Seven of Diamonds

Chapters

Taking a Chance
Sometimes Lightning Does Strike Twice
A Sunset Settles on the Horizon
A Trip Down Memory Lane
Saying Goodbye
Scars
Final Destination
Passion beneath the full moon

Taking a Chance

He stretched under the covers, the blanket doing little to keep out the cool winter air. As he shifted his legs around he noticed the one big difference: his wife wasn't sleeping beside him. He got up, wearing nothing but a pair of boxers and a t-shirt to find his wife of nearly two years, Trixie Lulamoon, making some coffee and pancakes for the two of them, her hair an complete mess.

"Morning, love bear." he said

"Morning, Anon." she smiled, love dripping from her words

Anon walked up behind Trixie, putting his arms around her waist and giving her a nice big kiss. It was nearly time for work. He worked long hours at a steel mill while she worked part time as a magician for kids, doing lots of small time gigs then being a barista at night. They both were quite poor, barely being able to afford the mobile home they occupied. But they were far from miserable. Money couldn't always grant happiness, but Trixie sure could. It was a hard life but neither of them resented it for a second. They both had each other and that was more valuable than all the silk sheets and fancy cars put together.

After downing the rest of her coffee, Trixie walks into the shower and strips down, "forgetting" to close the door and doing a little butt shake. She had such a nice ass. As she finishes in the shower, the door still open so he could have a nice, full view of that amazing body, he started to get ready. He laced up his long, steel toed boots, some heavy jeans, and a ratty green button up shirt. Trixie plops right beside him, not bothering to cover an inch of her naked form.

"My, my don't you look handsome?" she said provoctively

Anon giggles, tenderly squeezing her small breasts.

"My handsomeness could never compare to the pure work of art in front of me."

"You are such a tease you know that?"

The two hug each other tight

"I love you, doll."

"I love you, too."

The clock was ticking. What her wouldn't give to spend just a few more minutes with her. Just to take a day off for once. He stood up.

"I'll see you tonight babe. Stay beautiful ok?"

She winks, starting to tie her hair in a ponytail.

"I'll do my best. No promises"

Anon opened the door of his tiny little abode, the freezing winter air hitting him like a freight train. The only light came from the street lamp just outside the trailer park. He had to get up before the crack of dawn every morning just to make it to work. The cold was so intense it felt like your very bones might freeze. He pulled some gloves out of a satchel at his waist. Not that they would help much, they never did. But it was certainly better than nothing at all.

He walked to the train station, payed the fare and got on the train. Finally warm for once. He reached in his satchel once more, pulling out his wallet. Inside was a picture of him and Trixie on their wedding day. She looked so amazing in the wedding dress. He could stare at that picture for hours and often did. Trixie was the only thing getting him through some days. If not for her, this life would be nearly unbearable. But with her, Anon could do anything. There was no weight to heavy to bare so long as he had her. After about an hour on the train, his eyes not drifting from the photo for even a moment, he got off at his stop. Another day, another tonne of steel. He clocked in and prepared for yet another long, grueling day at work.

Meanwhile, Trixie was still completing her morning routine. She put a lot of time and effort into her looks and it showed. Her makeup was done perfectly, hiding any and all blemishes while also enhancing her already beautiful face. Her hair was perfect, not a knot or split end to be seen. The only thing left was to put on her magician uniform. It wasn't the most flattering attire in the world, looking like something straight out of the 70s, but in truth she didn't mind it. She loved preforming for the kids.

Trixie walked to the very same train station, taking a train in the opposite direction from her beloved. She pulled out the heart shaped locket attached to her belt, made of pure gold. She never left the house without it. Anon had sold his pride and joy, his motor bike, to buy it for her as an engagement gift. On the outside of the locket the letters "T+A" were engraved and on the inside a picture of the two of them during the wedding day.

Trixie clicked open the locket, staring at the picture inside. He was so dashing in the suit. She could see his muscles practically ripping the fabric of the suit. She always loved the feeling of being in his arms, like she was perfectly and completely safe within their rock solid embrace. Even an entire two years into their marriage, she loved him as much as the first day they met. Her mom always said it was mistake, don't marry someone so poor, she said. But she didn't regret if for a second.

Trixie got off at her stop, putting the locket back on her belt. Today she was going to a library for her routine. If no schools were in need of her service, she'd often go here. A thick mist hung around the town, it's cold air seeming to just be stuck in one place. She hated winters here, they were absolutely unforgiving. Her magician outfit wasn't exactly a coat either. She quickly made her way to the library and started to set up all the smoke and mirrors.

From inside the warm library the scene looked so tranquil. Hardly a soul was on the street and the mist just hung there, almost not moving. It almost looked like something you'd see in a horror movie. As she watched out the window, the kids started to roll in. It was for the local orphanage this time. As the kids took their seats, Trixie got her act on.

"Welcome to the Great and Powerful Trixie's Misty Madness Magic Movement!" she said, doing a twirl and a curtsy

She was rather proud of herself for coming up with that name on the spot.

"For my first trick, I need a volunteer from the audience!"

All the kids' hands shoot up and Trixie pointed to a cute little bacon haired girl from the bunch.

"You there, in the back, come to the stage!"

The little girl giggles and walks up to the stage

"And what is your name little one?"

The little girl put her head down, clearly too shy to speak. Trixie opted just to start the trick rather than pushing her out of her comfort zone. She pulled out a deck of cards. She absolutely loved this trick. It blew their little minds.

"Alright sweetheart." she said "pick a card, any card."

The girl did so, pulling a card straight from the middle.

"Now show the audience what your drew."

The girl showed a seven on diamonds to the audience.

"Now, watch an be amazed as The Great and Powerful Trixie, pulls the same card from the deck-"

Trixie put a scarlet blindfold around her face

"Blindfolded!"

The crowd gasped in amazement. She was playing them like a fiddle.

"Alla kazama, alla kazu!"

Trixie pulls a card from the deck and just like that a seven of diamonds. The crowd of little orphan kids clapped and cheered and Trixie pulled her blind fold off. The little girl looked absolutely mesmerized, like she had just seen Jesus ascend to heaven. The girl gives the card back and Trixie continues her act to completion. As she was packing up, she felt a little pull on her skirt. It was the same little girl.

"How many I help you sweetie?"

"Miss Trixie?" she asked

Her voice was a little raspy, as if she didn't use it often

"Yes, honey?"

"Is magic real?"

"Of course it is."

Once again she gave the most heart melting smile one could ever see.

"Can I be a magician someday!? I want to be just like you!"

"Of course you can. What's your name?"

"Sunset. Sunset Shimmer."

Trixie pulled on her business card and the playing card

"I know it seems like a long time, but when you're 17 and if you're still interested, give me a call. I'd be happy to teach you everything I know."

Sunset frowned

"Seventeen!? But that's like a million years from now!"

She could help but smile. Little kids were the greatest.

"I know it seems like a long time. But magic is a very dangerous art. You have to be a certain age not to hurt yourself."

"Ok. You promise you'll still be around?"

"Of course I will."

Sunset ran back to her group and Trixie began to prepare for her next show, a feeling of absolute love and passion coursing through her veins.

At the steel mill, Anon was having much less fun a time. Today he was manning the molten metal, pressing one button to pour it in and then pressing it again to stop the flow. And that's all he would do for eight hours. Press once. Press again. Press once. Press again. And the mill was so loud, having conversations with someone was all but impossible. But he made it through all eight hours and took the train ride back home. Time to go home and see the love of his life.

