Chapter 54: Just a Boy

"...Until you lose the one you wanted
Cause you're taking her for granted
And everything you had got destroyed"


August, 17th,

I still feel weird writing here, even though it's been two weeks. I've just never been the type of girl to keep a diary. But Doctor Chandra thinks it's good for me and Matt as a couple, and I think she's right. We write entries that we read to each other during our sessions. We put down all our thoughts and emotions and we learn new things about each other. Matt told me everything about his family that he had wanted to forget not too long ago, and the truth of how hard some moments have been for him made me appreciate him even more. We're willing to overcome all trauma we've been through in the past year. To be truthful to each other, share stuff more, and just grow. This is a hard year for everyone, I guess, but for us, it's about becoming stronger. Exploring our relationship again. We're opening a new chapter together, and after everything that life put us through in just one year time, starting to see a therapist together looked like a good idea. And honestly, after almost breaking up despite being together so long, when you'd think that your relationship is unsinkable, this decision has never felt righter. Doctor Chandra helps us. She helps us be more understanding and move past our past. I admit I was pretty skeptical in the beginning, but now, six sessions later, I agree that every person needs to sometimes focus on their mental health, no matter how strong and resilient they are.

We have homework as usual. We are supposed to recap all events post Sean's near-death experience and make peace with everything we can no longer change. I think that's rather hard because our case is quite specific, but again, Doctor Chandra says that I have the habit of portraying myself as a 'real sufferer who is destined to go through difficulties, and that draws all these difficulties towards me. Now, I don't really agree with that, but I'm going to try to work harder as to avoid it if it's even partly true, which it might just be. Especially for Matt, as he will definitely have a much harder time recapping these events again. I think that doctor Chandra will be quite happy with me because I'm practicing what she taught us. I'm open-mindedly choosing to be better for my partner.

Enough rambling. Back to recap. I don't want to go into details, but I have to point out the mains.

Sara had heard her brother that day. She shot him because she felt unloved. Unwanted. Because she has problems. She's the one to pity most in this entire situation because she's not capable of understanding right and wrong as we do and that's a fact. She had been on the verge of shooting Linda too, but thankfully, (while I was passed out) my friends had managed to get the situation under control. Thank God for my friends who never abandon me, from day one. From Picture Day all these years ago... So, going onward. Sara is now in an institution again, in Open Hill. Her condition worsened due to being exposed to the toxicity of her family and now, sadly, she's alone. Locked up. Nigel says that he knows people there, he hopes that, with the right therapy and meds, one day she might be her own person and she might have a normal life in the real world... Or she might become the next 'A'. (insert "Pretty Little Liars" reference here.)

I'm sorry, that was insensitive. I sincerely wish that for her, the becoming better possibility. As for Sean? The police had already found a street camera that recorded him guiding a very drunk Matt around the Snowden residence, the night of Marcus's murder. Irma's dad did deepen the investigation after all. The murder weapon that was on Herbert's name happened to be part of a set of two guns he had got for Sean years ago, as he himself loved animals too much to kill them, but his grandson had a thing about hunting. (That's how I suspected him in the first place). Then after my testimony and the heavily cut-up recording that I presented as evidence [minus the unnecessary family drama and the parts that could possibly lay charges against Linda, (did that for Matt again)], all charges and doubts against Matt were wiped away. He's a free man with a clean file again. But his cousin's sentence hasn't been declared yet. That's because he has to undergo intensive rehab after he almost died due to Sara shooting him in the head. Carolyn took him to a clinic that specializes in this type of head trauma rehabilitation in Europe. They will probably be there a long time if he can ever recover fully at all. It is what it is.

Herbert was brought home after a dumbfounded Nigel discovered he's still alive in "Third Youth Senior Centre." He's still recovering from the fall and the mini heart attack he lived through while in forced exile, but he can talk again. He walks a little. So that's good. That really helped Matt deal with the otherwise overwhelming aftermath.

Linda ... the only thing she didn't get away with was murder. But then again, Sean committed the actual murder. Staging her father's death was something she was granted amnesty for because Herbert refused to let her be punished. He claimed to have willingly retired to the said home, without informing his family. Basically, he took the blame for all the things Linda did with him and Linda's lawyers worked well with that. A lot of people remained skeptical of that version, due to obvious reasons, but the jury agreed that there was no crime when things are presented that way. Yes, it violated the law in a few paragraphs, but that was it. He was an old man who had almost died. He deserved some peace and quiet. Judge Cook saw herself compelled to close the case without any further prosecution. I know how reluctant she was because she knows full well Mr. Olsen just wanted to cover his daughter's ass. After so many tragedies the Olsen family deserves a break. I get that. It's better for Matt that way.

Linda and Tony Vandom are... another story. I wish I didn't have to talk about them at all, but doctor Chandra won't get off my case. I have to try to make peace with them and all their flawed toxicity. Linda and Matt sort of reconnected and apologized to each other after they saw what happened to Sean and his mother. Under other circumstances, their fates could've been reversed. Even though they are broken too, at least they are both OK. Me and Linda? I have more understanding for her now. That's it. Even though I believe Sean that she would've used Sara to do her dirty work and I don't salute that. At all. We just don't really have a relationship. Tony Vandom's a different thing. He constantly apologizes to me, explains his actions, and tries to be a part of our life, but that's just his pattern. I don't know if we'll ever fully fix the bond we used to have before Serena entered the picture...

As for his phony marriage with Linda, it didn't last. They divorced just like they had gotten married - in a matter of minutes without any noise. The mayor team led by them also resigned and Heatherfield awaits new elections.

