HEART OF A MOTHER
ARC 1
Nerissa's Return
Chapter 1: Night Talks
Heatherfield 2:30 AM, Caleb&Cornelia's house
"And you, live happily, having no desire to see me, even if I was to die beside you, a single tear you would not shed too..."
A sudden blue light illuminated the guest bedroom, as a middle-aged man with long brown hair and a beard appeared in the middle. He looked a little tired, but he had to be quick- in the darkroom, he had to make it to his bed again before someone else woke up. Unfortunately, he had bad luck that night because as he was still materializing, he lost balance and landed on his hands and knees, creating a loud "thud." His son was soon to arrive, as he had thought.
"Dad?"- the younger man who entered the room and switched the lights on looked at his father with concern. " I thought I heard something..are you OK?"
"I'm fine, Caleb, I was going...eh returning from the bathroom, but I tripped in the dark." -the bearded man explained, as he gave his son a small smile. "Go back to bed. Did I really wake you up? I'm sorry..."
"Fine then...and no, I had a rather strange dream..."-Caleb replied, feeling awkward. " I'll be leaving you now. Sleep well, dad."
"I will, son, after all, I have to go to Meridian tomorrow morning. I will try not to wake you and Cornelia up... again." - his father shined him an identical to his awkward smile.
"Oh, what leads you there? I could come with you..."
"No need, Caleb."- he was quick to decline his offer. "I'm going only to get some things from our old house. You don't have to come with me for that. You know Cornelia needs you here now."
"You're right, dad."- Caleb agreed. " OK then, catch you later. It's almost morning already. You better get some more sleep before folding to Meridian."
The older man nodded and followed his son with his gaze as he exited the room and closed the door behind himself, leaving him alone. Or at least alone at first sight... When he was sure that Caleb was back behind the closed door of his own room, he let out a sigh of relief and made it to the bed where he collapsed, opening his palm to reveal a blue jewel shaped like a drop and hung on a leather chain.
"Close one, Julian. Next time try to land on your ass."
Julian smirked as the well-known, seductive voice coming from the jewel giggled at his quiet growling.
"Mocking me, are we?"
"No, never."-the voice pretended, still amused.
Julian sighed, keeping a smile on his face, and placed the jewel from which the voice was coming on his chest, leaning back with his hands behind the back of his neck.
"After so many years, I feel like our family can unite again."- he confessed.
"That's a brave dream, Julian. "-the voice lowered down despondently. " But I don't believe that..."
"Don't even say such a thing."-Julian interrupted. "I'll make it happen. That's the least I can do..."
"We all know I'm the bad one here, Julian. It was me who ruined our family, I regret it now, but back then, I didn't even think about you and Caleb... I left you behind just like that.." "
We have talked about this too many times now. I don't want to hear. It's a new beginning for us, Nerissa. Everyone deserves a second chance and new chapter, and this is ours."
For a hot second, the room was fully dark and quiet. Only the weak shimmers of the blue jewel were to be seen. The man had his eyes focused on it, determined. He determined to keep his promise.
"Come here, you. " - she was calling for him again, not only for a chat, as her seductive tone suggested.
Twice in one night, blimey, he thought. Julian blushed. He had to leave early for Meridian, but surely he could still manage to do it even with one more hour lost. A loss for his sleep, but a win for his cause. The man concentrated and rubbed the jewel between his hands. In a moment, he was gone in a wave of bright blue light. The only thing left in the darkroom was the jewel.
The crystal drop left calmly on the bed flashed barely noticeable blue sparks. Simultaneously, inside, two voices entangled in a love duel gradually sank into the former heart of Meridian, remaining unattainable to the outside world.