There on the living room couch sat a man and woman. They had a strange unreal look to them, like they had both jumped out of an old fifties television show. The woman looked perfect in her flowered dress and pearls. Not a blonde hair was out of place in her perfect bob, and her cheerful smile showed off gleaming white teeth behind her plump, ruby lips.
The man at her side matched her in every flawless, anachronistic way in his creased slacks and knit vest. He even had a pipe which had clearly been left unlit.
"Hello," he greeted. "Welcome home, girls! Come on in, and close the door."
Beth's shock turned to anger. "You! What are you two doing here!?"
The woman tilted her head. "Isn't that a fine howdy-do to your new parents?"
"New par-" Beth cut herself off as she paled. "No. No! You wouldn't dare! This is MY starting over, and you have no right to butt in!"
"What's going on, Beth?" Kat asked warily. "Who are they?"
"You remember how there are two other ancient witches on the Tribunal?" Beth said through gritted teeth.
"Yes," Kat replied before her eyes widened in shock. "You mean..."
The man gave a little wave. "I'm Thomas, a typical suburban citizen. But you can call me 'Dad' now."
"And I am now Isabelle, Thomas's dutiful wife," the woman added. "Call me 'Mom. You see, Beth has always been the only one to 'start over' in this way. So, we've decided to give it a try, too. Hence, we are now your parents!" She practically squealed the last word, clapping her hands in glee.
"But we already have parents," Dani said. "Hold on, what've you done with them?"
"If you've harmed them in any way..." Beth hissed, clenching her small fists. Her eyes glowed with ethereal light.
"Relax, they're quite safe, though perhaps a bit different," Thomas chuckled before turning to the door to the kitchen. "Come on in, you two."
The four sisters turned as in came...