!”

“So, Donnovan I will get to the point. Dee and I have been researching the best ways to perform “The Ritual” with the least amount of potential...um...side effects and I found some references to “The Power of Three” in my mother’s spell books. Dee suggested you might be able to help us understand this better and if this might help us.”

Donnovan had an “ah-ha” moment and didn't speak for a minute.

“Donnovan?” came the voice on the other end of the line, “are you there?”

“Sorry Delia. You made me think. Of course! This would be perfect. We already know that when performing the binding spell that only someone of the bloodline can do it. But Delia, we have three female blood relatives to bind a female!  This is wonderful! I can't believe it didn't dawn on me until you said it. Adele will have the two closest blood relatives she can have, you - the one born of her own flesh and her mother - the the one that gave Adele life from her own body. Both of you are also very powerful in your own right as well - and before you say anything Delia, YOU are a very powerful seer. And of course Jewel, an extremely powerful witch is only one generation removed. The Power of Three.”

“So you mean that the three of us together would recite the spell that would bind Adele’s ghost to this world?” 

“Yes, but there is more. We also have myself, Cordell and Niall. Those that hold the hearts of the three unconditionally. Then, we need three special incense burners and we will have the Power of Three times three which becomes the power of nine and the circle will be complete and very, very strong. Nothing should go wrong! This is great! Oh my God Delia, I love you!” laughed Donnovan.

“Ha! But...what about Newt? He will want to be there. He probably has the strongest relationship to Adele of all of us. We can't keep him away. Will that jeopardize the ritual?”

“I...I am not sure. The fact that he loves her may actually help but we can't upset the balance. Let me make some further inquiries.”

“What of the incense?  Where do we get that?”

Donnovan sighed. “Egypt.”

“The heavens are indeed watching over us!  Donnovan, as soon as Joy gives birth, Cordell and I are going to take a vacation together and we had already planned to there! Find out where and how we get it and we will. I feel like this was meant to be! Cordell also knows someone that is going to make arrangements for us to visit with some of the locals that know a lot about magic. I bet they will know of this special incense we need to get.”

“Yes. I am feeling much better about this whole thing. I just feel horrible that I didn't think of this on my own. Honestly, I haven't practiced witchcraft of this sort at all since I met Jewel, but I certainly know of it. I will check out the incense and how to include Newt into the ritual. Someone that loves her like he does can't possibly be a negative.”

“Thanks Donnovan. Jewel is lucky you waited for her. Bye now”

Donnovan hung up the phone and just looked it. Delia just made his day - no year. He couldn't believe he hadn't thought of incorporating the most basic of all protection into the ritual. He kept just thinking one of them had to do it and knew that his precious Jewel was the best one and now, with ALL of them there, the power divided between them would also protect them. He couldn't wait until Jewel returned home to share the news with her.

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 No sooner had Delia hung up from her conversation with Donnovan than the phone rang again. It was another of her son-in-laws, Alia’s werewolf husband, Jaycen. Delia laughed, two in one day. She rarely talked to them on the phone.

“Jaycen?  Is everything okay?”  She thought she sounded just like Donnavan had earlier.

“Yes.  No… I mean Yes!”

“Jaycen, calm down.  What is it?”

“Alia…her water broke!  I am taking her to the hospital.”

“Is she okay? Do you need me to come stay with the twins?”

“Hold on Delia…”   

Delia heard Alia calling out to Jaycen, “Honey, your Mom’s here. Let's go.”

“Sorry Delia...No, thank you, my mother is here and will watch the twins while I take Alia to the hospital. We called the doctor and he is meeting us there. I just wanted you to know. I will call you after we get her settled. Bye!”

Delia stared at the phone in her hand as the line went dead. The twins were a couple of weeks early, but then twins tended to do that and from what she could hear from Alia in the background she was much calmer than her her handsome husband. But the next set of babies also meant that precious time was getting away from them quickly. Delia had enjoyed the last few months with Cordell. She could almost believe that everything was going to be okay and for once in her life everything might just be exactly as it seemed. But until they brought back her mother and reunited the lovers from so long ago that gave her life, she couldn't fully believe it.

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When Cordell returned, Delia told him about Alia. Then she let him know they had more to discuss.

“I spoke to Donnavan before Jaycen called. He has what he feels like will be a way to practically guarantee success with no harmful side effects when we perform the ritual to bind Mother’s ghost to this world."

"Really?" asked Cordell, "How can that be?"

"We will do it together. The combined love and power of all of us will make the spell stronger and won't take so much of a toll any one of us. You will be part of it as will Donnavan and Niall. Donnovan is also checking on how to safely include Newt because he feels like even he can add to the success.”

Cordell was confused.  “How do we all do it?”

“I don't have the details yet but it has to do with the rule of the “Power of Three”.  It is something used in witchcraft and spell casting that Donnovan is familiar with. He is getting the details. But, he also said there is a special incense only found in Egypt that will help harness the powers and quote, 'complete the circle'.”

