August 24, 2014

Saito's School of Karate; 2:00 pm

The talk between Gwen and her parents was much calmer than she had expected. There was no yelling, insults, or accusations. Still, though, they were less than supportive, her mother especially.

Ultimately they came to a compromise. Gwen would be allowed to return to karate if she began taking therapy. She didn't like that she'd be speaking with a therapist that was under the impression she was some kind of victim suffering from trauma. However, she knew speaking to a professional was more beneficial than bottling her regrets, even if she had to lie about certain aspects.

She had just finished her first karate lesson after returning back, and she wasn't nearly prepared for it. The adult classes were much tougher compared to the youth classes and they were held on Sundays instead of Saturdays. She knew she would be sore when she returned to school the next day.

Mr. Saito asked Gwen to stay after the others had left so they could talk.

"How was your first lesson, Gwendolyn?"

"A little intense," Gwen replied. "Everyone is so talented I don't know if I'll be able to keep up."

"Don't be so hard on yourself; you were once my brightest student. In time I'm sure you'll be leading our dojo in future tournaments." Gwen bowed to her sensei, which he returned before leaving to speak with the other students. Gwen packed up her things and went outside to wait for her mother.

A cool breeze sent a chill down her spine. Gwen looked around the parking lot noticing her peers getting into their cars. She was proud to have gotten her license as soon as she did, but without a car of her own, it seemed pointless. Even if she had one, it wasn't like she would be going out very often anyways.

She contemplated getting frozen yogurt while she waited when she felt a presence approach her.

"Getting better at sensing mana, I see," Charmcaster said.

"It's only because you aren't trying to hide it," Gwen replied. "If you were, you could have taken me out before I had time to think."

Charmcaster's theory had proved to hold some merit. After speaking with her parents, Gwen's magical prowess seemed to increase exponentially. She began to practice advanced spells and continued to research specialized magic. There are only eight known forms of magic, but she knew of another: chronomancy. She had experienced time magic firsthand, and she suspects the Charms of Bezel to be the key to unlocking this lost art.

Gwen was keeping her findings hidden from her teacher, however. Nothing good could come from the Charmcaster learning of her apprentice's experience in time travel, nor that there was a way to restore Hex's sought-after talismans. Regardless of if she solved this mystery, Gwen was certain that it wouldn't be able to change her current timeline. But if she can prevent her past self from making the same mistake she did, maybe there is a timeline where she could remain friends with Ben, if not lovers.

Gwen quickly dismissed those thoughts; she was supposed to be moving on. Hopefully, her therapist will be able to help her learn to live without Ben. And if they can do it without making Gwen hate herself in the process, then even better.

Charmcaster, noticing Gwen had lost focus on their conversation, pulled a large leather-bound book from her satchel, handing it to Gwen.

"Congratulations on graduating from Charmcaster's School of Magic and Witchery."

"Wait, graduating!?" Gwen shouted uncontrollably. "But I still have so much to learn. I've barely managed to regain control of my mana."

"Which is why it's time for me to move on. You're a brilliant magician, Gwen. All you needed was some guidance to point you in the right direction. Besides, I'm not cut out for this suburban life."

"But I still have so many questions."

"That's what the book is for," Charmcaster said. "It holds everything I know and has plenty of room for additions. Nothing you can't handle, or is this too difficult for the great Lucky Girl?"

Gwen couldn't believe it. She knew that their lessons weren't permanent, but she had begun to enjoy Charmcaster's presence in her life. The silver-haired criminal had carved a place into her family's lives, making it harder to imagine a time without her.

Gwen clutched the book, refusing to return her teacher's gaze.

"Where will you go?" Gwen asked.

"Where ever the road takes me," Charmcaster said with a smile. "It's a big world out there, kid. Don't spend your whole life trapped in this dump."

Gwen couldn't help but laugh at her words. Gwen had been to space and fought countless alien creatures. The idea that she would be trapped in Bellwood was absurd, which made the realization hit even harder. If Charmcaster hadn't come, Gwen might still be hiding away from her past.

"I'm gonna miss you, Hope," Gwen pulled Charmcaster into a hug.

"I told you not to call me that. Only-"

"Only your friends call you that. I know."

