Chapter 138 - Preparations

"Good morning pretty lady!" boomed Cordell when Delia stirred. "Did you sleep well?"

"Geez Genie!" exclaimed Delia as she jumped up. "Quiet down! You will wake the dead. And, no, I didn't sleep. I kept dreaming about meeting my father. It's making me crazy. It's all I can think about!"

"Sorry," whispered Cordell. "Take your time. I will go make coffee. Sounds like we both could use some."

The couple sat down at the table with their coffee. Cordell looked at his wife. He was a bit worried about her state of mind. "So, tell me sweetheart. Were they good dreams or bad dreams."

"Well, I keep seeing the picture of him that mom had in the basement and wondering if he still looks the same. While I am looking at it, he actually floats out of the picture and starts yelling and blames ME for killing mom."

"Delia, you KNOW you didn't have a thing to do with what happened. Right?" Then he softened his tone, "Baby, Niall and Dee, their short-sightedness caused her early death."

"I know Cordell. You know how dreams are so weird. I feel sorry for them. It was the circumstances of the time."

"But Delia, it really isn't THAT much different today. Our family, it is truly an exception. I had to threaten Foster to help me find your grandparents. I had NO idea they would still be alive, much less your father! I just wanted to find out more about your past. To help you - and Stone. You have never come to terms with your past and I know next to nothing about fairies."

Delia took a long drink from her coffee that had cooled off. "Cordell, I have made so many mistakes. How will my father ever accept me?"

Cordell had had enough of her self pity. He had NO relationships for much longer than Delia had gone from one bad relationship to another in search of who knows what. "Delia!" he said with more anger in his voice than he intended, "Think about all you have sacrificed in the name of your children. He will NOT blame you!"

"MOOOMYYYYYY!!!!!" cried Mira when she heard her father yell.

"Cordell! You are upsetting Mira!" scolded Delia as she got up to take care of their youngest child.

"Come on Mira honey. Let's get you out of there. It's okay. Daddy was just playing."





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"Good morning sleepy head!" said Cordell to Angie as she came downstairs.

"Your in a good mood Daddy. What's up?"

"I'm always in a good mood. And now that you are here, it's even better!" he gushed.

"Okay, what do you want. Do I have to babysit again?"

Cordell laughed, "Well....not exactly. You know your mom and I are going out of town in a few weeks to visit Niall and Dee and we will probably be gone for about two weeks."

"Two weeks! I thought you said for a few days. You mean I have to babysit for two weeks!"

"No. Not exactly."

"Okay, this is weird. They just show up out of nowhere and you go traipsing off to visit them. Why Daddy?"

Cordell made up a lie. He couldn't tell his daughter that her grandfather might still be alive. "They have some things they want to give us that belonged to Delia's mother. They just found each other and she needs time to connect with them and come to terms with all that has happened."

"So...you want me to take care of Mira and Stone. For two weeks? Can't Mira and Stone just stay with Jewel?"

"Well you can read my mind. Hmm that is not a Genie trait. How did you do that?" laughed Cordell because he knew the next thing he was going to say wasn't going to sit well with Angie. "And so are you."

"What! Why can't I can stay here? I don't need a babysitter! Daddy, I am 16 years old!"

"Exactly."

If looks could kill Cordell would be a dead man. He almost felt bad for her. But damn it, he was not leaving his 16 year old daughter home alone. He knew she had boyfriends and even if she wouldn't take advantage, well, he was a guy and he knew how teenage boys and hormones were. If she weren't so sad he would have laughed.

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Now that he made one child mad at him he figured he better make sure Mira was okay and after changing he came down and picked her up. He loved his children more than anything. His family was his life. He hated to admit that he was beginning to feel a little jealous of the fact that HE was no longer the focus of his wife's attention. Delia now had grandparents and a father. He figured they were all dead or he may not have invested the time and effort to look for them. And here he was with none of those things, only Delia and their children and grandchildren.

He held Mira while his thoughts ran wild. "Daddy! Daddy! Daddy! Can we??? DADDY!" Mira had been chatting away to him while he was lost in his thoughts and he heard nothing she said until the little girl grabbed his face and screamed his name.

"Can we what Mira?" he said.

"Play tickle?"

"Are you sure you want the tickle monster?" The little girl squealed.

"Nooo!" Then she said breathlessly, "Daddy. Look," and pointed to the ceiling.

Cordell obligingly looked up trying not to laugh and she clumsily tickled him under the chin imitating the same trick he pulled on her countless times.

He busted out laughing when Mira began to giggle with delight at having fooled her father.

"Time for you to take a nap young lady."

"Potty first!" she said stalling.

