No Such Thing

Learning to Relax, Finally!

Cayden watched the chaos ensue. Normally just having his brothers and sister at the dinner table was enough. Now he had his mother’s entire family around the table. His grandfather had staff but they did not join them for dinner. They were assigned rooms and dining areas away from the main family. He’s guessing this is how they did it where they were from, they each understood it and knew where they were supposed to be. He noticed his mom called in temps to help around the house while the Van Helsings were in town, since they were staying at the manor instead of town. He wondered how long they would be there. Cayden was eating his meal, watching the ‘show’ and hoping he would die soon when he felt his phone buzz in his pocket. Knowing how much his mother hated phones at the table he had hoped she wouldn’t be paying attention to him as he pulled it from his pocket, trying hard to keep it low under the table.

‘Headed to the mall. Hope to see you there.XOXO.’ A smile crept across his face. He stood and walked around to his mother. Normally he would ask while seated but he knew she wouldn’t hear him now. “Mom?” He whispered in her ear. “I told the guys I’d meet them at the mall. I gotta head out, ok?”

She smiled and looked up at him. ‘Who is driving?’ She asked in mind speak. He looked at her questioningly. “Oh, I’m sorry dear. I’ve been speaking to your bunica, it is how she prefers to speak with me. I didn’t mean to freak you out.” She told him. “It’s ok, it's just been a while since you’ve done that. Caught me off guard. I like it.” He smiled at her. “Chris is driving. He’s outside waiting on me.” She smiled at him. “I’m glad you made friends. It’s a school night. Home by 10 please.”

“Mall is only open until 9. Only a few hours to go, I better go.” He nodded to his father and left.

Leaning to Nora, “Where is he headed?” He asked. “He made friends. Going to the mall.” She smiled with pride. She thought he would be her problem child with the move. Especially with the break up just a few days ago. He nodded as their attention went back to their company.

Cayden grabbed his jacket and ran out the door to the waiting car in the driveway. “Hey man.” He said when he crawled into the back.

“Hey!” replied Chris. “I’ve never been this close to this place. It’s huge!” Chris said as he looked out the window and tried to take the entire place into his mind. “Me either.” Mac added with his mouth dropped open. “Got a lot of people over or does all these cars belong here?” Chris asked, looking around as he slowly pulled forward. “My mom’s family is here out of town. Just showed up today.” He told them. Trying not to share too much information. “Hey that’s cool!” Mac said. “Where are they from?”

“Romania.” Cayden replied calmly, like it was nothing. “Awesome! I have some family from that area.” Said Chris. Not certain which side of the family. But my folks go back once every couple of years to visit. Jack and I haven’t been. They leave us home.” Chris sounded disappointed. Chris turned right out of the driveway and headed to the mall. Sitting in the backseat listening to his friends go back and forth trying to argue who is the best Avenger. They’d asked Cayden, but he didn’t have a dog in that fight. He knew he would hurt their feelings if he had said Antman or something like that so he just laughed at them. He watched the tree line buzz past as they went down the road. He noticed a few homes burrowed in the back with their lights on. In the distance, he could see the town creep up on them. The mall was located on the far side of town away from the older homes. One thing the citizens made sure of during future development and planning meetings was to make additions away from the historical side. Meaning, outside of town. All of Landsend Port is historical. For those that knew the truth. But, going out of town towards the interstate, that side was yet to be developed and in order to keep the residents close to home and out of trouble, they found it necessary to seek outside companies to build close. The citizens knew it had to be done. But, they only agreed if they were to stick to outside town and away from outsiders if someone from the surrounding towns felt like the mall or one of the hometown shops would have something they needed. Landsend was known for a few things that could not be found anywhere else in the area. There was the obvious Occult shop. Some handmade soaps and balms/salts for healing. Landsend had its own Arathocapy store. Most towns had theirs, but there was something special about Tia’s Arathocapy. They actually worked. Tia’s great granddaughter runs the place now. She makes sure to label her wares with a warning and these products are novelty, etc. But, for those in town. They know better.

