Generation 8 - Chapter 13

Cherish always had dirt under nails. Other kids noticed and of course commented in rude ways. But Cher stopped noticing. In fact she had become so content with her work in the garden the other students noticed that as well. When their insults stopped getting responses of any kind they got meaner. Telling her she was cursed. That she should have died with her parents. What was wrong with her that everyone around her died or moved away? 

 

Cherish paid them no mind. Yes her parents were dead, along with most of the rest of her family. That didn't mean they were gone. For the most of Cherish's life she thought it was normal to have ghost parents. It wasn't until she was older and the teasing started that she learned otherwise. Whenever things like that got to her, some misty loved one was right there to tell she was loved. That she was unique and special. The other kids were just jealous that they couldn't still hang out with their dearly departed family. After a while, even there most vile comments washed right over her and eventually the teasing stopped.

She even knew the ugly truths about each of their tragic deaths. Even though she had a connection to ALL her family members, it was still Grandpa Elgon she was the closest to. He couldn't deny her the truth when she finally demanded it from him. Were her parents really so in love one couldn't live without the other? Would Cherish ever feel that kind of love? Why had Wilson not protected himself better? Or let someone else execute Emmaline? Elgon and Fabian dying of old age Cherish could understand. Dying because you loved someone too much? Didn't her daddy love her enough to live?
"One day you'll understand sweet Cher." Grandpa whispered to her as she wept

Her plants meant everything to her. The garden is where she spent all her free time. Occasional she was interrupted by her phone. Boys from school had started calling her and asking to meet them places. She always said 'no thank you' and hung up as. She assumed they were just trying to set her up for some embarrassing prank. Things like that used to get to her, make her feel small. Now, she didn't think about it beyond putting her phone back in her pocket. 
But the boys had noticed she was different lately. Somehow mature and interesting all of a sudden.

Fatima was always outside with the horse. A spring rider is nothing compared to the real thing! Cherish was glad for it because they chatted together while they were both out there. Fatima was growing up pretty fast and would be joining her in high school next year so things were starting to feel like they used to between them. 

Cherish was very glad that she and Fatima were getting close again. Brenton had told his mom that he was moving out. Instead of finishing high school he decided to get his GED online and wanted to be out on his own. Cherish did not like this idea.

Cherish wasn't there for the conversation but somehow GG seemed to be ok with the whole thing. She said something about Brenton feeling out of place in a house full of fairy girls.

 Brenton made a point of saying goodbye to her and Fatima. Fatima cried and asked him not to go. He was her big brother after all. Cherish went back outside to her garden. Someone else left her. Why does everyone leave?

That night Grandpa Elgon came and this time he sat and watched over her the whole night. 

"You know Cher, people leaving isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes you have to think about whats best for them instead of what you wish would happen for you. He's not leaving YOU, he's simply starting his own life a short distance away. Besides you have Fatima's big birthday coming up to celebrate!"

Cherish rolled over and tried to ignore him. She was sure he was right but she didn't have to like what he said.

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Bonus shots

Brenton's house decorated and furnished by his designer mom of course ;-)

Maybe you should stick to gardening Cherish?

A mom's job is never done