Kaleidoscope

Young school teacher, Elizabeth Castellaneta smiled as she looked at her sleeping identical twin daughters, one-year-old Charlotte Andrew Castellaneta and Jacqueline Elizabeth Castellaneta, sleeping in their cribs. She smiled brightly as Jackie rolled over and looked up at her.

“Good morning sweetheart; happy birthday honey. You and your sister are one-year-old today. Isn’t that exciting?” Elizabeth asked sweetly. Jackie just stared back at her with her big blue eyes she had inherited from her mother. Elizabeth smiled and rubbed her wavy blonde hair.

Today the Castellaneta family was going to a very special ceremony. Today the twins were going to find out what their elements were from the Grandmaster Dragon Titan Council. The head of the Titan Government. It is a very big day in a Titan’s life. Even if they didn’t remember it. It would basically shape them as a Titan for the rest of their lives.

Elizabeth spent the day getting the twins ready. She fed them breakfast, bathed them, cleaned and pressed their ceremony dresses, and got them dressed. Elizabeth let out a small groan as she looked at her watch. Her husband had taken their car to go to his college classes. He promised he would be on time for the twins’ ceremony.

“C’mon Drew” Elizabeth said nervously looking at her watch while holding both twins. “Oh, thank goodness” Elizabeth said relieved as she saw the car pull up and Andrew run inside.

“Elizabeth hey, I got dressed at the college. We can leave now; we do not want to be late for this thing. My parents would absolutely kill me” Andrew said as he walked inside. He ran a hand through his very long black hair.

“Oh, honey you look so handsome” Elizabeth said picking up the twins. “Here take Charlie” Elizabeth said handing him their eldest twin daughter.

“Happy Birthday sweetheart; you’re a year old today” Andrew cooed to his daughter. “You’re going to get your essence read. You’re going to have elements just like mommy and daddy. Then we’re going to come home and eat cake” Andrew said lightly tossing Charlie into the air making her giggle. “Today’s going to be a great day”

“You’re right” Elizabeth said smiling.

Andrew and Elizabeth arrived at the Grandmaster Dragon Titan Courthouse, which was home to the Titan Government. They were greeted by Andrew’s parents: grandmaster of nature Thomas Castellaneta and psychic grandmaster Sylvia ‘Sylvie’ D’Amore.

“Sylvie” Elizabeth said as she and Andrew walked over to them. “More people didn’t come? It’s the twins’ big day” Elizabeth said hurt.

Sylvie took the cigarette out she had been smoking and put it on the ground. “Elizabeth darling; don’t you know what it is?” Sylvie asked rubbing her off yellow high heel against the cigarette butt.

“Hmm?” Elizabeth asked.

“Sylvie rolled her eyes. “Honey, it’s the day Victorian Westerly died. Everyone’s at Our Lady St. Victorian Church mourning her death. We do it like every year?” Sylvie asked.

“That was today?!” Elizabeth asked shocked. “That’s why no one wanted to come to the twins’ birthday party. I tried to invite everyone in my mommy group. But they all said no” Elizabeth said realizing.

“C’mon now we have to get in there. They president doesn’t have all day. Let me have Charlotte” Thomas said as Andrew handed Charlie to him. Thomas smiled as Charlie started giggling wildly at him. He and Sylvie loved to admit they loved the twins more than their own son.

“Come to your Nonna little one” Sylvie said smiling as Elizabeth handed Jackie to her. “Let’s go get you and your sister your elements” Sylvie said as they walked into the courthouse.

“The rest of the council isn’t even here! I cannot believe I forgot about Victorian Westerly’s death!” Elizabeth said throwing up her hands as they stood in front of the empty council.

“You were busy with other things that day princess. Like being in labor for twenty-two hours” Thomas said.

“Let’s get started I don’t have all day now” The president of the Titan government, Grandmaster Dragon Zenzo Lombardi said as he walked into the courtroom from his chambers. The Grandmaster Dragon Council consisted of elected representatives of the eight known elements. President Lombardi, however, didn’t have one of the eight known elements. He had the powers to read essences and match one-year-old baby Titans with their elements.

“Now then” Lombardi said as he sat down on his throne. He picked up the twins’ paperwork. He put on his tiny seeing glasses to see better. “We are here for the elemental ceremony of Charlotte Andrew Castellaneta and Jacqueline Elizabeth Castellaneta. …Why is this child’s middle name Andrew? Lombardi asked looking at the twins’ parents.