Pulling into the mall parking lot, they all filed out of the car knowing they only had a little more than an hour to hang out with their friends. Cayden wanted to find Natasia. They headed in and went straight for the food court. This is the first time Cayden had been to the mall so he followed his friends. Surprising to see how busy the place was. How many kids from school were here on a school night. They grabbed a drink from the slushy stall and found a table to park. “So what are we doing?” Cayden looked at his friends for guidance. “Just sitting.” Said Chris. “Yeah, we just mostly people watch. Wave at people we know. Mess around a bit. But, at least we’re not at home!’ Mac added. “Cool.” Cayden could get down with that. He actually hated socialising. They chatted a bit. Laughed at each other and watched others pass them by. It seems his friends had the best table in the court. Almost like they knew this seat was the best to stay out of the way yet see, everything! Cayden didn’t know if he would notice Natasia through the mess of people that were there. She had mentioned she was going to the mall with some of her friends too. He kept his eyes on the crowd the best he could. They went through a few baskets of fries and several sodas. Deep in conversation over what was better in a fight against a rabid racoon when the boys were approached by 3 females. Cayden caught her scent and looked up immediately to Natasia. He stood instantly. “Hi.” He choked out. She giggled. “Hi.” she smiled. “Hey Chris, Mac!” She smiled and the other two. “Hey Nat!” Chris got up and bent to give the small girl a squeeze. “Nat.” Mac replied, staying seated. “Rude much?” One of Natasia’s friends said, looking at Mac.

“Shut up, Marie. What are you doing out here anyway? Thought dad grounded you.”

“C’mon Mac. Don’t be that way to your sister. She’s too sweet.” Chris scolded his friend as he smiled at Marie. Her face flushed and she smiled back at him. “Uh, no bro. Not my sis you don’t.” Mac looked at Chris. They all laughed. “Chill bro. You’d be lucky to have Chris as part of your family.” Joked Cayden. “You ain’t funny, man. Seriously.” Mac looked at Cayden. “Not even a little.” They all giggled at Mac, making him laugh at himself.

“Hi Cayden.” A small voice comes from the back of the group. “Hi Chris, Mac.” Breaking up the laughter, they all look at the small girl that walked up with Marie and Natasia. “Hi?” Cayden looks at her, something about her looks familiar but he just can’t place her. Then it hits him. “Oh my God, Tish!” She nods her head and he pulls her in for a hug. “Tish! Wow, how are you? I didn’t think I would see any of the kids from our old school again. When, why are you here?” He hugged her again, the rest of the kids just staring at them. “Tish is my cousin.” Mac said. “She is staying with us this year.”

“Oh, Tish. I’m sorry. I forgot about your parents. I’m so sorry.” Cayden hugged her again. “It’s ok, Cay. Seriously. Gran couldn’t keep us anymore. My mom’s sister and her family took us in. Mac and Marie’s parents. Not sure for how long, but for now we’re settled.” “Forever!” Marie said and squeezed her cousin.

“Hey! That’s great! So glad to see you.” Cayden said again.

“Glad to know you all know each other.” Natasia laughed. “When we grabbed her on the way out the door, Marie promised she wouldn’t be uncomfortable. Awesome.” Cayden walked to Natasia and held her small hand in his. “Hi.” He said again, less choked. And smiled at her. “Hi.” She said in a whisper. He kissed her cheek. “Oh! It’s like that, broh!” Mac hooted from the table. They all laughed. Cayden blushed. He looked at Natasia and hers was just as red. “Let’s walk guys. We gotta head out in 30.” They all stood and started behind Natasia and Cayden, who were holding hands. Chris and Mac dropped Cayden at his door and crept out of the driveway. The manor was especially spooky with the moon in the background. They didn’t feel like fighting zombies so they slipped quietly out of the driveway and down the road. How monsters could be scared of monsters, Cayden couldn’t understand. But he guesses being a teenager is the same with any family background. He headed up the steps and slipped quietly into the house.