Author's Note: Hope everyone is enjoying these fleeting days of summer while they last. My motivation to write has been lacking lately, but I have a lot of free time this week and the ideas for the next two chapters are already solidified. I aim to write two more by the end of this week if possible, but please don't expect much. I don't want to rush this story and given some of the feedback I have received so far it seems like people really enjoy this story. Until then please be patient and I'll have more in the very near future. Enjoy!
Stranded, But Never Alone
The days stretched on like an endless, melancholic stream, each tick of the clock a reminder of the growing void within Amity's heart. It had been three days since her date with Luz and subsequent fight with her increasingly controlling mother Odalia. It all felt like a lifetime ago. The memory of their laughter, the warmth of their shared moments, now felt like fragile wisps of smoke slipping through her fingers.
Amity sat in her room, a sanctuary that had turned into a prison of her own making. Locked down by the walls of her emotions and confined by the stern decree of her mother, Amity's world had collapsed into a vortex of longing. She felt like an injured bird, grounded and unable to soar. Her heartache, a relentless storm, raged within her, a tempest that left her feeling powerless and adrift.
The once vibrant witchling had transformed. Defeated, she moved through the motions of each day as if dragging a weight that grew heavier with every passing moment, hardly able to remove herself from the confines of her room save for gathering food from the kitchen. Her room, once a reflection of her ambition and aspirations, had become the mausoleum of her dreams. She lay upon her bed, limbs heavy with sorrow, unable to muster the energy to escape her self-imposed isolation.
After discovering the discourse that unfolded that night, Edric and Emira had desperately sought every opportunity to try and cheer their distraught sister up. More often than not their harmless pranks and feeble attempts at comedy only served to raze Amity's depression further, momentarily replaced by petulant anger. Concern radiated from the Blight twins, who felt helpless in the face of their sister's pain. Their attempts at comfort fell on ears deafened by heartache, their words mere echoes bouncing off the walls Amity had erected around herself. Despite their best intentions, they watched as Amity retreated further into her emotional fortress, cut off from the world outside.
Amid the sea of gray days, two items stood out in stark contrast within Amity's room. The silly snailke plushie, a token of affection meant for Luz which she failed to collect at the end of their date, stared back at Amity from her shelf. Its wide, stitched eyes seemed to hold a mocking secret, a testament to the unpredictability of fate. Next to it, a photograph depicted Amity and Luz basking in the throes of happiness at the Grom Afterparty, their smiles like beacons of light against the encroaching shadows.
Amity's gaze would often linger on these two artifacts, her mind weaving a tapestry of memories around them. She could almost hear their laughter echoing through time, the carefree joy they shared etched in the contours of her heart. Grom night, nearly as much as her date, with its pulsating music and stolen glances, played on an endless loop in her mind. Every dance, every touch, every stolen moment was etched into her soul like a spell she couldn't break.
As the world outside carried on, Amity remained ensnared in the tendrils of her past. She found solace in the quiet moments, the ones where she could retreat into her memories and relive the times she had spent with Luz. Each memory was a lifeline back to a time when the future was a canvas they could paint together, a dream they could chase hand in hand.
In the midst of her heartache, Amity learned that love, like a river, could shape and reshape the landscape of one's existence. As the chapter of her life turned, its pages tainted with the ink of separation, Amity clung to the moments she once shared with Luz. And so, with the weight of longing as her constant companion, she ventured into the depths of her memories, hoping to find the strength to endure the uncertainty that lay ahead.
From being rivals to frenemies, to the slow and unexpected descent into love, Amity's journey through her emotions had been nothing short of tumultuous. A mere few months had passed since Luz's arrival on the Isles, yet each day felt like a lifetime to Amity, every moment etching its mark on her heart.
Luz had entered Amity's life like a boiling tornado, disrupting the carefully constructed order Amity had clung to. At first, their interactions were charged with rivalry, sparks flying as they clashed like opposing forces of nature. The very presence of Luz seemed to unravel Amity's composed exterior, leaving her in a state of emotional chaos.
It wasn't long before their dynamic shifted. Frenemies they became, forced into reluctant cooperation as they navigated the bizarre and magical world they inhabited. Amid shared adventures and begrudging teamwork, Amity's perspective on Luz began to warp. Beneath her exterior of disdain, she found herself drawn to Luz's exuberance, her unapologetic individuality. And despite her best efforts, Amity couldn't help but notice the way Luz's eyes sparkled, like stars reflecting the brilliance of the universe.
As time wove its threads, Amity's feelings became a tapestry of confusion and contradiction. She tried to deny the fluttering in her chest, the way her heart skipped a beat whenever Luz was near. It was an emotional mess, a whirlwind that stirred her thoughts and dreams. Denial and desire danced a delicate waltz within her, each step forward accompanied by a step back.
But as the days turned into weeks, the walls around Amity's heart began to crumble. She found herself falling, irrevocably and helplessly, in love with Luz. It was a sensation that both terrified and exhilarated her. Love had transformed her life into an exquisite chaos, colors splattered across her once-monochrome existence.
The pain of this unspoken affection grew like a storm within her. Some days, it was an ache so profound that she entertained the wild notion of abandoning her pride. She considered extravagant gestures, the kind of grand, romantic admissions found in the cheesiest love stories. A tunnel of love, perhaps, or some other silly abstraction. In her most vulnerable moments, she was willing to forgo every ounce of her usual reserve.
Yet, somehow, she held herself back. The fear of exposing her heart, of being rejected or ridiculed, stayed her hand. And in hindsight, she was grateful for her restraint. The thought of such over-the-top declarations seemed almost comical, and she was glad she hadn't let her emotions get the best of her.