“Well see” Elizabeth said looking down at her twiddling thumbs.

“It’s our family tradition to make the parents’ first name the child’s middle name” Andrew explained.

“We really didn’t want to think of another middle name” Elizabeth said sheepishly.

“Anyway” Lombardi said rolling his eyes. “I will now read the essences of Charlotte and Jacqueline” Lombardi said standing up and moving from behind his stand. “I will take Charlotte now” Lombardi said as Thomas handed her to him. Lombardi closed his eyes and began to focus. His eyes quickly snapped back open. He held Charlie away from him at arm’s length. “O-Oh my goodness” Lombardi whispered amazed.

“What is it? Can you not see it?’ Elizabeth asked concerned.

“This essence” Lombardi said looking at the bright-eyed baby. “I haven’t felt this essence for a very long time…not since…Victorian Westerly” Lombardi said looking up at the family.

“Excuse me?” Sylvie asked shocked.

“Please let me be absolutely sure” Lombardi said as he held Charlie close again. He closed his eyes and saw a white light. “Yes, I can see it clearly now. …The essence of the sun” Lombardi said finally speaking up and opening his eyes.

“The sun? But how is that possible?” Elizabeth asked shocked.

“Victorian Westerly has been dead for a hundred years now” Andrew said.

“The Solar Lunar essence has been roaming the earth ever since she died. It seems her essence has finally found a suitable host” Lombardi said handing Charlie back to Thomas.

“But that still doesn’t make any sense. Elder God Westerly had both the solar and lunar elements. If Charlie has the solar essence, where did the lunar essence go?” Andrew asked as Jackie was handed over to Lombardi.

Lombardi closed his eyes. He saw a beautiful woman’s face painted in the stars. He opened his eyes and held Jackie out at arm’s length. “Yes, I saw it here; the lunar essence is very much present. It seems the solar lunar essence has split and landed in Charlotte and Jacqueline. Victorian Westerly has been reincarnated in your girls” Lombardi said which shocked the family. “You have some very special children here. Take very good care of them and they will go far” Lombardi said handing Jackie back to her grandmother. He sat back down in his seat. “This ceremony is adjourned; rejoice for Charlotte and Jacqueline. Titans of the sun and moon. May they defend the Titan Government from all who attempt to harm her. Happy Birthday to Charlotte and Jacqueline” Lombardi said before he banged his gavel.

Lombardi walked back into his chambers after the Castellaneta family left. He sat down at his desk and saw the picture of Victorian Westerly on the corner of his desk. Victorian Westerly was the general of the Titan Army. She was young, only being nineteen when she died. But she was powerful; she was the only Titan in history to have two elements. She died defending Titan and humans from a large demon army. She is the most celebrated Titan in all of history. On the day of her death, Titans all over the world mourned her death. Titans thought the solar lunar essence was lost forever; but not anymore. Lombardi smiled. “And so, it begins” Lombardi said looking at Westerly’s crest above his door.

“Elizabeth!” Her mother, Grandmaster of wind, Magdalena ‘Maddie’ De Laurentis, said to her daughter as the others walked into Andrew and Elizabeth’s apartment. “Your father and I came to help with the twins’ party” Maddie said happily.

“There is no party mother. They’re all at the church for Victorian Westerly” Elizabeth said annoyed.

“The news is spreading like wild fire though” Maddie said smiling.

“What news?” Andrew asked.

“That Charlie and Jackie are the reincarnated Victorian Westerly! Titans all over the world have been waiting for this day!” Maddie said taking Charlie from Andrew and holding her up in the air.

“How did you know that?” Andrew asked.

“President Lombardi had it announced at the church. Everyone was so happy; it was amazing” Maddie said smiling. She noticed the sad look on her daughter’s face. “What’s wrong honey? This is a happy day”

“When I imagined the twins first birthday, I didn’t imagine this. No one even bothered to call and say they weren’t coming” Elizabeth said disappointed as she handed Jackie off to her father, earth grandmaster Valentino ‘Valentine’ de Laurentis. “I just wanted them to have a nice birthday. It’s their first birthday”

“Elizabeth it’s the day Victorian Westerly died. We would’ve been at the church too had it not been for the twins” Thomas said. Sylvie punched him in the arm. “Ow!” Thomas said grabbing his arm.

