The Magic of the Full Moon

Chapter 8

Tyson helped his daughter up the steps and opened the door for her. He did not understand what she meant when Amelia said she knew what she needed to do, and it had him on edge. Amelia had only turned eighteen that day and had yet to finish high school. There was nothing she needed to do but be a high school senior.

"Hi, sweetheart," Olivia said as they entered the living room. "How's the ankle?"

"Sore but alright," Amelia answered. "Do you feel like talking for a few minutes?"

"Of course," Olivia said as she patted the sofa beside her for Amelia to sit while Tyson sat across from them. "After what happened today, I'm sure you have quite a bit on your mind."

"I do, but I think I have worked most of it out," Amelia said before taking a deep breath and continuing. "I was talking to Jules and realized I always knew what I did not want to do. I know that taking over Dark Moon is not something I will ever do, especially after what happened today. Until today, I never really thought about what I wanted to do, but now I think I know."

"That's fantastic," Tyson grinned.

"It is, but I'm torn. I need your help to do it, and I never wanted to use who I am to get anything. I don't feel like it's fair to do that," Amelia sighed.

"Amelia, asking for help is not the same as being given something because of who you are. I was going to poach your mother from Nick because of her skill. Her being my mate was the best surprise ever, but she works for Emery Technologies because of her skill, not because of who she is. We expect the same from all of you, " Tyson told his daughter.

Olivia took Amelia's hand and said, "Your dad's right. We will help if you need help as long as you do the work. You should know by now that you kids will never be given anything just because of who you are. You have to earn it."

Amelia nodded and readied herself before she spoke, "I want to focus on my art, at least for the next year. After a year, I will re-evaluate things and decide whether to continue with that or go to school and do something more corporate. Here is where I will need your help. I want to set up an art studio for not only myself but for Mom and Rose as well. We would each have our own space to work and be creative in the way that is best for us."

"I like that idea," Olivia said as she smiled at Tyson.

"Good, but there's more to my idea. I want to be able to give classes. Mom, I know people have asked about you teaching them photography, and Rose has been asked about digital creation. We could also do things just for adults, like those drink and draw nights or a girls' night where a group of friends get together and paint or take pictures. We can do family things for the parents and kids to do together, like rock painting. There are hundreds of projects and things that could be for just kids, too. And those are on top of people who truly want to learn how to master a specific art form," Amelia told them as her excitement grew.

Tyson looked at his daughter with misty eyes. Her birthday had always made him emotional and brought up memories he would rather forget. Today was no exception, especially after what her biological paternal grandparents had done. However, right now, he had never been so proud of her. Amelia's idea was brilliant, and even though it would benefit her, it would also help many others.

"I love the idea," Tyson told her. "Baby girl, I could not be more proud of you right now. You are asking for help, but what you are asking for will benefit everyone. I can see people wanting to have painting parties for kids and adults. I agree that you, your mom, and your cousin Rose all need studios other than a home office or part-time workspace at the Emery Technologies building. I also understand they chose that while the kids were small to make it easier. Now, you all need your own spaces if you want."

"You really like it?" Amelia asked.

"I really do," Tyson replied.

"I love it, and yes, I need a space to work now that the kids are older," Olivia grinned at Tyson. She hugged Amelia and told her, "We can have days where I take the adults out for a photography class while you teach the kids drawing or painting. Then the next time we can switch, I take the kids, and you take the adults."

Amelia giggled at how excited her mother was about her idea of an art center. She sighed as she hugged her mom back. Amelia was finally at ease for the first time in days, and it felt marvelous. She pulled away from her mother and began to laugh with excitement.

Tyson laughed joyfully at seeing how happy they were, "Lia, I want you to think about what you want your studio to look like."

"I already know! I want all of my studio and the painting studio for classes to be glass. All of it. The walls and ceiling are all glass. That way, we have unlimited natural light, and everyone can look outside for inspiration, no matter where they are in the room. Then, at night, we can watch the stars as we paint. Oooh! When the northern lights come down this far, we can paint them as we watch them around us."

"Yes!" Olivia cheered. "You had better save me a place in that class."

"Deal! I'll even save a spot for Dad, too," Amelia laughed.

"Absolutely, and I like the idea of it being all glass. I really do. I will call my architect first thing in the morning and run it by him. I want to confirm with Rose that she wants a studio in the art center. Then, in the next few days, if not sooner, I want to get all three of you to meet with him to get things started. How does that sound?"