The end of a long story filled with hurt, vengeance, and sin, rarely comes victimless. But those who remain after the end have to collect themselves and start over from scratch, if needed because life goes on. That's exactly what Matt and I are doing now. We still have a long way before we've worked out all the lasting effects of our traumas, but we're getting there.

"Will?"

She put her pen down and closed her therapy journal before she turned around to smile at him. Matt was standing at the door smiling at her innocently. His innocent, life-loving smile had finally returned:

"Will, we should go. You know Susan hates it when we're late and she's cooking."

His girlfriend giggled and turned to the mirror to apply a little bit of red matte lipstick:

"She knows we hate her cooking as well, but she never orders for these family dinners. I'm ready, let's go."

Matt laughed and hugged her over the shoulders as they headed for the door of the apartment. She stayed with him. He was so happy and eternally grateful she did, despite everything. Because he loved her and needed her more than anything. He told doctor Chandra quite a few times already, the main reason he had never lost hope and chosen a fresh start, even after everything, was Will. She was his first and foremost thought in a day and reason to move on.


"That's great, kids!"- Susan raised her wine glass for a toast, gleeful and smiling at them. "I'm so happy things are working out better for you two, you had a very rough year, but now that it's all behind you, I'm positive the Universe will make it up to you. - she added mysteriously and chuckled. "And who knows, you might get-"

"...good news from everywhere. We wish only good news upon you."- Dean interrupted his wife softly, avoiding her confused expression aimed at him, and gave their dinner guests a friendly salute with his glass.

Matt placed his hand over his girlfriend's as they exchanged smiles.

"We hope so. We will be doing better and better from now on, I'm positive too."

Susan smiled as her son then engaged in a side-conversation with Matt and Will had to go answer a call connected to their businesses. She gathered the empty plates for the main course and headed for the kitchen:

"Dean? Could you please come to help me with dessert?"- she stopped at the threshold of the dining room. "It's time for my Tiramisu, you have to open a bottle of cognac."

Sensing that familiar tinge in her voice, the man sighed internally before removing the cloth from his lap and standing up:

"Certainly, dear."

Hardly waiting for him to catch up with her, Susan stood by the sink and gave her husband a reproving glance, looking out for answers:

"Dean, did I say something wrong?"- she began immediately, unrest in her voice. "I saw that look you gave me when you interrupted me just now-"

"Susan, calm down, it's not like that-"- the professor tried to explain softly, placing his hands on her shoulders, but his wife just shook her head stubbornly. She had to say what she wanted to say and she had to hear what he thought, otherwise she wouldn't calm down.

Sighing deeply, he braced himself. Dean knew that the intense stress over the last year had severely affected Susan's nerves. And given she was emotional in nature; she now had some problems in the aftermath of everything. It was unfair, what their family had to go through. But again, at least she functioned with less Xanax weekly. She was getting better, but he didn't want to risk it.

"No, I know that you think I'll start pushing her towards that again."- Susan went on, not waiting for her husband to finish: "But I'd never be that insensitive again, Dean, I talked to Will many times. After what happened to her, she more than ever wants to have a baby. I wouldn't push her to do it as I did before, I was blinded back then."- she cried. "But knowing how much she wants to have Matt's baby now after all this madness is over, I thought that encouraging them at dinner would soothe them rather than agitate them, I would never say something that would hurt my daughter again, especially regarding the trauma she went through-"

"Susan! Calm down. You're hyperventilating again."- Dean demanded before she could spiral out of control. "And keep your voice down. They'll hear! Listen, Susan, leave the baby topic aside for now. I know that you want to make Will feel better and I know she and Matt want a child, but don't bring it up before she's pregnant again, OK? Trust me on that."

Susan blinked. It made sense. She could jinx things if she opened her mouth. Her husband was right, she was just rushing things as usual, even if with the best of intentions. But that was just because she wanted to see Will completely fine and happy as soon as possible...

"I'm sorry, honey. You're right."- the woman admitted and snuggled in him. "I don't know what got into me again. I just felt like there's something bad, something bad again that you're not telling me. No... I can't take any more bad things. And when you interrupted me and gave me that look all the fear came back-"

Dean bit his lips behind her back but didn't reply. He knew that. That's exactly why he had decided to spare her the details he also happened to be aware of...

"Darling, you still suffer some post-traumatic stress. You have panic attacks from time to time, and that's completely fine. Especially for a person who's been through as much as you in just one year."- he kissed the top of her head. "Just relax and watch things fall back into their right place slowly. Don't worry yourself. Everything will be fine."

Then the doorbell was heard. Dean suggested taking care of dessert himself while his wife went to open the door. She stopped for a moment at the big mirror in the entrance hall and smoothed her flat-ironed hair. When she opened all the newfound calmness left her and her features sharpened.

"I won't take long, Susie. Please don't slam the door in my face."

Tony faced her with a forlorn gaze and biceps casually flexing through the short sleeves of the dark red T-shirt, due to his arms being crossed on his chest. Susan pursed her lips and met his eyes expectantly.

"You look lovely."- he noted when she didn't say anything in reply. "I- "

"Don't make me regret not slamming the door."- Susan interrupted him and pierced him with stern eyes. "What? Make it quick and hit the road."

"I just wanted to say goodbye and see you and Will one last time."- the man shrugged. "I... saw that she and Matt are here on your Insta."- he murmured at her raised brows. "You posted..."