“Cordell pulled Delia next to him on the couch. “So, we would all do this together as one? I like this much better. It just feels - I don’t know - safer I guess. And I feel better knowing I will be right there with you and Jewel. So, it looks like fate knew we would be going to Egypt!"

Delia leaned into Cordell's embrace and laid her head on his shoulder. Then he whispered into her ear, "Ours" and pulled her tighter into him. Delia couldn't stop the smile that formed on her face as she became lost in her thoughts relaxing into her husbands arms. Now she couldn't wait for Joy's baby to make her appearance. She was actually looking forward to bringing her mother back. Before she had been frightened and she knew that was why she pushed Cordell away. Nothing could go wrong now.

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Chapter 156 - Babies!

Babies started coming fast and furiously. Corrie and Pete’s babies came first. A little girl and a little boy, they named Sidney and Liz, both vampires much to Corrie’s dismay and Pete’s delight.

Jewel was the next to deliver a month later. Her little boy Ethan was born without issue. Ethan would without a doubt grow up to be a very strong witch.

Delia called her grandmother to let her know about Jewel and Egypt. “Hi Dee!" she said cheerfully when her grandmother answered the phone. "Guess what? You are a great-great-grandmother again and again and again!" she exclaimed.  

“What? Jewel had triplets?!?”

Delia laughed. “No, but you do have three new great-great grandchildren! Jewel’s little boy Ethan was born two days ago. I can tell he is going to look like Cheyenne! Mother and son are doing quite well. But, Corrie surprised us all with a shotgun wedding to Pete and delivered twins a few weeks ago. Of all of my girls she is the last one I would expect to ever have children and she had twins. I am pretty sure it wasn't a planned pregnancy. I think it must be fate that gave her twins. Divine intervention! She was so jealous of Alia and Joy growing up and now she has to raise her own set of twins. At least it is a girl and a boy. Liz and Sidney. They are precious, but both have vampiric traits, not genie. I think Corrie is not so happy about that but of course Pete is thrilled. Alia’s twins are due in a couple of months.Then Joy’s baby will follow a couple of months later."

“I wish I could be there! I am sure they are adorable. When do you think we could come back to begin to work on Adele's ritual?”

Taking on a more somber tone, Delia replied, “Cordell and I discussed it at length Dee, and we decided to wait until after Alia and Joy's babies are born. That will give Jewel plenty of time to fully recover from childbirth and get Ethan sleeping all night so she won't be tired and will be able to focus. In the meantime I can work to prepare the potions needed to bring her the rest of the over, cure her and reverse her aging. All of this takes time.”  

“Oh…” came the voice on the other end of the line obviously not happy.

“I know you are disappointed Dee. I asked for Newt for a year and he agreed. We need it now more than ever with all that is happening," then trying to move the conversation to a different subject Delia asked, "speaking of Newt, how is he?”

“He was down when we first came back. But he found a job with the fire department. He told me what you said to him. It is helping him get through the days since he has something to work towards. He is saving money to build a home for he and Adele.”

Relieved that her father was indeed healing she replied, “Oh Dee, that is wonderful. I was so worried about him. Also, just so you know, Cordell and I are going to take a vacation after Joy gives birth.”

“What!?!!” exclaimed Dee, “I thought we were going to begin working on the ritual as soon as Joy’s baby was born.”

“Dee, Cordell and I, we need time together.  Away from all of this. This whole mess almost destroyed our marriage. It's only for two weeks. We are going to Egypt. We will do a little more research while we are there. Maybe you and Niall can come and stay with Stone and Mira while we are gone. You will be able to see all the new babies!”

Dee was quiet for a second before responding then said sadly, “I am sorry you are suffering because of us.”

“Stop it Dee. It is what it is. Just come stay with the kids and the rest of this crazy messed up family while we are gone. It will give you some bonding time with everyone.”

“That sounds nice. I will see what Niall wants to do. I am sure Newt will probably stay since he is working now.” 

“That’s great!" said Delia much relieved, "When we get back from Egypt I want to talk to you about something that I found in one of Mother’s spell books about the “Power of Three” when performing rituals. I think this might make it safer for all of us. I haven't mentioned it to Jewel yet because, well the baby and all."

“Delia, I don’t know much about that, but I am sure Donnovan does or at least knows someone that can tell him more about it. In the meantime I will see what I can find out before we arrive."

"One more thing, while we are in Egypt, Cordell has some old contacts that said they would be able to put us in touch with some of the locals that have knowledge of the supernatural. They may be able to help us as well.”

"Please tell Cordell hello for us. We owe him everything and can never repay him. I know he and Newt got off to a bad start, but I think Newt is beginning to realize that too. Also, tell Jewel and Donnovan congratulations and Corrie and Pete too. We love you and your wonderful crazy family very much.”

"Of course. I love you too Dee. Tell Newt and Niall the same for me. I look forward to seeing you in a few months. Bye now."

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Chapter 155 - Reconnecting

Things began to return to a new sort of normal between Delia and Cordell after their promise to each other that any decisions about the planned binding and subsequent resurrection of her mother were an “Our” decision not a mine or yours decision. They consciously tried to make the most of the time they had together before Jewel’s baby was born.

