"Primrose, what's wrong?"
The raven head flinches in her seat at the soothing voice of her mentor, . She shakes her head lightly, holding onto her cup of tea and taking a sip. Primrose has been so absorbed in her own mind that she doesn't notice the odd silence between her and . Marlin, who is taking his leisure time to read the newspaper, steps in and flicks her forehead lightly, an endearing way to pull her out of her silly thoughts.
"That hurts, Marlin…" she pouts, her lips pursed up lightly at the slight sting of her forehead.
"Because you are wearing that silly face again…" he chuckles "So, what happened?"
Primrose looks at them. For a brief moment, she wants to tell them about her not-so-happy reunion with Caleb Vatore. When she is at her lowest, they are there for her through thick and thin. As her mentor, they guide her through the art of magic. As her senior, they stand as her moral compass and help her navigate through the darkness of her life. Primrose has always been grateful to have Marlin and around, but she isn't sure if she should tell them about Caleb's return.
"Well?"
"I, well… It's complicated…"
sends Marlin a knowing look. It seems like Caleb Vatore has finally made his first move, even without Primrose's confirmation, the dilemma on her face says it all.
"Do you want me to force it out? I can do that!"
Marlin waves his hand, a yellow hue circling around his finger, matching the element of his magic – fire. Primrose shakes her head vigorously, knowing very well Marlin's Oath of Truth spell and how capable it can be when it comes to revealing the truth.
"Marlin, it's Primrose's choice to tell us or not. Please don't scare her like that."
, always so kind, tells her husband off. Marlin says nothing, but his emerald eyes stare right back at Primrose's onyx orbs, expecting her to say something. Unlike who is very grounded in her ideals and the goodness of her heart, things can not be expected from the other mage. Marlin has always been the type with a morally grey personality, he is willing to help other people but at the same time, never hesitates using force for his gain.
The raven head chews on her bottom lips, wondering if it's the right thing to tell them. She trusts Lumera and Marlin with all her heart, but at the same time, the thought of revealing who she encountered last night is unnerving. Primrose knows she can not hide this forever, and if there is anyone whom she can confide to, it is her mentor. Both mages have been with her since that awful day, they know her secret, her pain and have become her emotional pillars since then.
"I… I saw Caleb last night…"
There is a pregnant silence between them, too quiet for Primrose's liking. sends Marlin a look before turning her attention back to her student, encouraging the young mage to continue.
"H-he's back… He, he…"
Even mentioning his name is difficult for Primrose as she feels a lump in her throat getting bigger and harder to swallow.
"So he finally came to see you…"
Marlin's words catch her attention as she looks at him, eyes widening in surprise. What does he mean by that?
"Actually, there is something we must tell you, Primrose."
takes in a deep breath and breaks the news to her student, how they are the ones who let Caleb know her whereabouts. The revelation strikes Primrose to the core as she stares at them blankly, unable to process what comes out of Lumera's mouth.
Immediately, the raven head furrows her brows, feeling like she is betrayed by them. Why do Lumera and Marlin do that? Why? Her whole body shivers at the thought of how even when she is in their caring hands, she is not safe. How can she feel safe when her mentors are the ones who lead that man back into her life?
"Why? Why did you do that?" she speaks up defensively "I don't want to see him, you both know that! Why would you guys do such a thing?"
But before can say anything, Marlin stops her. Holding up his two hands as he maintains a surrender stand, the fire mage looks at his pupil, challenging her fear. Despite her obvious stress, Marlin knows what lies beyond those words.
"I will let you beat me however you want, Primrose, if you can look me in the eyes and say those words again."
His words feel like sharp knives prying into her heart. She looks at Marlin, her big onyx eyes swell up in tears. He knows full well that she can never say that, telling them she never wants to see Caleb again. No matter how much she tries to convince herself that she hates that man, somewhere in her heart still reserves a small part for him, a part of her identity that she refuses to admit.
As silence only grows louder, so are Primrose's tears. And Marlin can't help but back down from his confidence, knowing that his words cut deep into the wound she is desperately trying to heal from.
There are two most important women in Marlin's life, one is his wife Lumera, and the other one is his student Primrose. Lumera serves as the love of his life while Primrose is his proud accomplishment. For her to become one of, if not, the strongest water mage in Glimmerbrook makes him smile like a proud father.