Cordell put her down so she could toddle to the bathroom and laughed when he saw Angie griping at Stone and giving him her exasperated look. Poor Stone he thought. The only male amongst all the crazy females. Good for him there are only two left in the house and only one is older than him. He has had to live with multiple women and hormones and fighting. Stone deserved a medal but he would never trade the time he had with his girls for anything. He walked over to rescue his only son from Angie's tirade.

"Angie! What is going on here?"

Angie smiled her sweetest smile and looked at her father and said, "Stone just leaves his dirty clothes on the floor and the hamper is RIGHT THERE!"

"Angie, good try sweetheart. But you are still staying with Jewel."

Angie turned around and stormed off to her room.

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Pete Lancaster, Corrie's on again - off again boyfriend had continued to stalk her even after they graduated. Pete had become a full fledged vampire after he turned 20 and exuded power which Corrie was enamored by. She was drawn to him unlike she was before. Before it was just a game to see if she could get him to do her will. She knew she still could. She was a Genie and had practiced that power A LOT! It was even better that he couldn't drink from her. But there were things she could do for him and he wanted that as much as her power. And he had money. Lots of it. A match made in heaven! So when Pete asked Corrie to move in with him, she readily agreed. Now to tell her Dad.

"Dad, we need to talk," started Corrie.

"You don't have anything better than that to start a bad conversation?" asked Cordell suspiciously.

Corrie sighed. "Well, I don't think it's bad."

"So, if it's good you would say, 'Guess what Daddy!' and be really excited. You don't seem so. I don't need to be a mind reader to know what those four words mean - so what is the bad news?"

"Daddy! What a buzz kill. Okay, Pete asked me to move in with him and I am going to do it. I am moving out of our rent house so you and mom can lease it again."

Cordell was so upset his magic started spewing. "What? Just like that? No engagement, just living together? You do know he is a vampire and his parents are not known for their high moral standing? Corrie, this is going to kill your mother!"

"Daddy! That's all you care about. What Mother thinks. What about what I want? I am glad I am getting out of this place. You guys think you are so much better than everyone else."

"No Corrie. I care about YOU! What happens to you. I want you to be happy but I don't see a good result with Pete. Damn Corrie, don't you know I know you use mind control on him for fun! And you are going to live with him. This will NOT end well!"

"You can't control me anymore. I am 20, have a job and can do with my life as I please."

Corrie looked at her phone. "That's Pete now. He has come to pick me up. We are going to the rent house to pack my things. I will be out by this weekend."

"Corrie, sweetheart..."

"Save it Daddy."

"I can't change your mind?"

"Nope."

Cordell was heartbroken. Then he said softly, "Okay Corrie. I know we can't stop you. We just want you to be happy.

And just so you know, your mom and I are leaving tomorrow to go to Moonlight Falls to visit her grandparents for two weeks. The kids, Angie, Stone and Mira, are staying with Jewel so the house will be empty. You are welcome to use it as needed. In fact, if you could come by and pick up newspapers and just check on things, we would be grateful."

"Sure Daddy," she said and ran out the door to meet Pete.

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Corrie and Pete went to her rental and grabbed a suitcase. "We have more time to clear my things out. My parents are leaving town for two weeks," said Corrie to Pete.

"Good...I didn't want to pack anyway. Just grab a few things and let's get back to my place. This place is awful."

"Sure thing Pete. I will only take a minute."

Pete wasted no time getting Corrie to his bed after they got to his house. "Now, isn't this MUCH nicer than that old rental place? Nothing but the best for my girl," said Pete. Corrie sighed. At least he paid attention to her and acted like he loved her. She was pretty sure he really did and she loved him too. She was pretty sure she did.

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Jewel and Donnovan arrived to pick up her brother and sisters and get any last minute instructions. Delia greeted her oldest daughter, now a witch, and her husband. "Hi Jewel, Donnovan! Cordell is in the other room making last minute preparations. Come on in. Mira is ready and Angie, well Angie isn't super happy, but she will be fine. She is a trooper."

Jewel picked up her little sister who she barely knew. Her own daughter was older than her youngest sibling. "Mom I am thrilled to have this time with the kids. I barely feel like I know them. This will be a great time to bond and this little one. She is so sweet. It makes me have baby fever! Of course all I have to do is visit Alia and Jaycen! Those twins are a handful and destructive. Oh my goodness! It must be the wolf in them."

Delia laughed. "She is a good girl. She will miss her Daddy, They are two peas in a pod."

Then Delia looked at Mira and said, "You be a good girl for Jewel. You will have so much fun with your niece Cheyenne! She has lots of cool toys!" Then Delia turned her attention back to Jewel. "It's going to be strange. Cordell and I have never been away together. I mean, you were younger than Mira when we moved here and you will be 30 this year! And 6 more kids later... "

"Mom! Don't remind me! Cheyenne keeps wanting to know when she is getting a brother or sister. This is definitely going to put the pressure on! She will be so lost when you guys get back!"

