{"id":41193,"date":"2025-01-11T12:28:34","date_gmt":"2025-01-11T18:28:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/?p=41193"},"modified":"2025-01-11T12:28:34","modified_gmt":"2025-01-11T18:28:34","slug":"chapter-15-one-on-one-with-agatha","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/2025\/01\/11\/chapter-15-one-on-one-with-agatha\/","title":{"rendered":"Chapter 15: One-on-One with Agatha"},"content":{"rendered":"

Thomas was going over some patient charts in his office one morning, when the door opened. It was far too early to be Tabby, so he expected it to be Strawberry. Instead\u2026 he was surprised.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDr. Fairfax,\u201d said the blue unicorn, sweeping grandly into the room, for all the world like an actress entering a scene. \u201cGwen tells me you’ve been trying to reach me.\u201d She stood, looking at Thomas accusingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou really don’t give advance notice, do you?\u201d Thomas said, setting the papers to the side as he gave his full attention to his future mother-in-law.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was in the area on business, and for the sake of your dear, sweet mother, I am granting you this audience,\u201d continued Agatha.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Could she <\/span>be<\/span><\/i> any more toplofty? \u201cThat\u2019s very obliging of you,\u201d Thomas said dryly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI <\/span>told<\/span><\/i> you not to touch her!\u201d she said, advancing closer, but there was still the desk between them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou have no authority over me,\u201d Thomas said coolly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha sniffed. \u201cPresuming to engage yourself to my daughter gives me some prerogative.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou don’t own <\/span>her<\/span><\/i>, either.\u201d Thomas\u2019 eyes narrowed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNow, now. I think we’ve gotten off on the wrong hoof.\u201d Agatha\u2019s shoulders loosened and her demeanor shifted. \u201cI think we can agree that we both have Tabitha’s best interests at heart, as misguided as you may be.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou set Guido on her!\u201d Thomas rounded on her furiously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI have no say over what Mr. Casale does, believe me.\u201d Agatha\u2019s voice projected calmness, but her uneasiness was accented by her pacing along the length of the desk. \u201cHe has his own reasons, but I could see the benefits of the match.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cFor advancing your prestige?\u201d Thomas snapped.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha drew herself up indignantly. \u201cFor seeing that Tabitha is well set in life, of course!\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think she needs a multi-billionaire to be set? That’s a little overkill,\u201d Thomas said. \u201cHe can’t buy her off.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou can’t fathom the extent of his reach,\u201d said Agatha, tapping her hoof irritably on the floor, \u201cand the Krulotin do have their limits when it comes to resources.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I rely on them for support?\u201d Thomas asked incredulously.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cDon’t you?\u201d Agatha said with a pointed look.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas frowned. \u201cIt’s a… business grant,\u201d he said mulishly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course it is,\u201d Agatha said with a deliberate eyebrow raise. \u201cBeyond the clinic, you have very little capital to your name,\u201d she continued, resuming pacing. \u201cYou and your sister made out well enough on the life insurance settlements from that unfortunate accident your parents were in, but it only went so far on college expenses for two doctorates. You may have a business minor, but you don’t know the first thing about building from the ground up. The Krulotin have taken care of all that for you.\u201d She ended her monologue with an arch look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don’t need them to be successful,\u201d Thomas argued, feeling irked. \u201cThey offered me an opportunity, but there are other positions I could take. I am not completely incapable of supporting a family, if that’s what you’re getting at.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou’re in over your head!\u201d Agatha said impatiently. \u201cYou don’t know what game you’re playing. Walk away now with your pride, reputation, and success all intact.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas gave her a sharp look. \u201cYou think I’ll lose all that on my present course?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Krulotin aren’t the gods they think they are,\u201d Agatha said cryptically. \u201cThey\u2019ve positioned you well in life, but if something should happen to them\u2026\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cStop talking in riddles!\u201d Thomas snapped, thoroughly annoyed at Agatha\u2019s antics. \u201cThe facts are that I love your daughter, she loves me, and we’re going to get married!\u201d He looked at her, daring her to take umbrage at that.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd I’m sure you have a rosy picture of wedded bliss in mind,\u201d Agatha said coolly. \u201cBut in real life, there are challenges you don’t consider at this stage.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cLike what drew your husband away?\u201d Thomas said almost without thinking.<\/span><\/p>\n