“Thomas, please these are your only grandchildren we’re talking about. Nothing should come before the twins, especially on their birthday. Victorian Westerly will always have a special place in my heart. But, the twins will always come first. I don’t care if I ever go to that church again” Sylvie said.

Valentine grunted in agreement.

“If no one else supports them, their family will” Thomas said taking Charlie from Maddie so she could walk into the kitchen.

Maddie bought out her homemade cake and put it on the dining room table. “And their Gram Maddie will always give them beautiful birthday cakes” Maddie said. She took the twins and balanced them on her hips. “C’mon twins; blow out your candles” Maddie encouraged.

“Mother please they’re only one” Elizabeth said. She let out a small gasp. The twins blew out the two candles on the cake. “How?” Elizabeth asked flabbergasted raising an eyebrow.

“Good job!” Maddie praised. “We’ve been practicing” Maddie said smiling. “Mwah! Mwah!” Maddie exclaimed kissing the twins on their cheeks. “Now who wants cake?”

“Why do we keep letting them into our apartment? I’m so exhausted” Andrew said tired later that night. He and Elizabeth watched the twins sleep in their crib.

“You know you were right about one thing” Elizabeth said.

“Hmm?” Andrew asked tiredly.

“Charlie and Jackie are even more special than we could have ever imagined” Elizabeth said gently running a finger across Jackie’s cheek. “Our daughters are Victorian Westerly reincarnated. They can’t even talk to us but they have more powers than we’ll ever have” Elizabeth said looking at her husband.

“Charlie and Jackie are going to be amazing; I just know it. They would be amazing with or without her powers” Andrew said smiling tiredly.

~15 YEARS LATER~

Sixteen-year-old Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Castellaneta and Jacqueline ‘Jackie’ Castellaneta were fast asleep in their beds. It was the week before school started. All the twins wanted to do was lie in their beds all day. Charlie let out a small groan as a slit of sunshine came through the curtains. She stood up and slowly walked over to the window. She pulled back the curtains and saw the sun peeking over the tall brick wall. The wall separated New York City from the rest of New York. Titans all over the world were separated from the humans. After the civil war, the humans wanted the Titans away so no one would get hurt. The humans gave the Titans their largest cities as long as they promised to never leave the wall.

“Hey Jackie” Charlie said quietly.

“Hmm?” Jackie asked tiredly from under her covers.

“What do you think is out there? Beyond the wall?” Charlie asked.

“A bunch of mean people who are better than us” Jackie said throwing her comforter off her. “The humans have gotten by all these years without Titan powers” Jackie said walking over to her sister. “They’ve got jobs, and activities…and friends” Jackie said standing next to her.

“And what have we got? This room? The couch? The video games? This damn wall?” Charlie asked frustrated.

“Some people say the humans are worthless. They probably know their worth more than most Titans” Jackie said with a scoff.

“Forget this I’m going back to bed” Charlie said violently closing the curtains.

“I heard that” Jackie said as they got back into their beds.

“Good morning twins!” Sylvie and Maddie said happily as they busted the door open and turned on the light.

“Good morning” The twins said with a groan.

“Oh, don’t be like that twins” Maddie said.

“Yea you can’t lie in these beds all day” Sylvie said. “It’s so beautiful out”

“How can you tell?” Charlie asked.

“Yea that wall covers everything up” Jackie said. “We don’t get a good look at the sun until noon” Jackie said putting her hands on her sides.

“Because I’m your grandmother and I know everything” Sylvie said smiling.

“You’re a psychic Sylvie” Charlie said.

“Yea you’re not a god” Jackie said.

Sylvie smiled as a purple aura wrapped around the twins’ necks and lifted them into the air. The twins grasped their necks as they were slowly suffocated.

“Sylvia please its first thing in the morning. At least let them eat before you try to kill them” Maddie said nonchalantly.

“You’re probably right” Sylvie said before she dropped the twins.

“AH!” The twins exclaimed as the twins hit the ground.

“She’s super homicidal though” Charlie said out of breath.

“C’mon twins I’ve made croissants with homemade chocolate sauce and ice cream for breakfast” Maddie said.

“That’s like a dessert” Charlie said.

“Yea mom said we’re not allowed to have desserts” Jackie said.

“Well I am the Gram and my daughter is the mommy. Grams and Nonnas play by a different set of rules” Maddie said giving Sylvie a high five.

“C’mon twins! It’s a week before school! We’ve got a pinning ceremony later!” Sylvie said happily.

“Can’t we just get them shipped to us in the mail? Charlie asked.

