Hey! I know it's super short but I'm crazy busy with school. Summer's coming so teachers like to pile on tons, and tons, and tons of homework.
Caspian opened the door to his study and held it open for the others and myself. I entered first followed by Edmund, Peter and finally Aribella. When she drew even with Caspian, she began speaking.
"Forgive me my king," she began, "if I had known what would happen when I left the court that day, I assure you, I wouldn't have left." She muttered sadly.
"There is nothing to forgive Aribella," He called her by her new name, "Aslan has strange plans that seem to change our lives- clearly for the better in both cases." His eyes found me, leaning against his desk. He smiled brightly at me and came over, wrapping an arm around my waist. Aribella gave a watery grin and took a deep breath.
"A little over a year ago, England was a mythical place to me." She started, biting her lip. Edmund's eyebrows shot upward and Peter looked shocked. "A place where the Kings and Queens of the Golden Age lived. I never truly believed until I was sent there…the day…the day I left Caspian's court." She finally met Peter's eyes. He seemed dumbstruck.
Edmund was the first to speak after that, "So…you are…you're from… Narnia?"
"I wanted to tell you." Tears had begun to collect in her eyes, she turned to me "I really did, I tried so many times, but the words…they always caught in my throat." Tears trickled down her face.
"Aribella, you can't blame yourself for that." I said, shaking my head, "I knew there was a logical reason- you aren't malicious nor do you keep secrets. I trust you."
"Thank you Lucy." She smiled, "You are all really too kind."
"Would you continue your story?" Edmund asked, now smiling as well. Peter still looked a little surprised, but his lips were closed- his jaw no longer hanging open.
"My sister and I resided in Caspian's court after our parents had died- I don't remember them. Everything was fine- until she died in childbirth…the last of my family, gone. Well not the last, I had Jonathan." She smiled and then it faded, "I suppose I had Andrew too- at least I thought I did. But I could feel something wasn't right." She paused here, and glanced out the window.
"Perhaps it was Aslan calling," she began softly, "but when news broke of Andrew's engagement- perhaps that was the final call. I ran to the forest, following glimpses of gold."
She stayed silent for a while now, and none of us interrupted her. "Next thing I remember was Taylor and Ryan lending over me in a hospital, babbling on about how the doctors had found me but their family was adopting me." She smiled and glanced over at me, "I met Lucy at the market a week later."
I left Caspian's side to join her by the window, grabbing her hand. Edmund let out a breath and then smiled brightly, "That is quite the story Ari- always knew you were a special girl. It's in the eyes, you know-"
"Who is Andrew?" Peter's voice interrupted Edmund.
Aribella quickly turned to face Peter, who's expression was now carefully blank. She bit her lip and took a step towards him. "Peter…"
"Aribella." He said flatly, "Who is he?"
"Peter, it's complicated-" she began, but he stood suddenly. He looked as if he was about to say something, but then he shook his head and walked out of the room. Ari stood there for a moment and then put her hand to her mouth. She turned from us, but I still saw the tears leaking from her eyes. I rushed to embrace her while Edmund excused himself. I saw him storm towards the door with a rough call of "Peter!"
Caspian gave me a look saying he'd be back and quietly swipe from the room. Seeing everyone was gone, Ari quickly fell apart. Her sobs racked her body and I could only rock her gently, trying to sooth her.
She's really having a rough day.
Caspian poked his head in quietly and then turned to someone behind him. He opened the door wider and Jonathan shyly peered in. Aribella looked up from my shoulder to see the young boy, and then looked at Caspian. When he nodded, she stepped away from me carefully.
Jonathan observed her silently and tensed. For a split second I feared he'd run from the room. But then he sprang forward and threw himself into Aribella's embrace. She dropped to her knees and wrapped her arms around him, kissing his nose and cheeks repeatedly. I swallowed the happy tears that threatened my eyes and beamed over at Caspian. He extended his hand out to me. I twined our fingers together and we silently left the room, leaving the two remaining members of a family to reunite.
I know it's super short, but I really wanted to give you something in case I couldn't later.
Oh Peter…..PM me with what you want to see happen in the story ;) It may or may not happen, but if you never tell me, then I'll never know. But I always love new ideas, and other's ideas can help make a great story. SO lettma know :D