Delia laughed again. "Oh! More grandchildren. That would be awesome! Oh, and I need to let you know. Corrie moved in with Pete."

"Pete? I didn't think she loved him. He was just a convenient distraction."

"Your father tried to talk her out of it and she would have none of it. You know how Corrie is."

"I hope she knows what she is doing."

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"They kept him asleep for almost 200 years?" asked Donnovan when Cordell confided in him the real reason they were going to Moonlight Falls.

"Yes, apparently the fairies know a sleeping spell. Have you ever heard of it?"

"No. Man, I have never even met a fairy until, well Stone."

"So now we know why Jewel is so powerful. She is half witch and at least a quarter fairy."

"Yes," said Donnovan, "She surprises herself. And Cheyenne. She is going to be a strong witch as well."

"Donnovan, I am very happy that you and Jewel found each other. You have made her very happy."

"Well, I think I was drawn to the fairy part of her for sure. We are all drawn to them, supernatural and human - and repelled by - well - your kind. No disrespect. You have proven we were sadly mistaken."

"Donnovan, we earned that reputation. Genie's are still not someone that can be trusted. We tend to find it too easy to get what we want through the manipulation of others. I was lucky. And maybe you are right, it is the fairy in Delia that stopped me from doing the same. Thanks for taking care of our little ones while we are away. I know you are busy."

"That's what family is for Cordell," said Donnovan as he slapped Cordell on the shoulder. "I see that Jewel has already scooped up little Mira. Now where are Stone and Cheyenne? We need to get going."

"Last time I saw them they were out front on the teeter totter," Cordell looked out the window, "Yep, there they are. Those two will have a blast. At least he knows how to play with girls. Poor guy! Angie had to go to a friends house after school. They will bring her to your house when they are done. Thanks again."

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Chapter 137 - Meeting Gramps

Friday morning not long after Stone and Angie were off to school and Corrie went to work at the acting studio, the doorbell rang. Delia knew it was her grandparents and got a knot in her stomach. This meeting was bringing her one step closer to meeting her father - if everything Dee told them earlier that week was true.
She stayed back while Cordell answered the door and ushered the older couple in. Dee stuck her hand in his whispering, "Thank you son. You have done so much, we can never repay you." Then Niall added in his booming voice, "Indeed Genie, indeed." Then he saw Delia standing behind her husband.

Niall suddenly went quiet and just smiled the sweetest apologetic smile he could when he locked eyes with his granddaughter. Delia melted under his gaze and walked over to him.

Delia was surprised at how kind his eyes were. She could see by his presence that he commanded authority, but when he looked at her it was with love, kindness and adoration and a little pain that she could sense just beneath the surface.

As her grandfather shook her hand he said, "Delia, you even are more lovely than your grandmother described. Her words didn't do you justice. It's an honor to meet you."

"Why thank you, uh, Niall," she said unsure of what to call him. She decided Niall and Dee would work.

Then Cordell called over his shoulder, "Niall, Dee please come in and have a seat," and they followed him into the living room.

As they walked into the room, Mira began to cry. "Oh Delia, may I?" asked Dee. I haven't held a baby in so very, very long. And my great-granddaughter at that."

"Of course, Dee," replied Delia.

Dee walked over and picked up the little girl. Dee was so happy she allowed her to pull her from her crib.

"Delia, she is gorgeous!" said Dee, and then started to coo to Mira, "Hi you beautiful little girl. I am your great-grandmother. My name is Dee! It is so very nice to meet you. What is your name?"

Mira giggled and said, "My name is Mwira" Then she started chanting, "Dee-dee-dee.  Dee-dee-dee," and laughed some more.

Dee was in love. When Niall asked if he could have a turn she said, "Nope. First come - first served and then sat down on the couch to prove her point." Delia laughed at the couple arguing over possession of the three-year old.

Everyone followed Dee's lead and had a seat. Cordell always in control of the situation started the conversation, getting right down to the business at hand. "Niall, we are so glad you are here in our home and meeting our family, but why don't you tell us more about what happened the night you found Delia's parents in your courtyard. Dee has told us what happened, but I think my wife needs to hear it from you as well." Delia was bracing to hear the story again and Dee looked at her with a little sadness on her face.

Niall began. "I completely understand son. You see I loved my daughter more than anything. She was our sunshine. So beautiful with her green eyes and blond hair. The only child we were blessed with. She was destined to be married to a fairy prince and there were plenty of them lined up to court her." Then in a softer voice, "But she didn't have eyes for any of them. I had thought she never acted on her infatuation with her human skate instructor. I was sorely wrong and because of my prejudice and unwillingness to see past our customs, I just didn't see it, didn't want to see it." Niall continued the story filling in a little here and there that Dee hadn't said at the restaurant.

