Chapter Nine: Forgiveness

The one word to describe how I've been for the past week is; terrible. Mia has been ignoring me ever since the luau. No matter what I do, she won't listen to me or even look at me. She's been going out of her way to avoid me. I've tried to catch her during her morning swims several times but she never showed up. I even tried knocking on her dorm room door but had to leave after her roommate threatened to file a complaint against me about my 'stalking'.

I have no idea what to do. I've never heard of a fae being rejected by their mate. Then again, I've never heard of a fae mating with a human either. I can't even go to my parents or my grandmother for help because what advice could they really offer me? Short of spiking her with my fairy dust, there's nothing that they can do. And it seems like there's nothing that I can do either.

Apart from that, Laura has been continuing to hold Carmilla hostage and starving the vampire until she feels like talking. To be honest, it hasn't been going that well. Carmilla's proven to be extremely resistant so far, although I'm not sure if it's because she loyal to whoever's behind the disappearances or simply intentionally being stubborn to spite Laura.

The only positive thing I've gained from this dreadful week, you know between the love of my life wanting nothing to do with me and questioning a vampire who is as helpful as talking to a wall; I was able to catch up on all my school work and study the book that my grandmother gave me. Basically, it was the only thing that allowed me to focus on something for a little while before my thoughts ultimately return to Mia or Laura's investigation.

I'm snapped out of my thoughts by the bodies of students rising from their seats and making their way to exit the classroom. I pack up my supplies and begin walking down the steps.

"Ms. Clairborn? May I have a moment of your time?" Mr. Hawthorn; my computer science teacher calls, standing behind his desk. A few girls look at me in envy as they leave. Apparently Darren Hawthorn is one of the most handsome teachers that the female body of Silas University adores. A 'silver fox', they call him. I'm not sure why they call him that; he looks nothing like a fox. He has strong jaw line, thick eyebrows, his dark hair has begun to gray, but it's obvious that he works to stay as healthy as he can despite his age judging by the impressive size of his arms underneath his red sweater.

I walk over to him with a curious look on my face. "Yes?"

"You're the best student in my class and usually you can't keep your eyes off the screen, but lately you've seemed…distracted. Is everything okay?" He looks at me in concern.

My face falls as my thought return to my current situation, and I quickly search my mind for an excuse. "I just have a lot on my mind. I'm still getting used to being here. It's the first time I've been on my own and I've been feeling a little homesick."

He nods and folds his arms. "Yes, I was informed of your situation and it's why I've been paying attention to you. How have you been doing? I know you didn't get along quite well with others in the beginning but you seemed to be getting better. Did something happen? Anyone bothering you?"

I shake my head. "No, I've made friends and they are great and no one's done anything. I apologize for not paying attention. Has it been affecting my grade?"

"No, no." He tells me. "You're still performing excellently. But it's also clear to see that while you are able to complete the work, you aren't all that focused on the assignments. I know things can be overwhelming for any student and I just wanted you to know that you can come to me if you need to. I might even be able to relate a little."

"How?"

He chuckles. "Well, I know it's nothing like being raised in the woods but I was homeschooled for a long time as a child before my parents enrolled me into a private high school. I wasn't prepared to deal with everything I encountered and at first it was incredibly difficult." He unfolds his arms and leans on the table. "But eventually it did get better."

"What did you encounter?"

"The usual; big crowds, teenage social hierarchy, bullying-"

"Girls?" I interrupt him.

He smiles. "Ah. So that's what's bothering you; romance troubles. I gotta admit you're doing a hell of a better job than I did my first time in school." He claps his hands together. "So what's up?" He must see the hesitation on my face because his voice softens into an assuring tone. "You can tell me. I won't judge you." He gestures to the empty TA chair near his desk with a patient look on his face.

I walk around the desk and take a seat in the chair, placing my book bag on the floor. "It's not romance really."

"But you want it to be."

Slowly but surely I begin to explain my encounters with Mia, taking care not to mention her name by strictly referring to her as a 'friend'. Once I finish speaking, Mr. Hawthorne sighs.

"Well I can see what the problem is."

"What? What did I do wrong?"

"So far, since you've been out together; each meeting ended early due to an interruption by your friends."

"But it was important."

"Trinity, as a guy who's been ditched more times than he can count; I can tell you that she feels like you rejected her."

"What?! Why? I didn't reject her."

