Chapter Fifteen: Aftermath
"You were killing him! You were killing that man when we came here, there's no excuse for that! No excuse!"
Cornelia was yelling at her. Again. Honestly, at this point, it was more than irritating and all this tension had to go somewhere.
She and Caleb had returned unexpectedly early, having caught an earlier flight only to catch her in the act of her little score-settling with Richard Fragenson.
Nerissa opened her mouth in a new attempt to explain herself but the blonde cut her off:
"Shut up! Just shut up!"
Cornelia pierced her with her burning eyes.
"You've said enough. You've done enough too!"
"No, I will speak!"- Nerissa snapped, unable to hold back anymore. "This house, your house was done for! Because of Richard! Had I not used my magic on it, had I not stopped the fire and erased the destruction for you and Caleb, terrible things would've happened!"
"Yes. Because you and magic are just that much of use to each other. To destruction too."- Cornelia whispered more to herself than to the other woman, as Nerissa went on heatedly:
"That leech set the house on fire while Killian was upstairs! My sunshine grandboy could've been harmed!"- her demanding voice trembled at that, making the young mother tremble too. Nerissa's emotional and angry green eyes shone brightly:
"That's one damage I might've been unable to turn around, I'm not a healer! What if Killian was hurt, Cornelia, answer me this one question. Would you still care about the monster who purposely targeted him? Or would you be too crestfallen to even open your mouth?! I know I sure as well could never live to see that happen! Never will I ever just leave my Killian in harm's way. So, yes, I have no trouble confessing I was going to probably kill Richard for what he did, and I wouldn't have regretted it,"
Cornelia didn't know what to say to that. She just growled and turned around. The living room they were in was intact. Her son, thank God, was intact. She couldn't argue with the truth, Nerissa had saved everything but still, something inside her kept bugging her. Pointing toward the brunette with an accusing finger.
"The firefighters and the police did find evidence that it's been arson. Richard Fragenson is incriminated by the circumstances and was taken into custody."-Julian announced as he entered the living room.
"Yeah, but how and why...is this about the company shares?"- Caleb questioned and came into the living room as well, only through the other arched entrance. "And how did it incriminate him, nothing's touched by the fire because of mom's spell- "
"The spell purposely left the part of the house that was set on fire first."- Nerissa muttered frowning, skillfully avoiding the first part of the question. "The evidence was surely there as well. He didn't have time to cover up."- Nerissa said, looking at her nails in disregard. Disregarding her daughter-in-law and her open hostility, obviously. "My magic tripped him in the room he broke into the house through. The one that the fire started from. The yoga room, right?"
Julian nodded, confirming, and Cornelia huffed:
"Great."
That was her sanctuary in the house. Now she had to have it renovated. Not that it mattered and she quickly reminded herself of that as she took her son in her arms and just snuggled him.
"If this was revenge for that fraud you resorted to, to get to those people's company- "
"My father's company. My son's future company."- Nerissa cut her off. "And whatever it was about, it's over. Richard will be thrown into prison. And that toad his wife will be next-"
"Mom."- Caleb interrupted seriously, taking her by surprise. "This is getting out of hand. We can't lead wars in Heatherfield too, not when we're a part of something much different and we're constantly in the public eye due to you and Cornelia, and your careers. Not when we want a future here and the Eye of God is breathing in our necks anyway."
"Exactly, Caleb!"- Nerissa exclaimed, taking his hand. "That is why I will clear the way for you and your future, that's all I want here, believe me, my boy."
Cornelia frowned and looked like she would like to say something about that too but received a phone call that made her distance herself in order to take it in peace. The call lasted only about a minute but it was enough to set fire to her fuse. Her face darkened once she put her phone down again.
"Oh, please. I knew it."
Nerissa narrowed her eyes when the younger woman put Killian down and then crossed her arms, cold glare focused on her:
"I warned you about this the night we all got to know about you magically taking your company back. I warned you because I knew that this would happen! And of course, it did! You are unfazed as usual."- Cornelia yelled. "You created new problems for us again, you drew more hostile people toward us because of your greed and interferences in everything!"
Everyone looked taken aback. Cornelia's anger erupted like a volcano and it was merciless and sudden but she knew she had good reason for it. Nerissa was doing everything her way again. After she had warned her not to do anything big like that without consulting her. She wasn't about to tolerate this insolence.
