Chapter 10: Reunited
Veronica woke up with a start. She'd had the most terrifying dream of her life, but she couldn't quite remember what it was. All she knew was that it was about Violet and that she was in trouble. Glancing over at her sleeping company, Veronica paid attention to the slight rise and fall of Violet's chest. Okay good, I didn't wake her up, Veronica thought.
Switching her gaze to her bedside clock, she saw that it was almost 3am. She tried to go back to sleep, but found that her mind was too boggled to succeed in the attempt. Glancing at Violet once more, she silently slid out of bed and out the room, shutting the door behind her.
Violet heard Veronica's silent attempt at leaving the room. Once the door was shut and she made sure to hear Veronica make her way down the stairs, Violet sprang up from the bed and grabbed what little she brought with her. I can't stay here, she thought to herself. Ronnie's great, a sister I never had, but I can't let her find out about me. With that thought, Violet prepared to escape out the bedroom window.
Veronica sat at the island in her kitchen sipping a glass of milk. Something wasn't right about Violet, but she couldn't seem to figure it out. Maybe she just wasn't feeling well. She was complaining about a slight headache earlier. Veronica had to give her some Advil to help her get rid of it.
Just stop thinking about it, Veronica thought. You'll never be able to figure out the mystery of Violet unless she tells you.
Veronica turned at the sound of footsteps behind her. She watched as her mother, with puffy eyes and bed tousled hair, walked into the kitchen.
"Hey," her mother said, sitting next to her, "you okay? The only time you sit down here with a glass of milk is when you can't sleep. Is everything alright?"
"Yeah, I just had a really weird dream," Veronica replied.
"About what?"
"See, that's the problem. I don't remember."
"Don't you hate that?" Her mother watched as Veronica nodded. "Hey, tell me something. What's the deal with your friend?"
"I don't know, Mom. That's what I've been trying to figure out. She's not like some criminal or anything, but it's obvious that something's not quite right," Veronica said.
"Yeah well, don't give up on her, honey," her mother said, stroking the back of Veronica's hair. "I can tell she looks up to you."
Veronica smiled at her mother. She downed the rest of her milk and got up from her seat. "'Night, Mom."
"Goodnight, sweetie," her mother replied, getting up as well.
Instead of making her way to her bedroom, Veronica made a pit stop to the bathroom. When she came out, her mother was already in her bedroom. Veronica tip-toed to her room and slid the door open. To her surprise, the room was empty. She walked all the way in and shut the door.
"Violet?" she whispered.
To Veronica's dismay, her bedroom window was wide open.
Joe Stevens made his way to his daughter's room. Yes, it was the middle of the night, but Varali was just like him in certain aspects. When something was bothering her, she didn't sleep. He knew she would be awake and he had to talk to her; had to clear the air.
As he opened the door, he was surprised to see that Varali's bedside light was off. Opening the door wider to let the hall light in, Joe was even more surprised to see that Varali wasn't alone. Sitting there, holding his daughter, was her mother. At the sight of the light, she lifted her gaze and settled it on Joe. A soft smile came across her face.
Joe stood in shock as he watched her gently slide out of the bed, placing Varali's upper body onto the pillows.
"Mom?" Varali said, stirring from her sleep.
"Shh. It's alright. I'm going to talk to your father for a bit. Go back to sleep," her mother replied.
As Varali fell back to sleep, Joe watched her mother slide across the floor toward him. He backed away, allowing her room to exit the bedroom. His eyes moved over her as she turned away from him to shut the door. He reached his hand out and ran his fingers through her long, curly, brown hair. She turned around and smiled at him.
"Hi, Joey," she whispered.
"Hi, Mia," he said, almost mesmerized.
"Let's move away from the door," she said, grabbing his arm. "We don't want to wake Varali."
Joe let Damia lead him to the living room. When they were finally out of earshot from Varali's room, Joe pulled her toward him.
"I missed you," he said.
"Likewise. I'm sorry I haven't been around in a while. Things have been a little stir crazy," Damia said. There goes those hazel eyes, she thought to herself.
"The past few months have been torture, but I'm glad you're here now." With that, Joe pulled her in and kissed her gently on the lips. Damia brought her hands up around his neck, deepening the kiss.
When they finally broke apart, Damia turned away from Joe and walked towards the window. Joe came up behind her and hugged her from behind.
"We need to talk about Varali, Joey," Damia said.
"I know. I just don't know how to handle everything. What can I expect from here?"
"Well, she's a lot like me. She'll be powerful and, since she's new to this whole thing, her emotions will play a big part in her powers."
"So, what do I do?" Joe asked.
"Just," Damia turned to face him, "stick with her. Be patient and watch her moods. I'll be around a lot more now that she knows about me. She'll be fine. Trust me."
"Trust you." Joe said thoughtfully.
"Yes. Don't you trust your fiancée?" Damia asked.
"My fiancée?"
"Yes. You asked me to marry you, remember?"
"Of course I remember," Joe said.
"Things haven't changed, have they?" Damia looked concerned.
Joe had to smile at his love's terrified look. "Of course they haven't. I will marry you one of these days, Damia. You're the only one for me."
"Good," Damia said, standing on her tip-toes to kiss him again. "I'd better go. I have a few things to check on back in the kingdom. I'll be back later."
"Okay," Joe frowned. "How do I get in touch with you if I need to?"
"Just say my name, I'll come."
Joe kissed Damia one more time before watching her fade in a swirl of wind. The last thing he heard was a soft I love you that brushed past his ear.
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