Then, one day, the stars aligned. Their lives intertwined in such a way that it felt like destiny had taken the reins. Their first real date came into existence, an event shrouded in a mixture of excitement and trepidation. It was a step forward, a leap of faith into the unknown.
As the clock ticked away, Amity realized that her journey from rivals to lovers had been a series of unanticipated twists and turns. The story of her heart had been written in ink that changed colors like a chameleon, and now, as she stood on the precipice of this new chapter, she knew that whatever lay ahead, it was a tale she was ready to embrace, even if it was as unpredictable as the tornado that had brought Luz into her life. However, try as she might, her mother saw fit to destroying any chance of them actualizing their relationship beyond one measly date.
Amity's gaze shifted towards the mirror that hung on the wall of her room, the reflection staring back at her a stark reminder of the turmoil that had gripped her world. Her once neatly arranged hair was now a tousled mess, the strands bearing witness to the restless nights and the endless internal struggle. Her clothes, once meticulously chosen, were now wrinkled and creased, mirroring the disarray of her emotions.
In that mirror, she saw a version of herself that she hardly recognized. The girl looking back was a far cry from the Amity who had spent hours preparing for that fateful date with Luz. Her disheveled appearance now mirrored the chaos and utter hopelessness that churned within her. The vibrancy of her spirit seemed drained, replaced by an exhaustion that seemed to seep from her very pores. The bags under her eyes, like heavy burdens, told the tale of sleepless nights haunted by thoughts of what could have been and what had been taken from her.
Her golden eyes, once bright and full of life, now appeared bloodshot, like windows into a soul worn down by the weight of unspoken feelings. The contrast between the vibrant color of her dyed hair and the natural brunette roots that peeked through spoke volumes about how little attention she had paid to her external facade in the past few days. It was as if her very appearance had become a reflection of the storm raging within her heart.
The date with Luz had ignited a spark within her, a flame that had warmed her spirit and brought colors to her life she had never imagined. But as the distance between them grew, as the reality of her situation became clearer, that flame had dwindled, leaving only embers of despair. Her mother, a figure of authority she could not defy, had sealed her fate with the cruel decree of returning to that wretched leadership camp. The thought of those impending months felt like a prison sentence, a countdown to the day she would be forcibly torn away from everything that had come to matter and the essence of her identity.
The setting sun outside her window painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a stark contrast to the darkness that had settled within her heart. She stared out, her mind a whirlpool of emotions she could scarcely navigate. The days ahead stretched out like an endless desert, devoid of hope or solace.
As her gaze lingered on the horizon, the weight of her circumstances finally caught up with her. With a heavy sigh, she let her head slump onto her pillow, the fabric a poor substitute for the warmth of Luz's presence. The weight of hopelessness pressed down on her, suffocating and relentless. It was a millionth time she had surrendered to her pillow, seeking refuge from a reality that felt like an unending nightmare.
Amity's world of sadness was abruptly interrupted by the polite but insistent knocking on her door. Annoyance and anger pierced through the fog of her despair as she let out an exasperated yell, the words carrying the weight of her emotions as she declared her desire to be left alone.
"Seriously, can't a person get some space around here?" she shouted, her voice laced with frustration, the walls of her room reverberating with her words. Her anger was a shield against the vulnerability that threatened to consume her.
The silence that followed the outburst was brief, broken by the return of the knocking, as if it were a persistent reminder that the world outside her room still demanded her attention. Amity's annoyance deepened, her patience worn thin by the ceaseless interruptions that seemed to punctuate her every attempt to retreat into solitude.
She threw her arms up in exasperation. "I said I want to be left alone!" Her words were a mixture of desperation and irritation, the emotional storm within her matching the tempest that raged outside her window.
Yet, despite her forceful response, the knocking persisted, each thud against the door driving her frustration to new heights. "Are you kidding me?" Amity muttered to herself, disbelief and anger mingling in her tone.
Pushing herself up from the tangled sheets of her bed, Amity managed to summon a modicum of energy. Her hair was a wild mess, a reflection of her emotional turmoil, yet at this moment, appearances were the least of her concerns. Slipping her feet into her Azura-themed slippers, she shuffled across the room, each step a testament to her reluctance to engage with whoever was on the other side of that door.
The knocking resumed once more, and the sound grated on Amity's already frayed nerves. She sighed, frustration mingling with her growing curiosity. She had grown accustomed to her siblings' well-intentioned attempts to comfort her throughout the day, often resorting to pranks that, while meant to bring a smile to her face, only served to highlight the distance between them.
With a sigh of resignation, she reached for the doorknob and flung the door open, her intent to silence the incessant knocking once and for all. Her voice, raised in annoyance, started to declare her longing for solitude. "Don't you get the hint? I want to be—" Her words caught in her throat as her eyes widened in disbelief.
Standing before her, unexpected and almost surreal, was her father. It was a sight she hadn't anticipated. Her mind had prepared for the possibility of her siblings or even her mother behind the door, but not him. His presence was a stark contrast to the perceived absence that had followed the incident with her mother.
Amity was momentarily silenced, her surprise evident in her widened eyes and slightly parted lips. She struggled to find her voice, a mix of emotions swirling within her. Confusion, longing, and a hint of anger all intertwined as she looked at the man before her. The fact that he had been absent, his distance an unanswered question, had been a weight on her heart.
Her mouth closed, her anger replaced by a whirlwind of emotions she wasn't sure how to process. The words she had intended to say hung in the air, unspoken and unformed. Instead, she looked at her father, her expression a mix of vulnerability and curiosity. The silence stretched between them, each moment carrying the weight of unspoken truths and unresolved emotions.