The two stayed like that for a moment before Gwen released her. Charmcaster looked at the young redhead and smiled.

"Hit me up when you graduate," Charmcaster said. "I'll give you a free tattoo."

"God no, my mother would freak!" Gwen followed Charmcaster into the parking lot but stopped when she noticed the car the woman was entering. "Wait, that's not your car."

Instead of the muscle car that Gwen had become accustomed to, Charmcaster was driving a sleek purple sports car. The car roared to life, drawing curious eyes. Charmcaster peeled out of the parking lot, waving goodbye as she drove into the distance.

Gwen was sitting anxiously as they pulled up to the therapist's office. She was a few minutes early, so she wasn't sure if she should wait in the lobby or not. She presumed that her mother would also have to go inside to fill out the paperwork, but she feared that Natalie would try to sit in on her session. The last thing she needed was for her mother to chime in about her every fault.

Natalie shifted the car into park but made no effort to leave the car. She remained staring forward.

"Are you okay, mom?" Gwen asked.

"I just wanted to let you know that I'm so proud of you for doing this," Natalie said with tears in her eyes. "You're making the right choice, and your father and I support you completely."

Gwen almost scoffed at her mother's words. If she had supported her back then, then she could still be with Ben. They could be open about their relationship and maybe even be able to tell their parents about the magic and alien watch.

But it wasn't her mother's fault. Natalie had reacted the way any normal person would in that situation. Gwen was the only one to blame for what had happened. And now, she has to face her past head-on.

"Thank you, mother."

Unable to hug her daughter, Natalie opted to put her hand on Gwen's shoulder. But, unfortunately, it did little for the teen.

The time for their appointment came, and the two entered the office. There were paintings of strange creatures and various knick-knacks sprawled across the waiting room. It was odd yet comforting.

A woman in her fifties walked out of a room.

"Hello! You must be Gwen," the woman spoke in a cheery voice. "My name's Martha, and I'll be your therapist moving forward." She handed Natalie a clipboard. "Go ahead and fill that out and leave it on the desk when you're done. This way, Gwen."

Gwen looked to her mother, who gave her a reassuring look before turning to the small stack of paperwork. Gwen took a deep breath and then followed Martha into the room she had come out of.

The interior was similar to that of the waiting room. Strange creatures and other oddities covered the walls, and a couple of bookcases filled with psychology and self-help books. Martha sat in an armchair and gestured to the couch, which Gwen soon sat on.

"Now, your mother told me over the phone that you were a victim of sexual abuse and incest," Martha spoke bluntly, shifting from her chipper tone. "Would you like to delve deeper into that? Or," she opened a folder that had been sitting on her lap, "we could talk about her magical powers, your numerous near-death experiences, or your time on the alien planet Xenon."

Gwen was shocked. How did this woman know all that? Was she in danger? Was her mother in danger? Gwen's thoughts were racing, and she debated on what she should do next. It was only when she saw a familiar symbol on the cover of the folder did she relax, if only a little.

"You're a plumber, aren't you?" Gwen asked.

"At one point," Martha's face softened. "I worked alongside your grandfather. I was the one that helped him deal with his guilt every time he had to leave his boys behind. He was the one that asked me to speak with you."

"But my dad said that you helped victims of sexual abuse."

"I do, but I also help soldiers suffering from PTSD. You experience so many hardships on the front lines, which I'm sure you've come to learn. After leaving the plumbers, I got my license and have been helping whoever I can."

It was all so much for Gwen to take in. On the one hand, she was ecstatic that she didn't need to lie to this woman. But, on the other, she was sad that her grandfather thought she needed therapy even if it was true.

Gwen took another deep breath and looked at the woman before her once again. Martha was an older woman, but she knew the secret world she had been a part of since she was ten. If anyone can help her, it's this woman.

Martha almost seemed to read her thoughts as her face turned serious.

"I must let you know that our sessions are protected by patient confidentiality, but I am still a licensed therapist. Therefore, if I believe you are a danger to yourself or those around you, I must report it to the proper authorities, including your mother."

Her words were heavy on Gwen's thoughts, but she knew they were not a threat but a warning. She had to watch her words if she wanted to keep her mother out of the loop. Gwen gave the woman a nod of acknowledgment. Martha smiled once again.

"So, where do we start?"