There was a sharp intake of breath from Agatha. \u201cContinue that line of questioning at your peril,\u201d she said, her lips pinched.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou do know more than you let on,\u201d Thomas mused, tapping his hoof contemplatively on the desktop.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha stared him down. \u201cWe did what we thought was best for our family.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cReally?\u201d Thomas scoffed. \u201cThat’s the best you could come up with? Deprive Tabby of the one parent who loved her?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI did no such thing! It was–\u201d Agatha cut herself off. \u201cYou speak of things you don’t understand,\u201d she finished crisply.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOf course, if you won’t tell us anything!\u201d Thomas scowled.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI’ve already said too much,\u201d said Agatha, a flash of unease appearing across her face.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas was silent for a moment. \u201cI love her,\u201d he said at long last. \u201cI couldn’t imagine that I would, not at first. Now I don’t know what I’d do without her.\u201d He gave her a challenging look. \u201cAnd I’ll never believe that I’ve been manipulated into feeling this way.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAt the end of the day, I am not your adversary,\u201d said Agatha, taking a cleansing breath. \u201cI’m warning you, for your own good, to walk away from all this. Your life will be better for it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNot without her.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha huffed. \u201cAnd when another pretty face comes along, what then? What becomes of Tabitha?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas felt a pang at the reminder. \u201cI’ve left that way of life behind me,\u201d he said quietly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha cocked her head. \u201cYou can be so sure of yourself?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think Guido loves her and will stay true to her?\u201d Thomas asked pointedly.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha was silent.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYet you say you have her best interests at heart!\u201d hissed Thomas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere is more to life than romance!\u201d Agatha burst out. \u201cSometimes it\u2019s better to follow your head rather than your heart.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt just sets you up for disappointment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cExactly. You do see.\u201d Agatha looked relieved, as if she was finally making progress.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut even that disappointment has value,\u201d Thomas continued, not giving her that victory, \u201cIt wouldn\u2019t cause so much pain if the positive wasn\u2019t so strong–and doesn\u2019t that make it worth the suffering?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWise words from one so young,\u201d Agatha scoffed. Yet her pacing halted and she sat down on the couch. \u201cWe had seven years together,\u201d she continued, in a far-away, dreamy voice. \u201cI\u2019d known him longer than that, of course. Why did I wait so long before speaking my mind? I just wanted everything to be perfect\u2026 it seems so stupid now. I\u2019d loved him since we were foals–he never had time for me, of course–always had his head in a book.\u201d And here she was overcome with tears and could not continue.<\/span><\/p>\n

Taking pity on her, Thomas crossed the room and, kneeling, hoofed her a tissue. \u201cI don\u2019t know what happened between you and your husband,\u201d he said quietly. \u201cBut what do you think he would want for Tabby?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019d\u2026 have her follow her heart, of course,\u201d Agatha bit off reluctantly. \u201cJust like his heart always followed those ancient civilizations.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure he gave consideration to his family as well. That\u2019s how Tabby remembers him.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYes, yes, of course. Goodness, look at me,\u201d sniffled Agatha, \u201cI\u2019m such a watering pot.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas gave her an appraising look. \u201cYou and Tabby are alike, you know,\u201d he said at length.<\/span><\/p>\n

Agatha looked up in surprise.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou both try to hide that you have hearts,\u201d Thomas said with a wry smile.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSuch nonsense,\u201d Agatha demurred, but with a small grin that told him she was secretly pleased. \u201cYou really understand her, like I never could.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cShe has a beautiful spirit.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou think I’m a terrible mother, don’t you?\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas said nothing.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI suppose I thought life would be easier for her if she were more like… me.\u201d Agatha passed a hoof over her brow wearily. \u201cI only know how to be myself, and I could never reach her. Things would have been different had Hubert been here. But\u2026\u201d She paused, a long time, and Thomas gave her the time to think. \u201cI\u2019ve come to a decision,\u201d she said at long last. \u201cYou may marry her. But if ever you forget your vows – rest assured, I <\/span>will<\/span><\/i> take action and you will lead a very small, insignificant, miserable life.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI won\u2019t give you any reason to do that,\u201d Thomas said, and meant it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cVery well. I think we\u2019re done here.\u201d Agatha stood up with alacrity. \u201cTake care, Dr. Fairfax.\u201d And she turned to the door.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cPerhaps it\u2019s time to dispense with formalities,\u201d Thomas suggested before she could go.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m not mentally prepared yet for having a son.\u201d Agatha paused in her steps but did not turn around. \u201cThere will be time for that after the wedding. Good day.\u201d And she stepped into the hallway.<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas looked after her, bemused.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c<\/span>Mom<\/span><\/i>! What are you doing here?\u201d came Tabby\u2019s horrified voice.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOh, hello, Tabitha dear,\u201d Agatha said, completely nonplussed as she halted her progress. \u201cJust clearing some things up with your betrothed.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby tore past her mother and into the office. \u201cAre you okay?\u201d she demanded. She probably had good reason not to put anything past her mother, including assault, Thomas supposed.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m fine,\u201d he said with an encouraging smile.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Tabby glanced from her mother to Thomas with a suspicious look.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI trust that Tamara has the planning well in hoof,\u201d said Agatha, advancing on her daughter and kissing her on both cheeks, \u201cbut if you need a mother\u2019s guidance, you know where to find me. Tah-tah!\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSure\u2026\u201d Tabby narrowed her eyes, watching her mother depart, and then turned back to Thomas. \u201cWhat was that all about?\u201d Her brow was deeply furrowed, thoroughly bewildered.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI think we\u2019ve come to an understanding,\u201d Thomas said encouragingly.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t even want to know what she said,\u201d Tabby said with a long-suffering sigh, flouncing further into the room and dropping down onto the couch. \u201cNo, don’t tell me.\u201d She held up a hoof warningly. \u201cI\u2019m sure it was all very embarrassing. I\u2019ll be better off not knowing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Thomas grinned as he sank down next to her. \u201cYou have more in common with her than you think.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou\u2019re crazy,\u201d said Tabby with an incredulous sidelong look.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Thomas was going over some patient charts in his office one morning, when the door opened. It was far too early to be…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1071],"tags":[1161,1162,1166,1119,1072,1076],"class_list":["post-41193","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-writing","tag-agatha","tag-engagement","tag-hubert","tag-krulotin","tag-tabby","tag-thomas"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41193","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=41193"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41193\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":41194,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/41193\/revisions\/41194"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41193"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41193"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fakiespaceman.com\/toyblog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=41193"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}