"I see."- Susan frowned and folded her arms in her turn. "But Will doesn't want to see you. Neither do I. You shouldn't have come."

"Susan, I'm leaving Heatherfiled. For good, perhaps. Or at least a year. I don't know yet. But I know you'd like that."- the man struggled to explain himself but it was pointless. He could see the decision in his ex-wife's eyes. He still had to try though: "I got a job opening in Sydney, I need to move there and, besides, none of you want me here anyway. You have full right. I get that, I admit that I'm also selfish. It's a big opportunity for me and I will go, I just want to have a moment with you two before that. Then I will free you of me."- he murmured and his eyes even glistened. "Of all the bad, I've always burdened you with. You, the two most important people in my life..."

Susan bit her lips and closed her eyes. It was amazing how he got under her skin each time. How she knew this was just a pattern. She knew he would never change yet he seemed so willing to. So honest about it. Susan believed him, she really believed he wanted to be better for them, but he just couldn't. The darkness in him was stronger than the light. And she couldn't drive it away. Not after so many years, when it had marked her for life as well.

"I wish you all the best."- she whispered. "Text Will your flight details and ask her to see you one last time yourself. But not now. Not like this."

She saw real tears in his eyes after that and it hurt her. Many called her a vengeful ex but she wasn't that. She had never stopped caring and that hurt.

"She wouldn't come. I'm desperate, Susan."- Tony insisted. "That's what I came here, I want to see her one last time; I want to see my daughter-"

"Exactly because of our daughter, Tony."- Susan interrupted him, her voice emotional and stern at the same time. "We need to stop pressuring her. We need to think of her! Stop putting ourselves before her, even if unwillingly, cause we've done that. A lot, Tony! I pressured her into getting pregnant, and look what happened!"- she squalled. "And why did I feel compelled to do that? Because I was in shock over you being dead. You being gone, God, I'm crazy, I actually thought that you'd live through Will's baby, that's why I wanted her to have one so bad and I realize that's so stupid!"

"It's not."- her ex-husband shook his head and swallowed the tears back. "I'm stupid. I'm stupid for ruining everything so many times. It just shows that I don't deserve you."

Susan chuckled bitterly and closed her eyes again. They were full of tears.

"Even after everything I don't want you gone forever."- she murmured. "And that's real stupid. But Will deserves better. And we have to respect that. You need to go for the best."

He nodded even though it was hard for him. It was hard for him to control his voice that wanted to break into tears audibly:

"You're right, Susie. And I need to be gone because I keep hurting you when I'm here."- he wiped his nose with the back of his palm and nodded. "Those moments over the last months, when we searched for your son, while I was still obliged to follow Linda... they gave me false hope again and most probably would drive me to do something atrocious to win you back. I can't help it around you. And I'll just hurt us again... I don't want that."

"I don't want that either. I love my husband, Tony. But I'll always love you too. But everything about that love should remain a memory."- Susan said quietly and his heart broke again. For a moment, then there was a warm feeling that shined over the pieces of his tired, broken dark heart. She loved him. All he wanted now was to know that.

Tony smiled through tears.

"Tell Will that I love her too. I love you. Always, Susie. I'll always keep that memory with me."

Her face twisted in pain and she hugged him. One last hug. One last touch.

It's a little too late for you to come back

Say its just a mistake

Think I forgive you like that,

If you thought I would wait for you

You thought wrong!

But you're just a boy...

He sniffed and took out his phone.

"One last selfie?"

"I look like crap."- she shook her head, but he chuckled.

"No, you look beautiful like always. Please. I won't pressure our daughter, just let me have this picture. Last picture with you and I'll leave your family to be happy, I will never threaten you with my bad again. I promise."

She sighed and nodded. Tony took the selfie, throwing an arm around her shoulders. One last time. Both of their faces in tears...

"Bye, Susie."- he whispered before disappearing into the night.

You don't understand (and you don't understand)

How it feels to love a girl

Someday you'll wish you were a better man...

You don't listen to her

You don't care how it hurts...

Susan cried silently as she closed the door and leaned against it. If only it wasn't so hard to say goodbye to him every time. This time it felt like forever. He knew she couldn't forgive and she knew she couldn't hate him...

A few seconds had passed and her phone announced the arrival of a new notification. Susan sniffed and opened Instagram. Tony had published their selfie. His caption: "...I wish I were a better man."

...Until you lose the one you wanted

Cause you've taken her for granted

And everything that you had got destroyed...

... But you're just a boy...

Dean waited for her calmly, at the entrance to the dining room. The better man, she had already found him. She wiped her tears away and opened her mouth, but he just made her a reassuring sign and mouthed:

"We're waiting for you with dessert. Don't worry, Susan, it's alright. I understand. You need this. I love you, don't forget it."

"I love you too."- she smiled beholden and locked her phone.

It felt freeing. It felt enlightening. He was the better man. He wasn't just a boy, like Tony who somehow had remained that in many things, even at this age. He was a man.


Killian's first birthday was a big deal for the Hale-Crossnic household. The hottest new spot on the recently established beach "Jensen Sands" by none other than Kevin Jensen, himself, was exclusively reserved for them and their event. Kevin was a dance teacher and choreographer turned construction magnate who owned venues all around Heatherfield. He could use the promotion and Cornelia and her family just wanted something glamorous. People would argue that all this glitz was unnecessary for a baby's first birthday, but it was a wonderful summer evening: the weather, the ocean, the sands, everything around the modern beach café was perfect. The Hales couldn't miss on that opportunity. The place was perfect for their guests of age, with its drinks and beautiful setting, as well as for the kids that were invited, with a good play zone near the ocean, but still safe. The building was made of wood, steel, and glass and it had an inside part as well as the long bridge-like parts that connected large platforms under the soft purple evening sky. With flowers, balloons, and hay-imitating roofs as well as many lights, "Jensen Sands Café" was like a little piece of paradise. It actually reminded Cornelia of something she'd see on the Maldives, minus the color of the ocean water, of course.

