Chapter Seven, In Which the Siblings Converse

[Miss Jack]

"Because," he said, eyes creasing into a smile, "You always manage to keep me from sliding into a depressed state of anxiety and overthinking."

He supposed that was why it was so hard to give her up, share her with anyone else, or believe anyone would ever be good enough for her. But more and more... with he and Alexander becoming so serious in their own relationships, he felt they should all let go of the chain.

He sighed. "But, Genn... you didn't see her face. Mom asked if we were getting married, and I didn't know, so I asked if Zizzy wanted to get married... I didn't mean it as a proposal, I just wanted to know if it was in the cards, but she... didn't like the idea."

[Princess Katie]

“I think that’s why Mom and Dad had me. They were like ‘That boy, the older one, he’s going to need someone to keep him from sliding into a depressed state of anxiety and overthinking. I mean, do we want a Hamlet on our hands? No sir. Best get him an adorable sister.’ That’s my theory,” Genn avowed with a grin.

Armand’s sigh wiped her smile right off her face and replaced it with a sympathetic frown. “Really? Well, I…” Genn trailed off. This threw her off completely. She had sort of assumed Zizzy would be happy to marry Armand. Maybe not right off the bat, but definitely some time. “I’m sure she was just stressed out with Mom breathing down her neck. That woman has that effect on people… I’m sure that’s all, Armand.”

[Miss Jack]

"Maybe," he admitted.

But for the first time, he really didn't know.

A little line appeared between his brows and he seemed to shrink a few inches into his seat. "It's probably stress. And bad timing. We'll pull through." He didn't sound wholly convinced, and in the next second, the glazed look in his eyes passed and he turned to Genn. "What if she really leaves?"

[Princess Katie]

Genevieve scooted closer to Armand and looped her arm through his, giving his hand a small squeeze. “No, no. She won’t. Even if she doesn’t exactly like the idea of marriage, I’m positive she’s not going to just up and leave you. She loves you, Armand. I know it,” she assured, donning her most confident tone. There was not room for an edge of doubt in this conversation.

[Miss Jack]

"I know she does..." he murmured, half to himself. But it might be the very reason why she would leave. 'You're better without me, see ya later', had Zizzy written all over it.

He returned the squeeze. Genn, the (self appointed) family shrink. "I'm glad we got to talk. Aside from miraculous births of mythological creatures, how's your life? I don't see Samantha and Marie over as much, though I'm not... as observant of our family as you."

[Princess Katie]

Genevieve knew her reassuring had not worked like she hoped it would, but hopefully it did something to ease her brother’s mind.

“The miraculous births of mythological creatures and an extensive collection of books—that is my life, dear Armand,” she said with a little smirk. “But no, I guess you’re right. I haven’t spent much time with Marie or Samantha lately. Maybe I’m subconsciously practicing for when I grow up and become a crazy cat lady. Or a crazy alligator lady. Something.”

[Miss Jack]

He laughed at the thought of an old Genn, holed up in a room with a family of pet alligators. It wasn't a wholly unbelievable picture, except for the old part.

"Hard to believe," he said. "I'll trade you, if you want."

[Princess Katie]

“I don’t know, I don’t think you’d make a good crazy alligator lady. Call it a hunch, if you will,” Genn stood and stretched. The rain had let up, and Chimera’s normal not-quite-sun daylight was starting to shine through.

“Besides. You have mom angry with you right now. I wouldn’t take that if I got a Prince Charming right from the pages of Perrault in return. Sorry.”