"Cornelia-"
"I did what I did for my family and I prevented the hurt on the family you warned me of."- Nerissa didn't remain obligated, feeling the anger inside her boiling.
This was not fair. Cornelia was unbelievable. She was too stubborn and arrogant for her own good.
"Like I always do, I protect the family that we share, what's your problem again?"
"My problem? What's my problem?! Are you asking for real?"- Cornelia almost cackled. She was enraged, and Caleb wasn't going to stop her from taking this out of her system:
"Except the obvious? It's been the same for a long time now. I had a problem with you taking the lead role in our lives, something you can't help, obviously, and nothing changed despite your ostensible reconciliation last summer."
"Is that so?"- Nerissa challenged coldly, masking her livid disappointment as much as she could. "And why is that?"
"Bingo, baby."- Cornelia snapped. "You moved out of here and back to your parents' old house to assure Caleb you agreed to my terms but you kept playing mistress by keeping every possible string in your hands. You're just like that, Nerissa, you're insensitive and you do whatever you want without caring! And I'm sick of that, don't you get it? I'm sick of you."
"CORNELIA! Why would you fucking say that again after so much time!"- Caleb shouted.
"Because I felt like it and because I am not a pawn of your mother's vision!"- Cornelia snapped again, pulling away from his reach.
Having sensed everything going south head-first, Julian returned after putting Killian in his crib and silently tried to get his wife to leave, but she sprang free from his hand:
"You ungrateful stuck-up clown."- Nerissa gasped. "I waste my time on your business, doing work for you like a personal assistant, and for what?"
"You already sent that sick professor behind bars after she tried to "defame" you at the fundraiser."- Cornelia suddenly claimed, crossing her arms on her chest. "So why are pretending you don't know this was Richard's reply to that? Congratulations, you've already taken care of the problem the Fragensons posed. Like you take care of this family and shield it from everything, right? With all fucking means necessary. Unscrupulously-"
"What?! I haven't done anything about Amanda...yet. Who told you-"
"Does it matter!? She's been "exposed" about something you held over their heads! How you really got the company back, obviously. Richard sang like a canary, the minute they took him to the station, guess he has nothing more to lose after you! Don't look so surprised."- Cornelia shook her head bitterly. "Our lawyers called me and obviously will keep you above the surface. Nothing legally incriminates you, as usual, your work is clean. Except in front of all us who know the real you."
But Nerissa was truly surprised. She could only stare at the woman before her and shake her head to herself.
"Is this true?"- Caleb asked. "Did you go to great lengths to deal with the Fragensons, mom? After we talked about it more than once-"
"I have no idea what she's talking about, Amanda somehow had all proof destroyed, she was triumphing last night but I haven't done anything about her thus far, I-"
"You blackmailed, schemed, and did all the wrong things again!"- Cornelia insisted. "What else is new? You're self-righteous as always, you let us all down- "
"Enough!"- Nerissa snapped. "I will not listen to your vicious attacks anymore! I said that I haven't done anything about Amanda Fragenson, but I'm thrilled that she's been sent to jail together with her moron husband. Now that they're no longer a hindrance and all bad was evaded or resolved, we have no further need to dwell on this. I don't see why-"
"No! Not this time, Nerissa."- Cornelia demanded, standing in her way. "This can't be how you get away with everything, every time!"
Nerissa fell silent and just stared into her eyes.
"Meaning what,"
"Meaning that your time in the limelight here, in Heatherfield, has to come to an end."- the blonde said sourly. "Your fame and participation in social life here are only proving to be invidious and bad. Bad for everyone."- Cornelia raised her chin high, moving her eyes over both parents and their son, all three of them facing her together now.
They were all going to be angry with her. Very angry. But this was for the best of everyone.
"As the Keeper of the Heart of Kandrakar, Guardian of Earth, and partner of your son. Your son and I, and our child, as well as Heatherfield as a whole need you to go back. But not back to your parents' house, Nerissa."- she shook her head in her determination. "You need to take a leave. Julian, I would like you to take her back to Meridian and make that permanent until further request. And no, that's not really a request tolerating refusal."
Two weeks later
Will got back home with many groceries. It was ironic how she called Matt's place home now, after so many years. Right after he had left it...
Yes, Matt had finally left her. Not left her as in broken up with her. He loved her too much to just drop her like that, despite all the shit she had put him through in recent times.
Shit she hated herself for.
But the latest serving of shit had caused the true overload.