"But you've left in the middle of your…'dates' with no explanation. She's hurt because she thinks that you're not as interested in her as she is in you after showing her vulnerability. That's enough to leave anyone feeling embarrassed and insecure."

"But I never meant for her to feel anything like that. I've tried to talk to her but she keeps ignoring me."

"She's protecting herself because all week she's feared the worst possible outcome of any conversation with you."

"How can I explain myself if she won't even stay in the same room as me, much less listen to me?"

"You have to show her that you care. You're smart, and if you care about her as much as you say you do, I'm positive that she will give a chance."

"What do I do?"

"That's up to you. You want to get her attention; you just have to find a good way to do it."

I nod and stand from my seat. "Thank you for your counsel." I sling my bag around my shoulder.

"Eh." He shrugs. "I minored in psychology when I was in college. I'm glad it came of use."


After my talk with Mr. Hawthorne, I spent the rest of my day thinking of ways to reach Mia. I sat on my bed tapping a pencil on the notebook. My eyes scan over the various ideas before it finally hit me. It took a few hours of planning, some hacking, creativity, and a little monetary bribing, but tomorrow morning my plan will be in action. Hopefully this will work.

This is it. Mia's first class starts in five minutes and the plan begins. Please let this work.


Mia's POV

Just go to class, go to practice, and go back to your dorm. I think to myself. I've been doing the same routine for the past week while doing all that I can to avoid- don't think about her. I take a deep breath and go to enter the classroom only to be stopped by a boy standing near the door.

"Mia Pierce?" He asks.

I scan my eyes over his broad shoulders covered by a dark sweater, his strong jaw, and short buzz cut hair. I've never seen him before and I have no idea why he'd be looking for me. "Yes?"

"I was told to give you this." He pulls a pink tulip with an envelope attached to it.

I take the flower in my hand and look at it in confusion. "Who told you to give it to me?"

"That's for you to find out." He tells me, walking away before I can even get a word out.

Perturbed, I shake my head and enter the classroom. I take my seat, ignoring the curious, and for some girls envious gaze at the sight of me with a flower in my hand. I carefully remove the tape attaching the envelope to the flower. I open it and pull out a folded piece of paper. I let out a gasp at the sight of its contents.

Before me is a beautiful and near perfect drawing of the swimming hole I used to go to when I still lived in Virginia. I've never seen something so detailed by a pencil. I search the back of the drawing for writing, finding none; I check the envelope for anything that might reveal who's responsible for this but it's blank.

I release a sigh and shake my head. This was supposed to be an easy day. I'll never be able to pay attention in class with this on my mind.


My earlier thoughts were completely correct. If someone were to ask me how my day went, I wouldn't be able to answer because the only thing I can recall is receiving a flower and a drawing. Hopefully spending some time in the water will help me get my mind off of it.

I pass the girls in the locker room, returning their waves and greetings as I make my way to my locker. I absentmindedly punch in the combination and open the locker. My eyes widen at the sight of another flower hanging inside, only instead of a tulip; it has five pointed petals and this time with a small key attached to it.

"Ooh. Does someone have a secret admirer?" One of my teammates asks.

"I heard she got a flower earlier today." Another says.

"Mia's been holding back on us. Give us the deets."

"It's nothing." I quickly but carefully place the flowers out of the way before pulling out my bathing suit.

"That blush says otherwise." They push before someone finally comes to my rescue.

"Guys, give her a break." Casey tells them. "She obviously doesn't feel like sharing and it's her business. Now get ready for practice."

The two girls sigh before returning to their locker.

I give Casey a thankful nod which she returns before getting undressed.


Trinity's POV

So far everything's been going as planned. I really do hope this will get her to forgive me. The boy's voice snaps me out of my thoughts.

"So why do I have to do this again?" He asks.

"Because if you don't do it; you won't get paid. I'm not asking for much, just makes sure that she gets this." I hold the package out to him.

"Fine." He sighs, taking the package and walking down the hall.

I stay hidden around the corner and watch him knock on Mia's dorm room door. After a few moments the door opens and I catch a glimpse of her brown hair. A few words are exchanged between her and the boy before she accepts the package with a cautious look on her face. She begins to scan her eyes around the hallway and I take cover behind the wall. About a minute later, I hear the heavy footsteps of the boy coming closer.

He walks around the corner and looks at me. "Okay, it's done."