As Anon got off at his stop he saw a gas station down the way. What he wouldn't give for a can of cheap, room temperature beer right now. And after such a long and boring day, he'd earned it. Trixie would probably appreciate some as well. He walked inside, grabbed a six pack and out of the corner of his eye, saw a lottery ticket.

No Anon, no. he said to himself. You have a higher change of being struck by lightning than winning the lottery

But he just couldn't resist. And it was only two dollars more. What would be the harm? He may just be lucky enough to get struck by lightning. And a billion dollar lightning strike wouldn't be too bad right about now. After buying himself both the beer and the lottery tickets, he made his way home, finding Trixie to already be there.

"Hey, beautiful."

Trixie grins

"Hey boo."

"How was your day?"

"Exhausting as usual. You?"

"Boring as all hell."

Anon places the six pack on the table

"I thought we've earned ourselves a little r and r."

Trixie laughs

"You know I don't like beer. But I'm so desperate for a buzz I'd drink sludge if it meant I could let loose a bit."

"Then let's have a toast."

He cracks open one of the cans

"To your valor, my sword, and our victory together!" he said

They both drink at the same time

"Long may the sun shine." Trixie responded

The two of them finish off the six pack throughout the night, getting exceptionally tipsy. After which, of course, the only proper next step was to have sloppy drunk sex before finally going to sleep.

Shit. Twelve o'clock. He was massively late. Did the alarm not go off for Trixie either? He turned over in bed to find a note.

Hi honey love. I didn't want to wake you because you were having such a good sleep. You have been so stressed out lately and figured you needed a day off. I called in to your work so don't worry. I'll be pulling an extra shift to make up for it. You just take it easy. -Trixie

Anon couldn't help but get teary eyed. She really was the best wife a guy could ask for. He got up, his head pounding like an Indian drum. Poor Trixie was probably just as hung over. He had to make it up to her somehow. From across the room he could see the lotto ticket. He had almost completely forgot about it. They were going to call out the numbers today, so might as well check. After scratching off the lottery ticket, he flipped on the crappy little TV, turning it to the right channel. A hot girl in a skimpy dress began to turn the the wheel full of ceramic balls with numbers. The winning lottery number read 1, 14, 17, 21, 22, 35.

His jaw dropped to the floor. He couldn't believe it. Those were the very same numbers on his lotto number. He just made over a billion dollars.

Sometimes Lightning Does Strike Twice

Fighting through his hangover, Anon got himself dressed and got himself a ticket to the collections station. He was so happy he was speechless. No more eating shit food. No more living paycheck to paycheck. No more living in a trailer! He busted through the door as if he had just been just granted invincibility and, all things considered, he had been.

Things were not going so well for Trixie however. As she entered the library again it began to pour rain, which wasn't too bad in and of itself, however the kids were another story. One of them took their shoe off and tossed it at her during the middle of her card trick, causing the cards to fly everywhere. Then another kid went and punched her right in the leg giving her a big ole shiner on her thigh. All of them were being loud and rambunctious which was an absolute nightmare on her hangover head ache. It was like there was two mallets hitting her over and over again between her ears.

After the shows were done, she had to go outside, again, in the pouring rain to get to her barista gig. It soaked her outfit completely through. Just as she began to get close to her next place of work, a car drove too close to the curb, splashing a puddle all over her. But it was fine. At least she had her barista clothes to change into. Except she didn't. The bag with her change of clothes was also now completely soaking wet.

Once inside, she put on her sopping wet barista uniform. But this day wasn't about to give her a break. Someone on her shift had quit leaving her alone in rush hour, meaning she not only had to take orders but make them as well. It was a grueling five hours of work. Or at least should've been, had it not been for her replacement showing up over thirty minutes late. But the shift did finally end, Trixie exiting the glass double doors with her head hanging low. She reached into her belt for her salvation, the locket. At least something was going right today. Just the mere act of touching it put her mind at ease.

Trixie entered the mobile home, looking worse than ever. It was all the more surprising to her that Anon sat there, with a huge smug grin on his face. It quickly faded when he saw the state of her.

"Oh sweetie." he said sympathetically "You look like you've been through the ringer."

Trixie starts to wring the water from her hair

"You don't need to tell me twice. I had the worst day ever today."

Anon smiles, barely able to contain his excitement

"What's got you so chipper?"

He walked up and hugged her tight

"What if I told you I got something that will make up for that entire day?"

Trixie scoffs

"What a limo?"

"Well, we could have one if you want."

From his wallet Anon pulled out a check for 1.2 billion US dollars. Trixie sat there completely motionless, half expecting this to be some sort of joke.

"I... I don't understand... how did..."

"When I was on my way home I bought a lotto ticket along with those beers. Turned out to be my lucky day. Or should I say our lucky day."

Trixie's eyes filled with tears and she hugged him tighter than any time she'd ever hugged him before.

"This isn't a dream right? You're not pulling my leg?"

"No way." he assured her "It's as real as real can be. I've already been in contact with some financial advisers. We're going to make this last until the day we die. We're never going to sleep in the cold again."

Trixie could barely speak through her sobbing

"We really did it." she stuttered "We made it. No more walking in the rain, no more working two jobs, no more dingy old trailer. We really made it."

"That we did. What do you say we celebrate?"

She brushed the tears off her puffy face

"What do you have in mind?"

"Oh nothing major..."

Anon held up two tickets to Beauty and the Beast. The same musical that brought their lives together. Trixie practically smothered him in kisses.

"You are the best man a girl could ever ask for."

"Now go get yourself dolled up in your wedding dress, I'll put on my suit and tie. The show is in three hours. I called us a limo just for the occasion."

Trixie nodded, not saying another word and jumped into the shower as Anon put his suit on. He'd grown a bit pudgier since the wedding. His gut pulled taught on the fabric but, thankfully, managed not to rip it. Trixie called out from the shower.

"Anon, now that we don't have to worry about money, I have a request."

"Name it."

"Two days ago, when I was doing my magician thing, I was preforming for an orphanage. I met this beautiful little girl, her name was Sunset."

Trixie pauses for a moment, thinking carefully about what she's going to say next.

"Well... you know... since I'm..." Trixie took a deep breath before saying the next word "barren... due to that disease... could we adopt her? I've always wanted a child."

The words hang with silence for a while

"Well I've never thought about raising a kid. We'll talk a little more about it later ok? It's not really something I just want to say yes or no too"

"Alright. That's fair."

The two didn't say a word to each other until the shower stopped. Trixie stepping out with a rather guilty look on her face. Anon wraps his arms around her naked body, his hands drifting just above her womanhood.

"I love you babe." he whispered in her ear "I promise we'll figure this out."

"I'm sorry I can't be a good wife and bear your child."

"I never once thought of you a bad wife for that. You are everything and more for me."

She nods

"Now stiffen that upper lip. We're going to have some fun ok?" he said playfully "No more pouting for the rest of the night."

Trixie smiled wide

"Right. This isn't the time for mourning. It's the time for celebration."

"That's the spirit."

Trixie put on her wedding dress on and and did her makeup in the most beautiful way. She looked just the way she did on the wedding.

"You're the most beautiful girl to grace the earth." he said

"You are such a flatterer."

"I'm just speaking the truth. Come on. Our chariot arrives in five minutes."

He pulled out an umbrella from the wall and held it over her head as they both walked out of their dingy little trailer. He couldn't lie: he was going to miss the old thing. As hard as it was, they certainly made some great memories in there. And even greater sex. He just couldn't help but feel attached.