It had been after that fated Fine Arts fundraiser. The charms and spells cast around the apartment, that were meant to keep an eye and monitor Phobos all the time, had alerted her about an emergency situation. A rather serious emergency.
Phobos had tried to kill himself with pills.
Will had panicked. Without Cornelia's healing powers, since she had been away from town at the time, the redhead had just dragged everyone she could get in the spur of the moment, back to the apartment just and so that Phobos could be pulled back from death's door.
Thankfully, Lillian had been able to heal him and stop the poison from smiting his system in time. Phobos was fine again, not even needing a real hospital, and Thank God for all of that.
But not everything was alright. The moment everyone left, she and Matt had gotten into a huge fight:
"Don't you see how he's manipulating you again? He didn't want you to go tonight and he just happened to try to commit suicide. It's because he knew you'd come rushing to his side, Will, he enjoys you catering to him and being all about him! He's a psychopath and we all know that!"
"Oh, my God, Matt, you should know better than anyone how dangerous depression can be! Phobos is depressed and it's only normal, his daughter was fucking annihilated in front of him! Not to mention everything else he has lived through-"
"Oh, sure, sure."- Matt then chuckled bitterly. "Compare his situation to mine in your absence. You know what? I bet he did that purposely. He imitated what I went through while you were away with HIM just to mock me!
Will couldn't believe her ears. Was Matt really that shallow now? That blind? Senseless and insensitive? Jealous and offhand!?
"Look, Matt, I'm sorry tonight was nearly ruined. But I can't ignore his cries for help. I can't be mad at him for suffering, because I know him better now and I am sure that he needs-"
"Much more than this night is being ruined, Will. He's slowly ruining our entire life but you're closing your eyes for that! Maybe you want that?"
"Matt!"
"No, Will! I can't take this anymore! It's time for him to go! We have to get rid of him, he needs to leave our life!"
"Matt, you know that I have a magic bond with him and you still ask that?"- Will was on the verge of tears. She knew, she knew that her boyfriend was probably right and she greatly understood him but she couldn't do this. She couldn't give up on Phobos after everything. "Weren't you the one who took him here, because of the bond? You said that it's too late-"
"It's not too late."- Matt said earnestly and took her hands in his own. "Our love is strong enough to fight this, Will, to fight this dumb bond! My love for you can make you forget him; you just have to yield to it..."
Her brown eyes filled with tears again:
"If it was that simple..."
"But it can be! We've been through much more together than you and him, we love each other for years now, through thick and thin. Last year, Will, remember last year? We went through literal hell with our families and we pulled through! So, what stops us now?"
"I-I...I don't know if we can just-"
"We can."- Matt whispered and pulled her closer to himself. "We can even try for a baby again. What do you say? A baby. You and me. Won't that be enough to cut this sideral bond?"
"What?!"
Will pulled back, shocked. They had never talked about trying for a baby after her miscarriage. After the miscarriage, Serena had chosen for her. It made her feel all sorts of emotions.
"M-matt, we, we didn't try for a baby the last time and we lost it because..."
"We went through a lot, as I said."- the man sighed. "But this is not just an idea, Will, this is an actual solution to the problem. The problem with the bond. And Halinor confirmed it! She wanted to suggest that earlier but she thought it wasn't OK given our loss...but now, after tonight, I'm ready for this. More than ever. In spite of the pain of the loss, we went through. What do you think? Are you ready too?"
He looked hopeful. Full of love, full of desire for her, for their future...
But she couldn't share the elation completely and it confused her. Agitated her. Made her feel even worse...
"I think that Halinor was right to think that it wasn't OK, Matt. That it's too early. I..I don't think that I'm ready to be pregnant. To be a good mom. Not so soon after what Serena and Jessie did to me. To u-us."
Matt's face dropped in hurt and disappointment. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but words failed him. He seemed like he couldn't find a single thing to say to this.
"Matt..."
"You think of him first, don't you."- the man whispered dismally. "Of Phobos. The thought of him won't even let you consider this. This beautiful moment between us that could cut your unnecessary bond with Phobos once and for all."
"No, Matt, it's not that! Not just that...it's...complicated. Everything's complicated, we haven't been able to vibe the same again after I came back, we have things to work through and talk about, I just can't imagine jumping into baby-making just because it could possibly resolve the issue with the bond."
She felt stupid for her choice of words but it was too late. Matt was hurt. Offended and he had read through what she had wanted to say.
