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Winter 1970 Southern California
“You’re the only one we can trust.”
Little Maris Evergreen Gloria heard that phrase so often that it became synonymous with her mother, Madam Zoella Amaris Gloria. She’s sat in many meetings with her mother. To the four-year-old, all Zoella does is have meetings.
At this moment, Maris was hiding in one of her favorite places in the closet behind a bookcase. Especially playing hide-and-seek with her older cousin, Jeremiah. A winner had already been declared.
There was a small opening in the door that allowed little Maris to see her mother speaking with two older women.
“Can you tell me everything that happened?” Zoella softly spoke, leaning a little closer towards them. A small frown formed as she listened to the two women’s story.
“Madam Gloria, we tried every spell and incantation we knew, and there’s no trace of them.” The woman who spoke had greying dark hair loosely pulled into a bun. It was evident she was a sorcerer, judging by the dark orange celestial patterns on her black vest and matching dress pants. While the other, whom she assumed to be her wife, had graying dark loose curls while wearing a dark red suit jacket that had gray flowers all over it. One thing that is notable is that sorcerers sure love patterns and jewelry, as both women had lots of accessories that rattled with every movement.
“This morning, when I went to wake Leah and Saige, they were gone.” The woman with the celestial pattern began to cry while the other comforted her.
“There was no sign of struggle in both of the kids’ rooms.” The woman with the floral jacket had spoken up. “The back sliding door was left wide open. Please can you help us even if it's just to find answers? You’re the only person who knows about this.”
“We’ll do everything we can to find more than just answers.” Her mother’s voice was firmer than before.
The three women discussed more details about the children’s mysterious disappearance. Once they finished up, Zoell had gripped both of the women’s hands. “I promise we’ll do everything we can.”
After the two women left, her mother went back to her desk. “You can come out, Maris.”
Maris gasped. There was no way she could’ve known. “Dear, come on out now.” Her mother commanded.
Maris reluctantly pushed open the door and stepped more into the light. She stood far away from her mother. “Come here, dear.” Zoella extended her arms out to hoist Maris up into her lap.
“How did you know I was in there?” Maris asked as she looked into her mother’s brown eyes that were similar to hers.
“I’m your mother, I know everything,” Zoella said. “You need to play with your cousin. It's rude not to spend time with guests.”
“But we’re playing hide and go seek. And I won.” Maris stated as she folded her chubby arms.
Zoella tilted her head back and laughed. In Maris’ eyes, there was a mirror of her younger self. “Mommy, why were those ladies here?” Maris asked.
“Because they needed help,” Zoella said.
“Why?” Maris turned her back to Zoella and picked up one of the quill pens and started to draw on the nearest paper.
“Well, it wouldn’t be right for me to share private matters now, would it?” Zoella had one hand gently going through Maris’ black curls.
“Why?” Maris asked again.
“Because they don’t want any bad people to know,” Zoella had answered these questions before.
“Why do they come here?” Maris looked back at her mother.
“Because we extend our services to help those who can’t easily ask for help,” Zoella went on a tangent about the house. The House of Gloria, founded by Zoella’s great-grandmother, Amaris Gloria, for many decades has extended a lending hand to the supernatural world. People who can’t trust the authorities for help on any matter. From family disputes about inheritance to missing persons cases. The House of Gloria will always be there to provide leverage.
“When you’re older, you and your wife will be running this house and so on,” Zoella has said this speech many times, even when Maris was in the womb.
“I’d rather draw,” Maris said.
Zoella started to laugh loudly, “One day, dear, you’ll be addressed as Madam Maris Gloria. It’s an inevitable fate.”
Winter 2001 Southern California
Thirty-four-year-old Madam Maris Evergreen Gloria had just woken up from her impromptu nap at her desk. “Maris, can we go to Five Guys?”
Her eyes adjusted quickly to the wide black eyes staring into her brown eyes. Crouched down next to her was her younger sister, by five years. She was named after their mother. “Zo, what time is it?” Maris asked with a groggy voice. A big yawn escaped her as she stretched.
“3:28 pm,” Zo said.
“Can you take two steps back?”
“Why?”
“Because you’re in my personal space.”
“Mom didn’t mind it.”
“Then go ask her for Five Guys.” Zo still hadn’t moved an inch.
Zo was relentless in her eye contact. “Dad said he and Mom are going out to eat. I will starve.”
“I smelled Dad cooking something earlier.” Maris frowned.
“Fine, I will just go to sleep. Since you only make time for your whack boyfriend.” Zo stood up to her full height of seven feet.
“You’re really not going to fix your own food?” Maris asked.
“The kitchen is a barren wasteland.”
“Fine, I will take you, but that means you have actually to work later, okay?”
“This is how you make good decisions as head of the house.” She replied, hugging Maris.
“Gee, thanks.”