So, after all needed procedures connected to health checks, hygiene, entertainment, and catering, all 50 guests were safely allowed at the event. It was a modest amount of people for a party thrown by the Hales, but it would do.

Cornelia was dressed rather casually but still showed immaculate style. A pair of plain but expensive mom jeans, a satin yellow crop top with large ruffled sleeves and exposed shoulders, as well as yellow summer heels that matched the color of the top. Her long blond hair was beautifully styled in messy beach waves. Her makeup was subtle, minus the big wasp eyelashes; she had a subtle golden piece hanging on her neck too.

Nerissa was her polar opposite with her long black hair in far bigger, exquisite Hollywood waves and heavy evening makeup in silver, satin gray, and pink. She had no jewelry, but the dress didn't need that anyway - like a robe, generously open at her healthy chest and reaching to her knees, it fell freely but heavily. With long regal sleeves, it was made of a sparkling black textile with sparkling silver lining and silver flower-imitating elements all over. Her matte-silver pumps made her legs even more terrific. Gorgeous, daughter and mother-in-law looked gorgeous as always.

They were both spectacular and they knew it. They stood out the most in a sea of good-looking women. They were both greeted with applause as they made their way to the center of the platform to meet their host:

"It's a pleasure to have you here."- Kevin Jensen smiled as he shook Nerissa's hand. "Mrs. Crossnic, nice to meet you in person again. I hope that tonight will meet all your expectations."

"We are happy to celebrate here, Kevin."- Cornelia, who knew him for years smiled when he took her hand. "I'm sure that everything will be perfect."

"And where's the birthday boy?"

"He's coming."- Caleb caught up with the two women with Killian in his arms.

Caleb couldn't say that this type of party was to his taste but he had gotten accustomed over the years. He was just happy to be with his family. Dressed in an ordinary linen pair of pants and a V-necked white T-shirt, he didn't need to try harder to look dashing.

Killian was dressed in a mini-version of his father's outfit. His father was happy. They had spent the day in Meridian, the weather and time had been favorable, mainly by reason of the still-effective truce. He hated that decision for the most part, but not today. They had needed today.

First, they had a picnic; he had taken his son to some of his favorite places from his short-lived childhood and they had enjoyed themselves a lot. Nerissa had made cake and they had just been together. Carefree. Simple and happy, forgetting about any problems and hardships, even if for a day.

After such a great experience, Caleb didn't mind spending the night of the Birthday the way Cornelia and Nerissa wanted it, even if that meant a fancy beach party that Killian wouldn't remember when he gets older.

"He's a looker."- Kevin chuckled. "He'll make good pictures. So that he has some memory of tonight."- the choreographer added as if having read the rebel leader's mind.

Julian, who wore a darker peach-colored linen outfit smiled and put a hand on a very pleased-looking Cornelia's shoulder. It often felt surreal when they were just being a family like that, leaving all their other functions and responsibilities aside. It was enlivening.

"Undeniably."- Nerissa didn't miss to give her grandson a proud kiss on the cheek before turning to the host once again: "Most of our guests are here already, but we will start the show program in half an hour, right?"

"That's right."- the man agreed. "You know my daughter Sheila? She's in charge of sounds and lights. She majored in sound systems and audio engineering physics. I trust she'll do everything the way you wanted."

Sheila Jensen hadn't changed a lot since they last saw her. Cornelia briefly acknowledged her before her friends arrived and occupied her attention and that of Killian. Cooing over him and passing him from the one to the next like a teddy bear, well-snuggled and very loved. He enjoyed it, he knew his three aunts and was quite attached to them, and how else could it be, after all, he spent every day around them.

"Look at you enjoying all those ladies around you."- Matt joked.

"Some of us took years to come round to that."- Martin added from behind him, but Irma made the final conclusion as she swung the baby in her arms:

"Baby boys always grab female attention more than full-grown guys, guys. Get over it. You're not fit to compete with that face!"- she declared smugly making Hay Lin giggle. "Let's go, girls!"

Like the majority of the guests, the girls all wore rather casual summer clothes with certain little details as accents that made their looks more special. Hay Lin had curled her hair with a flat iron, which was something she rarely did. As usual, she had sewed her semi-modern, semi-ethnic jumpsuit outfit herself. Irma's graphic teal eyeliner and little dress in the same color made a statement of their own, and Will had actually put extensions, making her straightened hair long enough to cover her breast. A pair of white denim shorts and a cute street-style purple top, and she was ready to roll. The only one they missed as they complimented each other on their look choices was Taranee... She was Kevin Jensen's favorite, she even worked for him. She would've loved tonight. Had she been here with them everything would've been perfect, but unfortunately...

Cornelia sighed and waved at herself with an open hand before the tears could take over. No crying tonight, she had promised herself. She had promised herself to make her son's first birthday the best for all of them.

"Hey is that Sheila Jensen?"- Irma perked up, having spotted her once rival in the crowd. "How does that freaking bitch manage to look ten and forty at the same time?"

"Irma, that's rude!"- Hay Lin scolded her. "Let's go get mimosas!"