But Primrose's journey isn't easy, especially when it comes to the matter of the heart. Marlin wishes that he doesn't have to say that to her, knowing how that is a taboo topic for her. But there are times when Primrose needs to come to terms with her emotions and move on from the past that keeps haunting her.
"Please tell me why you chose to let him know?" she asks, her voice barely a whisper.
"Do you know the reason why he did what he did?" Lumera looks at her "You never know why, right?"
"No, I don't…" she shakes her head "But is the reason truly matter?"
"Well, it's better to know the truth than to be left in the dark, right?"
Marlin recalls the vampire civil war, how the Straud family wanted to take over the human world and turned it into their blood source, how the Vatore family was able to find a way for vampires to no longer rely on the blood of the mortals and the fell of house Straud after a long, ruthless war.
"Caleb chose what he deems to be the best for his family at that time, and in turn, he cast away his own feelings. The consequence of that action was you and your broken heart…"
Primrose looks at her mentor, even more confused than before.
"But he could have told me about it. Why didn't he say anything?"
"We could never know what was in his mind during that time, Primrose. Many things happened, too many for him to bear." Marlin sighs "Besides, you were too young at the time. I don't think Caleb wanted to bring you into that mess."
Primrose's face is a mixture of confusion, hurt and frustration. The more she thinks about this, the harsher reality hits her. She has been kept in the dark this whole time, wondering what she had done to deserve this heartbreak, why he chose to abandon her when that spark in his eyes was meant for her. Primrose has thought that if she knows the truth, maybe it can be the first step for her to move on from this. But no, she now finds herself at a crossroads, torn between what she believes to be true and what the truth really is.
"I, I don't know what to say anymore…"
"You don't have to. What we told you can't defy how you see him. Primrose." Lumera steps in, offering a word of advice "Whatever you choose is up to you. But know that no matter what happens, we will always be here for you."
"Primrose, that is the most dreaded face I have seen you wear so far…"
She raises her head, looking at the brunette she calls her best friend. Lilian Collins raises her brow, amused but worried at the same time. She has tried to ask her friend what happened but Primrose shakes her head and puts on a smiling face. The raven head has underestimated Lilian and their friendship because the brunette doesn't buy into her lies, but she refrains herself from saying anything. Knowing Primrose since they were in diapers, when the raven head needs help, she will come to her.
"Anyway, it seems like you are able to get rid of that walking STD guy."
"What do you mean?" Primrose plays with the straw of her drink, tilting her head in confusion.
"Well, usually around this time, he will blow up your phone right?" looking at her watch, Lilian hums in contentment "And of course, he would blow up my phone if he can not get a hold of you. But now, there are no calls…"
"I honestly don't even know why I agreed to go out on dates with him in the first place."
"Me neither, I was surprised to know that you accepted his invitation. However, I am super glad that you're finally getting rid of him." Lilian smiles, her eyes squint cutely at her friend "You deserve so much better than being with a guy like Don Lothario."
Primrose chuckles at her comment. If she has to be honest, going out with Don Lothario must be one of the wildest things she has done in her early 20s. Both Lilian and Nathaniel were confused when she told them that she had gone out on dates with that man, and Nathaniel, ever the protective little brother he is, scolded her for associating with a horrible person like Don. The thought of it makes her giggle, Nathaniel has lectured her like a little kid while she is supposed to be the older sibling of the Emberlynn household.
"So, you're thinking of dating anyone?"
Lilian's question surprises her as she stares at her best friend, blinking in confusion. What does that even mean?
"Come again?"
"Don't think I haven't noticed, Primrose. I know you go on dates but never get into a relationship with anyone." Lilian's eyes shine a light of scrutinizing "Unless you aren't into relationships, which I know would never happen, you have to give me an explanation."
"I, well…" the raven head blinks a few times, her friend's comment surely catches her off guard "I just think that I'm not ready for a relationship."
The expression on Lilian's face is anything but buying into her lies.
"How about I introduce you to a coworker of mine?"
"Lilian, do you even hear what I just said?"
"I do, but hear me out…"
Lilian is a doctor at the San Myshuno's Hospital, where she works as an obstetrician. The brunette rarely tries to hook Primrose up with her coworkers as some of them can be a little bit too much for her. Lilian is a young woman with a wild lifestyle, while she appears to be a responsible doctor, her personal life is more savage for a 25-year-old woman like her.