“Yea we get the same pins like every year” Jackie said.

“Twins listen to yourselves!” Maddie said whining.

“We are listening to ourselves” Charlie said.

“I think it’s you who’s not listening to us” Jackie said folding her arms across her chest.

“Whoa down girl” Maddie said stopping Sylvie from attacking the girls. “Girls you’re the Titans of the sun and moon” Maddie said.

“You’re the only Titans in the entire world who has these powers. One day you’re going to lead us into a new era. Doesn’t that sound exciting?” Sylvie asked.

“Yea totally” Charlie said sarcastically.

“If you like blood, puke and tears everywhere” Jackie mumbled looking away.

Because the solar lunar essence was so powerful, the twins still didn’t know how to access their powers. The most they could do was fly. It was another reason they felt so isolated in school.

“All right twins up and at em! Your breakfasts aren’t going to eat themselves!” Maddie exclaimed summoning up a huge wind.

“WHOA!” The twins exclaimed as the wind carried them downstairs. “Oof!” The twins exclaimed as they hit the floor in the living room.

“I don’t know who’s going to kill us first. Sylvie’s telekinesis or Maddie’s enthusiasm” Charlie said annoyed as she and Jackie looking up at the ceiling.

“As long as I get to pick which way I get to go I think I’ll be okay” Jackie said.

Later that day, the twins sat on stage in the Westerly Academy performing arts center. It was the opening ceremony the week before the first day of school. This year, the twins were going to be sophomores. At the opening ceremony, the students always sat with their elemental class: fire, water, wind, earth, metal, nature, lightning and psychic. The twins didn’t have an elemental class. They always sat on stage with their family. All the eyes on them made them made them nervous.

The students and faculty cheered loudly as Thomas took to the stage. He cleared his throat before he spoke into the mic on the podium.

“Good afternoon everyone; I would like to thank you all for coming on time to get your elemental brooch. As we all know, Charlotte and Jacqueline are always the first go get pinned” Thomas said. The twins smiled awkwardly as they were met by silence. This school was finished on the twins second birthday. They have the powers of the school’s namesake. They will always get pinned first” Thomas explained. “Come forward twins” Thomas said waving them over to him. The twins hesitantly stood up and walked over to their grandfather. Thomas smiled as he held up two little jewelry boxes; one burgundy and one navy. He opened them to reveal the sun and crescent brooches. Thomas had the brooches specially made because the twins were the only ones with the sun and moon elements. “You’re going to be a great Grandmaster Dragon one day. I don’t have a doubt in my mind” Thomas said pinning Charlie’s sun brooch on her shirt.

“Thank you Nonno” Charlie said sheepishly taking the burgundy box from him.

“You two are going to have an amazing school year” Thomas said pinning Jackie’s crescent brooch to her shirt.

“If you say so” Jackie said quietly rolling her eyes.

“Jacqueline!” Elizabeth whispered scolding her younger twin daughter. “Come sit down now” Elizabeth said through clenched teeth. The twins said nothing as they sat between their parents.

Thomas let out a small chuckle. “Next, I would like to announce the president of the elemental clubs. They will be getting their pins next” Thomas said.

“I wish I could be an elemental club president” Charlie said slouching her shoulders.

“Don’t worry honey it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. I mean look at me. I didn’t even finish high school and I’m doing great” Sylvie said.

“The twins are going to finish high school, mom. They have the solar lunar essence. A lot of people are going to look at them to lead” Elizabeth said.

“Yea they can’t just play their way through life like you did” Andrew said.

“Oh, don’t you try and scold me boy. I am your mother and you will respect me” Sylvie scolded wagging her finger. “I gave up that life to help you raise your pumpkin headed twins” Sylvie said.

“Pumpkin headed?” Charlie said offended as Jackie put her hands on her head to measure it.

“Oh, honey you know I love you and your big heads” Sylvie said smiling. “The girls are the same age I was when I left Italy. Then I shacked up with that guy over there” Sylvie said tilting her head towards her life partner. “Plus, that poker money put you through college. It also put clothes on the twins’ backs. I wouldn’t knock my poker playing too much son”

“We’re willing to learn how to play. We catch on to things quickly” Charlie said eagerly.

“Yea we wouldn’t be in front of people that don’t even like us” Jackie said pointing to the student body with her thumb.

“Oh honey” Elizabeth said tucking a stray piece of ice blonde hair behind Jackie’s ear. “You’re just a little misunderstood” Elizabeth said patting Jackie’s head.