One hour later, the party was steady. Harold, Elizabeth, and Vera Hale talked to their friends and enjoyed their attention. It wasn't every day they could brag with their grandson and a big beach party. Nerissa was up to perform, of course, on stage with everything she had asked for as props.

It was not just that "pop star in the making" stuff she usually intimated. She enjoyed singing and performing and did it immaculately. With every right emotion, she could convey, for every different lyrics and melody of her self-written and composed songs. People felt that she put her heart and soul into her performances hence they always loved them. She had a way of having an impact on the audience. And twirling around with Killian, who she adored, sure made it even bigger.

He clapped at her, he balanced on his little feet now, he even made a few steps on his own between Nerissa and his grandfather. People loved those interactions between them. Killian was big for a one-year-old, but not too plump. With his compelling blue eyes and a full head of brown hair by now, he was a beautiful toddler. And, as Nerissa put it many times, that was only natural considering his genes.

Julian was an active part of her performance as Killian switched between his grandpa and grandma throughout the song. They danced and entertained him, and Killian was laughing the entire time. They were having a lot of fun; they loved being grandparents. Nerissa's entire vibe changed around him. It was more than her maternal love; she adored her grandson and the smile on her face was unmatchable. Performing and being around her family were her favorite things, hence she was exceptionally elated tonight.

"My grandson's a very smart and talented baby, to top it all."- she declared self-gladly after the second song as she kissed the toddler's cheek once again. "And I'm not only saying that because I'm his glamma."


Elyon was restless even at the party. She couldn't lighten up no matter how many cocktails she had. She kept thinking about her kingdom, the truce that she had signed, and all the backstage evil that her brother was possibly doing as she sat here, near the ocean in her denim summer outfit. The situation with the nobles on both planets, Meridian and Coronia, was also getting progressively out of control. Some people, supporters of Phobos, would start emerging soon if things didn't change. And the cult people on Coronia who were the reason for this new war breaking as it did were yet to be taken care of. At least there was something that could help with that, after months, the books had a new message. Last time they had wanted Leonida and Phobos' child to take over all the power. Now their demand finally sounded more doable.

The big war was on hiatus, not over. And if she wanted to win and preserve her kingdoms, positions, and subjects, Elyon had to put up with a lot more. She had to put colossal effort at this point. Elyon cursed the time she had spent allowing herself to fall into depressive moods. She had made many mistakes over time, she was aware of that, but she wanted to make a change. She had finally made peace with the fact she was Queen; she wasn't ready to give it up now.

On another, even direr note, Taranee was Phobos and Leonida's hostage too. That was really, really terrible because Elyon's hands were tied. She had been forced to risk Taranee's wellbeing for that of Meridian and that had been a very severe turning point. Her friendship with the other guardians was more unstable than ever before. Yes, they had fought in the past, but never had she felt them almost hating her as they did lately. She was surprised Cornelia actually bothered to invite her to Earth for her son's birthday after all the tension and drama between them over the last months.

"Elyon? Perhaps you could join me for a dance? This party is not half as bad or peculiar to me after all. I think I'm liking Earth more and more!"

Elyon lifted her eyes and smiled weakly at her husband who was offering her his hand. By now, the sky was long completely dark with the exception of the stars and moon in the distance. The beach glowed and shined like a true sea pearl with all its lights and candles.

"I feel a bit down, Andan. I don't know."- she still stood up and joined him on the dancefloor where they started to slow dance to the romantic song Sheila was playing. "I'm just under so much pressure..."

"I understand you, Elyon, I really do. But you really are doing everything you can right now."- her husband reasoned with her. "After all, you said it yourself, you want to find a permanent solution, not a temporary one. These things take time. In the end, we will be victorious, I believe in that."

Elyon didn't say anything. He was right. She had understood, even if after a lot of time, that imprisoning her brother in the first place had been a rather temporary solution to the problem he represents. But trying to reform him had been impossible with the way he saw her. Or refused to see her... Not that she had gone to visit him many times during the ten years in which she had kept him in the dungeons.

"More than ten years behind the bars, rotting all by myself, yet this is the first time you came to see me. I wonder why." - the flashback of a conversation she had had with him just before he had escaped came to her vividly. (The Dark Descendant chapter one)

Elyon was trying to suppress the black anguish that was pushing her from within, and that terrible feeling that standing near her brother brought her. She felt like the most betrayed person in the universe. Yet again, a feeling she had thought had disappeared after her 13th year.

"I doubt that you've expected regular visits after all the misery you brought to so many people. Even to your own sister and parents! You were cruel and barbaric even with us, Phobos, do you think that you deserve any better after all that? After you never showed even a little love!"

"Now I understand what this is all about."- the prince retorted from the shadows of his corner. "But if you wanted to hear me say that I love you, even a little bit, in spite of everything, my dear sister, I'm going to disappoint you. I've never loved you. I've despised you from the day of your birth, because you robbed me of everything that I had, even before I actually had it! I only have hatred for you, Elyon, and your suffering will serve as my comfort when that witch takes the kingdom away from you."

The almost black and white memory sequence ended and Elyon sighed behind Andan's back. Soon it would be a year since that moment they had in the dungeons. She reflected on things differently. She knew the nobles that Phobos's reign had been beneficial to hate her and not him. Whereas the majority of her people wanted him dead. But now he had two daughters. Two daughters. Things were so different. Killing him and imprisoning him were both going to be wrong on her part. Ineffective, really. But she couldn't tell that to the Mage who was impatiently waiting for the day Phobos's heart would stop forever. She had her justifiable reasons, Elyon could understand. By now the girls supported that decision too. But the final word had to be hers, as Queen of Meridian, and she still didn't know what the right thing to order would be.

