<\/p>\n
Livia\u2019s Life \u2013 Season 1<\/u><\/strong>\u00a0 by Jasmine Sheherazade Ebrahim, In the Livia Series<\/u><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/u><\/strong><\/p>\n Chapter One<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cFaster! Higher!\u201d Livia grinned as Lavender patiently pushed the swing. Livia\u2019s legs swung uncontrollably as the swing rapidly got higher. Lavender was getting worried.<\/p>\n \u201cLiv, it\u2019s getting too fast,\u201d she bit her lip, letting go of the swing. Livia shook her head, scraping the ground with her foot.<\/p>\n \u201cLook Lavender, I can get higher!\u201d She called. Although Livia was 11, she acted like a child half the time.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, no, Liv, Liv get down!\u201d Lavender cried, desperately. Livia wouldn\u2019t listen. The swing was getting higher\u2014and Livia was going with it.<\/p>\n Lavender ran to her sisters. \u201cAlexa! Catherine! Help!\u201d She yelled. Catherine was on her phone, swiping through her texts and Alexa was listening to music through her new headphones. \u201cLivia\u2019s in danger!\u201d<\/p>\n Catherine immediately switched off her phone. \u201cWhat?!\u201d Catherine shouted.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere is she?\u201d Alexa said calmly. Lavender pointed. All three girls ran to Livia. Catherine was shouting profusely.<\/p>\n \u201cGet down here right now, Livia!\u201d But Livia couldn\u2019t<\/em> get down. Alexa tried to hold the swing still, but it wouldn\u2019t stop.<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t!\u201d Livia said, her legs flailing wildly. Lavender turned pale. Alexa held her shoulder.<\/p>\n Alexa stood beside Livia, telling her exactly how to come off. \u201cYou\u2019re going to get your legs free, Liv, you’re going to jump off.\u201d<\/p>\n Catherine, Lavender, and Livia gasped simultaneously. \u201cAre you crazy?!\u201d Catherine shrieked. Lavender covered her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll catch you. One, two, three\u2014jump!\u201d Alexa shouted. Livia leapt off the swing and landed painfully on the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cYou were supposed to catch me, Alexa.\u201d Livia groaned, standing up.<\/p>\n \u201cLivia!\u201d Lavender ran to her sister. \u201cAre you okay? Are you hurt?\u201d Livia grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cLivia that was reckless and rash and totally immature<\/em> and\u2014\u201d Catherine listed. Alexa stopped her. \u201cI think she understands, Cathy. Right Livia?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh,\u201d Livia starts.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019ll never do that again, right?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGood. Come on then, Cath, the others are waiting.\u201d Alexa gently pulled Catherine away. \u201cDon\u2019t be too long. We\u2019ll meet you by the food hut.\u201d They walked off, leaving the girls alone.<\/p>\n \u201cYou scared me there.\u201d Lavender whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cSorry,\u201d Livia looked genuinely sincere. Lavender relaxed. \u201cBut oh my gosh! That was amazing<\/em>!\u201d Livia\u2019s eyes glistened with excitement.<\/p>\n \u201cLivia!\u201d Lavender cried. \u201cLivia, I cannot believe you!\u201d She shook her head before running off to join the others. \u201cI\u2019m going.\u201d<\/p>\n Livia sighed. She loved Lavender but sometimes she worried too much. Lavender was older than Livia. She was 13. Livia had always seemed to control their relationship, but times were changing. And Lavender was changing too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Livia buried her head in her hands. \u201cLavender,\u201d she said. \u201cOhh.\u201d Slowly, she brushed herself off and started to run after her sister. They ran until they stopped where the rest of their sisters were sitting.<\/p>\n \u201cThere you are!\u201d Alexa smiled warmly at Lavender and passed her some money. \u201cFor ice-creams.\u201d<\/p>\n Catherine nodded. \u201cNine, Lavender.\u201d Lavender placed the money in her purse then ran to the food hut.<\/p>\n Livia stood silently, watching Lavender ordering. Lavender opened her purse to pay\u2014but stopped. She checked her purse again. The man was getting impatient. \u201cDo you want these ice-creams or not, child?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, sir, I, yes,\u201d Lavender stumbled. She brought out a single pound. The man scoffed.