“I don’t know why thought. It’s not that hard. I’m sixteen, I dye my hair red velvet because it’s my favorite kind of cupcake. I have horrendous social anxiety. Sometimes I wake up and I think it’s going to kill me. I have half of the essence of some military general lady! Powers that I don’t even know how to use! This is just my life!” Charlie exclaimed loudly. She looked up after her rant. She saw the entire student body looking at her. “Oh um” Charlie said quietly looking down to hide her blush.

“Way to go Charlotte” Jackie said annoyed as everyone started laughing at her sister. Charlie clenched her eyes shut in effort to black out the judgmental laughter.

“Come now let’s finish so everyone can get their brooches” Thomas said trying to calm down the crowd. After pinning each student, Thomas had one more announcement to make. “Now I want everyone to be on time for night. You will be meeting your teachers and getting your class schedules. Here’s to another year at Westerly Academy. Here’s to another year of Titan Brotherhood!” Thomas said happily which made everyone cheer.

“C’mon let’s go hang out before orientation tonight” A boy said to his friends after the ceremony

“Let’s go play a pickup game in the park” His friend said.

“Yea!” The first boy said before they flew away.

Charlie let out a sigh. She so desperately wanted that for her and Jackie. “Hmm?” Charlie looked over and saw a group of girls. She was unsure but still walked over to them.

“I have to get my skirt hemmed of Grandmaster D’Amore is going to have my ass” The first girl said to her friends.

“Let’s go to the mall; they have a seamstress shop just for uniforms” Another girl said.

“Jackie and I can come too” Charlie said quietly.

“You can’t just sneak up on people Charlotte. That’s just rude; I don’t care if you are the headmaster’s granddaughter” The first girl said upset. “What do you even want?”

“Oh” Charlie said pausing debating with herself. “It’s nothing important; you all have a nice day” Charlie said looking down.

“Whatever thanks for wasting our time, you freak” The girl said before she and her friends walked off.

Jackie walked over to her and put a hand on Charlie’s shoulder. “Don’t worry about that twin. I probably would’ve done the same thing”

“It’s just not fair” Charlie said with a stomp of her foot. “We never get invited to go anywhere. Making friends is just too hard. I don’t want to do it anymore” Charlie paused to bring her rose gold watch to her face. “Let’s go to the gas station and get some nachos”

“Sounds good to me. Then we can go home and watch T.V. like we always do” Jackie said which made Charlie smile.

“At least that never changes” Charlie said excited.

Later that evening, the twins smiled as they sat down on their couch. Everyone in the family had their own seat in the living room. The twins had a little yellow couch. Sylvie wanted to throw it out for something nicer. The twins loved their couch; they would never let her.

“7:05 Titan Basketball” Charlie said picking up the remote to turn on the T.V. “Looks like Brooklyn vs. Queens”

“Sweet” Jackie said as the twins propped her feet up.

“Get your feet off my table. You weren’t raised in a freaking barn” Sylvie said pushing Jackie’s feet off the table. “You can’t just put up wherever you want” Sylvie said as she sat down in her rocking chair.

“Nonna you won this table in a poker game” Charlie said.

“Yea so that makes it technically not yours” Jackie said.

“Hey!” Sylvie said loudly scaring the twins. “If they put it in the pot and I win that means it’s mine” Sylvie said. She pulled out her off yellow cigarette case from her bra. “You girls just don’t understand how much poker means to me” Sylvie said. “I bought my first car playing poker. I paid for my wedding dress playing poker”

“You aren’t married Sylvia” Jackie said. Charlie put her fingers to her mouth to suppress her giggle.

“We heard this story yesterday, Nonna” Charlie said annoyed rolling her eyes. “I don’t think a day goes by where we don’t hear this story. I don’t know why you have a wedding dress. It’s not like Nonno is going to marry you anytime soon. You have only been together since the beginning of time” Charlie said.

“Shut up, you two!” Sylvie exclaimed. “Damn twins going to drive my blood pressure up” Sylvie said mumbling as she put a cigarette in her mouth and lit it.

“Maybe if you didn’t smoke so many cigarettes your blood pressure wouldn’t be so high” Charlie said.

Sylvie used her telekinesis to pick up a throw pillow. Charlie let out a muffled scream as the pillow pressed against her face.

“Ah! Sylvie! Stop!” Charlie exclaimed muffled trying to pull the pillow off her face.

