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The first Friday, the 13th, had rolled around. While some aren't superstitious, Ceci had encountered more than once lousy luck on this particular day. One year, the whole city had a blackout. Another year, the phone lines went down. Finally, when she was a kid, she'd fallen onto the street and got an enormous bleeding scrape on her knee.
Nevertheless, she hoped there was no bad luck in the air today. She likewise hoped someone special would show up. Glancing at her right palm, she saw black and white "DP." Smiling, she knew what that meant. Making sure her family was still asleep, the half-ghost girl zoomed out her window to where she was being called.
She happily discovered her younger brother from another reality was waiting for her. Like she'd been summoned before, so had Danny. He appeared at a deserted playground. She noticed he had a suitcase with him. "Danny! I'm so delighted to see you!" Ceci declared as they embraced each other.
"Thanks, sis! I'm delighted to be here," he replied happily as they broke apart.
She glanced at his suitcase. "What's with the suitcase?" she questioned curiously.
"Well, I didn't want to arrive in a suit that could get ruined. Also, it will make our cover story more realistic if someone sees me with a suitcase."
"Good point. I've already found the ideal location for your mother's residence. An old deserted house on the edge of town will perfectly serve our needs."
"How exactly?"
"I've utilized my illusion abilities on it. So, for anyone passing by, the house was flipped recently. I have also been experimenting with my illusion capabilities, which have proven victorious in making a temporary life form if anyone needs to see your mother."
"Have you made sure to make this illusion slightly different from Mom?"
"I've integrated a few different characteristics, yes. Nevertheless, it will still serve its purpose. Now, let's get you there. I'll come back to pick you up after school since Ruben's Bar Mitzvah isn't until six."
"Let me guess. You'll introduce me to your family properly, correct?"
"Yep. So let's get you there," they both transformed again before heading to the house Ceci had prepared. Ceci and her friends had added a few items to make it appear lived in.
She'd brought a small TV and a few DVDs for him to watch until it was time to pick him up. He thanked her and enjoyed binge-watching some of his favorite movies. Finally, at 3:30, Ceci arrived to take him to her house.
Danny had already dressed in his formal attire. They smiled before heading off to Ceci's house. "Now, let me do the introductions first. Just act natural, and nothing should go wrong." Then, taking a deep breath, she opened her front door. "Mom! Dad! I'm home!" she called out.
Maddie came out of the kitchen. Danny was surprised to see his mother not wearing a hazmat suit. Instead, she wore a light blue blouse and a lavender knee-length skirt. However, her smile remained the same. "Glad you're finally home, Ceci. We were getting worried about what was holding you up. So who is this young man? A new student at your school?"
Ceci took another deep breath before answering, "No, Mom, he isn't a student at my school. But he is a distant cousin on your side."
Maddie's jaw dropped open before Danny quickly spoke up. "Hi, my name is Danny Jackson. My mom's name is Kathleen Wells, and my father is Robert Jackson."
Ceci quickly added, "My friends and I did a DNA test for fun a few months ago. And I found out about Danny when looking up unknown relatives."
"Yes, Mrs. Masters. My mom is your second or third cousin once removed. I really can't say it. But you know how tangled that gets, right?" he chuckled nervously.
His mother only smiled, "Yes, I do, Danny. Kathleen is a popular name on my side of the family. I've also had trouble keeping my family tree straight. So, do you live here?" she kindly asked.
He shook his head. "I live with my father in Amity Park. I'm just visiting my mother for a long weekend. She's back at her house. She's been a bit socially withdrawn since she and Dad split. So I'm sorry I can't introduce you to her. However, she does know I'm here. I asked her a few weeks ago if I could join you for Ceci's friend's brother's Bar Mitzvah."
"I've already run it by Jamie, Mom. He talked to his parents, and they said it was all right. So there's nothing to stress about there!" Ceci assured their mother.
"Well, it's fine with me then. However, since it's still a couple of hours before we leave, why don't you introduce Danny to the rest of his cousins?" Maddie suggested.
"That's the plan, Mom. Um, where's Dad?" she asked, confused.
Maddie rolled her eyes, "He went to pick up more Packer stuff on sale at Walmart. Don't worry. He'll be back in time."
"Okay, come on, Danny!" she said, dragging him to the living room. He felt relieved that no ghost weapons were pointing at him. They found their siblings in the living room. Felicity was watching a cartoon while Charlie was reading a book. Ceci cleared her throat.
"Charlie, Felicity! I've someone I want you to meet!" which caused their younger siblings to look up.
