Scene 32 - Healing
"I still don't understand, it's too sudden for him to turn like that," Brianna said quietly during another one-on-one counselling session with Black Canary.
The older blonde woman replied reassuringly, "I'm sure that you have learned in your classes that the mind works in mysterious ways. No one really knows how we react to mental trauma. The shock of learning his true parental heritage must have set something off in Kaldur's head." The brunette pyro nodded and sighed, reluctantly agreeing to Dinah's words.
She drew her knees up to her chest protectively and laid her head on it, "It's so hard to move on. We've been together for years… I thought our relationship was stable and would last forever. I guess I shouldn't have thought that way. Everything is unpredictable."
Black Canary laid a hand on Brianna's knee, "I know what you mean." Her own relationship with Ollie could be rather turbulent at times…
"Brianna, you should concentrate on your studies. You've only three months left before your finals and you're this close to getting your degree. Please focus and don't lose sight of the other aspects of your life. Your parents, friends, and the League will always be here for you. Don't forget that. I suggest you take a brief leave of absence as you heal and return after you graduate."
The girl nodded once more, "I know… Thank you, Dinah." Ember stood up and shook hands with the combat instructor before she flew off to her room to pack. The cave reminded her too much of her moments with Kaldur and she decided to move back to her parents' house. Anything to forget the time they had spent together would be the best course of action to take right now. She haphazardly shoved all the gifts he gave her into a carton and taking one last look at the pinkish-red pearl he gave her for their first Christmas, she slammed the jewellery box's lid shut and tossed it in with the rest of her trinkets.
After all, she promised him that if anything happened to their relationship, she would move on… Brianna wasn't expecting it to happen so soon and the initial first step was difficult for her. Unbeknownst to her, the tears began to fall freely again. She knew it was perfectly okay to cry and it was a coping mechanism for her broken heart but she absolutely detested crying over a jerk who threw away all they had due to a revelation about his bloodline and to seek acceptance from his treacherous father. The brunette sobbed quietly as she rapidly packed all her belongings into various labeled bags and boxes.
When she was done, Zatanna loaded the items onto the bio-ship so M'gann could give her a ride home. Brianna walked up the ramp, not looking back as she left her past behind…
Kaldur'ahm panted hard as he focused all of his concentration into defeating the Manta Trooper. He had to impress his biological father that he was a skilled fighter and that he knew how to fight dirty. Black Manta kept emphasizing on the latter point and so the blonde Atlantean tripped the trooper and pinned him down onto the floor.
"Excellent, Kaldur'ahm. Your fights are most impressive. In due time, you will learn all of our tactics and I am sure you would do me proud." The elderly man praised his son and called it a day. "Get some rest, my boy. We will continue this tomorrow."
Aqualad nodded, still getting used to Manta's generous side but he knew the man could be ruthless when he needed to and stepping on his toes would prove dangerous. He entered his private quarters and pulled off his armor, taking a quick shower in the tiny stall before retiring on his bed. After three weeks of constant training, his mind slowly stopped thinking about Brianna in most of his waking hours but she still came into his dreams at night. He hadn't contacted Nightwing yet to ask about her status but he was dead sure the girl was distraught.
He had gone through heartbreak when Tula and Garth got together so he was better prepared to deal with his break up this time round and as much as he didn't show it, he was devastated inside for hurting her emotionally and physically. Kaldur remembered Brianna saying before time heals all wounds but he figured that this time, a very big scar would remain for his ex-girlfriend and time would only dull the pain but she would never be fully trusting of him ever again even if he returned back to the Team.
The same would apply for him as well. He was healing too and even though his current method to do so was distraction, all the adrenaline did help take the edge off the sting. Kaldur'ahm wished time would speed up so he would be able to return to Brianna's side once more…
Author's Note: Another short chapter before we officially dive into Season 2. In my timeline, the break up happens around Feb-Mar 2015. Brianna will return to the team around July-Aug 2015. Season 2 commences in 2016.
I won't be covering all the episodes in Season 2. Some will be given a mention, others will be fully written out as a chapter and I'll pepper the Season 2 timeline with my own ideas as well so I hope you guys continue reading. ^_^
To piggythelaw: Thanks! Yeah, I found Kaldur's words to Nightwing both serious and funny at the same time. =P
To murdercrowther: Thanks again! I hope you'll enjoy the Season 2 chapters.
To Eszra: *hands you a carton of tissues* Hang in there!
To Molly Grace 16: Thank you for your kind words. You'll see how Brianna will interact with La'gaan in a future chapter. Yeah, Kaldur will have to go all out with his apology to win Brianna's trust again.