Chapter 3: 3) The Weight of Secrets
They continued chatting casually, sharing laughter and lighthearted stories, as they finished breakfast. Once done, they moved to James's study, their demeanor shifting slightly, a silent acknowledgment that Thane's interests were being taken seriously.
"Alright, son," James said, his tone steady and encouraging. "Let's hear your ideas."
Amelia smiled as she pulled Thane onto her lap, gently rubbing his back. "Go ahead, sweetheart. We're all ears."
Thane sat up straighter, his excitement evident as he began, "Alright, here's the story. Eight-year-old Kevin McCallister, the youngest in his family, is accidentally left home alone when his large family rushes to the airport for a Christmas vacation in Paris. At first, Kevin is thrilled by his newfound freedom. He enjoys having the house to himself, eating junk food, and doing all the things his parents wouldn't normally allow."
He paused, his eyes gleaming with energy. "But trouble starts when two bumbling burglars, Harry and Marv, set their sights on the McCallister house, thinking it's empty. Kevin overhears their plan and decides to defend his home. Using his creativity and resourcefulness, he sets up a series of clever and hilarious booby traps to stop the burglars."
Thane's voice softened as he continued, "As Christmas gets closer, Kevin begins to feel lonely and misses his family. Meanwhile, his mom, Kate, realizes her mistake and does everything she can to get back to him. In the end, she makes it home on Christmas morning, just as the rest of the family arrives, and they're reunited."
He looked at his parents with eager eyes, awaiting their reaction.
"Hmm," James said thoughtfully, a smile tugging at his lips. "This is a really good story, Thane. Perfect for a Christmas release. So, I suppose you want to play Kevin?"
"That's right, Dad," Thane replied, his eyes shining with determination. "I promise to work hard and learn to bring Kevin to life in the shortest time possible."
"What have you thought about the name of the movie?" James asked, leaning back thoughtfully. "I'll also need to discuss it with a few screenwriters to see if they can refine the script."
"Home Alone," Thane said confidently. "That's the name I have in mind. And Dad," he added, his tone turning serious, "whoever you choose to be the screenwriter, I want to have a say in how the story unfolds. We need to make sure no one tries to claim the idea for themselves after the movie's success."
Though his body was that of an seven-year-old child, Thane carried the experiences of a man much older. He was a soul that had transmigrated, leaving behind the life of a 40-year-old man who had seen the worst the world had to offer. His past life had been filled with trials and hardship, yet it was his passion for Webnovel fanfiction that had allowed him to stay connected to the outside world. Through stories, he'd come to understand Hollywood trends and life in ways most children his age couldn't fathom. His past life had shaped him, making him far more mature than he appeared.
James nodded, impressed by his son's foresight. "Smart thinking, Thane. I'll make sure you're involved every step of the way."
"Look, Amy," James chuckled, glancing at Amelia with amusement. "Our son has become a shrewd businessman already."
Amelia, however, remained serious as she met Thane's gaze. "No, James. Thane is right. It's his work, and we both know that if the film succeeds at the box office, the world wouldn't believe it was all the work of an eight-year-old," she said, her voice steady with conviction.
James, a little taken aback by her seriousness, nodded thoughtfully. "You're right, love. We'll make sure everything is done the right way."
"How about this?" Amelia suggested thoughtfully. "Let Thane help me write the script. As an actress, I've read so many scripts, and I have an idea of how I can write this. It would also help me diversify my career options in the future. After all, I can't stay young and beautiful forever."
James paused, considering her words, then nodded. "Hmm. You both make good points. The academy judges have often overlooked your acting skills because of your beauty. This would give you another opportunity to prove you're more than just a pretty face. And darling," he added, looking at Amelia with tenderness, "you will always be the most beautiful woman in my eyes."
Amelia smiled softly, touched by his words, and Thane beamed with pride, happy to see his parents supporting each other.
"Me too, Mom. You're the most beautiful," Thane said, hugging Amelia tightly, causing her to smile warmly.
"Alright," James said, looking at both of them with a nod. "So, it's decided. Thane and Amy will finish the script, and then we'll move forward with the movie."
He then shifted the topic. "Now, Thane, how do you want to spend the rest of the day? Amy's cousins are visiting us from France this evening, so we've got some time before then."