I hand him his money. "Thanks."

"So are you her secret admirer or something?"

"Or something." I say before walking away.


Mia's POV

First the flower and the drawing, then another flower and a key that's too small to fit anything, and now a mysterious brown paper package. I sit at my desk staring at it in thought. Do I really want to open it?

So far all I know is that whoever's sending these knows my schedule, my locker combination, and my dorm room number. Either I have a serious stalker or the person I've been ignoring really want to talk to me. At this point, I don't know really know which of the two I prefer.

I spend the next few minutes debating whether or not to open it before finally deciding. I pull the string off and pull away the paper, revealing a beautiful wooden box with carvings on the top. Glancing at the key I received earlier in the day, I search the box of a keyhole. I sigh in frustration when I find none, running my hands through my hair. I turn at the sound of the door opening and closing.

My roommate; Debra smirks. "Well look at you. I heard that you've been quite popular today."

I shake my head. "It's nothing."

"Judging by the flowers on your desk I wouldn't say it's 'nothing'." She walks over to me. "What's with the puzzle box?"

I turn to her. "What?"

"The puzzle box." She motions towards the wooden box on my desk.

I pick up the box. "I thought this key was supposed to go to it."

"It still might but you haven't solved the puzzle."

"How do you know this?"

"My mom likes to collect a bunch of antique things; puzzle boxes were one of them. I'm guessing once you solve the puzzle, the keyhole will be revealed." She takes the box out of my hands and inspects it. "Looks like the only moveable pieces are on top, so all you have to do it rearrange the tiles until they make a picture." She hands it back to me.

I look at the box before setting it aside. "I have homework to do." I tell her, pulling a textbook in front of me and opening it.

"You want me to solve it?"

"No!" I answer a little too quickly. "I mean no." I say quieter. "I'll deal with it later. Right now; I just need to focus on something else."

"Okay." She holds her hands up in surrender before lounging in her bed. "She seems to be working hard to get through to you. The girl you've been ignoring? You never told me what's going on with you."

"I don't want to talk about it. I just need to focus on this chapter."

"Alright. But if you want to talk, you know you can tell me anything."

"Yeah." I assure her before focusing on the text.


After a few hours, Debra and I lay in our beds. She holds herself up on one of her elbows. "So you're not going to solve it tonight?"

I let out an exasperated sigh. "No I'm not. I'll get to it when I feel like it."

"Okay." She shrugs before turning her lamp off and resting her head on her pillow. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." I switch my lamp off as well before shutting my eyes.

For the next hour and a half, I restlessly toss back and forth; trying to fall asleep. I lie on my back, Debra's soft snores filling the room. If only I could get that box off my mind. I sit up, turning my lamp on and taking the box into my hand. I stare at the mixed lines before glancing in my roommate's direction, checking that she's still sleeping. I looking back to the box, I run my fingers over the smooth surface before beginning to move tiles back and forth.

Slowly but surely I am finally able to complete the puzzle. In beautiful calligraphy is 'Candace Mia Pierce '.

At the sound of a small click, I look at the front of the box and see a small keyhole. I take the key from my headboard, red ribbon still attached to it. I take a deep breath before inserting the key and unlocking the box. I set the key aside and open the lid. Inside the box is a pink tulip lying on top of a folded piece of stationary paper. I run my fingers along the soft flower pedals before setting it aside as well. With shaky hands, I lift the paper and unfold it.

Dear Mia,

I know that you don't want to see or speak to me, but I need to make this right. There's so much that I want to say but judging by the dozens of letters that I scrapped I won't be able to put it properly, so I did it the best way I know how.

Each flower I gave you has its own meaning.

The White Tulip: Forgiveness

The White Star of Bethlehem: Hope

The Pink Tulip: Caring

I can't explain it all now but what I need you to know is that I do care about you and I hope you forgive me. I know that I don't deserve it, but please give me a chance. Take your time, I'll be waiting. If I receive no word from you…I'll know my answer.

-Trinity


I groggily wake the next day as I didn't fall to sleep until two in the morning; my thought consumed by Trinity. I look across the room and see Debra's unmade bed.

Debra burst out of the bathroom, fully dressed. "I'm going to be late for class." She bustle's around the room, collecting her supplies and backpack. "Oh and by the way, I'm going to be at Amy's tonight; we're pulling an all-nighter studying for a test, so don't wait up for me. I saw that you solved the puzzle, cool. Tell me about it later. See ya." She says in one breath before leaving the room.