“She’s just worried about your health, you crazy bitch!” Jackie exclaimed. “AH!” Jackie exclaimed as a pillow was pressed against her face.

“Oh, how my sewing calms me so” Sylvie said smiling ignoring the twins muffled screams.

“Please don’t smother the twins Sylvia. We have plans today” Thomas said as he walked downstairs.

“Yes honey” Sylvie said disappointed as the pillow fell off the twins faces.

“Oh man” Charlie said out of breath. “I saw the white light” Charlie said heaving.

“You sure know how to pick em, Thomas” Jackie said out of breath.

“C’mon girls it’s time to go meet your teacher” Thomas said.

“Oh, c’mon the game just started” Charlie said whining.

“Can’t we just skip it like we did last year?” Charlie asked pleading.

“The only reason you didn’t go last year, is because you got each other sick. Because you spend so much time together. Besides, you have some documents that need your signature” Thomas said looking at himself in the mirror to adjust his eye patch. The twins let out groans and sank deeper into their couch.

“You better go and make sure your classes are correct, twins. You will not believe the things you old Nonno has mess up over the years” Sylvie said with a kind smile for her life partner.

“Can we not do this in front of the twins?” Thomas asked.

“You guys do ‘this’ in front of us all the time” Charlie said with air quotation.

“But can we not do this right now? I think three times in one day is enough. Just do us all a favor and put a ring on her finger. Like before she goes on a psychopathic rampage and kills us all! That’s the second time she’s tried to kill us this week” Jackie said as Charlie nodded her head.

“Oh, how I love those girls. They know me so well” Sylvie said putting a hand on her chest completely flattered. She hummed happily as she blew cigarette smoke into the air. “They’re such good listeners” Sylvie said putting her cigarette back in her mouth.

“Charlotte, Jacqueline, up. Now. We’re going to the school” Thomas said. They twins let out a groan as they stood up and walked outside. “We’ll be back later Syl; do you need anything while we’re out?” Thomas asked Sylvia.

“No honey I’m all right; I’ll be here if you need me” Sylvie said. She smiled proudly as Thomas kissed her on the temple.

“All right twins, here are your schedules” Thomas said handing the twins their schedules once they made it to the school.

“Spanish?” Jackie asked looking at her schedule.

“Why are we taking Spanish? We’re already bilingual. Nonna taught us Italian over the summer” Charlie asked putting her hand on her hips.

“Well now you can be trilingual. All students after freshman year have to take a foreign language” Thomas said as Andrew walked over.

“C’mon twins I’ll take you to meet your Spanish teacher. She’s a new teacher to our school system. Your mother and I made her a fruit basket” Andrew said holding up the wicker basket full of fresh fruit.

“Aww” The twins said disappointed.

“We’ve never gotten a fruit basket” Charlie said.

“And we’re your daughters” Jackie said.

“You don’t eat fruit twins; you’re just jealous someone else is getting a present. Come along twins” Andrew said before they started walking. “Here we are room 215” Andrew said as he opened the door. A beautiful Hispanic woman with jet black hair turned around and smiled widely.

“Oh, my goodness” She said smiling once she caught sight of Andrew.

“Oh crud” Andrew said quietly.

“Dad do you guys know each other?” Charlie asked looking at her father concerned.

“Um yes…girls…she’s my ex-girlfriend. She was the last girlfriend I had before I married your mother” Andrew said nervously straightening his tie.

“Oh crud” The twins said shocked.

“Ximena, I didn’t know you became a teacher” Andrew said as the woman walked over to them.

“Yes, I just transferred from Queens’ Ximena said smiling. “Andrew, you never told me your daughters were the infamous solar lunar twins” Ximena said turning her attention to the twins.

“Yes, these are my twins that I have…with my wife…who I love very much” Andrew said nervously pulling the twins close to him.

“Oof!” The twins exclaimed as they were squished against their father.

“This is Charlotte Andrew Castellaneta and Jacqueline Elizabeth Castellaneta” Andrew said putting a hand on Jackie’s head. “Girls, this is Ximena Gonzalez she’s a darkness master”

“A darkness master?” Charlie asked shocked.

“I don’t think we’ve ever met a darkness master before” Jackie said equally as shocked.

“That element isn’t even registered in our school system” Charlie said.