"We haven't been able to vibe on the same vibration because HE'S ALWAYS in the fucking way!"
"Matt!"- Will gasped.
Matt pinched the bridge of his nose.
"Will, it's either we fight this together or nothing. I can't. I can't watch you choose him every step of the torturous, fucking slow-burn reality has become ever since he's bound to you."
"What is that supposed to me-"
"It means that we have to break that bond by creating another. By creating a life together, we-"
"Matt, I said that I'm not ready to go there again. What do you want me to say?"
Will was beginning to get angry. As much as she tried to understand him and did, he didn't even bother to think about anything other than his own ass right now and she could see it. She said it out loud and that was what drove him away...
"You know what I see, Matt? I see you thinking about yourself, not caring about what I want and who I need to help right now, just because you hate Phobos. You can't treat this like that and expect for things to be fine. Not when you-"
"Is that the problem, Will, or is it just you no longer need me?"- Matt nearly sneered. "Why need me, right? When you have him?!"
"This is not fair!"- Will demanded. "You know that I-"
"I know nothing anymore! And I'm scared of it!"
Just then Phobos chose the worst moment to crawl out of bed and come calling for her. He stopped when he noticed their body language and made sense that there was an argument but Will rushed to him nonetheless:
"Phobos! What is this, why are you out of bed? Come-"
"No, I'm precisely fine. I merely wanted to...have some company."
Overload. Instant overload. Will hesitated but eventually excused herself and attempted to take the recently healed man back to his room but that was the straw that broke the camel's back.
"You know what? You two can live together from now on. Since you seem to be so sufficient to each other."- Matt called bitterly and zoomed past her. "Call me when you're ready to take the step I told you about. If not...all the best."
"Matt, wait!"
But he didn't listen to her. He teletransported away and obviously he managed to take some luggage too because that was the last, she saw of him.
Will sighed, swimming out of the flashback, and sat at the kitchen table with her phone. She left all the groceries on the table in front of her and just looked down at her smartphone, hesitant.
Should she call him?
She had sent him many messages, trying to get him to come around, but never called him because that would mean she retreated. And retreating in front of the idea of trying for a baby right now didn't stand right with her.
Obviously, Matt hadn't returned any of the messages too, stubborn on his own.
Why was he like that? He knew she always out-stubborn-ed mostly everyone. He wasn't right for trying to force her into having a baby right now, even if that was something they had wanted.
Even if it would supposedly break her bond with Phobos.
Did she not want that broken? The magical part of it, at least. It was confusing. Especially when everyone kept telling how the sidereal bond was plaguing her mind, something she didn't agree with.
But in moments like these, she kept questioning.
Herself. Phobos. What she was doing for him, was it enough? Was it too much? Was it needed at all?
You have a beautiful life, a beautiful family, Will, Elyon's words echoed in her ears. Don't ruin all that for my brother...
"You're back."- Phobos noted as he strolled into the kitchen, dressed only in his dark sleeping robe.
He started to sort the groceries in their respective places, not waiting for a reply. Will watched him silently for a moment. It was surreal. These last two weeks. It was like they were living together again, like back in Beta-Meridian...only they were alone. She wasn't really going out to meet people. She just ran errands and made excuses in front of those who contacted her for something more trivial.
And that worked since there were no urgent calls or Kandrakar-related emergencies.
"Ah, you're torn again."- Phobos nodded once all the groceries were unloaded and neatly sorted in the pantry.
Will raised a brow and looked down, following his gaze. It took her a moment to grasp he was talking about her staring at her phone, thinking about what to do about the Matt situation again.
"No, I...I am not torn, it's just dumb, you know. All this."- she shrugged and left her phone aside. "We've talked about this. Matt-"
"Wants to start a new generation with you as to claim his place in your life forevermore. And get rid of me once and for all, of course."
Will frowned. That was true but she knew there was a lot more unspoken.
"Yes, and you're not saying anything about it-"
"Who am I to say anything, especially regarding such a deep-rooted personal manner between you and the Knight?"- Phobos just leaned back, his waist resting against the counter, his hands- spread out on both sides.
What the prince didn't say out loud was how much he detested the idea. The idea of her being with the Earth Knight in general...But he wasn't daring enough to confess any of that yet.
He knew that the minute he confessed it was going to be over.
