A Foolish Oversight PG-13 Cham Challenge #148

[cassysj]

I do not own any recognizable characters no copyright infringement is intended.


Mick rang the Josef’s doorbell at 7A.

Tangie could tell by his expression that it was an emergency and did none of the usual teasing about Josef being unavailable. She escorted him upstairs while sending a wake up text.

She knocked on the master suite and the door immediately opened.

Josef took one look at Mick and said. “Do the girls have to pack?”

“They don’t but I do.”

Josef dismissed Tangie and waved Mick into the room.

“What happened?’

“The Cleaners showed up at my apartment today and told me I have forty-eight hours to vacate Los Angeles or accept the consequences for violating California Vampire Law 19837. I never heard of such a law and Lana wouldn’t give me any more information.

Josef whistled. “When did you get married?’

Mick was completely confused. “I didn’t get married. Even if I did since when is marriage illegal?’

Josef shook his head. “When you proposed last week, didn’t I tell you to elope in Vegas?”

“Beth deserves better than that. Mick said. “Besides what’s wrong with getting married?”

Josef sighed. “You are a fool. In California it’s illegal for a vampire to marry a human. It’s been that way since 1913. Didn’t your sire teach you anything?

Mick’s eyes silvered in frustration. “I married Coraline in California in 1952 and no one paid a visit to her.”

“That’s because she wasn’t marrying a human, she was marrying a future vampire.”

“That’s ridiculous. Charles Riley has been married to Plum for over three years and she’s a human.”

Josef raised his eyebrow. “Mick, as I recall you were at that wedding. Do you remember where it took place?”

“New York but….”

“No buts. Charles made his wedding plans and guaranteed the local Cleaners he would have a vampire in seven years or leave the state.”

“You’re kidding?”

“No, why do you think he hasn’t been at poker the last three months. He just dropped six million on a townhouse in Soho.

“Charles is moving?”

“Not yet but he wants to be prepared. I was going to explain all this to you and Beth tomorrow night when you came for dinner just in case Coraline was remiss in her duties. Who did you tell that you got engaged?”

“You, Logan, Guillermo. Beth told Plum Blossom. Mick gasped. “Do you think she reported us?”

Josef rolled his eyes. “No. Plum is a rule breaker not a snitch. Is there anybody else?”

“Ben Talbot. Since he became Judge Talbot and has his own secrets Beth wanted him to perform the ceremony.”

“I don’t like Talbot but it has to be someone else. Beth is a chatterbox, maybe told some freshies who told their vampires…..

Mick thought for a minute. “No, she doesn’t even have her ring yet. Women always wait for the ring and Charles is still designing it. She was even joking about that when we filled out our marriage license yesterday….

Josef held up his hand. “You applied for a marriage license??? Damn fool. What is wrong with you? No one does that until just before the wedding.

“Well, Beth suggested we get married on September 28th, that’s only six weeks away. We were going to tell you tonight.”

“That’s how the Cleaners found out.” Josef said. “Mick, I told you to discuss your wedding plans with me first. You need to tell them Beth wants to be a vampire and you are considering all options.”

“Josef, I don’t want to turn Beth. She has been making noises about freezing time but….

“Good. You’ll get a seven year waiver and by that time you’ll know what you’re doing. If you don’t turn her you’ll have to leave California for her natural life but….that won’t take long.

“Josef!” Mick yelled.

Josef continued. “It’s true. She’s already past the big 30 after the extension what will she have…forty years. You can do that on your head.”

“I guess.”

“Mick, don’t be a fool. It doesn’t matter that you didn’t know the rules, if you don’t agree to their terms they will make you leave, one way or another.”

“Should I just agree to leave?” Mick said quietly.

“Do you think that’s what Beth wants? Josef asked. LA is your home, she knows you want to be married here. They’ll give you an extension if you do it right, tell them you’re a fool for love and you filled out the license on a lark. Next time I tell you something, listen to me before you do something stupid.”

“Dad, are there any more things I need to know about?”

“A few……thousand but we have time.”

[allegrita]

Oh, no! Poor Mick! Coraline was very remiss in her training, and it's come back to bite him again and again. Josef has very good advice--I hope Mick follows it. Seven years is enough time for Beth to talk him into turning her if he's ever going to do it... and it's also plenty of time to look for a new place to live and make arrangements.

I love that Mick calls Josef Dad. Maybe he can just give the vampire lessons to both Mick and Beth, and save some time. A "twofer".

[Lilly]

Wonderful, Carol! This is a really nice take on the challenge prompt. Mick is no fool --- but he should know by now that not listening to Josef could come back to bite him.

And how much do I love that Mick and Beth set the wedding date for September 28? Lovely touch!

[allegrita]

Oh!!! I didn't even think of the relevance of the wedding date! How wonderful!!

[francis]

I think as Charles is giving freshie lessons, Josef needs to give vampire lessons to the foolish younger vamps who think there are no stinking rules. They are vampires, not pirates.
Maybe Beth knew all about this and is forcing Mick's hand... no, she wouldn't betray him like this.

[MickLifeCrisis]

I loved this! Great little story. Mick didn't tell anybody... except the license bureau!

Yes, Mick needs to listen to Josef. I'm sure Beth will get her way before seven years are up!

[jen]

This is so cute!!!!!

But Mick should have known this would not go off without a hitch. Considering the luck he had with marriage last time, you'd think he'd be more careful, but nooooooooooooo.

Get the seven year waiver. In those years, Beth will work on him and she will have a lot of help--everyone Mick told for starters.

Fabulous answer to the challenge!!!!

Thank you!

[cassysj]

Thank you so much for the nice comments. Mick needs to understand that Josef should always be obeyed.