Alador stood at the threshold of Amity's room, his hand still suspended in the air from where he had knocked on the door. His usually composed demeanor was marred by a distinct unease, an expression of concern etched onto his features. This vulnerability, so different from his usual stern demeanor, would have stirred sympathy in most circumstances. But the heavy cloud of depression that clung to Amity had only fueled her annoyance. As her confusion gave way to irritation and even a touch of disgust, her initial surprise hardened into a cold wall of detachment.
Her father's uncharacteristic unease might have raised questions in a different scenario, but now, all Amity wanted was to be left alone with her misery. The rift between her and her parents, especially her mother, had grown insurmountable over the years. Her mother's iron grip and her father's silence during her clashes with her mother had driven a wedge between them.
"What do you want?" Amity's words were laced with apathy, a clear reflection of how little she cared about her parents' opinions anymore.
Alador shifted uneasily, his gaze meeting Amity's. He cleared his throat, his voice carrying a hint of concern. "I... I was worried about you, Mittens. I thought maybe we could talk. Are you…How are you feeling?"
Her father's explanation for his presence, the desire to talk and check in on her, earned nothing more than a sarcastic response. "Oh, I'm just peachy," she retorted with heavy sarcasm, her voice dripping with bitterness. "Locked up in mother's ivory tower, destined to be shipped off and reshaped into her 'perfect little girl' again. You know. The usual."
"Amity, I know things have been difficult lately," Alador began, his voice softening, the lines of concern creasing his forehead. "Your mother and I... well, we haven't been there for you like we should have and I know-"
"Like you should have," Amity repeated, her words sharp as knives. She turned away from him, her arms crossing defensively over her chest, her interest in continuing the conversation rapidly evaporating. "I've been dealing with this on my own for years. Don't act like you suddenly care. Just…just go away."
Alador's shoulders slumped, the weight of his own failures heavy upon him. "I…I realize that things are…complicated. And I know that I should've…said more that night," he admitted, his voice carrying a heavy regret. "I let your mother's ambitions cloud my judgment."
Amity's gaze remained fixed on a point in the distance, the turmoil within her mirrored in the lines of her furrowed brows. "And now what? You're here to make up for lost time?" Her voice wavered between skepticism and hope, her heart caught in the battle between wanting to believe and fearing disappointment.
Alador's gaze softened, his eyes meeting his daughter's with a mixture of regret and determination. "I just want to talk, Mittens" he said, his voice steady and earnest.
Amity turned her gaze back to him, her expression a mix of emotions, the walls around her heart showing a hairline crack. "It's not that simple," she said, her voice quieter now, a hint of vulnerability creeping into her words. "You can't just waltz back in and expect everything to be okay."
Alador nodded, his expression one of somber understanding. "I know. But what kind of father would I be if I didn't try."
"A better one," Amity said flatly, her disinterest plainly evident. She sighed before looking her father in the eyes once more. "Look, Dad. I just want to be left alone right now. So unless you've come with news that Mom's changed her mind. Please leave. Or just scream at me like Mom does and get this conversation over with already."
Alador's discomfort was evident, his fingers nervously rubbing at his neck as he struggled to bridge the growing chasm between them. Her blunt statement about her lack of interest in another one of their chastisements seemed to weigh heavily on him. He was, after all, the towering figure in their household, one of the most respected Abomination witches on the Boiling Isles. But Amity was beyond cowering in his shadow. She had no intention of masking her anger and frustration.
"I'm not here to reprimand you," he admitted, his voice holding a rare vulnerability. "I just want to talk."
Exhaustion washed over Amity as she realized her options were limited. With a sigh of resignation, she turned her back on her father and began to shuffle towards her bed. She dropped onto it, her face sinking into the welcoming embrace of the pillow. "Sure, why not?" she replied in the same sarcastic tone, her tone laden with defeat. "As if things could get any worse."
Alador followed her into the room, the door closing softly behind him. His gaze swept over the room, taking in the disheveled state of what was once a well-kept and organized space. The sight tugged at his guilt, a testament to his failures as a father. His daughter's unspoken statement about trying to make her room match her feelings, her sarcastic nod to her mother and him, resonated deeply. Shame washed over him, a powerful reminder of his shortcomings.
Choosing a seat at Amity's desk, Alador settled into the chair, his large frame dwarfing the small piece of furniture. He attempted to initiate small talk, a feeble attempt to bridge the gap that had grown between them.
"So, how have things been? Besides... well, everything," he asked, his voice gentle but tinged with uncertainty. Amity's response was a sigh of resignation.
"Oh, you know, just living the dream," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Locked up in my room, staring at the wall, contemplating my impending doom and imprisonment."
Seeing that his attempts to probe his daughter's emotions with small talk were going nowhere, Alador decided to change tactics and tried to comfort her by asking her how she was feeling. "Mittens, I just…want to know how you're feeling."
Amity's frustration reached a boiling point. She clenched her fists, her voice laced with irritation as she shot back, "How am I feeling? Seriously?" Her disbelief was palpable, her patience stretched thin by the persistent intrusions into her private turmoil.
Alador's expression softened, the concern in his eyes evident. "Amity, I just... I want to understand. I want to help."
Amity's anger flared, the fire in her eyes meeting his gaze head-on. "You want to help?" Her words were laced with bitterness, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Where were you when Mom was locking me up in here like some kind of prisoner?"
Alador's gaze faltered for a moment, his regret plain to see. "I should have done something, I know," he admitted, his voice heavy with guilt. "I let your mother's fears dictate my actions."
Amity's frustration shifted into a deep-seated anger, the lines of her face taut with resentment. "I don't need you to tell me how I'm supposed to feel, Dad," she retorted, her voice strained. "I've been dealing with this on my own."
"I want to be there for you," Alador replied, his voice tinged with determination.
Amity's anger was like a wildfire, burning fiercely within her. "You say that now," she snapped, her frustration unyielding. "But where were you when I needed you to stand up for me?"