“Don’t worry I’m really nice” Ximena said with a small laugh. “I am honored to be in your presence girls” Ximena said putting a hand on her chest. “It’s not every day you get to meet the infamous Charlotte and Jacqueline Castellaneta. We’re going to have an amazing school year together. It’ll be just like old times huh Andrew?” Ximena asked smiling at Andrew.

“Uh yea sure” Andrew said uncomfortable rubbing the back of his head.

“Oh, there you all are” Elizabeth said as she walked into the classroom. “Did you give her the…fruit…basket?” Elizabeth asked trailing off as she noticed Ximena standing near her family. “Oh...hello Ximena” Elizabeth said firmly.

“Hello Elizabeth, I was just getting to know your lovely twins” Ximena said smiling.

“Well this is awkward” Jackie said.

“Yea our almost mommy talking to our mommy” Charlie said.

“Eww” The twins said disgusted with a shudder.

“I’m the new Spanish teacher” Ximena said smiling.

“Excuse me?” Elizabeth asked raising an eyebrow.

“I’m very excited to be teaching your daughters, Elizabeth. I think they’re going to be very smart just like you” Ximena said smiling.

“Will she ever stop smiling?” Charlie asked.

“You can’t possibly be that happy all the time” Jackie said shaking her head.

“Oh, but I am Jacqueline” Ximena said turning to look at Jackie. She then smiled fondly at the twins’ parents. “It’s always nice to reconnect with old friends”

“Well we wouldn’t know anything about that. We don’t have any old friends to reconnect with” Charlie said.

“Hell, we don’t know how to connect with new friends” Jackie said.

“Although my relationship with Andrew didn’t work out. I’m glad he has such beautiful twins” Ximena said.

“…This is weird” Charlie said raising an eyebrow.

“I don’t like this” Jackie said concerned.

“Agreed: c’mon twins I’ll give you your packets for history class” Elizabeth said taking the twins by their wrists and dragging them away.

“Bye Ms. Gonzalez” The twins said as they were drug into the hallway.

“Here’s all the paperwork for the twins. Make sure they bring it on the first day of school” Ximena said handing the twins’ paperwork to Andrew.

“Thank you, Ximena,” Andrew said with a nod. “I have to get going…back to my wife and all” Andrew said uncomfortable as he slowly crept backwards towards the door.

“All right then see you around” Ximena said as Andrew quickly walked out. She smiled a weird smile as she put a framed rave portrait on her desk. “Perfect everything is just perfect” Ximena said completely content.

Later that night, the twins looked at their mother concerned as she aggressively ate her dinner.

Charlie elbowed her sister. Jackie looked at her sister confused. Charlie nudged her head towards her mother.

“Oh right” Jackie said pushing her empty plate away from her. “Mom, is everything okay?” Jackie asked.

“Everything is fine Jacqueline” Elizabeth said annoyed.

“Are you sure? Because you’re eating like really, really fast” Charlie said.

“Charlie’s right you’re going to choke honey” Andrew said.

“And I be you would like that!” Elizabeth exclaimed slamming her fist against the table.

“Whoa” The twins said holding up their hands in defense.

“So, you can be with your precious Ximena!” Elizabeth said mocking him so she waved her spoon about. “I bet you want her to be the twins’ mother!”

“How would that work?” Charlie asked looking at her sister.

“I’m not sure, would we even be this version of Charlotte and Jacqueline Castellaneta? Would that be an example of some sort of alternate universe” Jackie said rubbing her chin.

“That’s not alternate universes work twins” Sylvie said.

“Plus, you’re already here; it’s impossible for her to be your mother” Maddie said smirking at her daughter. Elizabeth glared at her mother.

“I guess you’re right; we would also be half Mexican” Charlie said.

“True” Jackie said nodding her head.

“Girls please you’re upsetting your mother. And she isn’t Mexican she’s Columbian” Andrew said.

“Oh of course you would know that!” Elizabeth exclaimed.

“We dated Elizabeth!” Andrew said throwing up his hands frustrated.

“Please don’t feed into your mother’s delusions twins. She’s just a jealous little monkey” Maddie said which made Elizabeth glare at her. “I did her a favor and she’s still complaining to this day”

“What kind of favor?” Charlie asked.

“Sylvie and I made a little business deal back in the day” Maddie said trailing off.

“Oh no need to beat around the bush Magdalena” Sylvie said waving if off. “Girls, your grandma Maddie and I set your parents up”

“We betrothed them” Maddie added.

“What?!” The twins exclaimed shocked.