"How are you, Elyon? It's nice to see you again."

Elizabeth Landon's voice prescinded the young couple from their dance. The music stopped too. It was small talk time again. Elyon smiled nervously at Elizabeth and her husband who had approached them, hoping that her inner dilemmas and troubles didn't reflect on her face.

"I'm fine, thanks, Mrs. Hale. Mr. Hale, hi. You haven't met my husband yet, this is-"

"Andy Chad."- Andan took the cue from her and extended his hand to shake those of the Hales. "It's a pleasure..."

"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Chad."- Harold began somewhat lofty. "You and Elyon spent some time in Heahterfield this spring, but we never met, right? What do you do, where do you live now?"

"How are your parents doing?"- Elizabeth added with a smile, but her voice didn't come out as friendly at all. Her blue eyes focused on Elyon who blenched. Something told her that her mother's actions and words have been discussed here, even if vaguely. She couldn't blame Cornelia. Miriadel had lost the right way in her desire to take care of her. She had lost the guardians' trust too.

"We're all doing good, Elyon and her family moved to Canada where we're from. We have a large gold mining business near Ottawa. We're pretty content with life there, we are just visiting Heatherfield more often now that I work from home a lot. You know how it is... But my wife loves it here and we do everything as according to the health officials."

Elyon was in awe. How perfectly had her husband studied his lines and how he was able to get out of situations that weren't even completely formed. It was amazing. The Hales looked pretty satisfied with the small talk as well because they soon went on their way:

"I see how it is. Traveling is not the same anymore."- Elizabeth smoothed some invisible lines on her white and green summer dress. "Enjoy yourselves, please."

"Please, drop me a line if your business ever happens to need better banking. We might be able to be of use to each other, Andy."- Harold didn't miss to add, staying true to himself and his avarice.

"Thanks for having us. Yes, of course, I will...keep that in mind, Mr. Hale."

Then they mixed with the other guests, leaving the young couple undisturbed once again.


Meridian

Avani Escanor had a grand time toying with her aunt's staff in her absence. Without the Queen, guardians, and Mage around, pranking the guards and maids was easier. Much more enjoyable.

With every next day her magic was growing stronger and her irritation bigger. How much more would she have to endure here, trapped by her crazy aunt who thought that just because they shared a bloodline, they had to be the same? This was getting very pestering. Especially for someone who had lived their life out in the open. Being locked in a Palace and forced to follow official princess etiquette was abhorrent.

Hence the young woman felt like taking her frustration out on unsuspecting members of the castle staff was quite an appropriate way to vent. But her pranks were really quite cruel. She cursed the maids' brooms and rags to attack them while they tried to do their job. She glazed the floors in the maids' wing with invisible to the ordinary eye ice that made everyone who set foot on it trip and fall. Some hurt themselves badly. The ex-rebel found it amusing to bewitch the guards, resulting in their bladders getting full again and again every five minutes. These little hexes and curses were some of her favorite spells to learn, secretly, of course. She had found books on dark magic in the library. Then she used what she had been taught so far to train her dark abilities. Still, those were things she did on the daily if she got the chance.

Tonight Avani was especially bored and pissed. Elyon was the only person who was able to take all her spiteful emotional hits and still tolerate her, and she had gotten used to that. With her missing for the night, hell hath no fury like Avani feeling neglected. She lashed out at the entire Palace like a storm.

She had found a spell that helped her become invisible temporarily. And with that, chaos could start. The former rebel literally went from room to room causing dangerous mischief and then running away laughing like a child. Loud explosions and even fires started to break after her, she pushed vases, paintings, destroyed furniture, and scratched over the walls... Avani was the Meridian Palace's very own poltergeist tonight.

Naturally, everyone was frustrated with her. Word got out and soon people from the higher rows, like Raythor, had to join in, in an attempt to get the looney princess to calm down and quit terrorizing the staff:

"Show yourself, wherever you are, you little pest!"- the man, who was in the kitchen, where the overwrought cooks and maids had reported strange happenings, roared. "You will get your just desserts for this, I promise ya!"

"Ohh, I wonder what sweet ol' Raythy shall do this time? Go cry about it to the Mage?"- Avani's voice teased. "Ooh, the Mage, yes... I think you have a crush on her, yes?"

Her voice was there, but of course, they couldn't see her. She threw some pots and dishes at them and Raythor repelled them with his shield. A few of the older cooks and maids hid behind him, earnestly terrified. Raythor just bared his teeth:

"Aren't you a tad too old to act like that, crackpot!?"- he yelled. "Stop this nonsense at once and put your free time to better use!"

But the princess laughed and kept pushing things around the kitchen down, throwing them at the staff and annoying the captain more and more. She even started juggling some fruits...

"Say whatever you want, but this kid acts just like Phobos when he was young."- one of the maids said.

"Only she isn't a young child, Zyla, she comes close to our Queen in age! She is nuts!"

Avani didn't appreciate being called that.

"You're nuts, you old pig!"

She sent the fruits towards Zyla and the other woman who had spoken and the oranges and tomatoes covered them in fruit insides.

Raythor took a leap towards the spot the attack had been launched from, but the woman was too quick. With a laugh, she escaped his reach and he fell to the ground.

"I've had it with you!"- he roared again and chased her.