As they made their way down the pathway, a limo pulls up to the side walk, whisking them away to the theater. They had a lovely time of it, as if it were their last day on earth. Tomorrow they were finally going to start their real lives. It was finally time to live as they had always wanted too. Daughter included.

A Sunset Settles on the Horizon

The next morning the two of them got up and quit their jobs on the spot, not even bothering to give a resignation letter. And boy did it feel great. Those jobs had screwed them over for years and they were finally paying back in kind. Now they were able to live as they saw fit. But where to live with over a billion dollars? Lombard Street in San Francisco? New York City? DC? They had so many options.

"Where do you want to move out too, Trixie?" he asked

Trixie thought for a moment

"Hm... I don't know. I've always loved the mountains. They remind of the times when I was a child. Snowy, but not too snowy."

Anon giggled

"Snowy but not too snowy?"

”Well, I like the cold better indoors you know?”

He wraps his arms around her, resting his head atop hers

"Of course, my love. Why not Colorado?"

"That doesn't sound bad at all. It's such a pretty state." she said "But before we nail that down, what about Sunset?"

"I thought about it during the show."

"And?"

"I think we should at least try. I know at least one person here is a good parent."

Trixie lets out a snort as she giggles

"And I know another one who's a brown noser."

They both kiss again

"So, do you know the orphanage?"

"Yes. It's called Cavalry Point. It's just on the other side of town."

"We'll go once we figure out where we're going to move."

"Thank you Anon. You don't know how much this means to me. For so long I've felt so inadequate..." Trixie clutches her tummy "That damn disease took away our ability to have a child..."

Anon hugged her tighter

"You were never anything but perfect to me. I hope you know that. Child or no, you'll always be the woman I love."

The two of them pull out a laptop, the only one they had, and started going down the list of places to live. There were so many beautiful locations. Grand Lake, Salida, Pueblo. The choices were just endless. In the end, they chose a nice big house in Telluride, a rather secluded mining town east of the capital.

Now it was time to adopt. For the first time in years they went to the train station together, their arms locked together then entire time. The orphanage was quite a musty little place. It was made entirely of wood and painted coal black, standing at five stories tall. If he hadn't know better, Anon would've mistaken it for a haunted house. They pushed through the large iron gate and into the large building.

The inside was somehow worse than the outside. The wood floor was obviously ancient, broken in some places and creaking from every step. The blue paint on the walls was peeling and worn, giving off a rather pungent odor. It was uncomfortably warm, almost humid. An old woman sat at a counter in the center of the room, looking through a thick stack of papers. Trixie walked up to the counter, a strong air of pride about her.

"I want to adopt someone" she said

The old woman merely raised her eyes from the stack of papers, letting out a sigh.

"Would you like to take a look around to see who we have?" she asked in a raspy voice. She sounded as if she had been smoking a pack a day for twenty years.

"Nope. We already have someone in mind. Her name is Sunset Shimmer."

The old woman sighed again, moving away from her paper work too an old, white computer, typing Sunset's name into the search bar. She clicked a few times, and printed out a large stack of paperwork.

"Fill these out please." the old woman choked out

Trixie snatched the papers from her and began filling in all the blanks like a pro. Financial information, place of residence, both his and her own social security number, she knew it all by memory. Once completed, the woman pressed a button on her desk and an aide walks out from the hall to the side. She was short and round, with medium length brown hair.

"Right this way please. I'll show you to her room." the aide said

The two followed her down the hall, rooms lining either side of the walkway. The rooms didn't even have doors, just blue curtains that you'd see in hospitals to separate beds of patients. Finally, they reached the end of the hall and Sunset's room. It was a bit drab inside, there was a bed with the thinnest mattress they had ever seen, even thinner than the twenty dollar mattress they found online. The blanket was a ratty blue cloth, hardly fit to even be called a towel. There was a desk directly across from the bed and a cork board above it. On the cork board was the seven of diamonds card that Trixie had given Sunset. Sunset sat on the floor, playing with a doll and in a pretty blue dress. She turned and instantly jumped up, surprised to see them. She ran and gave Trixie a big hug on her leg.

"Magician lady!" she said

"Magician lady? I don't prefer that. How about mommy?"

Anon had never seen someone's face light up the way Sunset's did. It was such a beautiful thing it nearly brought him to tears.

"You wanna meet daddy sweet pea?"

Trixie pointed to him. Sunset began to cautiously walk over to him and he kneels down, his arms wide open. She came up to him, looking him over as if trying to look for a trap before finally accepting his embrace. She was as sweet as honey and twice as cute.

"She's perfect." he said

The aide checks her phone and taps Trixie on the shoulder

"Your paperwork has been approved. Whenever you're ready, come to the main lobby and we'll get the final preparations sorted out. Sunset will be ready to leave by tomorrow morning."

Trixie smiles wide

"You hear that Sunset? You're officially a Lulamoon now." she said "Tomorrow you'll be able to live with us. So be patient ok. If you do, I'll teach you magic."

"Really!?" Sunset gasped "You mean I won't have to wait a hundred years until I'm seventeen!?"

"That's right. But only if you're a good girl for the entire night."

"I promise I will be mommy! I'll be the goodest girl ever! I'll even eat my veggies!"

Trixie giggled

"Good. I'll see you in the morning sweet pea."

After filling out the last of the paper work and finalizing the adoption, the two head back to the train station. Trixie's eyes were hot and watery.

"What's the matter my magic wand?"

"I'm just... so happy. We're not poor, we get to leave this shithole they call a town and now we have a kid. Everything just worked itself out."

"Right you are." he said "I always knew it would though. So what shall we do today? We're moving as soon as we get Sunset. Anything you want to do before saying goodbye to this shithole?"

"Wanna go to that nice, yuppie restaurant downtown? I've always wanted to eat all fancy."

"I wouldn't have it any other way."

Anon calls in another uber, going to a nice little breakfast place. It was like a castle. The walls were hung with silk drapes, the tables fine oak, and the food extremely pricey and well made. The sky outside became gray once again and Trixie look out the window at the clouds with a thousand yard stare.

"You alright, Trixie?" he asked "You're getting all spacey on me."

Trixie doesn't break her gaze from the cold grey clouds above as a gentle snowfall begins to float down on the street below.

"There's just something so tranquil about snowfall. I don't know what it is. At the same time it's so sad and quiet."

Anon we beginning to worry about Trixie a bit. Maybe this big change was messing with her head.

"Are you alright, darling?"

"I'm just getting emotional again." she paused "Do you think it'll come back again?"

"My cancer."

"It can't Trixie. We already removed the effected organ. It's impossible for it to return."

"And you?"

"What?"

"You aren't planning on leaving me behind are you?"

Anon got up from his chair and gave Trixie a big hug

"Trixie. You're scaring me."

Tears begin to run down Trixie's cheeks

"I'm sorry it's just... I don't know. I should be happy but I'm so sad."

He rubs her back gently, pulling her into an even closer embrace

"It's a big change. We're going from struggling just to survive to being in the lap of luxury. It's not an easy transition to make. The shock of it all is probably messing with your head."

Trixie returns the hug, letting the tears flow for a while

"I know. I know."

"You've had a rough life Trixie. But it's over now. Today we're finally starting the chapter of our lives were things look up." he said "You don't have to be afraid any more."