Alador sighed, his uncertainty evident as he searched for the right words. "Mittens…"
"That's what I thought," she interrupted, her voice heavy with frustration and resentment.
Alador's gaze dropped to the ground, unable to meet his daughter's gaze. "I know…I know your mother and I haven't always been clear on our expectations, but we only want the best for you," he admitted, his voice heavy with remorse.
Her anger was a whirlwind, and her voice quivered with a mix of hurt and defiance. "You don't get it, do you? Your absence, your silence, they hurt just as much as Mom's control." Her words were a raw confession, her emotions laid bare. "What kind of parent traps their own daughter in their own home just because they have stupid suspicions? Just because I'm 'friends' with someone you guys didn't approve of?"
Alador's eyes glistened with a mixture of regret and longing. "Amity, I love you," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his emotions. "I never wanted any of this for you. I don't want you to be trapped like this."
Alador failed to respond immediately, his guilt not apparent but clearly eating at his heart. A few moments of tense silence passed before he finally spoke up, his voice tinged with a mixture of regret and desperation.
"Mittens, your my daughter and I love you," he said, his voice carrying the weight of his emotions. "I never wanted any of this for you. I don't want you to feel trapped like this."
His admission hung heavily in the air, a fragile bridge between them that neither seemed ready to cross.
Amity's anger burned in her cheeks, her trademark flush crowding her face as she retorted, sarcasm dripping from her words. "Love me?" she repeated, her tone dripping with bitterness. "It certainly doesn't feel like it."
An uneasy silence passed for a few moments before Amity's anger simmered once more. She challenged him, the anger in her gaze unrelenting as she locked eyes with him. "No one should treat their own kid like this."
Alador's gaze remained fixed on the ground, unable to meet his daughter's piercing stare. The weight of his own failures seemed to weigh heavily upon him, a burden he was struggling to bear.
But Amity's rage only intensified, her frustration and desperation bubbling over. Her voice rose, her face growing flushed with emotion as she let out her pent-up frustrations. "You didn't do a damn thing to stop Mom from controlling my life."
The words hung in the air, the silence that followed heavy with the weight of their unspoken truths. Amity was increasingly fed up, her heart pounding in her chest as she stared at her father, willing him to respond, to say something that might alleviate the storm of emotions swirling within her. She was ready to recant her anger once more, desperate for any kind of resolution, any glimmer of understanding that might help subside her depression.
Alador finally breaks the deafening silence, his voice carrying a mix of understanding and remorse. "I get why you're angry, Amity."
Her father's words caused Amity to pause for a moment, her torrent of anger momentarily disrupted. His acknowledgment seemed to resonate, making her question the intensity of her fury. But the flames of her anger quickly reignited as she retorted, her voice edged with frustration, "You can't begin to imagine how I'm feeling right now. You and Mom are the reason I'm feeling the way I am right now."
Alador sighed, the weight of his own shortcomings bearing down on him. "I know," he said, his voice heavy with regret. "I'm sorry I didn't step up, that I didn't say something when I knew it was wrong."
Amity's anger softened, her gaze dropping to the floor as she considered his words. She looked up at him, her voice laced with hurt. "The why didn't you do anything?" she asked, her tone heavy with pain. "Why did you let Mom say all those awful things and punish me without remorse?" Her voice wavered as tears glistened in her eyes.
She pleaded, the pain of her isolation and neglect evident in her voice. "Why weren't you there for me?"
Alador looked at his daughter, her vulnerability striking him like a blow. He noted the disarray of her appearance, the tears in her eyes, the weight of her emotions visible in every inch of her being. Grief threatened to overwhelm him, but he pushed it down, trying to remain composed.
His voice tinged with his own sorrow, he continued, "I need you to understand, Amity, that I've never been good at the whole 'Dad' thing." Her brow furrowed, a mixture of curiosity and a glimmer of understanding crossing her features. She glanced down for a moment, her fingers nervously tapping against her thigh.
"I should have been more present, set boundaries, stood up for you and the twins." He paused, his gaze distant as he acknowledged his shortcomings.
With each word he spoke, Amity's guard seemed to lower a fraction, the armor of anger she had worn for so long beginning to crack. She found herself nodding slightly, as if acknowledging the truth in his words, even as her heart still carried the weight of old wounds.
"But I got consumed by my work, my ambitions. I was so focused on providing for all of you that I lost sight of what truly mattered," he continued, his voice carrying the weight of his confession. He paused, his gaze distant as he acknowledged his shortcomings. "Your mother's ambitions clouded my judgment, and I let it happen."
Amity could see the regret etched into his expression, and it gave her a pang of sympathy she hadn't expected to feel. Her fingers moved to toy with a loose thread on her sleeve, a nervous habit she had picked up over the years.
His words seemed to echo in the air, the silence heavy with the weight of his regret. "I'm sorry for not being a better father, Amity," he finally said, his voice holding a mixture of remorse and vulnerability. "I should have been there for you, should have shielded you from the pain of my own mistakes."
Amity was on the verge of tears, her anger giving way to a mixture of emotions she struggled to contain. She had never seen her father like this before. He had always been a pillar of strength and skill, her idol. The strongest and most renowned witch of his Abomination Class at Hexside and a founder of one of most successful private security companies in the Boiling Isles. To see him so broken left her without words. As these thoughts swirled within her, only one question remained in her mind.
She took a deep breath, her voice softer than before as she asked, "Then why didn't you stop Mom?"
Alador shifted in his seat, collecting himself before he replied, his tone filled with a mixture of resolve and vulnerability. He cleared his throat, meeting Amity's gaze with a mix of regret and determination. "I did try," he began, his voice carrying a weight of sincerity. The surprise in Amity's expression was palpable, her eyebrows lifting in genuine astonishment.