"No, that's fine, you're biased."-Will shrugged. "Obviously getting rid of you is not good for you. You can't really go back to Meridian, because of the people at this stage. And Coronia denied you as well. Earth is...the only place to be right now and no one but me will be willing to deal with you. And you can't exactly roam the city free. Especially not with the Eye of God's network still around us."
The last part made Phobos grow darker again.
"What I meant was, are you OK? For real this time? At least are you better?"- the redhead asked seriously.
"Yes, I'm much more grounded and at ease with my emotions."- he shrugged. "Worry not. I will not attempt any other such foolish act."
"You tried to commit suicide, Phobos."- Will whispered and stood up, walking toward him. "That's a very serious thing. Thing that compels people from Earth to go to therapy and whatnot other psyche-tending activities. Are you sure you don't need someone to-"
"No."- Phobos assured her and smiled faintly. "I need only you."
Will opened her mouth, not sure of what to say. He quickly registered his error and shook his head:
"I meant I need your company and moral support. Because of the bond. I don't have a closer one to vent to, I almost never had, actually."- he looked into her eyes again and felt compelled to confess:
"I...I didn't plan to drive your dark angel away when I did what I did that night. I haven't been completely honest about something, however, and I need to let you know."
"Oh?"- Will raised her eyebrows in unrest.
He hadn't been honest? About what? Had he...
"Please don't spring some dark plan in motion on me right now."- she warned him. "Because that will make me look like a complete fool and I-"
"I never could conspire against you again after Beta-Meridian, even If I wanted to."- the man sighed and she knew he was honest. It was just written all over his face. As was the other truth when he voiced it:
"I've been between life and death before too. Willingly. I learned to be in control of it ever since my childhood when my father attempted to kill me on a few occasions."
Will just blinked. She had known that Zaden had tried to kill his son repeatedly in his childhood but this other part was news to her:
"Wait, what? You've tried to commit suicide before?!"
"It is not suicide; it is an ancient practice that helps one stay numb. The ancient sages of Metamoor used it to connect to the Gods and higher forces."- Phobos said, closing his eyes. "I didn't want to give you a scare, I just needed to...stop feeling again, contrary to the majority's opinion that I have no sense or feel left in me. I wish I didn't. Yes, it is not completely safe."- he added reluctantly. "Sometimes, you may fail at coming back from the realm between life and death...depending on what you use to trick your body into sending you there. But I am certain that these tablets I swallowed wouldn't have been a problem for my system-"
"Oh, Phobos, this is fucking madness."- Will interrupted him, angry tears forming in her eyes. "I'm not so sure! What if you had died this time, your magic is blocked, remember? What if-"
"I've done occasionally it in Elyon's dungeons. Once in Beta-Meridian too."- Phobos murmured, shocking her even more. "It's not related to my magic directly, it's a life force practice-"
"One that involves harming yourself."- Will noted strictly. "You can never do that again, buster. Understood? Never."
He grew silent again and just nodded, a small smile forming again. He even wiped the corner of her eye gently:
"Understood."
Will smiled back:
"Why tell me after two weeks? Did you think that I wouldn't be OK with this because you were right, I'm not- "
"No, and yes, evidently I knew you wouldn't approve. But the reason I waited was that I've never...I have never told anyone about this. Not Cedric, not Leonida... I was gathering strength. It's one of my darkest and deepest secrets and revealing it to you is just another proof that I trust you."- the prince made a pause.
"For all that's worth. You're the only person left for me to trust. And I do. I trust you like I've never trusted anyone but myself."
She felt strange hearing that. Strange but also warm and good on the inside. As crazy as this topic was and as dark as the prince's secrets always would be, apparently, knowing them, knowing that he doesn't just trust her out of coercion was nice.
OK, not entirely out of coercion. After all, being forced to stay around each other had formed all this between them in the first place.
Now, these last two weeks they just stayed indoors, enjoying the AC, food, wine, Netflix, and each other's company. They had both needed this, Will realized. Maybe they weren't deemed "astral soulmates" for nothing. Maybe they were each other's moving power and sanctuary? And Matt...Matt wanted her to give up on all that. She knew why and she understood him well but she just couldn't The more she pondered the more she realized that she couldn't dispose of her soulmate.
"It's normal for you to suffer. You went through a lot in personal plan. A lot of misfortune."- the redhead picked the conversation again. "Yes, maybe you didn't try to end your life but you gambled with it. You gamble with your life when you're on the verge."
He nodded. She was right about that one. She knew him a lot better than most by now.