<\/p>\n \u201c\u00a315.\u201d He muttered. Lavender searched her purse once more. She was blushing scarlet.<\/p>\n At that moment, Livia saw someone in black holding a twenty-pound note.<\/p>\n \u201cHey! Stop! Thief!\u201d She yelled at the man. Catherine turned her head.<\/p>\n \u201cLivia!\u201d She shouted. Livia snatched the money from his hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is my sister\u2019s!\u201d She held it out to Lavender. Lavender was appalled. Livia then saw the man get really angry.<\/p>\n \u201cYou little thief!\u201d He snarled, grabbing the money back. Lavender grabbed Livia\u2019s arm. \u201cAnd you<\/em>,\u201d he said, turning to Lavender. \u201cDo you know this girl?\u201d Livia stared hopefully at Lavender but she just let go. \u201cRight. With me. Now.\u201d The man gripped Livia\u2019s wrist and pulled her away.<\/p>\n \u201cNo wait!\u201d Lavender yelled. \u201cNo! Stop! ALEXA!\u201d She screamed. Alexa came running.<\/p>\n \u201cLet go of her!\u201d Alexa shouted, pulling Livia. Catherine joined them.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s yours?\u201d The man raised his eyebrows. \u201cWell, you should be teaching her some manners.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me!\u201d Catherine gaped. \u201cYou just pulled our sister illegally<\/em> handling her<\/em> and what<\/em> were you going to do?!\u201d The man grunted, letting her go.<\/p>\n \u201cNext time you to accuse me of stealing your filthy cash, I\u2019ll be sure to call the cops.\u201d He walked off. Catherine and Alexa looked furious<\/em>.<\/p>\n \u201cWHAT <\/em>happened?!\u201d Catherine shouted. Lavender and Livia stared meekly at her.<\/p>\n \u201cBoth of you, back over there. We\u2019re going home.\u201d Alexa said coldly. They walked behind her, staring at the ground.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere have you been?!\u201d Their mum, Maya, gasped, grasping Lavender by the shoulder. \u201cAlexa, Catherine. Can you explain all this?\u201d Catherine frowned. Alexa didn\u2019t say anything. Livia mouthed a \u2018thank you\u2019 which got ignored. \u201cYour sister\u2019s have been looking for you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd we were so bored<\/em>.\u201d Brittany glared at them. Livia glared back.<\/p>\n Rosalind let out a frustrated sigh. \u201cCan\u2019t we just leave this darn park.\u201d Maya nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. We\u2019re going home.\u201d All the girls trudged back to the car, carrying their bags. Maya turned to Alexa. \u201cSo, what did <\/em>happen.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe got lost, mum. We\u2019re sorry.\u201d Alexa lied. Maya nodded, not quite believing her. \u201cBut anyway, your absence ruined the outing for the others.\u201d Alexa nodded sadly. They walked the rest of the way to the car in silence and by the time they got home, they were all exhausted.<\/p>\n Alexa retreated to her bedroom and so did Catherine. Lavender lay on the sofa with a book, Brittany wondered around upstairs, Rosalind went to apply make-up, Roxanne started arguing with her mum and Livia switched on the T.V.<\/p>\n \u201cMum! I\u2019m hungry!\u201d Livia whined as Roxanne came storming in. \u201cHey!\u201d Livia screamed. Roxanne shoved her out of the way, snatching the remote. She switched channels.<\/p>\n \u201cMum!\u201d Livia yelled, marching into the kitchen. Lavender put her book down.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s too loud. I\u2019m going to my room.\u201d She ran upstairs. \u201cOh my god, Brittany!\u201d Brittany was in Lavenders room, looking through her clothes. Lavender chased her out.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have any decent clothes! Mum just bought you a new wardrobe!\u201d Brittany pointed out angrily.<\/p>\n \u201cYeah! For me<\/em>! Not you!\u201d Lavender slammed the door to her room shut. \u201cI hate this!\u201d She yelled.<\/p>\n Everyone was surprised. Lavender rarely shouted or raised her voice. \u201cWhat?!\u201d She opened her door again. \u201cI have the right to get cross!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLavender?\u201d Alexa walked in. Lavender crossed her arms and sat on her bed. Maya stomped up.<\/p>\n \u201cGirls! Be quiet! Alexa, move. Let Lavender have some space.\u201d And with that Alexa came out and Maya went in.