But she wasn't done with them. It seemed to bring her satisfaction to torment people because she herself wasn't happy with her life. She did some hex near the sinks before taking the corridor out of the kitchen, but this time the man saw her because she had knocked over food from the stoves and her footsteps now left a trail after her. Raythor followed her and managed to escape the dirty water fountain that erupted from the sinks' sewers. Zyla and her co-workers didn't have that luck, they all fell to the ground or got hit in the walls, overwhelmed by the pressure and putrid smell and feel of the dirty sewer waters...

"I'm not kidding you; you don't stop this madness instantly you'll live to regret it!"- Raythor yelled again, as he was running after the trail of footsteps which were gradually fading.

Avani threw a painting at him and kept pushing everything she could down while she ran, but Raythor was sick of this. He swung his sword, cutting the painting in two on the move, and kept chasing her. He almost had her now... That was until Avani made things even easier when she bumped into a distressed Galgheita and they both ended on the floor.

"Galgheita! Oh, God, are you alright?!"- Alborn came rushing to her aid. "You had a rough fall, how did you-"

"Yes, yes, I'm fine."- the nanny shook her head as he helped her back to her feet. "I think I just knocked out Avani with my bust."

And it was true. While the older woman was just a little shaken from the fall, Avani's body started to become visible again and her eyes were closed. She had lost consciousness.

"Serves her right!"- Raythor barked as he approached them. "The ridiculous brat drove the entire Palace crazy tonight. The Queen shouldn't have left her without a magic-blocking talisman-"

"Boo!"

Avani laughed as they all recoiled when she jumped up on her feet surprisingly.

"My, you have some knockers, don't you."- she then turned to Galgheita. "You could kill someone with them!"

"You hideous pitch-viper!"- Raythor grabbed her by the collar of her nightdress and swung her in the air. "What were you thinking tonight?! You disturbed everyone again with your nutjob antics, when shall you recognize what living with the Queen means, you-"

"Raythor, I don't think she's safe to-"- Alborn began, but Avani deftly kicked Raythor midair, sending him to the ground and setting herself free.

They all forgot she was a fighter and a rebel herself... Alborn pulled his sword out warningly, but before Avani could fully turn her attention to him a wave of magenta magic washed over her, immobilizing her movements completely.

"What the devil?!"- she protested but she heard her voice and everything became clear.

"I just helped some of the guards and maids to fix part of the damages done by her."- Queen Magana announced. "I shall take care of her now, you may all go and rest. I apologize for losing her from my sight in the first place, I was the one tasked with monitoring her attitude, but I've fallen asleep in Dua's room."

Raythor stood up and dusted himself off with a grimace. He then glared at the now-still rebel girl.

"You know, crackpot, you are-"

"Raythor, let's leave this to Queen Magana."- Alborn ushered the other man. "Come on, come with me. Good night, your Majesty."

"Good night."- the Queen smiled, ignoring Avani's protests.

Raythor left without saying anything. He pushed Alborn's hand away. He was sick and tired of some people around here. Galgheita was the last person to remain with the Queen and the immobilized blonde.

"Can I do something to be of assistance, Queen Magana?"- she asked solemnly.

The Queen took her loose hazel hair out of her satin robes and shook her head:

"I shall handle it, thank you, Galgheita. I should take care of her and then I shall go see what can be done to repair the damage she inflicted in the kitchen wing. No one she attacked tonight needs medical assistance, yes?"

The nanny shook her head.

"Thank God, they don't. Good, I am going to retire to my chambers then. Sleep well, your Majesty."

"You too, Galgheita."

Avani murmured something under her nose when the wet-nanny left and the Queen's hand grabbed hers.

"You are disappointing, Avani."- she told her on the way to her chambers. "I know how you feel and I know you think we're not being fair to you. It's true, most people around here despise you already, but Elyon is trying. She's trying to be your family; she even opposed the Mage and guardians for your sake. You're being reckless and ungrateful What happened tonight was ugly but I will not let Elyon find out."

"You will not?"- Avani's pissed frown morphed into one of bewilderment.

"Correct."

"Why not?"

Magana gave her a testing look before popping a magic-blocking bracelet on her wrist and then pushing her inside her room.

"Because I know you're doing it for her attention. And you shouldn't feel that significant. Not before you've recognized and appreciated your true significance for your aunt and her kingdom. If you really can't understand that, your childish behavior doesn't deserve to be noticed. Like it wasn't in the past, when you were a child, was it? Grow up, Avani."

And with that, the former Queen slammed the doors shut in her uptight face before locking the room from the outside.


Heatherfield...

Linda Olsen took one last look at the city below. Her plane had just taken off. She was leaving Heatherfield for good. There was no more place for her here anymore. Even though she had liked it. This was life.

And she recognized her actions and their consequences. Even if people were willing to forgive her, even if things could be better one day, a lot of time had to pass for her to forgive herself. A part of her was happy with one thing. Marcus Snowden was dead. Dead. The state her family was left in after that? Not so much to her liking. In fact, she cried a lot. For Sean and Sara, for her sister, for Matt, who she had hurt the most... But she couldn't turn time back. She couldn't do anything else but leave them to be happy and find something to put her energy into. Something away from those who chose to love her even after her moments of selfish insanity. People were right to say that revenge wasn't as sweet as one envisioned it.

Linda crossed her legs and immersed herself in her thoughts. Many thoughts. That was what she was taking with herself along with the regrets and the new wounds she had suffered while wounding others. A part of her old ones had recovered and she had gotten some sort of justice for herself. But was the price they all paid as a family worth it? That was still debatable.