"...Because I'm too much of a coward to let go of it."- Phobos whispered in her ear. "No matter how void and tragic it gets, a part of me always wants to go on. For many years in the dungeons, I had lost hope. After last year, I lost all hope. But now with you, I miraculously...I feel as if there is something to keep clinging to it for."
Her heart fluttered. There was something very right and very wrong in how she felt at that moment. Because they were soulmates, right? But the way Phobos was making her feel as of late was different.
Different as in very hazy and sinful.
Phobos smiled down at her and removed a strand of red hair from her face. Her hair was longer, reaching her shoulders by now. He liked her longer hair:
"I'll prepare some iced tea for us and maybe we can catch another episode of "YOU"?"
"I'm glad you're here tonight. We should do this more often."- Anna Bannister -Lair smiled and served the main course- scrumptiously good-looking roasted meat with mushroom sauce, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
The garden table was out. Summer was starting and so were outdoor family dinners with the Lairs and their backyard.
"We defo will, honey."- Tom agreed as he attacked his food hungrily.
Lillian smiled as she received her plate from Anna:
"Thanks, Anna."- she said. "Well, we will try..."
"Of course, we will run these get togethers by all of our schedules."- the older woman agreed with a smile, taking her seat around the table.
"We have a lot to plan, mom. We're going to be moving in together, finally."- Chris reminded with a smirk, hand on his girlfriend's back. "We're starting our life together and soon we'll be inviting you over to our new place."
"Easy, sport."- Tom chuckled. "First get a good deal and then set bigger plans in motion-"
"But I do have an offer! Those two twin houses that you and mom got for me and Irma-"
"Are all we can afford. Like ever again."
"Tom!"- Anna scolded.
"What? I'm just saying-"
"I'm not going to mooch you guys again, dad."- his son reassured him with a chuckle. "I was going to say that Irma and I decided to rent out the houses, for now, right? We have contracts, tenants therefore secure income from there in the remaining months before any possible re-signings. But I got another job to add to that income!"- Chris exclaimed, self-gladly. "You're looking at Thunder Princess's new line cook! That's right, I will be doing a lot of work in the kitchen but I am not going to be alone, so it's all good."
"Matt Olsen's nightclub?"- Tom furrowed his brows. "Line cook...since when can you cook?"
"That's great, honey, it's a nice way to start your career future."- Anna smiled, elbowing her husband.
"Duh, since high school!"- Chris stated importantly. "Remember that cookout my BBQ scored second place at? Besides, I'll be prepping some stuff at the club, not really cook anything elaborate."
His parents nodded, now both smiling. Chris being serious about his future income was something they were long waiting to see. Not that at nineteen he was long overdue in that department or that they wouldn't financially help their children till the end of their life if they had to, it was just encouraging and pleasing for a parent to see their kid take another life responsibility and that take it seriously.
Lillian didn't say anything, she just smiled politely and ate her dinner. The Lairs initiated a new conversation, but she still didn't take part in it.
Her boyfriend had a new job with Matt? Fine by her. The fact that moving out with Chris right now violated the contract she had signed with her family was...a touchy subject she was yet to deal with. Even if Chris believed it to be dealt with already.
"Chris!"- she almost screamed, twenty minutes after dessert, when she was getting out of the bathroom and he jumped in her way, trapping her in a tight hug.
"What are you doing, your parents will see us!"- she scolded, trying to push him and his needy lips and body away.
Chris didn't pay attention to that and kept his hands wild all over her, not thinking twice before going under her skirt. He wanted her and he wanted her now:
"Dad's in the other bathroom and he spends eternity on the toilet."- he argued breathlessly, mumbling in his girlfriend's ear. "And mom just took the car and headed for Irma, she wanted to bring her some of the dinner leftovers. We have just enough time to hallow my old room once again. For the good old times..."
"Oh, yeah, that's right, Irma couldn't make it tonight."- Lillian exclaimed, as she allowed the boy to lift her up and throw her over his shoulder, not so much because she wanted to rather, she didn't feel like talking too much about it.
He wanted sex and she didn't mind. Even if she had a lot on her mind as usual.
He put her on the bed in his old room and locked the door; Lillian threw her head back and started undoing his shirt, looking up at him with her big, heavily made-up eyes
"Why didn't she? Did she get held up in new girlfriend duties?"
Chris snickered at that.