<\/p>\n They were talking for a long time before anyone else came out. Then the girls heard Lavender crying.<\/p>\n Alexa and Catherine brought everyone downstairs. \u201cListen, Lavender\u2019s upset and\u2014\u201d Alexa started.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what?\u201d Brittany demanded. \u201cWhat\u2019s so<\/em> important that we have to treat her specially<\/em>?\u201d Roxanne shoved Brittany to the side. \u201cShut up, squirt.\u201d She muttered. Brittany scowled.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ve had enough<\/em> of this.\u201d She flicked her hair before marching to the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that went well.\u201d Catherine sighed. Rosalind scoffed.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Rosalind?\u201d Catherine snapped. Rosalind frowned. Then maya came down. She looked upset.<\/p>\n \u201cWill everyone give Lavender some space, please.\u201d The girls nodded. \u201cOkay.\u201d She put on a smile. \u201cAlexa, Catherine, and Rosalind, can you three, help make dinner. Roxanne, Brittany and Livia, you three will\u2014wait, where is<\/em> Brittany?\u201d Everyone looked away.<\/p>\n \u201cBrittany?\u201d Maya called. \u201cBrittany?\u201d She ran into the kitchen and saw Brittany devouring a whole bar of white chocolate. \u201cBrittany!\u201d<\/p>\n RING! RING! RING!<\/p>\n Maya turned to Catherine. \u201cAnswer the phone, will you darling?\u201d Catherine went into the lounge.<\/p>\n \u201cHuh? Who? Oh. Okay.\u201d She said into the phone. \u201cIt\u2019s Grandma. She wants to speak to you.\u201d Catherine handed mum the phone. Maya turned pale.<\/p>\n \u201cHi mother\u2026\u201d she said. \u201cYou, you want what<\/em>?! No! No, no, I mean, they, they\u2019re my children, mother. I know, they do<\/em>, but\u2014you are? You\u2019re coming round when? TODAY?! <\/em>No, mother, there\u2019s no problem\u2026yes\u2026see you then\u2014bye.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is it mum?\u201d Rosalind asked. Maya gave a weak smile.<\/p>\n \u201cOh nothing! Just that, that Grandma is coming around, today.\u201d Maya was so pale, she looked like a ghost.<\/p>\n \u201cGrandma Gothel!\u201d Livia gasped.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t worry, girls, it\u2019ll be fine.\u201d Maya replied. Catherine looked furious.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, the last time she came, she called my out on my hair choices<\/em> and then<\/em> my boyfriend!\u201d<\/p>\n Maya sighed. \u201cI know she can be a bit,\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA bit what<\/em>?\u201d Roxanne shouted. \u201cPrim? Cruel? Bossy?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. She can be all those things but\u2014\u201d Maya looked like she was about to faint.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s okay guys, we\u2019ll manage.\u201d Alexa gave mum a look of reassurance. Maya smiled gratefully. Nobody else spoke. \u201cCome on, everyone. Let\u2019s make lunch.\u201d<\/p>\n The girls bustled about the kitchen preparing lunch.<\/p>\n \u201cOw!\u201d Brittany yelled when she cut her finger.<\/p>\n \u201cMove!\u201d Roxanne shoved Brittany out of the way. Livia grabbed a bunch of veg and threw it in a pot.<\/p>\n \u201cLivia!\u201d Catherine shouted. \u201cThat\u2019s the pot for the soup!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGirls! Look, everyone, go and tidy up. I\u2019ll <\/em>make lunch.\u201d Maya shook her head. The girls trudged out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not<\/em> tidying up something that\u2019s not<\/em> my mess.\u201d Rosalind said haughtily. Alexa laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, you are.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll get Lavender.\u201d Livia volunteered, charging upstairs.<\/p>\n \u201cNo, Livia\u2014\u201d Catherine started. \u201cNever mind.\u201d<\/p>\n Upstairs, Lavender was sobbing into her pillow. Livia burst in.<\/p>\n \u201cGo away!\u201d Lavender cried, sitting up.<\/p>\n \u201cLavender?\u201d Livia asked, slowly.<\/p>\n \u201cI said go!\u201d Lavender repeated. Livia shook her head in disbelief.<\/p>\n \u201cLavender, I can\u2019t believe you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI can\u2019t believe you<\/em>! You think you know everything about me Livia Bell, but you don\u2019t! So, stop pretending you really care!\u201d Lavender knew what she said wasn\u2019t true\u2014but it still hurt Livia.