"Excuse me, darling ex-wife, is this seat taken?"

She turned around abruptly and just blinked at the man who had just sat next to her. Tony Vandom pulled his face mask down and just chuckled at her:

"Don't look so spooked now. Or did you think it was Marcus's ghost coming to haunt you when you were addressed as "ex-wife" ?"

Linda rolled her eyes to the back of her head before pulling her mask down in her turn:

"What on Earth are you doing here? Are you stalking me?"

"Please."- Tony leaned back and chuckled again: "I have my own things to attend to in Sydney. Actually, I was surprised when I saw your name on the passengers' list. Then I thought that perhaps it was meant to be."

The woman estimated him with a glance. This was a special flight she was taking advantage of being a former political figure. She figured he was doing the same, but still, if she knew one thing by now it was that nothing was ever of certain nature around Tony Vandom:

"And now what? You're leaving Heatherfield."- she huffed. "Predictable. And then what?"

"As if you're not doing the same. Lindy, please, we're literally taking the same plane again. Here's what: I have a racy suggestion for you."

Linda opened her mouth but then just raised her eyebrows:

"Wh-"

He leaned against her and locked their lips in a steamy kiss which caught her off guard. It really did, to the point where she forgot to push him back and slap him as she'd usually do. Or at least she thought she would...

Tony broke the kiss only to grin against her lips.

"So what say?"- he went on. "Are you in or are am I in?"

Dazed, she just blinked:

"You realize last time you seduced me I allowed it because I wanted to take advantage of you?"

He shrugged:

"But you liked it."

"But you apparently didn't."- Linda moved back and just looked at him mockingly but still, flabbergasted. This man was something else... "Or so you claimed during the many fights which we had because you hated me for blackmailing you and being hostile towards your ex-wife and daughter."

"You recognized your wrongs and apologized to Will."- Tony shrugged again. "So did I. We're both sinners. What's the big deal?"

"Isn't it a big deal that we almost ruined our children's lives?"

"Well, that was you."- he corrected her, his hand caressing her thigh. "But they're happy now. Everything will turn better for them without us in Heatherfield, and we clearly both agree on that. Then why not forget everything and be happy too, huh?"

"Because you."- and this time she did push him. "You want to take revenge for what I did to you! That's what this is all about! Admit to it, this is bizarre-"

"Linda, darling."- Tony interrupted her, laughing. "You and your revenge. Quit it out already. If you really want to close that page you need to stop thinking about it. I have never been the one to pursue revenge, in fact, I'm always the victim of someone's revenge. Well, not exactly victim. But you get it. Open your heart to new beginnings already."

Linda didn't know what to say. She just stared into his eyes again. Then her eyes darted towards his lips. He was a good kisser and not only that, she knew... What had her life come to? This was ridiculous...

"Well, I-"

"As for that part where I insulted your performance in bed."- the man began casually, tracing circles on her open palm. "You have to understand me. You were literally pegging me into use for your plans. I felt... bad. Different, you know? I'm not used to that and I had to insult you back. It's an ego thing."

Lind pursed her lips. It did make sense. Tony reached to gently hold the back of her head as he approached her again:

"Look, baby, we're moving to another country. For who knows, maybe forever? I don't know. I didn't plan to have this, but life is giving me a chance of sleeping with a beautiful woman I know instead of getting into the vicious cycle of getting to know new people and dating and all that crap. I'm pushing fifty, you know? As are you... We need this. We've both lost enough as it is. Why lose this chance too?"

At first, she was shocked by his blunt honesty but she couldn't say she didn't somewhat relate to his thinking process. She wasn't stupid. She knew who Tony Vandom was, she knew he wasn't a picnic. But, right now, all he was offering was really all she wanted. Plus, he had helped her after all...

A small smile crept on her lips as she gazed into his playful eyes. This was madness. This was something she'd never usually do, but to hell with everything.

"By the way, all that ice people say you're trapped within."- Tony breathed in her ear. "I think that I can hammer it all out in Sydney. Let's live together."

Sold, Linda thought. She tossed her hair back and just yielded to it, kissing him as their plane left Heatherfield behind.


Happy endings... Who doesn't love them? But as every dawn is the end of a day, happy or not, every new morning is a new beginning. A fresh start with new promises and risks. With new stakes, all the time. That never changed.

Magana woke up early as every day. She just washed her face and teeth and brushed her hair before heading for his room. Like every morning, the first thing she'd do was go check on her grandson. It just helped her start her day on a more serene note. Given what a big part of her life was marked by darkness, she needed the occasional morning ritual to stay sane.

Even though Dua's room was just a few feet away from her chambers, his grandmother hurried to get there. They had always been close to each other, but in the Meridian Palace, they were even closer.

She opened his door without knocking and she knew it from the threshold. Something was wrong. Dua was curled up in a ball on his bed. Shaking.

"Dua, my dear? What's the matter?"- Magana immediately rushed towards him and started feeling his forehead. No fever. The room wasn't cold as it was summer... Terror. This shaking was definitely terror.

Before she could ask him anything else, she saw something with the corner of her eye. On the floor, between two armchairs in the other end of the room. Was that... A hand?! Magana felt her throat getting dry. She was getting a terrible déjà vu. She stood up slowly. This was the way she had discovered her mother's corpse all these years ago...No... It couldn't be...

But as she got close enough and could throw a look behind the end table that hid the rest of the body that the hand belonged to, she still couldn't contain her scream. Because it was Avani.

Avani lay on the ground, covered in deep scratches and fresh blood.