Finally Delia spoke. "Niall, I really want to see my father. Can we arrange that? And, well, I have my mother's Urn..." Delia paused to regain her composure trying not to cry again. When she finally swallowed the lump in her throat she began again. "I would like to give it to my father. When he wakes he will be devastated and maybe it will give him closure."

Niall looked shocked. "He will be VERY happy to see his daughter and all of his grandchildren. He is strong, like you Delia. He had already accepted that Adele was gone before we put him to sleep."

Delia looked at Cordell. "Then I want to meet him as soon as possible." Cordell nodded his affirmation.

Niall thought for a minute. "Dee and I can go back and start the process of reviving Newt. He will need a several days to regain his strength and be able to function. We will let him know we found you and what happened to Adele and that you will be coming to see him so he won't be so disoriented when you arrive. Our flight home is this weekend. So if you come in two weeks he should be ready to see you."

"Two weeks! I want to go now," said Delia.

Cordell stopped her. "Baby, two weeks gives us time to get things settled here and talk to the girls. Someone is going to have to look after Stone and Mira. Angie can't do it, she is in school. I think Jewel is the only one not working. Maybe she can let them stay with her. It will get here sooner than you think."

Delia got up. She was full of nervous energy now that they had a plan.

She walked over to where Niall was sitting and he got up too. "Niall, thank you so much for keeping my father safe and trying to find us. I understand you both were doing what you thought was best. I am just sorry we weren't able to find each other sooner."

Niall pulled Delia into a hug and kissed her cheek. "It is also you who was wronged. You had to grow up without a father. And I understand you went through a lot to even still be alive. You are an amazing woman and I am proud to be called your grandfather. And it was your resourceful Genie that found us. Thank him, not me."

Niall turned to his wife and said, "Now woman! It is my turn to hold that precious child! Give her up or you will walk home."

Dee laughed and got up and handed her great-granddaughter to her husband. "Here Thorn, but be gentle you big oaf," she teased.
Niall started telling her stories. The little girl was captivated and he too, fell in love. He was overjoyed. He always felt fortunate to still have his wife but knew that would be the extent of their family and the couple had come to terms with that. To find out that he had a whole family of supernaturals was more than he could believe. The Heavens were truly watching out for them. Maybe 200 years of suffering was their penance.

The door opened as Corrie and Angie got home from work and school at the same time. "Well, what have we here?" said Corrie when saw the strangers in her home. "I don't know," said Angie.

Cordell and Dee turned around to the stares of the two girls. "Uh Oh," thought Cordell and then said, "Uh, Delia, the girls are home. Corrie, Angie, come over and meet your great-grandparents."

"They are beautiful Cordell," whispered Dee.

Corrie couldn't help but be suspicious. She thought her parent's family was dead. "Dad, whose grandparents are they?"

"They are your mother's mother's parents," answered Cordell.

"So how do great grandparents just suddenly show up?" asked Corrie, "How did we not know about them all this time?"

"It's a long story and we will be able to tell you more when we return from Moonlight Falls. Your mom and I are going to go visit them for a few days in a couple of weeks."

While Cordell and Delia talked to the girls, Stone came home. As soon as he got introduced he started in on playtime with his great grandparents. After more than an hour of rough housing and piggy back rides from his great grandfather Niall, he stared to get tired.

Stone reached up to Niall and asked him to tell him a bed time story. He chuckled and said, "Just a minute let me put down this little one, I think she is ready for bed too."

When Niall came back over to get Stone, his sweet little blonde headed fairy, Stone was already nodding off in the floor. He picked up the little boy looking at him as if he were the most precious thing in all the world and carried him to his bed.

When Delia saw her grandfather picking up Stone she protested. "Niall, don't do that! He's too big. He needs to walk!"

"Delia, I have missed their whole life. I want to do this. It warms my heart. Your children are all so beautiful. And this sweet little boy is a fairy. I am truly blessed to have found you and your amazing family."

After Niall put Stone to bed, he came back in. "It's time to leave. We have overstayed our welcome. We will see you in a couple of weeks."

Delia went to her grandfather and pulled him into a hug and squeezed him tight. "I have to admit I was suspicious of you before I met you and I feel nothing but goodness and love along with a full dose of remorse coming from you. You are sweet and humble and my youngest children already adore you. I can't wait to see you in two weeks."

After Dee and Niall left, Cordell grabbed Delia's hand and pulled her towards the stairs to their bedroom. "You look exhausted pretty lady. I think you need another hot bubble bath. But seriously, how are you doing?"

Delia sighed. "Damn Genie. I am going to meet my father. Do you know how nervous I am? What if he doesn't like me?"

Cordell busted out laughing. "Not gonna happen babe. Let's get to bed. We have a lot to plan."

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