<\/p>\n Livia slammed the door shut and collapsed on the floor. \u201cLavender.\u201d She muttered sadly. Lavender had grown up since last summer. She was a teenager. And Livia, was still a child. Livia walked back downstairs and sat down on the sofa. \u201cLavender has changed.\u201d She whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cReally,\u201d Catherine said, hoovering the carpet.<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d Livia crossed her arms. \u201cAnd I was just trying to help.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou shouldn\u2019t have bothered her.\u201d Catherine replied. Livia was shocked.<\/p>\n \u201cBut, Catherine, Lavender was really rude<\/em>, and she, she\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLivia please!\u201d Catherine interrupted. \u201cGo someone where else will you?\u201d She said, concentrating on the hoovering. Livia frowned and sauntered off into the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cHey Liv.\u201d Maya smiled. \u201cHere, chop some veg, will you?\u201d Livia picked up the knife and started fiercely chopping.<\/p>\n \u201cHey, hey!\u201d Maya took the knife away. \u201cWhy so agitated?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s Lavender.\u201d Livia muttered. Maya sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cListen, Liv, Lavender\u2019s upset, and we have to accept that.\u201d Livia\u2019s face dropped. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you take a piece of chocolate. Might cheer you up?\u201d Livia nodded. Maya passed her a piece. Livia ate it quickly. \u201cMum?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy is Grandma coming?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh!\u201d Maya exclaimed. \u201cShe\u2019s, she\u2019s coming to\u2014\u201d Livia sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cI knew it.\u201d She left the room. Maya stared after her, shaking her head.<\/p>\n DING! DING! DING!<\/p>\n \u201cAgh!\u201d Maya gasps. \u201cAlexa, get the door!\u201d Maya shoves the lid on the pots and pours the soup into the bowls.<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s here!\u201d Alexa shouts. Maya grabs the bowls and brings them to the table.<\/p>\n \u201cLet her in!\u201d Maya replies.<\/p>\n All the girls stay silent as Grandma Gothel enters.<\/p>\n \u201cMaya.\u201d Gothel says. Suddenly, Lavender flies down the stairs.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. I see this is the girl you have chosen for me.\u201d Everyone looked horrified.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter Two<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me?!\u201d Lavender stared at Gothel; her eyebrows raised.<\/p>\n \u201cThere\u2019s been a mistake.\u201d Alexa put a protective arm around Lavender. Lavender nestled closer to her.<\/p>\n \u201cWell then, who is<\/em> coming back with me?\u201d Gothel asks impatiently.<\/p>\n \u201cMum? What\u2019s happening?\u201d Brittany asked. Maya calms herself before answering.<\/p>\n \u201cGirls. There has been an agreement. Your grandma thinks I have not been looking after you properly\u2014\u201d Everyone starts protesting. \u201cListen!\u201d Maya shouts. \u201cSo, grandma has agreed to take one of you\u2026away\u2026for a while.\u201d<\/p>\n The girls look shocked. \u201cHow could you, mum?\u201d Lavender whispers. Maya looked as if she would cry.<\/p>\n \u201cGirls, I would never dream of\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBut you did.\u201d Roxanne crossed her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you don\u2019t mind me asking,\u201d Gothel growls angrily, \u201cwho<\/em> am I taking?!\u201d Maya looks away.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, you can\u2019t let her take us!\u201d Catherine shouts.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, missy, I think I can!\u201d Gothel shouts right at her.<\/p>\n Catherine turns away then suddenly grabs Brittany and Livia and pulls them away. They start running as fast as they can. Alexa didn\u2019t have a better idea, so she grabbed Lavender whilst Roxanne and Rosalind ran behind.<\/p>\n Grandma Gothel looked furious. \u201cAnd this is exactly<\/em> why I\u2019m taking you!\u201d The girls stopped. \u201cMaya can\u2019t look after you!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGirls, come back.\u201d Maya whispers. They do. Catherine refuses to look at Maya and Alexa is as silent as ever.