They spent time “relaxing” in the hot tub once the kids had gone to bed...

Just sitting and talking...

"Date nights” out before Delia’s concerts began to be a favorite. Delia had always got dressed and left while Cordell stayed home with their plethora of children. Now they left together early and sometimes he would even stay for the concert. 

They danced...something the two of them hadn't done together since Jewel was born. 

Having a drink after Delia's concerts and simply enjoying each other's company.

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Stone and Mira were not immune to the drama that had ensued over the past year since Cordell found Delia’s grandparents. As much as Cordell had tried to protect them they had suffered as had Angie who simply moved out to escape the tension.

 Delia knew she needed to spend some quality time with their two youngest children to help repair those relationships before they too wanted nothing more than to move out. Not that she didn't want them to become independent young adults, but because she wanted exactly that. 

A good first step was quality family time. Delia and Cordell took Stone and Mira along with their granddaughter Cheyenne to the Festival so they could concentrate on their children. It also gave Jewel a much needed break before Cheyenne’s little brother was born. Hot dog eating was first on the agenda.

Everyone had a fabulous time - well except for when Cordell. He lost his dinner while watching his family shove hot dogs down their throat even though he didn't eat one dog! 

Stone reigned victorious even though Mira did her best to keep up. 

Next was roller skating. They all tried their and quickly discovered skating is totally impossible for the genies. When they move fast their feet naturally come off the ground. Even Stone, the only real fairy of the bunch, had a hard time keeping grounded. Delia and Cheyenne, however, loved it. 

Later is was time to bond over snow cones to get rid of the hot dog aftertaste!

And it wouldn't be right without the obligatory family picture to commemorate the event.

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A few weeks later, while Delia and Cordell were getting ready to go see Jewel, Cordell's phone rang.  

"Is that Jewel? Tell her we will be right there." said Delia. 

"No," frowned Cordell, "It's Corrie." Corrie rarely called them since she moved in with Pete. 

"Hello Corrie," said Cordell as he answered the phone while Delia looked on, "How are you?"

"Hi Daddy. I am okay I guess."

"You guess?"

"Well, it's just I need to tell you something so please don't get mad."

"Oh...Corrie...what's wrong?"

"Nothing is wrong Daddy. Pete and I got married last night."

"Married?"

Delia grinned. She couldn't hear the other side of the conversation and figured that Corrie and Pete were going to get married. She didn't care for Pete but they had known him since he was in elementary school and he seemed to care about Corrie. 

"Yes. And there is more."

"More?"

"Daddy, I am pregnant. Pete and I are going to have a baby, well babies. I am having twins. They are due in a month - we just found out and I have to deliver them early."  

"Twins?"

"Daddy! Are you okay you keep giving me one word responses."

Now Delia was even more curious. Twins she thought? Is Corrie pregnant? 

Cordell took a deep breath. "Yes baby, I am fine, just a little shocked. You should have told us before now."

"You and Pete don't like each other. And anyway, I wasn't going to marry him even though I found out I was pregnant, except, well twins...would you please tell Mom." 

"Sure baby. We love you and miss you. You do know you and Pete are welcome here. I know things have been weird here, but it's better now. We will see you soon. Goodbye."

As Cordell hung up the phone Delia couldn't stand it any longer. "What??? Who is having twins? Did Pete finally ask her to marry him? What?"

Cordell was in shock at what his daughter had just told him and had a hard time keeping a straight face. 

"Brace yourself, said Cordell in attempt to prepare Delia, "You are NOT going to believe what Corrie just told me...she asked me to share it with you. I think she was embarrassed. Anyways, she and Pete got married last night because Corrie is pregnant with Twins."

When Cordell told her what Corrie said Delia and Cordell just looked at each other for a minute as a slow smile began to cover both their faces. Then together, then they both burst out laughing. "Corrie - married," and then after another bought of laughter she added "and having twins!" 

Delia finally got herself under control enough to be able to talk. Her sides hurt from laughing so hard. "Oh Cordell. We are horrible! We shouldn't be laughing at poor Corrie's expense, but she is getting paid back for her petulance in spades! I certainly hope Pete makes a good father. I know he wanted her to marry him. She is getting ready to have to put on her big girl panties...twins..." The thought made her laugh again. 

Delia just realized that their already very large family was getting ready to explode. Corrie's twins made it six children soon to be born. And adding her mother at some point soon after brings the total to 7. "Cordell, we need a real vacation. Just the two of us. These last months have been wonderful and it made me realize that we have never had any time alone together."

Cordell beamed, "I LOVE that idea. We could spend a week somewhere far away. France or maybe Egypt."

"Not France. Bad memories there, but Egypt sounds interesting. But we have to wait for all of these babies to be born...just in case and I don't want to miss out."

"Sure, but before..."

"Yes Cordell, before my mother." 

Cordell grabbed Delia and hugged her. "Then Egypt it is! We might even be able to find some information about the ritual with some of the merchants that deal in the occult while we are there."

"I love you Genie!!!"

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