The look on Trixie's face was one so beautiful, yet one so sad at the same time. It was the look of someone who finally realized they could stop fighting. The one of someone who could finally get rest after being beaten down by the storms of life. But most of all, the look of a person who had finally been given permission to let herself feel joy for the first time without guilt. She had finally achieved bliss.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

After a lovely dinner of pancakes and french toast, the two decided to do a bit of shopping. It was about time too. Some of these clothes they had were at least six or seven years old, some even going back ten years. They went to various stores, buying whatever suited their fancy. It felt so bizarre, almost guilty in a way. Anon's mind was so used to living paycheck to paycheck that buying so many things almost made him feel sick with anxiety, even though he could see the purchases hardly making a dent into the colossal number in his bank account. Trixie let her inner girly girl run rampant, buying all manner of cute dresses, stylish shirts, and multi-colored purses she could get her hands on. Though Trixie tried to play the part of tom-body, inside she was hugely feminine. Anon always found it so cute when girly Trixie was allowed to be free to the world. It was a much softer, gentler Trixie than what most people saw and it was a really treat to be able to see it. Anon, however, merely got a few sweatshirts and a couple of pairs of jeans.

"That's it?" Trixie stated in disbelief, eight fully stuffed bags of clothes hanging on either side of her arms

"I'll probably get more online or when we get to Colorado. The fashion here just doesn't suite my tastes."

"I'll hold you to that. No husband of mine is going to dress so ratty."

"You need some help with those bags?"

"That would be lovely."

Trixie passes of four of the bags to him and they walk down the sidewalk, finally running out of places to shop.

"Anything you want to do before going back to the trailer for the last time?"

"I think I want to go back there. Enjoy it while we have it."

Anon laughed a bit.

"Don't tell me you're going to miss that old thing."

"You know how sentimental I am. We've had a lot of good memories in that trailer. Sure it wasn't easy but it was never not worth it."

"Like all the times we downed beer and fucked in the back?"

Trixie playfully slaps him, snickering

"You're a real pig you know that?" she joked

"It's not my fault. I can only control my masculine instincts for so long around the hottest girl on the planet."

Trixie snorts

"Where? I don't see her."

They both laugh, stopping right there to make out a little bit then heading home. Trixie began to paint her nails a pretty bubblegum pink.

"I miss her already." she said

"Sunset?"

"Yeah. She was just a doll wasn't she?"

"Absolutely. I can see why you like her so much."

Trixie walked into the bedroom, pulling a blue scrapbook from underneath the bed

"Want to reminisce with me?"

"I'd love to, sentimental Sally."

he walked over and sat on the bed, putting one arm around her and she opened to the first page. It was fully of baby pictures. Anon giggled, pointing at toddler Trixie.

"Look at you! You were so cute."

"Were?" she teased

He kissed her nose

"Were. You're just plain beautiful now."

Trixie turned to the next page. It was a photo of seven year old Trixie. Her hair was just starting to grow out and was entirely blue this time, rather the the white-blue hair she currently had. She was standing by a large tree with leaves turning all the colors of autumn, wearing a long white dress with a matching hat.

"There was a good story behind this." Trixie said "I was in grade school and doing our annual school fundraising race. It was called the Running of the Leaves, if I remember correctly."

"You were running a race in a dress like that?"

"Oh that was just for the picture."

She pointed to another one of her in a tank top and shorts, standing on a track next to a large open field.

"That was what I wore during the race. It was someone silly thing our teachers made up. They said that the only way for the leaves to fall in autumn were to run and hit the ground with our feet. I believed that for years."

"Very scientific"

She giggled

"We were children you dork." she pointed to another picture of her racing down the track But of course we had to make it into a competition"

"And let me guess: The least competitive girl on the planet decided she'd rise above it?"

Trixie laughs so hard she snorts

"Yeah right, as if. I went and ran as fast as my little legs would take me. No way was I going to lose."

"Did you win?"

"No actually. Stupid bitch named Twilight did. But I got second place and my mom was so proud of me she said I earned a medal."

She put her finger to another picture of her next to a purple haired girl. She had her arms crossed and looked extremely pouty. Around Trixie's neck was a paper mache medal with a number one on it.

"You really had a great mom."

"Yeah. I did anyway. When dad left she really lost her mind."

There was a long silence

"Promise me you'll never leave."

"I'd never do such a thing. I promise."

"Thank you."

Trixie turns the page again and her smile returns as she sees a picture of her in a pumpkin costume. The girth of the costume was so big her arms couldn't touch her sides. Her face was so sour.

"And this was a picture of me on one faithful Halloween in second grade. My mom said she wanted me to wear this because I looked so cute. And I absolutely did. But I could barely even move in it. I was so pissed."

There was a collection of pictures of her in the Halloween costume, all of them featuring her with a huge scowl on her face.

"I'm judging from the picture that there was a second grader who wasn't too pleased." Anon chuckled

"Understatement of the year. I got so mad that halfway through the night, I used all my little girl might to rip a huge hole in the costume. My mom paddled my ass so hard I was walking funny for a week."

Trixie flips the page again, this time turning to a picture of her in her early adolescence. She was standing in the middle of a forest, arms crossed with a big smile on her face.

"Ah yes I remember this. This was when I was thirteen. My parents made me go to summer camp. It was my first real exposure to camping and it really stuck with me. I can still feel that cool air on my face."

"We're definitely going to have to take Sunset on a camping trip or two."

"Absolutely. It would be remiss of me, or us rather, not to give our child such an experience. Did you ever going camping as a kid?"

"In a sense. I was raised on a farm remember? Just a dumb old farm boy. But I'd hardly call my farm life camping."

Trixie giggles

"There is nothing dumb about you baby."

They both kissed again. Trixie reached for the crease of the next page but not turning it. Both of them knew that this was the part of Trixie's life that wasn't the happiest. Anon hugs her close.

"We don't have to keep going if you don't want too. We can stop here. Or even skip ahead."

"I want to try."

"Whatever you say. But if you need to stop you just let me know."

"Right. I can do this with you here."

Trixie turns the page. It was her next to a small blue house. She looked sickly and pale with eyes devoid of light, like a walking corpse.

"This was the year my dad died." she said "He was killed in a construction accident. It really cut like a knife. My mom transformed into a kind, loving and supportive pillar in my life too an necrotic, self absorbed, anxious train wreck. It was like everything she believed in crumbled to ashes. It really weighed heavy on me too."

She shifted to another picture of her in baggy clothes, sitting at a cheap wooden table

"This is when I began to hate my body. We also subsequently lost a huge source of income. My mom made only a tenth of what my dad did. We were forced to move to a poor area of town and could barely keep food on the table. I lost so much weight."

Not being able to handle the mental stress of it, she flipped through four pages. The next picture put a smile on both their faces. It was her at seventeen, him at twenty, standing with their arms around each other at the farm he worked at.

"Where we had out third date." he said

"And what a date that was. I'll never forgive that pig for splashing me with mud."

Anon couldn't help but chuckle

"I still can't get over that. That was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time."

The next picture was even better. It was of both of them, under a large redwood tree sitting on a picnic blanket. Trixie wore a beautiful yellow dress and a large hat while Anon wore only a white tee-shirt and jeans. On the tree was craved a heart with A+T in the center. They nicknamed it the Lover's Tree and had many a date under it.

"I wonder if the tree is still there?" Anon asked "Or if the craving got erased."

"I bet it is. It was in a pretty off the beaten path area. I'd be surprised if anyone but us knows about it."

"We really should go back some day."

"We had so much fun under Lover's Tree. I really miss those days."

"If you could go back would you change anything?"