<\/p>\n \u201cBut she can, I don\u2019t get it\u2026\u201d Brittany mutters.<\/p>\n \u201cAh. You.\u201d Gothel, grabs a hold of Brittany. \u201cPretty. Hmm.\u201d Brittany keeps a steady gaze. \u201cMake\u2019s eye contact. Hmm. Is respectable. Can dance. Maya! If you won\u2019t give me a girl, I\u2019ll choose myself. This little one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBrittany,\u201d Maya\u2019s eyes grow wide.<\/p>\n \u201cAh yes. Brittany. This girl with do well at Foxhall academy. Very well indeed.\u201d Gothel smiles, revealing her yellow teeth. Brittany squirms. \u201cStand still, child.\u201d She turns to Maya. \u201cShe will do.\u201d<\/p>\n Maya reaches for her phone. \u201cOh!\u201d She sees everyone staring at her. \u201cSorry, do sit down, mother.\u201d Maya grabs her phone and starts dialling a number. \u201cExcuse me for a second.\u201d She rushes to the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cSam! Sam, my mother is here. She called a few hours ago and said she was here to take the girls. Yes, it\u2019s really happening. Can you come? Great. I\u2019ll talk to the boys. Thanks, bye!\u201d Maya hangs up. \u201cSam, please hurry.\u201d She mutters, dialling another number.<\/p>\n \u201cLuka? Yes! It\u2019s me. This is an emergency, Luka, your sister\u2019s, Grandma Gothel is here, she\u2019s going to\u2014yes! Yes, thank you! Call your brother. I love you too son. See you soon!\u201d Maya nods firmly to herself. \u201cGothel is not<\/em> getting away with this.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Maya re-enters the dining room and sits down across from her mother. Catherine is still not talking to her and neither are the others.<\/p>\n \u201cThis food, Maya, really? Soup?\u201d Gothel remarks. Maya blushes. \u201cBrittany.\u201d Gothel orders. \u201cMake sure your elbows aren\u2019t on the table. It is so very<\/em> rude.\u201d<\/p>\n Brittany scowls. \u201cAnd won\u2019t you smile? I look down upon people who have no character.<\/em>\u201d Brittany refuses to smile. Maya clutches her arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDarling, please smile.\u201d Brittany frowns at her before mustering a small smile. She turns to Alexa.<\/p>\n \u201cI hate this.\u201d She whispers. Alexa helplessly looks back at her. Catherine sits taller.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll deal with this.\u201d Catherine turns to Maya. \u201cMum. If you will excuse us, we have had enough<\/em> of this visit and are ready to leave.\u201d Maya opens her mouth to speak when Catherine interrupts. \u201cThank you.\u201d She stands up and leaves the table.<\/p>\n \u201cHow rude!\u201d Gothel exclaims.<\/p>\n \u201cI am very sorry, mother.\u201d Maya says as the girls are leaving. \u201cYou have to go.\u201d Gothel looks stupefied.<\/p>\n \u201cExcuse me, Maya!\u201d She gasps. \u201cI am still<\/em> eating.\u201d \u201cMaya, I am taking Brittany, now<\/em>. I can clearly see that you can\u2019t <\/em>look after these children. So, Brittany<\/em>!\u201d Gothel shouts. Brittany stands in front of her. \u201cYou will be coming home with me.\u201d Brittany stares at her mum.<\/p>\n \u201cNo! No mum! You can\u2019t let her! No!\u201d Brittany yells. Catherine hears her cries in the kitchen and she comes rushing in.<\/p>\n \u201cHow dare you try and take Brittany! Brittany, get behind me! Mum, I don\u2019t care <\/em>what Gothel says but I am not <\/em>letting Brittany get taken.\u201d Catherine says loudly. Maya sighs. \u201cMum! Mum! Mum! Look!\u201d Someone shouts. Lavender peeks through the stairway.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, seriously, come!\u201d She says, smiling. So, Maya, Catherine and Brittany charge up the stairs (Gothel doesn\u2019t, she just tuts at their speed) before running up to Lavender.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, it\u2019s amazing!\u201d Lavender coos. She ushers them into the little attic room where Livia is sitting with a creature on her lap.<\/p>\n \u201cMaya! Eww!\u201d Gothel shrieks. \u201cIt\u2019s a bird!\u201d Maya shakes her head at her mother before kneeling to pet the bird.<\/p>\n \u201cWhere did you find it?\u201d She asked softly.<\/p>\n \u201cIt jumped through the window.\u201d Livia smiled, her eyes familiarly glistening with excitement.<\/p>\n \u201cWe think it\u2019s injured.\u201d Lavender whispers. Maya carefully takes it from Livia\u2019s arms. Maya, Lavender and Livia nurse the bird and half an hour later, it is chirping happily. Everyone is mystified. \u201cCan we keep it mum?