"Wait, you…you did?" Amity's voice carried a mix of disbelief and curiosity. She leaned forward slightly, her eyes locked on her father's as if searching for any hint of deception.
Alador nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "Yes," he affirmed, a flicker of something akin to hope in his gaze.
He leaned forward slightly, as if to emphasize the importance of his words. "I did everything in my power to persuade Odalia not to ground you." His voice was steady, his conviction evident as he recounted his efforts. "But…you know your mother. She wouldn't admit she's wrong if it was painted on her face."
Amity's skepticism was replaced by a glimmer of surprise mixed with a hint of understanding. She sat back slightly, her arms still crossed over her chest but her demeanor shifting from defensive to attentive. "You really did?" Her voice held a mixture of wonder and uncertainty, as if she was grappling with the idea that her father had actually stood up for her.
Alador's gaze never wavered, his determination unwavering. "I did, Mittens," he repeated, his words carrying a sense of honesty that was hard to ignore. He leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of regret and longing. "You're growing up so fast, Mittens. Your mother and I can't control every decision you make your whole life. You should be able to decide who you want to be around, how you want to live your life."
Amity's features softened, the walls around her heart slowly crumbling as she listened to her father's earnest words. Her arms uncrossed, and she rested her hands on her lap, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. "I... I didn't know," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability.
Alador nodded, his gaze reflecting his own regret. "I know I haven't been the father you deserved, Amity. And I'm sorry for that." His words were heavy with remorse, his shoulders slightly slumped as he carried the weight of his admissions.
Amity's gaze met his, a mixture of emotions in her eyes. She took a deep breath, her voice softer now, laced with a hint of understanding. "It's just... hard, you know? To feel like I'm constantly fighting against everything."
Alador reached across the small distance between them, his hand hovering in the air for a moment before he placed it gently on top of hers. "I know, Mittens," he said, his voice full of empathy. "But you're not going to deal with this anymore. I want to be there for you, to support you, Ed, and Em. I want…to be the father you deserve."
Amity looked down at their joined hands, a mixture of emotions swirling within her. Her heart still carried the scars of years of neglect, but in that moment, she felt a glimmer of hope, a tentative belief that maybe, just maybe, things could change between them.
Amity's heart ached as she listened to her father's honesty. His words resonated deeply, the understanding he showed stirring a mix of emotions within her. She responded by saying softly, "Thank you for trying, Dad." Her voice carried a blend of appreciation and vulnerability.
Alador's lips curved into a small smile, genuine warmth in his eyes. "It's what a 'better father' would do for his daughter," he replied softly, his voice carrying a hint of self-reflection. Amity felt a slight comfort wash over her, a glimmer of hope that maybe, just maybe, their fractured relationship could start to mend.
As they sat there in that moment, Amity's mind churned with a tumult of thoughts and emotions, each one a piece of the complex puzzle that was her relationship with her father. Her gaze briefly wandered around the room, as if searching for answers amidst the quiet confines of her own thoughts. She had often found herself grappling with the echoes of his absence, the void that his lack of transparency and presence had left behind.
The memories of countless moments she had yearned for her father's guidance, his understanding, and his unwavering support flashed before her. The school performances he missed, the milestones he hadn't been there to witness, all painted a picture of a relationship strained by his absence. She had grown accustomed to facing her challenges alone, building her walls higher with each disappointment.
But now, sitting across from him, she realized that this might be her chance to change things. If she truly desired a meaningful connection with him, a bond that went beyond the surface, she needed to be upfront and honest. She needed to break the cycle of avoidance and silence that had plagued their interactions for so long.
Her fingers unconsciously traced the edge of her fathers calloused hands, her thoughts gathering like storm clouds on the horizon. Her heart raced, a mixture of fear and determination coursing through her veins. This was her moment, an opportunity to lay herself bare, to show vulnerability in a way she had never dared before. The weight of her secret pressed against her chest, and with each passing second, her anticipation grew.
Amity took a deep breath, steeling herself for the vulnerability she was about to expose. She looked back at her father, her eyes locking onto his, and with a voice that trembled only slightly, "Dad, th-there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it, Mittens?" Alador's voice was laced with concern as he looked at his daughter, his brows furrowing slightly.
Amity bit her lip, uncertainty gripping her mind as she braced herself for what she was about to say. She took a deep breath, her eyes locking onto his as she said, "Dad, it's not something you're going to like."
Alador's frown deepened, a mild confusion crossing his features. Despite the apprehension she sensed, he offered her a reassuring smile, his voice softening. "It's okay, Mittens. I'm here, and I'm listening."
Amity hesitated, her fingers momentarily entwined before she mustered the courage to remove her hands from her father's grasp. She drew in another breath, feeling a mixture of anxiety and determination. She began, "Well, you remember how I said me and Luz are just fr—friends."
Alador leaned in slightly, the chair creaking softly beneath him as he moved closer to his daughter. Concern etched onto his face, he nodded and replied, "Yes, I remember."
Amity felt her heart racing, a thin sheen of sweat forming on her palms. She admitted, her voice quieter now, "Well, that isn't entirely true."
Confusion knitted Alador's brow further as he struggled to understand the direction of their conversation. He probed gently, his voice tinged with both curiosity and worry. "What do you mean?"
She hesitated for a moment, her breath catching in her throat. She exhaled slowly, gathering her resolve before she finally confessed, "Luz is more than just my fr-friend." Her words were punctuated with a stammer, her nervousness palpable.
Alador's hand found its way to Amity's shoulder, a gesture of support and comfort. His voice was gentle as he reassured her, "It's okay, Amity. Just tell me what's wrong."