She loves axe-throwing, doing billiards, throwing darts, and she owns a motorcycle. It's safe to say that she is more adventurous than her sweet and gentle friend, Primrose. Because of her outgoing nature, she attracts a lot of attention at work and while Lilian is flattered to be admired by so many people, she also feels like some of these men are not good candidates to be Primrose's lover. The main reason is that they are too dry and practical in terms of personality, a stark contrast to Primrose's idealistic and romantic character.
However, recently, there has been a new transferred doctor and Lilian is lucky enough to get to meet him. Upon first glance, the brunette already knows that this man is the perfect guy for Primrose. The new doctor is someone who she can describe as a prince charming walking out of a fairy tale story, handsome, intelligent, and a gentleman to everyone. His calm and collected demeanor is a breath of fresh air among the hospital staff, the kindness that he shows his coworkers and patients is more than just on a surface level.
That man is perfect for Primrose…
"Lilian, since when did you become like this?" the raven head stares at her friend's dreamy eyes.
"Come on, Primrose. Don't be such a killjoy like that, entertain me a little bit." the brunette grins widely "So, what do you think? Ready to meet him?"
"Ready to meet him? Lilian, you told me about this man like one minute ago and now you want me to meet him?" Primrose exclaims in disbelief "You have this plan down, right?"
"I just made some needed reservations, but yes, he's going to be here soon!" Lilian's eyes twinkle in excitement "I ask him to come to a small coffee date with me because I need help in writing my thesis for my grad assignment."
"You little…"
Primrose is shocked to hear this. She is put in a situation where if she decides to leave, it will upset Lilian, but if she decides to stay, what kind of mess will she get herself into?
"Come on now Primrose, light up and have fun. For an amazing romantic novelist like you, you're sure are mundane when it comes to dating."
M-mundane?
Primrose almost can not stop herself from pouting. It's in conversations like this that the raven head wants to spill the bean, to tell Lilian the truth of why she is not looking for a serious relationship.
What she experienced years ago was so much that she always has to guard herself when it comes to matters of the heart. While she is an excellent writer who has many successful titles related to the topic of love, she is still in her journey of healing, mending the scar that person left in her. Primrose is not ready nor she knows when she can be ready to move forward. No matter how many dates she has with other men, her heart always finds a way to look at the past and wish for a happier ending for both of them.
Primrose is haunted by her fear of rejection and the possibility of a new love, her heart is fragile after all…
"Just meet him, Primrose. If you don't like him, maybe you guys can be friends. I'll let you know that he is one of the top surgeons in this town. If something happens to you, at least you know who to contact."
"Are you cursing me or something?" Primrose laughs at Lilian's remark "What a good friend you are, Lilian."
"You know me and my drills, Prims. I only say things from the bottom of my heart."
"You mean wishing me to be in the hospital…" shaking her head, Primrose can not say no when her friend is this persistent "Alright, I will meet this guy. If, and only if you agree to get me the newest collection of Alberto Peperoncini."
"Deal! And what do you know, he's here!"
Lilian smiles brightly as she stands up from her heat, eagerly waving to get the man's attention. That man, with sleek back black hair with a few strands falling down his forehead, striking silver eyes that shine brighter than the stars in the sky. His outfit, while covered by the usual doctor's cloak, is a white dress shirt and fine-tailored vest and dress pants. His professionalism immediately draws the attention of many people, particularly female gazes as they blush at the sight of him walking into the coffee shop.
But when Primrose turns around to take a peak at the man's appearance, her heart comes to a stop. The air around her becomes tighter, suffocated and hard to breathe. She feels an invisible pair of hand stretches towards her, holding onto her neck and squeezing it painfully. Her stomach twists in the most painful way she can imagine. Cold sweat runs down her forehead as her delicate face becomes paler when those footsteps are getting closer to the table.
It can't be…
The man stops near their table, startled at the sight of her. His surprised gaze slowly melts into a softer and more gentle look as he walks towards them, lips curling up into a kind smile.
"I'm glad that you accept my invitation, please sit here." Lilian moves herself to sit next to Primrose, offering the man the seat on the opposite side of the table "Primrose, this is my senior colleague at Goldenleaf's Hospital, Caleb Vatore. And this is my best friend, Primrose. I hope you both can become good friends!"