"So the prodigal son returns home," Slick greeted.
"Actually, the prodigal son moved away from something good, to go somewhere bad, and ended up begiing to go back home," Whip pointed out. "I think having my own room at boarding school is much better than having to share a room in this madhouse. I don't think I'd beg to return here. I don't think you would either."
His older brother snorted, but Whip knew he was right. Slick was another victim of their mother's soap opera names thing. As the oldest boy, Slick was under the most pressure from their mother to set an example and get into college under a scholarship (or at least pay his own way, because she sure as hell wouldn't part with a cent). He had gone through a number of part time jobs over the years, and Whip wondered where he was working these days.
Whip was home for the summer, and he honestly didn't know whether he was looking forward to these next few weeks or dreading it. But ultimately, Whip felt that as Annika didn't plan on going home - ever - that it was up to him to keep an eye out for any siblings (or nieces or nephews) that might turn out to be mutant (or alien). As Annika had rescued him, he would return the favour to anyone who needed it.
**********
That evening, they all gathered around the table. Food was snatched up like it was going out of fashion. It was only because Whip had returned that they were actually eating together for once. Mother had nearly embarrassed him with praise because of the scholarship he had 'earned', and was using him as an example to his brothers.
On reflection, he supposed this may contribute to Slick's antipathy towards him.
Around the table there was general chatter. Babies being fed, including the latest, Olivia's first child, a baby girl just three months old.
"So, Whip," said their mother loudly, "what's school like?"
"Well," Whip said, knowing all eyes were on him, although he addressed his reply to Mom, "The teachers are all really cool, except the deputy principal, but no one likes the deputy principal in any school, huh? The classes are good. And they have an extensive... uh... fitness program that really fun."
He was sure that everyone would be amused at the Danger room sessions being referred to as a fitness program.
"And I get to have my own room, except that I might have to share it if they get in more students than they have room for. Some of the students share, but I don't have to yet. So that's been great," Whip paused, and decided he should mention a few negative (not that there were many, "Of course, it means that you can't get away with not doing your homework, because the teachers know where you live. And we have a duty roster for the kitchen and cleaning, and stuff, so misdemeanors tend to get extra chores rather than detention."
"I hope you're not abusing your scholarship and doing anything to warrant such discipline. Wouldn't want your scholarship revoked," she frowned.
"There's no danger of that."
"There'd better not be."
Silence.
"Well, I'm glad you've been having a good time at your new school," Mildred said. "I have some good news too."
A smug look crossed their mother's face, and there was a little chatter. Probably announcing her latest pregnancy.
"I'm getting married."
Silence.
"You're what?" Ms Cade exploded.
"I'm getting married," Mildred repeated.
Loud chatter.
"What do you mean, you're getting married?"
"Just that, Mom," Mildred replied. "I'm getting married. Oh, he's the nicest man in the world, he really is - "
"Nice does not put food on the table, or money in your pocket."
"I... I know... But he's just finish college, and he's going to practice in his father's firm, Tomalson and Sons."
Ms Cade eyed her suspiciously.
"So... you're marrying, what? A lawyer?"
Mildred nodded.
"And into a rich family?"
Mildred nodded again.
"Hmph. Well, milk it for all it's worth then. Worse case, I suppose you can always divorce him and get half his assets. Just don't let him talk you into signing a prenup. Interferring things."
Mildred nodded, and the room fell into more chatter.
Whip caught Mildred's eyes and smiled. She smiled back. Whip had a sneaking suspicion that there was no scheming where Mildred's heart lay.
"What about the kids?" Olivia asked, wide-eyed.
"James is fine with them."
"Is he really?" their mother drawled. "Novel."
It was well known that she never told any of her men about her children if she could avoid it.
"Yes, he thinks I've been hard done by in the past."
"Hmph. I say marry him before he spends too much time with them."
Mildred nodded.
"Or you could just forget the whole marriage idea, and just have his child and hit him up for child support," their mother raised her eyebrows.
"So," Whip cut in, "he give you a ring?"
Whip was not the slightest bit interested in jewellery, but he recognised a cue for rescuing when he saw one.
"Yes!" Mildred replied, and pulled a box out of her pocket.
She opened it up to show everyone. Their mother peered at it and gave a grunt, but one of grudging respect.
**********
That evening, Whip joined Mildred in the backyard - she was busy picking up strewn toys and putting them away.
"Hey," he said, "never got a chance to say congratulations. So: Congratulations!"
Mildred grinned.
"Thanks Whip," she replied. "At least someone's happy for me."
"I'm sure Annika will be too, when she finds out."
A cloud seemed to cross her face.
"How is Annika?"
"She's good," Whip replied, considered for a moment, then continued: "she's running a business now."
Mildred looked at him.
"A... a business?"
"Yeah. Her friend Julie programs computer games. Annika organisied merchandising and looks after the books and everything."
She stared, then started to laugh.
"I should have known that there was more to it when she conned mother into letting her do a business course. And here I was thinking..."
"She was just a baby making machine?"
"I bet you were thinking the same about me?" Mildred said ruefully.
"You do have three kids."
"I suppose. I guess for awhile there I was willing to follow in Mom's footsteps, but then I met James... and it changed everything. He really is the most wonderful person in the world."
"Aww, I thought that was me."
"Dork," Mildred teased.
Whip laughed.
"Olivia's the one I'm worried about. She's very..."
"Naive?"
"I was going to say blind, but naive works too. And she's so ditzy I'm afraid for her, really. I'm sure she's going to get herself in a bad stiuation one day, and I'm not just talking about the one she's currently in."
"Mmm. Yes like baby making machine isn't bad enough," Whip decided a change of subject was in order, "but hey, still happy for you and James."
"Thanks," Mildred paused. "Say... don't tell Mom but... I already signed a prenup."
"You did?"
Mildred nodded.
"I... I kinda told him the truth about... about my family."
"Ahh."
"And well... I guess he doesn't want what Mom suggested I do - divorce him and take half his assests, just because..." Mildred shrugged. "But it's fine by me. I love him so much, and I really want to make this work."
"Well, that's good," Whip nodded.
A part of him wanted to return her confidence and tell her about his mutantcy, but he just couldn't bring himself to do it for some reason.
"Thanks, Whip. You always were a great kid. I'm glad you got to get away from here. And I'm glad Annika did too. But we'd better keep that to ourselves, huh?"
Whip chuckled.
"Imagine Mom's face if she ever found out."
Mildred laughed.
"I almost want to tell her. Almost."