"Prefect! Tell me what you need and when you need it, and I will make sure it's done," Amelia told him, trying not to squeal with excitement.

"Right now, the only thing you need to do is go upstairs and try to get some sleep. We can talk about all of this starting at breakfast tomorrow," Olivia told her.

"Thank you," Amelia said as she hugged her mom again. "Both of you. Thank you so much," Amelia said as she stood and hugged her dad.

"You're welcome, baby girl. But you don't have to thank us for this. It is a brilliant idea, and I have all the faith in the world that you will make it thrive," Tyson told her. "Now, go to bed."

Amelia nodded and ran out of the room, shouting for joy as she ran up the stairs. Tyson moved over to where Olivia was on the sofa, picked her up, and sat down to hold her on his lap. He kissed her softly as he smiled at her.

Olivia whispered to him, "We did good with her."

"Yes, we did. I am so proud of Lia. She not only wants to build a career for herself that she loves, but she wants to do it in a way that gives back to everyone around her."

"I think we should take our own advice and go to bed. I have the feeling that tomorrow will be full of excitement. I know your architect. He will want to get started tomorrow when you tell him about this project," Olivia told him before she took his hand and began to lead him to their bedroom.

-

Julian was nervous as he walked with his father, Kevin. Amelia was right. He needed to tell his dad about what was going on and knew his dad would understand. At least, he hoped that he did.

Kevin broke the silence when he sighed, "Jules, what's bothering you? Is it something with Lia?"

"No, it's not Lia," Julian stopped and looked at his father. "I need to tell you something, and I don't know how you will take it."

Kevin had stopped and turned to face his son. He pushed his arua out a little to surround Julian to help him stay calm, not knowing what was bothering him so much. He studied his son and smiled.

"Jules, you can tell me anything. You don't need to worry the way you are. What is it?"

"Can we sit down?"

"You're starting to worry me, Son," Kevin said as he led the way to the bench under the oak in their front yard. They sat down, and Kevin asked, "Should I be worried?"

"No. I don't think so. I just need to tell you something," Julian paused and looked at his father. For some reason, he was expecting to see anger on his face, and instead, he only saw concern. "Dad, I…I don't like girls." Julian paused to gauge his dad's response.

"And?" Kevin asked.

"Dad, I'm gay," Julian blurted out.

"Yeah. That's it?" Kevin asked, sounding confused. "The way you were acting, I thought I was going to have to help you hide a body or something."

"You're not mad or shocked by it?"

"Why would I be mad? You love who you love. As long as the other person is a consenting adult, it doesn't matter, does it?" Kevin chuckled as he continued, "As for shocked, no, I'm not. Son, I have known you were gay probably before you did. It makes no difference to me or your mother. As long as you and your mate are happy and good to each other, we'll be happy for you."

Julian sighed in relief and asked, "So, you won't be mad if I don't give you grandchildren?"

"Jules, if you haven't noticed, you are one of thirteen children, which is not normal. Most people are smart enough to stop before hitting double-digit numbers in the child count. I want all of you to live your lives for yourselves, not me and not your mom. I would love to have grandchildren to play with, but… if, for some reason, none of you have children, it will never change how much I love you. If you and your mate do want a child or children down the line, you can always hire a surrogate to carry the baby or adopt. If you never want children, that's OK, too."

"Thanks, Dad," Julian said with a single laugh. "I have been stressing about this for so long. Lia was right. I just needed to tell you and get it over with."

Kevin laughed, "See, that is why she is my favorite kid. She helps you out when you're conflicted, and you don't want to come to me. I'm glad you two are best friends. Have you told anyone else?"

"Nope. Lia has known for a while, and now you. That's it."

"Alright, it is up to you who knows and who doesn't. If you need me to tell anyone, I will. I might tell the family anyway, so when they try to set you up with someone, you might stand a chance of it being right."

Julian laughed, "I can live with that. I'm running out of ways to tell Aunt Elise I am not interested in the daughters of friends she keeps trying to set me up with."

"Let's get inside. By now, Katherine might have woken up and tied Bethany to a chair."

They were both laughing as they stood and walked to their home. Julian felt physically lighter now that his father knew his secret and everything had worked out. He had to thank Amelia tomorrow for her help. Her encouragement was the push he needed.