After washing my face the next morning, I examined the bruising on my cheek that blossomed overnight.

I'm glad my cheek didn't shatter when that thug wacked me. I've dealt with a few throws in the face from thugs and vandals, but nothing like what happened yesterday.

I kind of wish I put more thought into my plan before charging in there.

I need to get Mesmera back in action so I can get some practice in.

Opening the door, I inhaled sharply as I saw Clara's fist raised to knock on the door.

"Oh. Hey Ophelia," she greeted with a small smile.

"Hi Clara. I'm surprised you're awake before noon. Especially on a Saturday."

She laughed, "Yeah well. I didn't go partying or anything like that. I guess the work life is getting to me."

I smiled and shook my head as I exited the bathroom so she could use it.

"Hey Ophelia?" I turned back toward her. I noticed her eyes trail down my cheek. "I'm sorry I couldn't get you from school. It's just that this internship is pretty demanding and I j-"

"It's okay. You already apologized last night. It's kind of my fault anyway for going to the bank."

"Why did you go to the bank?" She asked curiously as she leaned against the door frame.

I shrugged my shoulders, "Thought I could make a distraction so no one else would get hurt."

She gave me an incredulous look and crossed her arms.

"So… you waltzed into the bank so you can play hero? Or just to get a glimpse at Spiderman? Lia, that is so thoughtless! What if you got seriously hurt?"

"Yeah. Wasn't one of my best moments," I agreed, not wanting to argue on this.

She sighed with a shake of her head, "Just please don't do anything like that again. You got us all worried. Mom and dad blew a gasket last night when you went to bed. Mom was worried that if something worse happened to you. What would your mom think?"

My lips pressed into a thin line at the mention of my birth mother.

"Why would she care?" I retorted bitterly.

She shot me a sympathetic look, not saying anything.

"Clara! Ophelia! Breakfast is ready!" Cole's voice echoed through the apartment.

Looking away, I took my leave.

Clara knew that anything to do with my mother is a sensitive topic. What kind of a person would just abandon their five year old to people she's never met before?

The delicious bacon aroma wafted in the air as I entered the kitchen.

Cole was reading the morning paper while sipping his coffee at the breakfast nook. Phoebe flitted around the kitchen, placing the food on to the plates. Noticing my presence, she shot me a soft smile.

"Morning Lia!" She greeted me. Cole peeked over the newspaper and shot a smile as well.

"Morning." I slid into the vacant seat across from Cole.

"How are you feeling this morning?" He asked, putting down his newspaper as Phoebe slid a plate in front of him.

"I'm feeling pretty good," I replied with a slight shrug. Well, I was feeling okay until Clara brought up that woman.

A plate was placed in front of me. Two sunny side up eggs and a strip of bacon were arranged into a smiling face.

I giggle lightly, "What am I? Four?"

"No, but it made you smile. Didn't it?" She quirked a brow at me, clearly seeing my smile. She laughed before sliding into the seat next to her husband. "Where's Clara? Is she still asleep?"

I shook my head, "She actually woke up herself and I think she's still in the bathroom."

Hearing my phone buzz, I swiped it open to see a new message from Betty.

"Ophelia, what did I say about phones at the table?" Cole sternly asked.

With a sheepish smile, I slid it in my hoodie pocket and muttered a quick apology.

Eating my breakfast, I thought back about what Clara said about the woman who gave birth to me. Phoebe and Cole never really mentioned her before, but then again I've never asked. All I know is that they're both my godparents.

"So Lia, I was going to head to the crafts store today. Wanna check it out with me after breakfast? We can get ice cream after," She offered. My eyes lit up at the idea. I do need to get some things if I want to get Mesmera back into the scene. And who would say no to ice cream?

After looking at a colorful array of threads and fabrics, it somehow evolved into thrift shopping, which I didn't oppose.

There was this shop around the corner that had 80s fashion ranging ripped tights and biker jackets to polished oversized blazers and poofy skirts.

It was pretty awesome.

I found some pretty badass platform leather boots and a leather jacket. The jacket was a couple sizes bigger, but I just felt that it will give something different with Mesmera.

"Ah. That store definitely took me back," Phoebe wistfully spoke as we exited the store with a large bag in both our hands.

I gave her a bewildered look, "Weren't you five when the 80s was about to end?"

She swung her bag, hitting my side. I yelped, almost crashing into a pedestrian.

"I'll have you know that my mom had me wear those poofy skirts." Laughing, I just shook my head. "Shopping was quite the workout. What do you say about getting something to eat?"

"And then ice cream after?" I asked with a hopeful tone.

She chuckled and ruffled my hair, "Yup. You're definitely four."

Poking at my noodles, I set my chopsticks down.

Phoebe looked at me, "Is it not good? I thought you love Pad Thai?" She questioned in a low voice so the waiter wouldn't overhear.

"I do! It's just about something Clara said this morning."

Phoebe put her chopsticks on her plate, giving me her undivided attention, "Was she talking about the bank again? I told her not to bring it up again."

"It's not about that mishap," I denied. I sighed and just blurted out what was on my mind. "Can you tell me about my mom? Or my dad?" Phoebe's face melted into one of shock. She fell silent. "I know that I've never asked… it's just… I'm curious. I mean I've been with you guys practically my whole life and not once were they ever mentioned."

"What brought this up?" She asked.

"Well… with the stunt I pulled yesterday, Clara said something about my… the woman who gave birth to me. I mean, why would she care? She was the one that abandoned me all those years ago. Did she not want me? Am I a mistake?" I kept spewing out question after question, my eyes starting to burn as I let the words I said and never really talk about sink in. I hastily wiped the tear that escaped and looked down at my hands on my lap.

"Lia," Phoebe cooed softly as she slid into the chair beside me, smoothing my hair back. "You are in no ways a mistake. I know your mother wasn't around, but just know that Cole and I consider you as one of our own. We love you so much." She wrapped her arms around me and kissed the side of my head. "She would be proud of you. You grew up to be such a beautiful young lady and with a 3.9 GPA at a school filled with academically inclined teenagers. When I was your age, I couldn't get past a 3.0! And I was just at a regular high school."

Sniffling, I leaned into her embrace.

"Thank you," I whispered before pulling away to rub away the tears on my face. "I bet I look like a mess," I chuckled, seeing the concealer that Phoebe applied earlier to cover my bruise on my fingertips.

Phoebe lightly scoffed, "Sweetie, you're never a mess."

I stared blankly at her, "Whatever you say. I'm going to the restroom to wash this stuff off my face."

Author's Note:

Hello! I'm sorry I didn't update last month. I was just having a bit of writer's block, but I think I'm over that obstacle. Also, I'm sorry Peter wasn't in the chapter either. He will be in the next one! I promise!

I just want to thank WALU1G1, evilbunnyz127, PrettyRecklessLaura, PuppyCake, and sunny for leaving me a review! It's always encouraging to read the comments you guys leave me. Also, thank you to everyone who still reads and enjoys this story! You guys always keep me going!

So, what did you guys think of this chapter? I will go into depth on Ophelia's past as the story progresses.

I'm currently drafting out the next chapter so I will probably have it out sometime next week.

Until next time!

- YoullBeAvenged