chapter 4

Confession and confusion

While Polyussica was verifying my vital signs, I couldn't stop thinking about my father's expression when he had realised he was, indeed, my father; as if he couldn't believe it.

After her verifications, the older lady told me that I was okay, but she asked me to stay in the hospital for few more hours so she could be sure I had totally recovered. The minute she left, I would have thought the young Jellal would have barged in to ask for explanations, but he didn't.

Before noon, a lot of people came to see me and to ask me how I was feeling. People I knew, but I faked not to. They were different, or not so much; it was strange to see Gajeel and Levy without their twins: Jeremy and Geny running around. Here, Romeo was still a kid, but I knew him as the Master of the guild. They were different, but as kind as they knew them to be. The two people I wanted to see the most didn't come to see me; my parents. However, Lucy had told me that today was the last day of the Grand Magic Games, so Erza needed to prepare her troops and that was probably the reason why she hadn't come. Maybe, I had scared my father, but I doubted it; Jellal Fernandez was not used to be scared that easily...

Few hours later, when everybody was gone, Polyussica came to see me and she told me I was free to leave the hospital if I wanted to, that my body had rested enough. I thanked her greatly while she was leaving the room.

So I decided to change into my normal clothes so I could go seeing the epic final battle that would give to Fairy Tail the title of the greatest guild of Magnolia. I took off my hospital gown and got dressed: I put on my white tights, my mid-thigh black skirt, my long white collared shirt whose right sleeve was white and the left black, my belt and my black knee-long boots. I was about to put on my father's cloak when I heard few knocks on the door, then it opened slowly. Behind the door stood my future father, Jellal Fernandez.

''Can I come in?'' he asked, unsurely.

I simply nodded. He entered the room and walked toward me, but he stopped one meter away from me. Standing before me, he scrutinized me as he was looking for detail he had missed. He swallowed with difficulty and spoke in a low voice.

''I need to ask you a question although I think I already know the answer. However, I need your confirmation.' ' He said, staring at me.

He marked a break and swallowed hardly.

Are you our daughter to Erza and I?'' he asked, extremely seriously.

If he hadn't seen my tattoo, I could lie about it, but, unfortunately he had seen it. So, it would have been useless to deny the truth now, but I had to do some damage control.

''If I honestly answer your question, you have to promise me something; you have to promise me that, no matter what I will say to you, it won't alter what you're focused on; you will continue your quest for justice and you will never tell her or anyone who I am.'' I said really seriously. He had to see the seriousness of my demand.

He looked at me with intensity.

''Give me your word and I know you will hold on to it, you always did.'' I added the last part even if it meant I had sold myself.

''You have my word Emma.'' He said, smiling at me, affection in his eyes.

Hearing him, it was my turn to swallow hardly.

''Yes, you are my father.'' I said, looking directly into his eyes.

After I had spoken, he went to sit on the chair next to the bed.

''How is it possible?'' he asked me, clearly troubled.

No, my dad couldn't really be asking me that question!

He must have seen my hesitation because he spoke to me.

''What I mean is, I've pushed her away a few days ago because I couldn't allow myself to be with her; I wouldn't go back on that decision, it was a tough one to take.'' He said, clearly puzzled.

''I cannot tell you why, but you will because it's written. I know you love her and she loves you, that's the important point and I am here to take care of the rest. Concentrate on her, on what you are supposed to do and, if everything goes my way, everything will end out right.'' I said with confidence.

Then, surprisingly, I saw a smile drawn onto his lips.

''Your really are your daughter's mother; strong, determined and focused. It's unfair that you didn't have her growing up.'' He said, taking my hand.

''I've always heard of her greatness. In my early years, I've been raised by Lucy, Natsu and Gray. Then, by you. You all praised her and tell me how much of a good human being and friend she was. You taught me what was right and what was wrong, you guided me in my own direction.'' I said, tenderly, lowering my gaze.

When I stopped talking, I saw his smile broaden.

''I was about to ask you what kind of father I was, but you answered it. You being here now is proof that I was a good one.'' He said, still looking at me.

''You did what you could under the circumstances; it was difficult for you as much as it was for me; I know it now. You taught me a lot and I am grateful for that.'' I said, lifting my eyes to meet his.

Promptly, he took me into his arms and held me tight for few minutes, silently. I had left my space time for only few days, but I was already missing his presence.

We were interrupted when we heard someone clearing his throat.

Jellal and I turned our heads at the same time to see my mother in the doorway; her expression showed she was clearly surprised. Her intense gaze passed from my father to me. I thought I saw her face redden. No! She couldn't think what I thought she was thinking…

Promptly, I took a step away from him. Then, she spoke, fixing her eyes on me.

"Emma, I come with invitations. First, you are welcome to stay with us, here in Crocus and to stay at the guild headquarters in Magnolia. And second, we will be having a celebration tonight, at our hotel, we would be pleased if you could join us.'' She said it with a neutral tone. I hope it wasn't because she had caught me in Jellal's arms.

''You're invited too, Jellal.'' At the bitterness present in her voice; I knew she was jealous. It saddened me because I knew I couldn't tell her the truth.

''Jellal will show you the way.'' She said before faking a smile.

''I hope to see you both there''. She added with a overdone smile, before turning herself and going away.

After she had left, I glanced at my father.

"You have to speak to her! I think she misunderstood what she saw.'' I said to him promptly.

''Should it be a reason for her to think that way?'' I added promptly.

I kept looking at my father. Few seconds after, I saw his face tensed up.

''Few days ago, I told her I had a fiancé; she may think you're her.'' he said rattled

Suddenly, I grabbed one of his arms.

''You have to do something.'' I said concerned.

''Yes, I know.'' He said more calmly.

''What do you intent to do to patch things up?'' I asked, curiously.

''I am going to tell the truth to her.'' he answered, simply

His response made me clenched my teeth. He must have seen my reaction, because he put one hand on my shoulder promptly.

''Don't worry, I'll keep my word; I won't give away your identity. I'll tell her what I really feel about her; no running away this time.'' He said, smiling.

''But not, now. Now, you're coming with me. We'll go get Ultear and Merudy. If I assume correctly, you already know them. Then, I'll go talk to your mother and patch things up.'' He added, moving his hand from my shoulder to my hand.

Then, he started walking, dragging me with him, I just had the time to grab my cloak.