\u201d Brittany asks. \u201cOh please!\u201d The girls nod.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, yes, yes mum! Please!!\u201d Livia begs. Maya smiles.<\/p>\n Catherine shrugs. \u201cI\u2019m going to finish my work. You coming, Alexa?\u201d<\/p>\n Alexa shakes her head. \u201cGuys, a pet is hard work. We would have to be dedicated.\u201d<\/p>\n Gothel snorts. \u201cAs if Maya can handle that<\/em>!\u201d Catherine scoffs.<\/p>\n \u201cAs if you<\/em> could do that!\u201d Catherine shakes her head, marching out of the room with Alexa following.<\/p>\n Brittany sighs. \u201cI guess we can\u2019t keep it then.\u201d Livia gives her a mournful nod.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, if Alexa and Catherine disagree, then I guess we can\u2019t.\u201d Rosalind shrugs.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd it\u2019s mother must miss it\u2019s baby.\u201d Lavender smiles.<\/p>\n Slowly, Maya helps the girls lift the bird. They take of the bedding and sit it on the roof. It hops and jumps.<\/p>\n \u201cReady?\u201d<\/p>\n The girls nod. The bird gets ready and suddenly takes flight. Everyone is in awe. Even Gothel. They watch the bird swoop through the air until it disappears behind the trees. Rosalind smiles. \u201cThat was beautiful.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUgh! Why are we all getting soppy!\u201d Rosalind cries, disguising her smile. Everyone laughs as they walk downstairs.<\/p>\n The minute they are all seated, Gothel crosses her arms, a menacing glare on her face.<\/p>\n \u201cMum?\u201d Maya asks.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d Gothel snaps. Rosalind and Roxanne seat themselves next to their grandmother and Livia, Brittany and Lavender sit beside their mother.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, am I going?\u201d Brittany asks in a small voice. Livia is shocked. For as long as she could remember, Brittany has always been uptight, cocky and in your face\u2014but now, she was sincerely worried. Livia had <\/em>to do something.<\/p>\n \u201cYes, you are, child! Pack your bags, you\u2019re going today<\/em>.\u201d Gothel says. Brittany face creases. Livia knows this is her last chance to save her sister.<\/p>\n She swiftly picked up Gothel\u2019s mug of tea and flung it at her.<\/p>\n \u201cCHILD!\u201d Gothel shrieked, her hair drenched in murky liquid and her dress ruined. Not that it was very good anyway,<\/em> Livia thought.<\/p>\n Maya hid a smile. Roxanne started laughing and Rosalind joined in. Even Brittany found it immensely funny. But Livia was laughing harder than everyone.<\/p>\n \u201cRight, Brittany, pack your bags\u2014NOW. And you<\/em>,\u201d Gothel points a crooked finger at Livia. \u201cYou are coming too.\u201d<\/p>\n Livia gasps. \u201cWait\u2014what<\/em>!\u201d Her eyes well up. \u201cBut! But! But I, I\u2014no mum! Please\u2014no!\u201d Maya breaths heavily.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, you can\u2019t take my children, let them stay, please.\u201d Gothel shakes her head, firmly.<\/p>\n \u201cI am taking them.\u201d Brittany threw herself upstairs and started packing. Livia doubled over, falling on her knees.<\/p>\n \u201cMum, I beg you, let us stay! Gothel, I can\u2019t go! No!\u201d Livia shouted as Gothel pulled her up.<\/p>\n \u201cYour mother isn\u2019t in charge any more, I am.\u201d Gothel cackled. \u201cSo, join your sister and start packing for Foxhall Academy.\u201d<\/p>\n Livia ran upstairs despite her tears. Alexa heard Livia crying and she ran out of her room. \u201cLiv! Livia, what\u2019s wrong?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLivia?\u201d Catherine opened the door.<\/p>\n \u201cGothel\u2019s taking Brittany\u2014and me.\u201d Livia sobbed. Catherine clenched her fists.<\/p>\n \u201cRight.\u201d She muttered. Catherine stomped downstairs, angrily, a frown implanted on her face. Alexa held Livia\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019ll be fine, Livia. Where\u2019s Brittany?\u201d Alexa asked, running into Brittany\u2019s room. Brittany too, was crying. Alexa ushered Livia in then gave both girls a hug. \u201cMaybe it\u2019ll be fun.\u201d Livia cried harder. Alexa took a deep breath. \u201cLet\u2019s go downstairs.\u201d<\/p>\n The girls walked slowly downstairs then gasped. Could it be??