"Not one thing. Because without all of that shit I never would've met you."

"I love you so much, Trixie."

"I love you too."

Trixie closes the scrapbook, a smile going across her face.

"We're stopping here? But we're just about to get to the best part!"

"I'm getting a little sleepy. I'll be sure to fill this thing up plenty more as time goes on. We still have about 8 pages left. Hopefully all filled with Sunset."

She gets up and reaches under the bed, pulling out a camera. It was old and worn, the glass on the lens completely cracked.

"Remember this?"

"Remember it? How could I forget it? The thing was around your neck so much I could've sworn it was attached."

She giggled

"Oh hush." she said, brushing some of the dust off "It wish I didn't drop it."

Trixie lets out a big ole yawn

"You alright there mama bear?"

"I'm fine. Just something about reminiscing gets me really-" She yawns again "Tired."

"Well you better get some rest. Nothing wrong with turning in a little early."

Trixie snuggled under the covers

"You joining me?"

"Nah, I'm not too tired. I'll be happy to watch over your pretty little face though."

She giggles again

"Never stop making me giggle ok?"

"As long as there is breath in my lungs and blood in my veins, I never will."

She closes her eyes and almost instantly is off to dream land.

Saying Goodbye

The next morning, Anon woke up early. Probably nervousness. He was going to be a dad real soon. He never thought he'd see the day. And what a child to have too. Sunset was as sweet as honey. He walked over to the cabinet and started preparing some hot coffee for the two of them. He needed something to do, some outlet for all this nervous energy. Lucky for him, Trixie woke up soon after.

She was wearing her favorite bathrobe, her smooth, round breasts just barely poking out of either side, She was also wearing his favorite emerald green panties. She always looked so sexy in those. Anon walked up and gave her a peck on the cheek.

"You really are the most beautiful girl alive."

Trixie lays her head against his chest

"Thank you sweet heart."

"You alright?"

"Just a bit nervous is all."

"We'll get through this. Just take some deep breaths."

"Do you think I'll make a good mom?"

"Of course I do Trixie."

"You're not just saying that?"

"I'd never lie to you."

Anon reached back to the table, still holding Trixie in his arms, and grabbed one of the cups of coffee

"Here. This should help some. We've got a big day ahead. We're driving."

Trixie looked confused

"Really? I'd thought we were going to take the plane."

"I did too. But then I thought what better way to get to know our knew daughter than by a road trip. I've marked a few places on the map we can visit."

"Ohhh that does sound like fun. What places?"

"Well starting where we are here in Michigan, we can go see the Grand Rapids museum. There's a Children's museum in Indianapolis, the World War One monument in Kansas City and a few others."

"Sounds like we're in for a long trip."

He hugs her closer

"But we've got the time." he said "We're never going to work another day in our lives."

She smiled brightly

"I never dreamed I'd retire at the age of twenty-eight."

Anon check his watch

"Shoot we need to get ready." he said "The orphanage opens in an hour. And the sooner we get packed up and leave, the better."

"But I haven't even packed yet."

"We'll figure it out."

They rushed through their morning routines and even then Trixie looked as beautiful as ever. She wore a long, flowing white skirt with one of her new tops. She had her hair tied in a ponytail with pink lipstick and silvery moon earrings. Trixie always had such a sense of style. They both rushed out the the station and got to the orphanage just in time for opening. Even the dark, dusty home looked beautiful today. Because today that little ball of sunshine would finally be theirs. Trixie, however, seemed a bit flustered.

"Trixie?"

"Do I look ok?"

"Better than ever."

"I'm not too sweaty am I? Oh please tell me my breath doesn't smell"

Anon clutches her shoulder

"Trixie. Relax. You look perfectly fine."

Trixie began to get in a tizzy

"Do you really think I'm up for it?" she says at a million miles an hour "You really think I'll be a good mom? We're not making a mistake are-"

She was interrupted by Anon's lips against her own.

"You'll be fine. Don't worry so much."

The kiss finally allowed Trixie to take a deep breath and steady herself

"You're right. Sorry. It's just... I don't want her to live the life I had."

"She won't Trixie. I'll see too it that she doesn't."

"And you won't die?"

"I won't. I'll be right by your side the entire time."

Trixie is finally put at peace

"Ok. I can do this." she said confidently

"Good job. You're doing great Trixie."

The two grasp one another's hand and walk through the doors.

"Hi. Anon and Trixie Lulamoon." he said to the receptionist "We're here to pickup Sunset Shimmer."

It was a different lady at the counter this time, but she was leagues nicer. She gave a warm, gentle smile and said

"Oh you're here for Sunset? She will be sorely missed. She's such a sweet little thing. I'm so glad she's getting a home though. This place will do nothing but bring her down. Thank you both for giving her the home she deserves."

Both Anon and Trixie looked at each other with a big smile

"It's our pleasure." Trixie said

The woman picked up the phone and talked to someone on the other line, no doubt calling for someone to send down Sunset. Trixie's nervousness had evidently been reignited by the fact that she was squeezing her husband's hand so hard his bones were about to crack. In just five minutes Sunset walked down the hall, wearing a cute little red and white dress with a matching bow. She had only a small suitcase with her.

"Mommy!" Sunset yelled, running to hug Trixie

Trixie returns the embrace, a large smile on her face and tears in her eyes

"Hi sweetie. You ready to start your new life?"

She nods and looks at Anon with a smile which he lovingly returned. After a few final pages of paperwork, Sunset was officially their adopted child. Sunset held both her new parents hands as they walked outside, Anon making sure to take the small suitcase.

"Now all we have to do is go get to the car and we'll be on our marry way." Anon said

"Where are we going dada?" she asked

"To your new home. Trust me, you'll really like it."

Sunset put her thumb in her mouth and they kept walking. She was surprisingly regressed for her age. She was less like a seven year old and more like a three year old. Hopefully it was just a phase and not some mental issue. Sunset stops moving, looking back at the orphanage.

"What's a matter, love?" Trixie asked

"I'm just going to miss my friend."

If he was honest with himself, Anon wished he could just adopt them all. But even with a billion dollars there was no way he could do that.

"I know sweetheart." she reassured her "Maybe one day we'll see her again. And you can teach her all the magic you'll learn."

Sunset stared a little long before finally turning her head forward, walking into her new future. Once at the station, Trixie went back to the mobile home with Sunset to pack her things while Anon got a rental car. Lucky for them they had a way to drop it off in Colorado. It was a little extra, but now money was no object. Anon got a red Sudan with plenty of space for all of their stuff and drove right back to the mobile home. It hadn't been since he was a teenager that he was able to drive. The feeling was amazing, liking returning to something he loved. By the time he got there the packing was just about completed.

Once everything was securely in the trunk, he and Trixie just stared at the mobile home. It was finally time to say goodbye. They had so many memories here. So many tears were shed, so many celebrations, so much love. They may have been moving into a happier life, but the love and closeness was not to be discounted.

"Are you ready to go sweetheart?" he asked

Trixie just stood there for a bit, looking at the trailer with a glint in her eyes.

"Yeah. From this moment forward, we start out new life."

"Here, here."

And with that, they both got in the car, Sunset tucked in the back seat, and drove into the slowly rising sun.

Scars

The new family hit the road immediately, not wanting to waste a single moment for the long road ahead. It didn't take long for Sunset to fall asleep, five minutes in fact. She laid there, with her head against the window peacefully snoring away. Trixie looked back, cracking a little smile and snapped a picture of the sleeping little one.