I sit up in bed and run a hand over my face before getting up to prepare for my day.


Trinity's POV

I've been doing a better job at paying attention in my classes today but half of my thoughts are still on Mia and whether she'll talk to me. I bounce my leg up and down as I try to stay focus on the lecture. I startle slightly when my phone buzzes in my pocket. I glance at the teacher before discreetly pulling it out and checking it. My heart jolts at the message.

My dorm room after class. –Mia

I check the time and fortunately, there's only fifteen minutes left. I tuck my phone into my pocket and spend the rest of the time constantly glancing at the clock. When the bell finally rings, I shoot out of my seat and rush out of the classroom before anyone else.


I make my way across the courtyard and to the dormitory. When I arrive at Mia's dorm room and raise my hand to knock on the door and freeze, my thoughts clouding with countless scenarios. What if I screw up? What if she only asked me here so that she can tell me to my face that she never wants to see me again? I shake my head to banish the thoughts and take a deep breath before I finally knock on the door.

Mia opens the door and looks at me with an emotionless expression. "Can we talk?" I ask.

"It depends; are you going to suddenly run off with no explanation in the middle of it?" She replies, poorly masking the bitterness in her voice.

"No interruptions. I promise."

After a moment, Mia steps out of the way as she holds the door farther open and gestures for me to enter.

After closing the door behind me Mia takes a seat on her bed and folds her arms across her chest. I stand in the middle of the room and nervously wring my hands. "I'm sorry." I blurt out.

"You're sorry? For what? For making plans with me and then leaving halfway through with no explanation? For making it seem like I have your attention one moment, but I'm not important enough to even say goodbye to the next?" She goes to continue but I interrupt her.

"I'm sorry for ever making you feel like I don't care about you. Believe me, I never intended for things to go that way. I love spending time with you, and hearing about your day, and-"

"Okay, stop." She holds a hand up, standing from her bed. "This is what I'm talking about. Everything seems to be going great and then we're interrupted and you're off to who knows where."

I take out my phone and turn the power off before tossing it on a nearby desk. "That's not going to happen." I step closer. "Please give me a chance."

Mia searches my eyes before sighing. "Fine." She sits back on her bed and pats the spot next to her. I sit down and look at her. Her chocolate eyes gaze at me before she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. "You were right. The reason I've been avoiding you so much is because I was hurt. It was like I was taking one step forward and two steps back." She shakes her head. "I couldn't figure out what was wrong, so I felt like maybe I was what's wrong."

"No! I never meant to-" I begin to protest but she cuts me off.

"Please, I need to finish." After a moment I nod and she begins speaking again. "I just…I just feel…I feel like something's been building between the two of us. Maybe it was just me seeing things that weren't there maybe it wasn't, all I know is I missed you so much this last week but I've been too much of a coward to talk to you."

"I've missed you too Mia. I want you to know that it was never my intention for you to feel that way. I never meant to hurt you. I do care about you and I apologize if anything I've said or done has made you feel less of yourself. Please forgive me because you haven't been seeing thing that weren't there. Please just give me another chance." My heart hammers as we sit in silence for several minutes.

Finally, Mia speaks. "Okay." She whispers. "I forgive you…and I believe you. Sometimes I forget that you're not like everybody else." She chuckles. "Which is exactly what I like about you."

"I have been told that I have some difficulty picking up on social cues. I've never done something like this before."

Mia laughs again. "Well you did a pretty good job." She leans forward and picks up the puzzle box. "Like this." She turns it over in her hands. "Where did you even get this?"

"I made it."

She looks at me with wide eyes. "Really?"

I nod. "My father is very good with his hands. I've learned many things from him."

"And the flowers?"

"Also from my father. But I get all my water skills from my mother."

"That's amazing. So, you just grew up making things like this?"

I nod and we quickly fall into a comfortable conversation.


I blearily blink my eyes at the tickle I feel on my chin. After a few moments I notice a weight on my chest. I look down and am greeted by the sight of brown hair. Memories of last night flood to the front of my mind. Mia and I had talked late into the night and eventually fell to sleep. I smile, glad to have finally earned my mate's forgiveness.

"You're up." Mia whispers.

"I didn't know that you were awake."