"Think about your girlfriend duties here, babe. I don't know about Irma, maybe she's out with Vance. Maybe she's off somewhere with Mara, looking for Martin, or maybe she's taking care of Mara's pet rabbit and was too lazy to come, let her be-"
"Her what?"
Lillian's cold hand on his exposed chest sent a chill down his spine. Chris blinked at the strange sensation he suddenly got in the dark room. A sudden sensation of...disquiet and unrest, so cold it made the blood withdraw from his man parts.
"Didn't I tell you? Martin's mom's been living with Irma for some time now."- he replied absently. He couldn't understand how he had so abruptly transitioned from being in heat to almost shivering. "She has a p-pet, a rabbit that she brought in."- he just went on, as Lillian's nails left marks on his abs. "They actually stay at one of your apartments downtown. Your sister let them in! "
Lillian's pale face twisted in something odd. Anger. Fear.
"No, Chris, you didn't! You didn't tell me about Mara being back at all!"- she exclaimed, standing up abruptly before he knew it. "Nothing about her rabbit too!"
"Why does it matter!?"- Chris failed to understand but Lillian just groaned and pushed him to the bed.
He fell like a sack of potatoes. She just bit her palm. This was disastrous. Utterly disastrous.
"Lillian, what's going on? Why are you acting so crazy, you-"
"Exactly! Because it's my apartment, actually, I...Cornelia didn't even ask me! It is crazy how my family just does whatever they want and when I want out of their outlines, they threaten to cut me off when they never did that to Cornelia!"
The young man was still confused but at least that was something that made sense.
His girlfriend's behavior from a moment ago had been...questionable. Eerie and even a little alarming, but now he could understand why and what had triggered her.
And he could stop feeling as if she was going to change into an alien mutant and swallow his head like in some dumbass sci-fi flick.
"You knew Irma was there but didn't know about Mara?"
"Or the pet rabbit."
Lillian sobbed and sat next to him on the bed.
"I...nothing changes the fact Cornelia didn't ask my permission, but Irma mentioned it and I wasn't going to kick her out, of course. I just wish they didn't shut me out all the time. Like with...Mara coming there, they could've told me."
"Well, that's why we're moving out not using your family's dirty money, baby."- the boy reminded her, putting an arm around her shoulders. "To show them that you're no less capable than your sister and that you deserve their full respect. If they still fail to show us that after the move it will be their loss. You don't care about the money that much anymore, do you?"
"No."- Lillian gave a weak smile. "No, I don't."
"Come 'ere."
She let him embrace her and run a hand through her hair. She even kissed his neck passionately, inflaming his desire once more.
Chris purred and playfully slid his hands down her back, all the way to her ass, cupping it in his palms while she was still sat.
Lillian's decisive eyes flowed somewhere into the distance, chin resting on her boyfriend's shoulder.
After the latest revelation, her mind couldn't be further away from what he was once again going for.
"Thank you, everyone, thank you for trusting me to take care of our community's annual Fields Birth get-together. As a true daughter of Heatherfield, it is important for me that we all celebrate the birth of two of the main founders of our city, the Fields brothers, who happen to have lived right here, in our neighborhood. One of them was my grandmother's great-grandfather - Harding Fields! I am going to make this year's Fields Birth get-together one to remember! "
People erupted in applause and she just stood there, picture-perfect. Looking more and more like her grandmother - Vera, by her side, white veneers shining at the sun. OK, not literally. Cornelia was young and mind-blowingly beautiful, and her teeth were perfect and very much natural.
Even if Vera looked great for her advanced age too. The resemblance was mostly in the actions and personality.
Cornelia was turning into a prominent social figure gradually, day by day, despite her year-long talks of how she wouldn't "really engage with that aspect of her life."
And normally Caleb wouldn't mind that too much. But now he made a face, watching their neighbors ask his wife-to be questions about the upcoming event and all that was going to be done for it. Cornelia eagerly responded, incited by her grandmother. Together they personally assured every snobby suburban mom and tired husband that everything would be top-notch. The younger people that lived around them, people their age, didn't really give The Fields Brothers' get-together that much importance but not Cornelia. She was determined to make the best celebration of this day.
Caleb just watched from a distance; arms folded. Waiting for her. They were from two different worlds. Literally. They had long agreed to not let the two tamper with their balance as a couple. As individuals, they had many different interests either were allowed to pursue.