"You think that'll make a good addition to the scrapbook?" Trixie whispered

"Of course. It's the first photo we have of our new daughter. And a perfect one at that."

"I'll make sure to put it in."

"If we find one at one of the rest stops, I'm getting you a new camera."

"Speaking of rest stops, how long will it take to get there anyway?"

"The next rest stop in about an hour, out first attraction in about five, and the hotel in close to nine."

"And what about our final destination?"

"Two days."

"Two days? Well we're going to have plenty of time for memories then huh?"

"You bet. We're going to stop at a hotel halfway through the journey. If we went straight through we could make it in twenty eight hours, but no thanks."

"I don't blame one bit."

The drive was in complete blissful silence for over three hours until Sunset woke up with a yell, causing both of them to turn jolt around. Anon nearly instinctively slammed on the breaks doing so. Sunset was pale as a ghost and covered in sweat with tears in her eyes. She was breathing like she had just done the fifty meter dash.

"Sweet girl." Trixie cooed "What happened?"

Sunset merely shook her head, hiding her eyes behind her hands. Trixie gave him a concerned look.

"Pull over for a minute." she said

He does so and Trixie climbs out of the car and into the back seat.

"Sunset sweet heart. What's the matter?"

Sunset simply covers her face in her hands and shakes her head. Trixie put her arms around the now shaking little girl but she just couldn't be consoled. Whatever she was dreaming about, it really startled her. Something troubling crossed Anon's mind.

"Trixie?"

"Yes?"

"Do you have Sunset's medical sheet?"

Trixie went silent for a moment, a look of worry crossing her face

"Yeah it's in my purse" she paused "why?"

He took Trixie's purse form the center console, a worn, rugged blue and white bag that had certainly seen better days. He riffled through it until finding a medium size yellow envelope. He began to read the papers inside.

"So she's allergic to peanuts and peanut butter, that's a shame."

Trixie giggled

"Allergic to her own mom's favorite food? Well that's just a crime."

Rain began to pitter patter against the window from the black clouds above and a large clap of thunder rang throughout the car, causing Sunset to go into a new level of panic. As the thunder boomed she let out a loud yell and began to violently shake in her seat. Trixie held her tight, doing her best to reassure her but the poor thing we completely consumed in fear.

"As far as physical ailments go, other than the peanut allergy she's squeaky clean." he said

He flips to the next page and reads the next few lines, covering his mouth.

"Anon." Trixie whispered "What is it?"

"You were right Trixie. She does have something."

"What is it?"

"Complex PTSD and well as several scars on her stomach. It says here a good Samaritan found her after she was found on the street nearly starving to death."

Trixie gritted her teeth. It was a pain she knew better than anyone, having been raised on the streets of a period of time herself. Had she not met Anon things may have very well stayed that way.

"Sunset sweetie." she said calmly "Look at me."

Sunset did so, still in a state of high panic. Trixie looked at her with a smile.

"It's ok. You're safe now."

Sunset's face changed. It was as if, for the first time in her life, she had finally be allowed to just be ok. To rest. Tears ran down her face and she grasped her mother's waist tight.

"Shhhh." Trixie said, running her hand through Sunny's long, golden-red locks "there, there my child. Mommy's here."

The rain pelted the car hard while she sat there, the crying little girl in her arms. It took nearly an hour for Sunset to finally calm down again.

"You all better now sweet heart?"

Sunset just buried her head between Trixie's breasts, not saying a word.

"I'll tell you what honey." Trixie said "If you can be brave for me and sit in the car, we'll get you some nail paint and a toy. How does that sound?"

Sunset's ears perked up and she looked straight at her mommy.

"You mean it?"

"I mean it. Any toy you want, you name it. But you have to be brave and strong until we get there ok?"

Sunset stiffened her upper lip and sat back in her seat

"Ok." she said, rather smugly "But you also have to teach me a magic trick too."

Both she and Anon couldn't help but giggle

"Quite the barterer I see. Deal."

Sunset had the biggest, smuggest smile on her face, as if she was a car salesman who had just completely conned a poor man out of his money. Trixie climbed through the car and back into the front seat and the two of them smiled at one another.

"She's one tough cookie." Trixie said

"She is. She really is."

Anon started the car again and a away they went, stopping at a gas station a mere fifteen minutes away. They arrived in a small town with barely more than twenty buildings within it. Trixie and Sunset went inside while Anon watched the pump. Lucky the was a roof above the gas pumps or he'd be being pelted with rain. Sunset held Trixie's hand firmly as they walked down the nail polish isle.

"What color do you want sweet heart?"

Sunset scans the row of small bottles filled with all the colors of the rainbow, even glittery colors with her thumb in her mouth. She, of course, chose pink. They went down through the small toy isle next. It was pretty slim pickings. A gas station is nowheresville, Indiana certainly wasn't the ideal place for toy shopping. But Sunset's child-like wonderment didn't care. She saw this as the most amazing thing in the world. And for someone who spent most of their life on the street, it probably was.

Trixie picked out, rather surprisingly, not a stuffed animal or a toy car or a doll, but a bright blue clip on bow for her hair. Trixie picked out a few snacks and beverages before making her way back out to the car. Sunset had already put the ribbon in her hair. It was amazing how she went from completely distraught to 100% smiles in a matter of fifteen minutes. As they two come into Anon's view, he smiles wide.

"Well look at miss America over here." he said

Sunset giggles the most cute giggle then bows, doing a little curtsy.

"You look absolutely gorgeous,my love." Trixie said, helping her back into the seat

The rain had started to dissipate now and the sun peaked out from behind the clouds. It really was he most perfect metaphor. It seemed that none of them had be dealt a good hand in life; Anon, the good for nothing drop out, Trixie, the gang member, and Sunset, the orphan. But the storm was over and the clouds were clearing. The rain may come again, but together they were stronger than any storm that could ever come.

"And don't forget about the magic trick!" Sunset exclaimed

Final Destination

"Alright. Watch this closely." Trixie said, pulling out her hat and wand "Watch and be amazed as the Great and Powerful Trixie pulls your bow out of the hat!"

She takes the wand and traces it around the hat a few times, quickly using a slight of hand to snatch the bow from the back of Sunset's head without her feeling it. Sunset looked as if her head might explode.

"How did you do that mommy!?"

Trixie giggles

"That's a more advanced trick. You'll need to learn the basics first."

The sun was beginning to set outside the moving car. It was finally time to turn in. Unfortunately they were moving at a slower pace than anticipated and weren't able to get to the first attraction. Even Sunny was starting to get a bit sleepy. There wasn't much int the way of top line hotels so they just settled on a low brow motel. It was pretty comfy all things considered. It gave something of a farmhouse vibe with wooden walls, a moose's skull mounted to the wall and a rather ratty carpet. Trixie carried a sleeping Sunset in her arms to the room, placing her underneath the covers and tucking her in a bed beside the one they'd be sleeping in.

"I hope she doesn't have another nightmare." Trixie said

"If she does we'll be prepared for it."

Trixie pulled the covers back a bit and lifted up Sunset's shirt. Sure enough she had three long scars on her belly that looked as if they had been made by a whip. Trixie's face drops a bit.

"That poor thing." she said "Whatever did that to her wasn't gentle."

"She's in a safe place now Trixie. We can't change what she went through. But we can give her a happy and prosperous future."

"Right." Trixie let out a soft sigh "Well I think I'm going to follow Sunset's lead."

"You go ahead. I'm going to stay up for a while longer."