Charlie placed a bookmark in his book before gazing at his unknown older brother. "Cecilia, who is this?"
"Yes, Ceci! Who's the cute boy?" asked Felicity curiously.
"This is a distant cousin of ours. Danny Jackson is visiting his mother in town for the weekend. I did a DNA test for fun a few months back and found him."
"Yes, my friends and I also did a DNA test for fun around the same time. It is strange how some minds think alike. It's nice to meet some of my cousins," Danny said, even though they were his siblings. Yet, since they're unaware of multiple realities, cousins would have to do so.
"Well, I'm pleased to make your acquaintance, Daniel Jackson. I presume you'll accompany us to my best friend Ruben's celebration tonight. Seeing how you're in a suit."
"It's Danny, and yes. Ceci invited me," he answered, slightly annoyed.
"Don't take it personally, Cousin Danny. Charlie never uses a person's preferred name. Only their formal name," Felicity explained kindly. Then she smiled, "So, do you want to play checkers?"
"Sure, I'm up for that. It's easier than chess," Felicity pulled out the board.
"Charlie takes after Dad in loving chess, Danny. However, Felicity and I like checkers better," Ceci explained as they sat around the coffee table.
After a quick game of checkers, in which Danny allowed his youngest sister to win, Vlad came home. They gave him the same cover story, which he didn't question. The family then finished getting ready before heading to the synagogue.
Ceci quickly introduced Danny properly to the rest of her friends' families. Both her best friends shared a knowing smile. Then they took their seats. Jamie's adoptive brother Ruben was wearing a snazzy new suit and yarmulke.
"I didn't know Jamie's brother was Latino. Not that I'm racist or anything," Danny quickly whispered to his sister.
"Well, yes, there are Jews in the Latino culture. But, quiet," she whispered as the Rabbi started to speak.
The guest listened intently as the Rabbi went over the history of the Jews, the significance of coming of age, and how important it was to honor their roots despite others trying to eliminate them. He listed some crucial events in Jewish history, such as the Exodus from Egypt, the Maccabean Revolt, and the importance of the Torah and mitzvot (commandments).
Then he turned to the thirteen-year-old to ask him to read aloud from the Torah. None of the guests spoke Hebrew outside the Ramseys, but they felt Ruben spoke quite eloquently. Danny smiled since he remembered how Sam had turned her Bat Mitzvah into her idea of a party.
She had turned the sacred ceremony into a goth rebellion party. Danny couldn't help but remember that while Sam had fun, he felt terrible for her parents since she only did it to make them mad. Again, he was questioning if he should end it with Sam. However, he shuffled the thought away for now. Instead, he enjoyed being with his extended family and watching a proper Bar Mitzvah.
After Ruben finished reading from the Torah, everyone clapped. Then, the Rabbi concluded by saying the Shehecheyanu, a prayer thanking God for allowing them to reach this special occasion. After that, it was time for the party. They'd prepared traditional Jewish dishes, such as challah, gefilte fish, kugel, and a few others, for their guests. Since most guests were underage, the Ramseys had chosen to make a massive bowl of fruit punch instead.
After everyone had eaten, the guests gave Ruben his gifts. The money was for his college fund; others gave him books on Jewish history and culture. He thanked them all before the DJ started playing tunes, and everyone danced the Hora, lifting Ruben on a chair in celebration.
Ceci had offered to walk Danny back to his mother's house, which was close to hers. Her parents told her to be safe and back soon. Finally, they reached the abandoned house, and Ceci smiled. "Well, I think we can say that went particularly well. I had a good time. Did you, too?" she asked.
Danny smiled and nodded. "Yeah, I had a great time. It was nice seeing a real Bar Mitzvah. Thanks for inviting me, Ceci."
"No problem, Danny. I'm glad you enjoyed it. Remember, if you need anything, you can always call or visit. You're family, after all," Ceci replied warmly.
Danny embraced her. "Thanks, Ceci. It means a lot to me. I'll see you soon."
As Ceci flew back home, she felt a sense of satisfaction. The evening had gone smoothly, and she was happy to have Danny close, even if only for a short visit. She deeply cherished the bond they shared as siblings despite their different realities.
Meanwhile, Danny settled into the house Ceci had prepared for him, feeling content. He reflected on the day, grateful for his connection with his sister and the warmth of her family and friends. It was a memorable experience that made him appreciate the importance of family and cultural traditions.
As the night grew darker, Danny and Ceci felt a renewed sense of hope and belonging, knowing that they would always be there for each other no matter the distance or the reality.