“Why would you do that?” Charlie asked.

“Sylvie did Valentine and I a huge favor. I wanted to pay her back in money. But all she wanted was for Elizabeth to marry Andrew” Maddie said.

“And we hated that ex of his. That girl couldn’t show up on time to save her life” Thomas said.

“And she didn’t even cook! My only child was going to starve to death! We absolutely had to break that off” Sylvie said.

“She was still my girlfriend!” Andrew exclaimed causing Elizabeth to glare at him. “I mean” Andrew said embarrassed rubbing the back of his head.

“I think it all worked out. I’ve got two beautiful granddaughters and I get to look at Elizabeth all day” Elizabeth smiled as Sylvie tilted her head up by her chin. “Not that old nasty Ximena. So now you know twins, you were written into existence. You’re welcome” Sylvie said completely content.

“Um thank you?” Jackie asked not really sure what to say.

Andrew rolled his eyes. “Look girls, I was dating Ximena. It was…weird to say the least. But then your Nonna told me I was going to be marrying your mother. I broke up with Ximena so I could be with your mother. Not only do I get to be married to the most amazing woman in the whole wide world” Andrew said pausing to put his hand on top of Elizabeth’s. Elizabeth smiled a relieved smile at her husband. “But without her I wouldn’t have my amazing pair of twins” Andrew said putting a hand on Charlie’s head. Andrew looked back at his wife. “Ximena doesn’t matter because you’re here and she’s not”

“I guess” Elizabeth grumbled. “So, you don’t want to be with her?” Elizabeth asked quietly looking down. Maddie shook her head at her daughter’s antics.

“Of course, not honey” Andrew said smiling. “Let’s not talk about this anymore. Mother, what’s on deck for dessert?” Andrew asked Maddie as he rubbed Elizabeth’s back to comfort her.

“Let me go get it; it’s chilling in the fridge” Maddie said standing p and walking into the kitchen. “Who wants cheesecake?” Maddie asked happily as she walked out of the kitchen. The cheesecake had Victorian Westerly’s sun and moon emblem made of icing. “I made this in celebration of our twins’ starting school” Maddie said fondly.

“That means you get the first slices twins” Thomas said.

“Oh, um thanks” Charlie said unsure.

“Yea we really appreciate it” Jackie said unsure.

The twins let out a sigh as they looked down at their cheesecake.

The next day, the twins smiled as they sat down on their iconic yellow couch. Charlie picked up the remote to turn on the T.V.

“School starts in two days. We gotta make the most of this vacation” Charlie said before they sunk deeper into their seats.

“AH” The twins exhaled.

“That’s the spot” Jackie said relaxed.

“Let’s never leave this couch” Charlie said content.

“Come along twins; it’s time to go” Maddie said as she walked downstairs.

“C’mon Gram” Charlie said annoyed.

“Yea we just sat down” Jackie said annoyed.

“I’m sorry babies but we’ve got to run some errands before you go back to school. Including making sure your uniforms fit properly” Maddie said pulling out her makeup compact to powder to her face. “Come along twins, the quicker we get this done, the quicker you can come back” Maddie said patting Jackie on the back as they all walked out.

Later the next evening, the twins stood in Maddie and Valentine’s room. They were having their school uniforms tailored perfectly. Maddie smiled as she put Charlie’s sun brooch on the left lapel of her blazer.

“Perfect!” Elizabeth said happily. The family cheered and applauded to show their support.

The twins looked at each other. Not everyone in the Castellaneta house was excited about the new school year.

Later at bedtime, the twins climbed into their beds.

“Do we have to go tomorrow? Let’s skip town” Jackie said scratching her forehead.

“We live behind a wall dude. Nonna would so catch us; she wouldn’t even have to try that hard” Charlie said.

“Way to burst my bubble Charlotte” Jackie said annoyed.

“One of us has to be the brains of this outfit. Goodnight Jacqueline” Charlie said.

“Night Charlotte” Jackie said.

Charlie crawled into her bed and looked up. She watched in confusion as a white wispy butterfly gently floated through the air. Just as quickly as it came, it vanished. “What the hell was that? Some sort of ghost butterfly?” Charlie asked herself completely confused. “Jackie did you see that?” Charlie asked her sister who was fast asleep. “I’m just losing it” Charlie said shaking her head. “I’m just stressed because of the stupid school year. I just need to rest” Charlie said; her mind made up. She pulled the blanket over her head; uncertain about tomorrow.