Trixie wraps her arms around his waist

"You're always so bad at going to bed on time. You'll be tired in the morning if you don't go to bed soon."

"I know. But I like this stillness. It's nice just to have some peace and quiet for a change."

Trixie giggles, resting her head on his shoulder

"You'll need to get used to this. Having a little seven year old is anything but quiet living."

"That's why you have to take these moments while you can right?"

"Alright. But when you wake up all tired and grumpy tomorrow, don't blame me."

"I won't babe."

They both kiss and Trixie goes under the covers, falling asleep before her head hit the pillow. Anon walked to the side of the window and opened the blinds, peering out onto the street. It was almost mesmerizing how still everything was, even the wind seemed to be taking a break. All that was outside was the sound of crickets and the long, winding road out of the town. Every now and again a car would pass by. Anon pitied the poor soul who was driving at midnight.

Anon felt someone shaking him slightly and his shot up. It was day now and the light burned his retinas. He turned around to see Trixie's smiling face. He must have fallen asleep without even realizing it.

"You ready to get going?"

He felt a tug at his sleeve. It was Sunset.

"Come on daddy! Let's go!"

Anon rubs the sleep from his eyes and gets out of the chair

"Finally awake?" Trixie giggled

"I will be once I get some coffee in me."

Trixie kisses his cheek

"Well hurry up and get ready. Don't want to miss the continental breakfast do we?"

"You're damn right."

"Anon!"

"What?"

"Don't curse around Sunset. We need to lead by example."

"My apologies."

That was going to be difficult. Anon was a fan of swearing.

"Well looks like mom is here to keep both of us inline huh Sunset?" Anon chuckled

Sunny giggles

"No, just you daddy!"

After a quick shower, he threw on some simple clothes and went down to enjoy the free breakfast. Trixie looked down at Sunset.

"What do you want sweet heart?"

Sunset sticks her thumb in her mouth and points to some fruit. At least they didn't have to force her to eat healthy. Trixie grabbed an apple before receiving a hard poke to the leg.

"Sweetie you have to tell me what you want." she said "Use your words."

Sunset got a little huffy

"Banana." she pouted

Nothing like a hungry seven year old to brighten everyone's day.

"What do we say when we want something?"

Sunset crossed her arms and stamped her foot a bit

"Sunset." Trixie said, a little more sternly "It starts with a P."

"Please." Sunset muttered

"Good job." she said, handing her the fruit

Anon crosses his arms and smiles

"And you thought you were going to be a bad mom." he said "Looks to me like you're a natural."

Trixie blushes a bit

"Well they don't call me Great and Powerful for nothing."

They sat down at the table and found Sunset was quite the messy eater. It was as if only 60% of the food actually ended up in her mouth.

"So I've got an idea." Anon said

Trixie was looking into her pocket mirror, applying some lipstick.

"What's that my love?"

"Since we only have a day left to get to Colorado, I thought we could stop at a place before the house. Unfortunately we'll have to do the road trip another time."

Trixie raised her eyebrow and looked at him skeptically

"What's the big rush?"

Anon gets a big smile

"It's a surprise. Trust me when I say you'll love it though."

She closes her pocket mirror with a satisfying click.

"I'll take your word for it." she said "What place do you have in mind?"

"I was thinking Rocky Mountain National Park."

"You are such a hippie. You think our little one here will be able to appreciate it?"

"Of course she will."

"If you want too"

"You don't sound all the excited."

She smiles, planting a kiss on his cheek

"Because I'm not a big nerd like you."

"Tell you what." he said "You let me do this and you can have complete creative freedom to decorate and remodel the house."

Trixie got a wide smile

"Not that I don't want complete decorative freedom," she said "but we can do the national park anytime. Why not just go to our new home? We can always do the road trip another time."

"I guess you're right. Sounds like you're pretty anxious to get there as well."

Anon turned to see Sunset playing with her hands like an airplane. He missed being a kid. That great age when your imagination turned your hand into a fighter jet and the table into an enemy base. Growing up was so overrated.

"Well if we're heading straight to our new house we better get going."

They wall get up and go back in the car, hitting the road for yet another long hall. Anon stared at Trixie's tattered old purse.

"We should probably get you a new purse huh?"

"Yeah. But I'd never think of throwing this one away" she hugs her purse "I think I'll put this somewhere. Hang it maybe. As a reminder of where we've been. Of how much we struggled and how we were given this lucky break. I'll never allow this money to corrupt us, or Sunset. We'll always remain humble."

"You don't actually think it will, will you?"

Trixie looks down

"Listen, lovely." he says "We'll never let this corrupt us. I promise."

"I know. But you know me. I'm a worry wort."

"Well I'll do everything in my power to put those fears to rest."

Most of the rest of the car ride was spent in silence, Trixie reading Rising Threat Volume 3 and Sunset sat quietly in the back. Anon watched the scenery pass as they went. Most of it was rather boring being mainly farmland. After many hours they passed through to Colorado, the Sun slowly dipping below the horizon. They stopped at a gas station a few towns away from their final destination. As Sunset sat in the locked car outside, the two of them went inside and wondered down the isles.

"Are you ready babe?" he said "We've got only an hours worth of driving left."

"I'm pretty nervous. This is just... so crazy. I don't know how I'm going to deal with so much space."

"We'll adjust."

"I know but..."

"But what?"

Trixie shakes her head

"Nothing. Let's do this." she said "I'm ready."

"That's the spirit."

They both walk back into the car and drive the remaining hour to their new house in the beautiful town of Telluride. And they were far from disappointed. The first thing that met their gaze was a large brass gate so heavy it needed to be opened electronically. Anon go out of the car to the small guard post at the front of the property and punched in the code. The gates slowly began to part, opening up the large cobblestone path up to the house atop a hill. Behind the house was a large forest. The whole thing looked like something out of a postcard.

The house was even more amazing. It was less of a house and more of manor. It stood four stories tall and was made of grey brick. The rooftops were blue shingles with ornate gargoyles on top of them. Each story of the house had four windows each. At the front of the house was a small roundabout paved with red brick and above it, held by white arches, was a small stone ceiling. On top of that was a small patio, complete with a brass table and matching chairs. The front doors were larger than he was tall and made of cold black iron.

To the left of the house was a garden surrounded by a greenhouse. Vines had slowly begun to crawl over the outside and the windows were so misty it was impossible to see inside. Anon drove the car to the large garage to the right of the house. It looked as if it could easily hold twenty to thirty cars. Both he and Trixie's mouths were agape.

"The house was impressive in the pictures," Trixie said "But this is ridiculous."

"No kidding. The garage alone is bigger than any place I've ever lived."

The two snapped out of the initial shock and got out of the car, Trixie going to retrieve Sunset. She unbuckled the sleeping little girl and held her in her arms. They walked through the side door into the main lobby where the surprises continued. The floor was a smooth, shining white marble and the walls were redwood. The walls had three paintings each depicting grand scenes of battle or breathtaking scenery. Above the front door was the head of a deer mounted on a plaque. On the opposite side of the front door were two staircases the angled toward one another to the next floor.

"Alright. So what should we do first? Set up shop or explore a bit?" Trixie suggested

"I think we should explore a bit. That way we can know where to put our stuff. Pick our room. But before that let's find a place for Sunset to sleep."

"Good idea."

Even with all this movement Sunset barely budged an inch. She was out cold. They walked up the steps to the second floor and looked down each hallway. Doors. So many doors. Each was made of the same redwood as the walls in the main lobby but the floors were now a red silk carpet.