<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Chapter Three<\/strong><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cDad?!\u201d Alexa shouted, rushing towards a man in a large coat. Catherine was already furiously talking to him.<\/p>\n \u201cFirst <\/em>she tried to take Brittany and now<\/em> she\u2019s taking Livia too!\u201d<\/p>\n The man looked cross but it was hard to tell under his scarf which was wrapped around his face like a jedi in Star Wars<\/em>. He stepped into the house and at that moment Alexa spotted a familiar face behind him.<\/p>\n \u201cLuka!\u201d Alexa throws herself onto the boy, tackling into a huge hug. Catherine sees him too and gives him an equally huge bear hug.<\/p>\n Livia and Brittany rush down and leap into his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cLuka!\u201d Catherine grins. \u201cIt\u2019s you<\/em>.\u201d<\/p>\n Maya turns her head from the living room and her eyes light up.<\/p>\n \u201cLuka! Sam! You made it!\u201d She gives both a big hug then stops, suddenly. \u201cWhere\u2019s Zain?\u201d<\/p>\n Luka takes a breath. \u201cZain. Zain, couldn\u2019t make it.\u201d He looks away, not meeting his mother\u2019s gaze.<\/p>\n \u201cIs he all right? Is he hurt?\u201d Maya frets anxiously. Luka sighs.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s\u2014complicated.\u201d Maya looks upset.<\/p>\n Then Livia gives Luka an eager grin. \u201cI missed you so much!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe too.\u201d Brittany smiles. Rosalind and Roxanne charge over when they see the gathering. Lavender joins them too.<\/p>\n \u201cOh girls. Every time I see you, my heart lightens.\u201d Luka smiles back. He quickly glances behind him and smiles again. \u201cGirls, everyone, remember Yasmin Amira?\u201d<\/p>\n The girls nod. Yasmin was his wife, they married last summer. Luka smiles once more and takes a step to the side revealing a beautiful lady in a fancy dress.<\/p>\n Brittany gasps happily. \u201cYasmin! I love <\/em>your dress.\u201d Yasmin smiles graciously.<\/p>\n \u201cAww. Thank you, sweetheart. Yours is equally stunning.\u201d Brittany beams with pride. Luka smiles again and walks into the lounge. Everyone follows. Sam is still talking to Catherine.<\/p>\n \u201cMaya! Maya, wait.\u201d Sam shouts, grabbing Maya\u2019s wrist. \u201cCatherine told me everything. Is she still here?\u201d Maya gasps, just remembering that her mother was here to take her children.<\/p>\n \u201cYes!\u201d Maya runs back into the lounge where everyone is now sitting. Gothel sits there too.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" <\/p>\n Livia\u2019s Life \u2013 Season 1 by Jasmine Sheherazade Ebrahim, In the Livia Series<\/p>\n<\/p>\n Chapter One<\/p>\n<\/p>\n \u201cFaster! Higher!\u201d Livia grinned as Lavender patiently pushed the swing. Livia\u2019s legs swung uncontrollably as the swing rapidly got higher. Lavender was getting worried.<\/p>\n \u201cLiv, it\u2019s getting too fast,\u201d she bit her lip, letting go [Read More…]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":119,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[136],"tags":[],"coauthors":[135],"class_list":["post-9349","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-jasmine-sheherazade","odd"],"views":822,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9349","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/119"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9349"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9349\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9742,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9349\/revisions\/9742"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9349"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9349"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9349"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/mathscitech.org\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=9349"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
\n\u201cSorry.\u201d Maya repeats. Gothel stands abruptly stands up, her face red with anger.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cMum, you must go.\u201d Maya says to Gothel. Gothel frowns.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cGirls, get some soft material, we can make a bed.\u201d Maya says to Rosalind and Brittany. \u201cSomeone get a bandage, or some wool.\u201d Alexa nods. The three of them rush downstairs and emerge five minutes later with the equipment.<\/p>\n