Amity's gaze locked onto her father's eyes, a storm of emotions swirling within her chest. What she saw there surprised her—a glint of understanding, a flicker of something she hadn't seen from him in years. A sense of security and hope radiated from him, a stark contrast to the distant figure he had been to her in the past.
Taking a deep breath, her voice barely above a whisper, she finally admitted the truth that had weighed heavily on her. "Luz is my girlfriend."
The words hung in the air, a fragile confession that held more weight than she could express. The vulnerability in her voice was matched only by the vulnerability she felt, baring her heart to her father in a way she had never done before. The silence between the two was deafening as she patiently waited for her father's reaction.
Amity's revelation hung in the air like a fragile thread, and Alador's surprise was evident in the way his brows shot up and his expression momentarily faltered. The silence between them was broken by his voice, carrying a hint of astonishment. "Edalyn's kid?"
Amity felt a pang of regret at her confession, her nerves amplified by the unexpectedness of the moment. But what struck her even more was the absence of the anger or disgust she had braced herself for. She had fully expected the same barrage of bigoted garbage her mother would repeat endlessly if she ever even indicated she felt this way. It nearly left her without words.
Knowing the question demanded an answer, Amity met his gaze and nodded, her voice soft and almost timid as she confirmed with a simple "Yes."
A subtle smirk tugged at the corners of Alador's lips, his initial surprise giving way to an amusement that danced in his eyes. "Figures," he remarked, his tone adopting a light and teasing quality.
The unexpected turn of events left Amity further taken aback, her anticipation of varied reactions failing to encompass the response she was met with. She felt a flutter of confusion within her, a compelling urge to understand. "Wait. What do you mean?" she inquired, her desperation for clarity seeping into her words.
His smirk grew as he continued, his words carrying a playful edge. "You didn't exactly make it hard to figure out, you know. After dinner the other night and how you acted when you talked about her I figured something more was going on. No one's that secretive about a crush unless they're ashamed of it or just plain afraid to admit it."
A blush crept up Amity's cheeks at his words, her embarrassment evident. She found herself fumbling for a response. "I—I'm not ashamed of Luz," she mumbled, her voice carrying a mix of shyness and determination.
Alador chuckled, his amusement genuine. "That's what I figured. Blights don't like feeling shame." His words held a touch of pride, as if he saw a reflection of himself in his daughter's candidness.
Still grappling with the unexpected openness of her father's reaction, Amity approached the conversation cautiously. Her voice carried a hint of lingering uncertainty as she ventured, "Aren't you… mad?"
"Not in the slightest, sweetheart," Alador responded with a reassuring smile, though a subtle shift in his expression hinted at a trace of mild displeasure. He paused for a beat, his sincerity evident in his tone. "Everything will be okay, Amity. You shouldn't feel any shame about who you are, no matter what others might say."
Amity's surprise flickered in her eyes as she absorbed his words, a mixture of relief and bewilderment swirling within her. "But… why aren't you mad?" she asked, her voice tinged with a note of incredulity.
Alador's response carried a gentle understanding as he spoke. "You're young, Amity. You're in love. Kids often keep things hidden from their parents—it's a natural instinct, especially if they fear consequences… like being grounded."
For the first time since the conversation began, a small smile touched Amity's lips. A glimmer of relief illuminated her gaze, a weight lifting as she realized her father's initial reaction wasn't one of anger or disgust.
However, Alador's tone shifted slightly, his words carrying a touch of sternness. "But I'm not happy that you tried to conceal it. It's not right to lie to your parents, Amity."
Amity's smile faltered, and she offered a halfhearted apology before falling back into a stunned silence, the complex mixture of emotions in her chest leaving her momentarily speechless.
Amity's astonishment was palpable, her father's reaction a far cry from what she had anticipated. She had braced herself for the possibility of rejection, even scorn, fully aware that such relationships were unheard of in their family's history. In her memory, there had never been a single instance of a Blight engaging in a relationship like this. Her mind whirled with disbelief, and she found herself asking the question that lingered on her tongue, her voice still tinged with bewilderment. "Why… why are you acting like this?"
Alador's countenance shifted into one of solemnity, a clear indication of the gravity of the subject at hand. His manner remained composed as he directed his attention towards his daughter, his words carrying the weight of experience and understanding. "Amity," he began, his voice taking on a measured tone, "I want you to know that no one should ever feel ashamed of the love they hold for others."
Alador continued, his voice a steady river of assurance, "Love is one of the most crucial parts of life. If it were not meant to be, if it stood contrary to the 'natural order of things', the Titan would not have allowed us to enjoy it." His words carried an undercurrent of conviction, as if drawing from a wellspring of understanding that surpassed mere words.
He directed his focus towards his daughter, his gaze gentle but resolute. "What you feel for Luz," he enunciated, "it's not a defiance of nature's laws. It's not a criminal act against the way of things." His tone remained steady, grounded in a deep-seated belief. "It's love—an authentic, profound emotion, pure and true."
Amity sensed an undercurrent of fervor in her father's words, a resonance that transcended the surface of their conversation. His words seemed to carry a personal connection, as though he was speaking from the depths of his own experiences.
As Alador spoke, Amity found herself drawn into his narrative, her curiosity piqued by the hidden facets of his expression. She listened intently, her senses attuned to the nuances of his tone, detecting a mixture of both resentment and passion that seemed to emanate from his words. It was as though the subject touched upon matters that were more profound and personal than they initially appeared.
"Never feel ashamed for being in love, Mittens," Alador continued, his voice taking on a serious tone. "It's the only thing people can never take away from you. Even if they try. What you feel can't be stolen."
In the midst of Alador's explanation, Amity recognized the sincerity behind his words, a genuineness that resonated deeply within her. She began to perceive the layers of meaning beneath his guidance, the empathy and understanding that flowed from his own journey. It only fueled her curiosity. She had never heard her father speak so deeply and passionately about something that wasn't associated with abominations. Despite her increasing number of questions, she opted to remain silent, allowing her father to finished speaking.
