Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem



Elliot and Elijah both scrunched up their brows in worry.

Emmett felt a shiver of fear.

Evan was fuming, "Why should they take Elijah away? They don't even like him. Mom, don't worry, I've got this. I won't let them take Elijah. I'm going to chase them away right now!"

Elysia quickly grabbed Evan, "No way! Going out there would just blow your cover."

"I'll wear a mask."

"That's not going to cut it, either!"

What if the mask falls off? It's way too risky!

Elysia said, "Mom's going to handle this. Listen to me, I'm going to talk to them, and no matter what happens, none of you are stepping outside! Anyone who disobeys will really make mom mad. Like, really mad!"

Elliot was skeptical. With mom's... let's say 'unique' problem-solving skills, could she really come up with a good plan?

"Mom, at least give us a hint about your plan."

Before Elliot could finish, a loud, aggressive knocking sound came from the door.

Elysia frowned, "No time to explain now! Lock the door behind me, Emmett, keep working on your brother's disguise."

She then turned to Elijah, crouched to his level, "Don't be scared, Elijah. Mom will never hand you over to them!"

After planting a firm kiss on Elijah's forehead, she turned and left.

Make sure the kids lock the door!

She double-checked it to ensure it couldn't be opened from the outside before she could relax.

Cranking up the central heating to make the house cozy, she then hurried to the front door, "I'm coming, I'm coming."

Elysia opened the door, cautiously greeting Gideon, "Hello there."

She appeared completely non-threatening, almost timid and scared.

Gideon nodded, "Where's Elijah?"

"We were out shopping this morning, and Elijah was so worn out, he just went to sleep. Why don't you come in and sit for a spell, and I'll wake him in a bit."novelbin

Gideon eyed Elysia suspiciously for a few seconds before entering, leaning on his cane.

Considering Elijah's mental health, Gideon wasn't planning on starting with violence.

If persuasion worked, great. If not, they'd resort to force.

As Gideon stepped in, a whole entourage followed, filling the modest living space, making it feel as cramped and stuffy as a packed subway car during rush hour.

Ulysses, clearly disgusted by the small, humble abode, said, "Sir, while Elijah's asleep, we might as well just take him and skip the pleasantries!" Elysia replied, "If you try to move him, he'll wake up. He's got anxiety about strangers; seeing you all will only trigger him. It's really not safe for Elijah.' Ulysses scowled, "Our sir his kin, how can he be a stranger! He's much closer to Elijah than some outsider like you!"

Elysia mentally rolled her eyes. Close, my foot!

But to buy more time, she patiently explained, "Elijah hasn't been around you much. He'll still be nervous and agitated."

Gideon interjected, "What are you suggesting?"

Elysia said, "I know you're Elijah's kin, and I believe you want what's best for him since you're family. Family is all about love and care, not harm. Anyone who thinks otherwise is bound to face karma, like being struck by lightning or meeting an untimely end."

The Bradfords: "..." Their faces soured faster than milk left out in the sun.

Who was she implicating?!