"I woke up a few minutes ago." She tightens her grip on my middle. "I was comfortable."

"As was I." I tell her. "I'm quite certain that that was the best night of sleep I've had since my arrival here."

"Me too." She grudgingly sits up. "As much as I want to just stay here for the whole day, I'm sure we both have things to do."

I sit up as well. "Unfortunately."

"I'm glad we had last night." She smiles. "Just the two of us, no interruptions."

"I am too." We get out of bed and I grab my phone off of the desk before making my way to the door.

Mia opens it for me. "I hope we can do this again. Hang out I mean. Maybe we can try dinner again."

I smile at her. "I would like that."

She grins before placing a soft kiss on my cheek. "See you later?"

"Yes." I nod with a bright smile on my face.

"Cool."


Once I return to my room, I wash up and change my clothes before I finally remember that my phone has been off. I turn it on and frown in concern at the amount of missed messages and voicemails I have from Laura. I leave my dorm and narrowly miss being run down by Danny as she storm out of Laura's room. I cautiously approach the threshold and knock on the door. My eyes widening at the sight of an untied Carmilla sitting on her bed with a smirk on her face.

Laura's head whips towards me and her eyes widen. "Trinity!" She jumps up and takes me into her arms. "I thought that something happened to you, that maybe you were taken." She pulls away from me but keep her hands on my shoulders. "Where were you?"

"I was with a friend and my phone was off." I look at Carmilla before looking back to Laura. "But it's clear that I missed something. What happened?"

I sit in silence after Laura finishes explaining last night's events. Laura was attacked by Will. I repeat over and over again in my head. Here I was, living on cloud nine with Mia and my friends were getting attacked because I wasn't there to protect them. "This is my fault." I say.

Laura frowns at me. "No it's not. There's nothing you could've done. How could you've even known that Will was a vampire?"

"But I did know Laura!"

That catches Carmilla's attention. "Excuse me?"

Laura looks at me in shock. "What do you mean you know?"

"More like how did you know?" Carmilla says. "I've never seen you near a party, much less a Zeta."

"Because I could feel it. I felt Will the same way I felt you." I tell her.

"Felt it?"

I stand and close the door before turning back to them. "There's something I haven't been telling. Something important."

"What Trinity?" Laura asks standing up. Carmilla stands from the bed as well.

I struggle for words before finally coming out with it. "I'm not human."

"You wanna run that by us again?" Carmilla asks.

"I'm not human. I'm a fairy. Specifically a water sprite."

Laura looks at me in disbelief. "Huh?"

"You think you're a fairy." Carmilla says dryly.

"I don't think I'm a fairy, I am a fairy."

"Trinity…" Laura trails off, obviously concerned for my sanity.

"I can prove it." I say.

"Right…" Carmilla draws out.

"I can."

"How?"

I turn to Laura. "I can heal your bite wound, well at least a little bit. Tap water doesn't work at well as other natural water sources."

Carmilla looks at Laura, who touches the bandage on her neck. "Are we seriously gonna entertain this? Don't we already have enough psycho's to deal with?"

"Please, just let me do this and then you'll see that I'm telling the truth."

"Fine." Carmilla says before plopping on her bed. "I gotta see how this works out."

"Please take a seat." I tell Laura and she sits in her computer chair. I walk over to the kitchen area and turn on the faucet. The water falls and hovers over my hand. I turn the tap off and make my way over to Laura who shrinks at the sight of liquid hovering in midair. Carmilla scoots to the edge of her bed. "It's fine." I assure her. "It won't hurt." I look at Laura and motion to the bandage. "You need to move that."

Laura slowly moves her hair out of the way and carefully peels the bandage off. "This can't be happening."

"It's okay." The water begins to glow.

"This can't be happening." She says again in a higher tone.

I slowly move the cool water onto her skin and begin healing her wound. The bruises around the bite begin to fade and the holes grow smaller. I pull my hand away and shoot the water across the room and into the sink. "It should heal up just fine." I say, looking at the small scabs on her now healthier looking skin.

The two look at me in shock. "What the hell just happened?" Carmilla asks.

"I healed her."

"You're a fairy." Laura says.

"I'm a fairy." Suddenly we hear whirring from outside and we rush to the window to look.

"Are those giant mushrooms?!" Laura says.

"God, I hate this place." Carmilla sighs.