"Now we only use this in extreme cases okay girls?" Cordelia beckoned for the girls to leave their seats and get a closer look at the potion, "Once you've seen the mixture up close, try to identify the ingredients." The Supreme walked over to the sink, leaving the students to talk amongst themselves as she washed the thick mixture from her hands. She peered at the clock, the time taking her by surprise, "Oh wow, you guys are dismissed. If you haven't seen the mixture I suggest you stay a little after because it's going to be on the exam for Monday. Sorry for running late guys." She grabbed a paper towel, wiping her hands as the class cleared out, the girls buzzing with excitement for their weekend plans. The noise subsided as the last of the girls shuffled out; Cordelia grabbing her paperwork and soon following behind. She walked through the halls, offering amiable hellos and gentle nods to the students she passed on the way to her room. Their faces blurred together as she walked; only one thing on her mind.
"Hey Cordelia, what're you doing here?" Zoe greeted the Supreme, a confused expression splayed across her face.
"Oh uhm I—" She stammered, her tongue twisted in her mouth.
"I thought you took off to go to the swamps for—"
Cordelia pinched the bridge of her nose, cutting Zoe off and fighting back tears, " No. I can't just take off whenever I want." She immediately regretted her sharp tone, "I'm sorry Zoe. I-I needed work to distract me. I couldn't bring myself to go, it reminds me too much of her."
Zoe shot Cordelia a sympathetic glance and pulled her in for a quick hug, " I know. Listen, I'll take care of everything else for the weekend. Take all the time you need."
The Supreme offered Zoe a weak smile and gentle thank you, removing herself from the crowded halls of the academy and bringing herself to the isolation of her room. She shed her clothes, tears falling freely now that she was alone. Time slowed as Cordelia rummaged through her closet; her heart aching. She snatched the shawl from it's hook and wrapped the cloth around her. Even after all this time, the faint scent of earth and dirt still lingered—maybe because she couldn't bring herself to wash it or maybe because she memorized the scent. Either way, the smell tugged at her heart, bringing forth memories of waking up completely tangled in her arms and overwhelmed by a love she didn't think she was capable of feeling. She pulled the shawl tighter around herself, bringing it to her nose and inhaling deeply. "I miss you." Her voice was barely above a whisper but it didn't matter, no one was there to hear her anyway. She walked over to her bed side table, lighting the single candle that sat there and falling into an empty bed. The flame flickered, illuminating her face; tears twinkling like diamonds. She closed her eyes, memories of blue-green eyes and wild curls dancing behind her eyelids. The pain and guilt had become a constant emotion for her but tonight was different. Like the way the ocean swells during a full moon, her pain throbbed with every beat of her heart for today's date. The date that marked the birth of Cordelia's light. The light that was torn away from her during the Seven Wonders, forcing her to live a life where flowers no longer bloom and the sun rises only to remind her of what she has lost. Cordelia's chest caved in as she blew out the candle, "Happy Birthday Misty."
She is dancing away from me now
She was just a wish
She was just a wish
And a memory is all that is left for you now