"Amity, you're my daughter, and you should never carry the weight of shame for being true to who you are," he affirmed with a touch of paternal warmth. "It's not unnatural or twisted; it's a reflection of who you really are. You deserve to embrace it without reservation. And I'll always love you the same no matter what."
Amity felt a wave of warmth envelop her, her father's words resonating deep within her heart. They echoed the truths she had come to understand about herself and her feelings for Luz. As the newfound clarity began to settle, a question arose, one she felt compelled to ask with utmost seriousness.
"But, Dad," she began, her brows furrowing in earnest curiosity, "if you've felt this way all along, why didn't you tell me sooner? Why did I have to go through all of this on my own?"
Alador sensed the weight behind his daughter's question, his gaze softening with understanding. He took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, his voice carrying a mixture of empathy and reflection. "Amity, sometimes the world isn't as open-minded as we wish it to be," he admitted, his tone tinged with a hint of vulnerability. "I know what it's like to be scrutinized for who you love, to face judgment and prejudice."
He met Amity's gaze with a gaze that held a deep sense of connection. "But I also know that you're your own person, and you shouldn't feel ashamed of that," he emphasized, his words carrying a steadfast resolve. "It's not unnatural, twisted, or a crime against nature to love someone deeply and genuinely."
Amity's confusion began to ebb away in the face of her father's reassuring words. A sense of self-confidence started to replace her uncertainty, bolstered by the knowledge that her father stood by her side. The tears that welled up in her eyes held a different quality now—an affirmation of her own worth and authenticity.
Though the impulse to embrace her father was strong, the memories of the pain caused by his past negligence held her back. Instead, she reached out and took his hand in her own, seeking solace in the physical connection. With a heartfelt smile, she spoke softly, "Thank you, Dad, for understanding."
Alador's warm smile in return was a testament to his genuine support. "I will always be here for you, Amity," he assured her, his voice tender with reassurance. "Even if you can't see it, know that I'll always be your dad. I may not have been the most present father, but my love for you has always been constant."
Amity and her father shared a moment of profound silence, a newfound sense of connection filling the room. She observed him closely, her eyes tracing the lines of his face, the subtleties of his expressions. She had always known him as someone who projected an air of strictness and control, his demeanor a testament to his position and reputation. Yet, in this moment, that facade seemed to melt away, revealing a man who was willing to embrace vulnerability and open dialogue.
As Amity pondered their conversation, her father's words echoed in her mind. His current demeanor was a far cry from the rigid figure she had always perceived him to be. The juxtaposition was striking, and it made her consider his earlier statement.
Curiosity eventually got the better of her, and she found herself breaking the silence, her tone gentle but inquisitive. "Dad," she began, her eyes searching his, "when you mentioned understanding what it means to be scrutinized for love… what…what did you mean by that?"
Alador let out a sigh, his shoulders easing as if he had been carrying a hidden burden for a long time. He cast a reflective glance towards the floor, as if he had been expecting this conversation to eventually arise. Amity's inquisitive expression prompted him to share a side of himself he had kept concealed.
He smiled faintly, a mixture of amusement and understanding in his gaze. "I suppose I knew this conversation would come sooner or later," he mused to himself before turning his attention back to Amity.
Her confusion was palpable, and he could sense the myriad of questions swirling in her mind. It was time to shed light on his own past.
"You see, Mittens," he began, his voice carrying a certain gravitas, "you're not the only one in the family who's…different." Amity's eyes widened in astonishment, her father's revelation hitting her like a bolt from the blue.
Amity could hardly find the words to express her astonishment. Had her own father really just admitted to being…like her? The uncertainty wracked her mind and she compelled herself to speak, "Wait…you mean that you-?!"
"Yes," Alador answers firmly, a hint of sadness lacing his voice. "All my life."
Amity's astonishment grew with each word her father spoke, her disbelief gradually giving way to a sense of resonance she hadn't expected. The revelation that her own father had experienced feelings of difference and uncertainty resonated deeply within her, bridging a gap she hadn't known existed. It was as if the walls that had separated them were crumbling, revealing a shared vulnerability that was both surprising and oddly comforting.
"Dad," she finally managed to say, her voice a mix of surprise and curiosity, "you mean... you felt the same way? Like I do?"
Alador nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Yes, Amity. It took me a while to understand and accept it, just like you're doing now."
Amity's eyes held a mixture of awe and wonder as she absorbed this newfound understanding. "I can't believe it," she admitted, her voice tinged with a mix of emotions. "I never thought... I mean, you always seemed so... put together."
Alador's smile grew, his eyes reflecting a sense of shared experience. "Appearances can be deceiving," he said gently. "It's not a thing I like to talk about."
Amity's voice trembled with a mixture of anticipation and vulnerability, her heart yearning to hear her father's story. "Please, Dad... I need to hear this," she implored, her words carrying a weight of emotion that she couldn't contain.
Alador chuckled, relenting to his daughter's request. His expression held a touch of nostalgia as he recalled his own journey of self-discovery. "When I was your age, even younger, I realized I didn't quite fit the mold. While other kids were showing interest in boys or girls, I found myself indifferent to those distinctions." He paused for a moment, collecting his thoughts as he recalled the past.
"But it wasn't until I transferred to Hexside that I truly began to understand myself," he continued, his gaze distant as he reminisced. "It was there that I started noticing things…about everyone."
Amity's focus was unwavering as her father's words washed over her, her curiosity and empathy wrapped around every detail he shared. He recounted his own journey of self-discovery, one that bore a striking resemblance to her own.