"James!" Amelia said, her brow furrowing. "We've talked about this. We need to tell Thane before we meet with my cousin and her family."
"Darling, is it really the right time?" James responded cautiously. "Why don't we wait a few more years?"
Amelia sighed, holding James's hand gently. "I understand your concerns, James, but it's in Thane's best interest to know sooner rather than later. We have to tell him."
James paused, his expression softening, and after a long sigh, he nodded.
"What are you both talking about, Mom?" Thane asked, tugging at Amelia's hand. "If it's something that makes Dad sad, then you don't have to tell me."
"No, son," James said, shaking his head gently. "Your mom's right." He gestured for Amelia to explain.
Amelia took a deep breath, her gaze soft yet serious. "Thane, the truth is… I'm not a normal human. I'm a witch…"
Amelia and James explained everything to Thane—the truth about her heritage as a half-Veela witch from the Delacour family of France. They shared how her family was known for marrying men into the family, but Amelia had chosen to break that tradition when she married James, a decision that had strained her relationship with her family. However, everything changed with Thane's birth. He was the first male child born to a Veela, making him special. While he was still a normal human, he was also a wizard, inheriting the allure and looks of his Veela genes.
Thane listened carefully, but his response was surprisingly calm. He had already been prepared for this moment. During his conversation with Bree in the bathroom, she had told him about his Veela heritage and the powers that ran through his bloodline. While it was still a lot to take in, his earlier conversation had given him the time to process it, making the revelation less of a shock and more of an inevitable truth.
They went on to explain what this all meant for him in greater detail.
"So that's why you never let me go to school and instead hired private tutors?" Thane asked, his voice filled with understanding.
"That's right," Amelia nodded. "It was because of accidental magic and the allure."
"But what was so bad about it?" Thane asked, still confused. "Isn't it a good thing?"
Amelia blinked, surprised by his calm response. "You're not upset that we kept all of this from you?"
Thane shrugged nonchalantly. "Of course not. Why would I be? You must have had your reasons."
Amelia and James exchanged a glance, their hearts warming at Thane's words. His understanding and maturity, despite his young age, filled them with pride and relief. They had feared that the truth might have caused him distress, but his calm acceptance only reinforced how much they had raised him to be thoughtful and empathetic.
"So, what about your movie?" James asked, still considering everything they'd just discussed. "Do you still want it?"
"Of course!" Thane replied with determination. "Having popularity, if used correctly, can be a great power."
Both James and Amelia exchanged another look, their thoughts momentarily pausing as they reassessed the maturity of their son. His words carried a weight beyond his years, and they couldn't help but be impressed.
The rest of the day passed with the family spending time together, talking about everything under the sun. James shared insights about his businesses and life in Hollywood, while Amelia spoke about the magical world, weaving tales of her experiences and the complexities of magic.
Thane, however, kept a crucial detail to himself. He didn't mention his rebirth, understanding that such knowledge was best kept between a select few. He had made up his mind to keep that secret, knowing the weight it carried and how it would shape his future in ways only he could truly understand.
Thane kept the truth of his rebirth to himself, understanding that some secrets were meant to be held close. He didn't want his parents to see him as anything other than their son, the child they had raised. He cherished their love for him, and he feared that revealing too much might change the way they viewed him. Moreover, Thane knew that a secret remained a secret only as long as it was known by just one person. Until the right time came, he would carry the weight of this knowledge alone.
Thane's calm acceptance of the truth left Amelia and James feeling a mix of pride and relief. His maturity and understanding, despite his young age, were beyond what they had expected. They knew, in that moment, that their son was far more capable of handling the complexities of his heritage than they had ever imagined.
As the day went on, their thoughts naturally turned to the evening ahead. The family had been expecting Amelia's cousins from France, and there was a sense of normalcy settling over them. Still, the conversation with Thane had lingered in their minds, each of them reflecting on the secrets they had shared.
While the atmosphere was lighter, a sense of anticipation hung in the air. It wasn't just the visit from family that they were preparing for—it was the next chapter in their lives that was unfolding, one that Thane was quietly, yet decisively, taking control of.
Amelia shared with Thane how his extended maternal family viewed him, and he felt a sense of contentment, grateful that, unlike in his past life, he had some truly supportive relatives. As their conversation drew to a close, the sound of the doorbell echoed through the house, signaling the arrival of their guests.
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Word count - 1750+