"How in the world are we supposed to know which one is the bedroom?" Trixie whispered "There must be at least ten doors on each side!"

"Don't worry. I've got this one."

Anon pulled out his phone and launched an app with a complete map of the house.

"Alright here we go. The bedrooms, specifically a children's room, is located on the third floor at the end of the hall to the right."

"That's impressive."

"Yeah. We're certainly getting our money's worth that's for sure."

They walked up another set of stairs at the opposite end of the hall and got to the children's room. The style was absolutely perfect. The floors were made of redwood and the bed was large with pink, semi-transparent drapes surrounding it. To the right side was a large wooden chest, no doubt for toy storage. To the left was a closet the extended the length of the wall. On each side of the bed were two large windows that overlooked the side of the house. Trixie tip toed to the bed, parting the drapes and placing Sunset snugly into the bed. She kissed her forehead.

"Sleep well, sweetheart."

Anon gave his daughter a kiss as well, then tip toed back out into the hallway to explore the rest of the house.

Passion beneath the full moon

Author's Note

Sex scene in this chapter. You have been warned.

Passion beneath the full moon

A loud rumble is heard from Trixie's tummy, causing Anon to giggle.

"A little hungry there, babe?"

Trixie's face turns a bright shade of crimson

"M-maybe."

"Well I guess we know the first place we're going to explore don't we?"

Anon opens the guide on his phone again, finding a pleasant surprise.

"Well would you look at that: the previous owner left some food for us."

"That was awfully nice of him." she said "Who was the last owner?"

"Some business man. I'd never heard of him till now. He's some low level executive for a multi-national cooperation. Apparently even being low level will treat you pretty good."

"No kidding. It must be quite the successful business if someone low level can have a house like this."

They began to walk in the direction of the kitchen back at the first floor

"Yeah. It's called Applefamily Cider."

Trixie gasps

"You've never had Applefamily cider!? I used to drink that all the time as kid. Remind me and we'll get you some. It should be a crime not to taste it at least once."

"It's that good, is it?"

"Even better than that."

They open the large wooden doors to the kitchen. It was less of a kitchen and more of a dining hall. A long wood table the seated twenty sat in the center. At the end of the table were two massive windows with long red silk curtains. Off the the left was the chef's room. It was the size of the trailer with ten stoves, two massive steel fridges. In the fridge was a large bouquet of fruit. Trixie's eye's hungered.

"Let's dig in shall we?"

Trixie happily agreed, not saying a word before grabbing the fruit and digging right in. Anon happily joined her. They gouged themselves till their stomachs felt as if they may burst.

"Nothing like stuffing yourself at midnight." he said

"No kidding." Trixie laughed "I can't remember the last time I ate this good."

Trixie got a look in her eyes and hugged Anon tight. He knew that look in her eyes. The look of pure lust.

"Want to help me lose some of this weight?"

Anon chuckled and gave her a big kiss.

"It'd be my pleasure."

The two began to make out, melting on top of the table. Anon grabbed her breast tightly like a kid reaching for candy. Trixie pushed back with force, wanting to be the dominating force in this engagement. For them sex was like a battle, a competition. Both of them fighting to be the dominate, while who ever was on their knees by the end of it lost.

Anon pulled Trixie's shirt off, exposing her cute red bra with a bow in the middle and press his face in between the gap. Trixie hugged his head and looked at him with kindness, like a mother breastfeeding her child. With his newfound leverage, Anon pressed her body down on the table. As he stood above him, panting like a worn dog, Trixie quickly undid his pants and pulled them off with her foot. His engorged manhood poking through his underwear. Trixie's sly look returned as she saw it, knowing it was completely under her body's command. He returned the favor, pulling her shorts off and exposing her cute matching silk panties, a dark wet patch already forming. Anon sensually ran his fingers just above the hem line then straight down, the only thing separating his hand from her flower being the thin fabric of her red underwear.

Trixie let out a sweet little moan as he traced the slight gap poking out through the fabric. Her body was at maximum sensitivity and just begging for her husband to dive right in. She may have lost the battle, but she was far from enjoying it. Anon sat up, pulling Trixie up with him. He sat crisscross with her on his lap, his meat pulsating against the small of her back. Anon put one had down her underwear while the other squeezed her soft breast and began to trace circles around her now soaked womanhood, teasing her like crazy. Her body was pleading with his fingers to take everything he wanted. She shoved her face into his with a deep kiss, needing an outlet for the pleasure. Finally done messing around, Anon stuck his index finger into the gooey center and massaged her bean. Trixie's chest rose and fall as her ecstasy slowly increase.

It didn't take much for it to reach a fever pitch, with just a few expert rolls of his finger, Trixie began to gush all over her underwear and the table, her entire body shuttering with pure pleasure and love. But she was far from satisfied. It was Anon's turn to be at her complete mercy. With a quick turn, she pressed him down onto the table and practically ripped his underwear off, pulling her's off in turn. She wanted to be full, she wanted him to be part of her body. Se spread her lips wide and consumed his head inside her, her body perfectly accommodating his girth. It felt incredible inside Trixie's pocket. The heat was intense, as if he was putting himself inside an oven. But it was just warm enough not to be uncomfortable.

Trixie greedily began to thrust her hips up and down, a resounding wet slap occurring with each bounce. The table was barely able to bear her lustful grinding. Trixie placed both hands on his hips and stared up and the ceiling, consuming herself in the pleasure with a slight pain as her walls struggled to contain the large meat stick she was excitedly hammering away at. Anon tried with all his might to hold it in but within five short minutes he was on a one way trip to orgasm city, shooting load after load of baby batter right into her cervix. Trixie, feeling the sticky substance flow into her body began to cum once again. They both feel to each side o the table, Anon's love slowly dribbling out of Trixie's vagina. They held hands at they sat there, panting and sweating.

"That was," Trixie said in between pants "incredible."

"You were just as good." Anon gasped "You had sex like you haven't fucked in years."

"It feels that way."

Anon chuckled

"We had sex like four days ago."

"I know."

Trixie's hand drifted down to the scar on her lower stomach, the place where her ovaries should have been before the disease took them. Trixie's eyes went from bliss to sadness within seconds. Anon began to spoon her.

"Sweet heart." he said

Trixie sighed

"Why did I they have to be taken away?"

Anon hugged her tight

"Because life is unfair." he said "but I love you just as much. You're no less than you were before the surgery."

"You think so?"

"I know so."

They sat in silence for a bit, spooning on the table while moonlight flooded the room.

"What are you thinking honey?"

"I wish I could get over this." she said "I wish I could just accept that I'll never have a child of my own."

"Why would you accept that when that's not true?"

"What are you talking about?"

"Did you forget about the little angel sleeping on the third story?"

"I didn't... and I love her more than the moon and stars above... but she'll never truly by mind. She'll never be a creation from our love."

Anon twirled her hair in his finger

"She is though. She is the very example of a creation of our love."

"I know" she said "I just really want a child to come from my body."

"I know lovely. I know." he said "All we can do is treat Sunset as if she were the product of the two of us."

"I'm sorry I'm getting so worked up over this."

"Don't apologize. It's a hard thing to lose. But know that ovaries or no, you're still the woman I love more than anything in the world."

Trixie smiled

"You're right. So what if she isn't technically ours. She is still our child."

"That's right."

The two of them closed their eyes, falling asleep right on the large wooden table. Trixie finally letting her pain go, knowing she didn't need an organ to give Sunset all the love in the entire world.