Alador took a deep breath, a hint of nostalgia in his voice as he delved into his past. "When I was around your age, I started experiencing crushes on girls, just as society and norms dictated. It was what I believed was expected of me."
He paused, his gaze distant as he admitted, "But then, things took an unexpected turn."
Amity leaned in slightly, captivated by her father's words. "What happened?"
A small smile tugged at Alador's lips as he continued, his tone laced with the weight of memories. "There was a guy in my abomination track who seemed to captivate my attention more than I'd ever anticipated."
Amity's eyebrows furrowed, intrigued. "A guy?"
Alador nodded, his eyes far away. "Yes. I started noticing how often he occupied my thoughts, how my gaze would linger a little longer when I looked at him. It was confusing at first."
With a hint of nostalgia in his voice, he continued, describing how this person became a constant presence in his thoughts. His gaze would often linger, and he'd find himself lost in reverie when thinking about their interactions. Slowly, their connection deepened, blossoming into a close friendship that stood out among the rest. Alador recalled the shared moments, the camaraderie, and even the occasional disagreements that only seemed to cement their bond further.
"As time went on," Alador continued, "I realized that my feelings had evolved beyond friendship. It was during our first summer break apart that I truly understood how I really felt. I missed him more than I thought possible."
Amity's expression shifted from curiosity to understanding. "So, you had feelings for him?"
Alador nodded, his smile genuine. "Yes, Amity. Just like you have feelings for Luz."
As the narrative unfolded, Amity felt a sense of kinship she hadn't anticipated. Her father's experience echoed her own, and the fact that he was sharing this intimate part of himself with her forged an unspoken connection between them. The shared journey of self-discovery transcended the generation gap, allowing Amity to see her father in a new light and find solace in their shared experiences.
Amity's shock was evident in her widened eyes, her voice almost breathless as she asked, "What happened next?"
Alador's expression shifted to one of disappointment, a tinge of sadness in his eyes as he recounted his past. "My father started to notice how much time I was spending with Darius. And, as is typical of the Blight way, relationships like that were forbidden."
Amity's eyebrows furrowed in disbelief, already knowing what her father had just unintentionally implied. "He sent you away."
Alador nodded, his sigh heavy with the weight of old memories. "Yes. He sent me away to the same… leadership camp that your mother later sent you to. It was meant to break any connections I had with Dari…him. And it did."
Amity could sense her father's reluctance to reveal more than was required about his past, knowing mentioning the name of his crush was better forgotten to the depths of his memory. She empathized heavily with the pain he felt. She continued to listen, urging him to continue.
He continued, his voice tinged with regret. "The forced separation shattered whatever feelings I had for him. I resented him for a while, though we remained friends until our junior year. I couldn't bring myself to realize my true feelings anymore."
Alador's gaze shifted, his expression taking on a more somber tone as he recalled the course his life had taken. "It was right after that camp that your mother came into my life, and, well, you know the rest."
Amity's shock slowly gave way to a realization, a sense of connection blossoming within her. "I'm more like you than I thought."
Alador's eyes met hers, and he offered her a reassuring smile. "Yes, you are, Mittens."
Amity's lips curved into a small smile, a mix of gratitude and newfound understanding evident in her gaze. "I'm sorry, Dad. I shouldn't have doubted you."
Alador shook his head gently, reaching out to place a comforting hand on hers. "Never apologize for being who you are, Amity. You're my daughter, and I'm proud of you."
Amity's smile grew, and after a moment, she surprised Alador by enveloping him in a tight embrace. He hesitated for a moment, unaccustomed to such contact, but he soon returned the embrace, his hand gently rubbing her back.
Amity's emotions were a mixture of relief and gratitude as she pulled back from the embrace, her eyes meeting her father's with newfound warmth. "Thank you, Dad," she said softly.
Alador's gaze held a mixture of understanding and regret as he replied, "I know I can't change the past, but I'm here now."
Amity's voice was sincere, though tinged with lingering hurt. "I won't forgive you for everything you put us through, for constantly neglecting us and the twins..."
Alador's expression remained serious, but he nodded, accepting her words without reservation. "I understand."
Amity took a deep breath, the weight of their conversation still heavy in the air. "But... this is a start. I appreciate you opening up to me."
Alador offered a small smile, his eyes softening. "I'm glad we had this talk."
Amity's gaze held his, and a hint of uncertainty flickered in her eyes. "Will you talk to Mom? About everything?"
Alador nodded, determination in his voice. "Yes, I will. I'll talk to her, and don't worry… I promise not to mention anything about your relationship with Luz."
Amity felt a surge of gratitude, a sense of restoration washing over her. "Thank you, Dad."
Alador's smile grew warmer, and he reached out to place a hand on hers. "You're welcome, Amity. I want you to know that I'm here for you, even if it might not have seemed like it in the past."
Amity nodded, her heart feeling lighter than it had in a long time. "I believe you."
As they sat there, a sense of closure settling between them, Amity felt a renewed connection with her father. It wasn't a complete resolution to all their issues, but it was a step forward, a bridge that they had both been hesitant to cross. With newfound hope, she looked ahead to a future where their relationship could be rebuilt on a foundation of understanding, acceptance, and love.
A/N: Well I hope this chapter pleases all the Alador fans out there. I didn't want to play with the character dynamics too much but from what everyone assumes (and from what I can tell) Dana Terrance heavily implies on this underrated character's bisexuality. If it angers some of you in the audience feel free to leave a mean review. I hate changing fundamental aspects of character's design from their original material if its not confirmed, but I felt this would dramatically increase the ability of Alador and Amity to relate on a more personal level. And given that its already implied there's some connection with this assumption in the canon media I'm not too distraught in making this literary change. Next chapter will be our great escape from Blight Manor. Hope y'all like the chapter and enjoy!