It wasn't that. It wasn't Caleb's overall nonchalance with the high life. He was still mad at Cornelia for banishing his mother to Meridian, even if she said it was for everyone's better good.
"Great job, my dear."- Vera approved, hand on her granddaughter's back in a managing manner. They were coming back towards the house, where the tall man just waited with growing impatience.
"We have a couple of days to get everything ready now. This has to be the best get-together! I want you to even do better than mine. After all, we didn't choose this particular part of Heatherfield for your new family home when we were buying it, we have history here! History that we need to maintain the dignity of."
"Don't worry, grandmother."- the blonde replied and her eyes fell on Caleb. "I will...we will do everything perfect."
"That's my girl-"
Vera almost tripped as she was saying that, her heel getting caught in the grass, but Caleb quickly held her in place with but a swift move of his left arm.
"Oh, my God, be more careful, grandmother!"- Cornelia cried. "What are those, 6inch heels? At your age- "
"Shush! Manolos are ageless!"- Vera interrupted hastily. "I'm fine! Thank you, Caleb."
"Welcome"
Cornelia smiled at the man and attempted to touch his hand but he moved away.
Vera didn't notice, of course, she was already making her way towards the car:
"Let me fetch Babette and we're going to leave you two at peace. We will take Killian tonight."
"We're ready."- Elizabeth sang softly, holding her toddler grandson's hand and his luggage. "Aren't we, Kil?"
They had just come out of the big house. Now they were going to head back to Garden Plaza and the penthouse, where Killian would spend the night.
"Good, I was just about to call you."- Vera said, leaning against the car door. "You know how you pretend you don't hear me well sometimes, Babette, it might be time to take care of those ears of yours and their selective hearing."- she pointed out adust. "I'll take you to mesotherapy."
Elizabeth pretended she didn't hear her mother-in-law again and put the luggage in the car, giving the young parents some time to take their goodbyes with their son.
Cornelia snuggled Killian and Caleb joined in for that. He was mad at her, not their child:
"Bye, baby, we'll see each other again tomorrow. Be good and don't give your grandparents too much trouble, OK?"- the Earth guardian said in her softest voice before kissing her son's cheek.
"I love you!"
"See you tomorrow, son."- Caleb kissed him too. "I love you so, so much."
The rebel leader took him in his arms and pressed the small child against himself, brown locks resting against identical brown locks. He almost didn't want to let go.
Killian was one love-spoilt toddler; he was almost two, he was big, cute, and witty, and he was almost never problematic, or moody, which was always good:
"Love you, mommy. Love you, daddy! I want to see you...tomorrow!"
"He's so clever."- Elizabeth chuckled as Caleb put Killian in his baby passenger seat. "I hope that he won't miss Nerissa too much, it's been a while since he slept at the penthouse. He's very attached to her, you know, she's very nurturing."
"She's very attached to him too. I'm sure you will manage though. If anything, just call us."- Caleb said.
Cornelia's smile quenched at that but she didn't say anything. She just fondled her son's head.
"It's a shame she's going to miss this event too."- Elizabeth went on, to her daughter's distaste. "Everyone expects all of us to be together on such occasions."
"Yeah, well, she has her European modeling thing to do too, mother."- Cornelia interrupted. That was one lie that had aged well. "Don't sweat it, everything will be under control. Come on, go now. Before Kil decides he wants out of the car."
Caleb glared at the blonde under his brows, remaining silent.
"Well, of course, Cornelia."- Elizabeth agreed. "We're all family after all and we support each other's ventures."
Vera, who had finished re-powdering her face, commanded from the passenger seat:
"Come on, Babette. Drive! I have things to do back at the penthouse."
You always do, you bat. You don't even fly to your castle anymore. Even Dracula's had enough of you, I would imagine, Elizabeth thought to herself before waving the young couple goodbye and starting the car.
They quickly got out of the driveway and soon disappeared from view.
"We're alone for the first time in a while tonight."- Cornelia spoke up conspiratorially. "We should do something fun."
"We could've had more alone time had you not banished my mother but alas. She always looks after Killian and-"
"Oh, come on, Caleb! You're joking!"
He had tried to walk back to the house but the Earth guardian caught his hand, stopping him.
Caleb turned around to meet her eyes, sulking.
"What?"- he snapped dryly.
"How much more are you going to frown at me for this? It's not like we don't go to Meridian, you especially, you're there every other day, you see your mother, you take Killian to see her, I'm not keeping them apart or anything-"
"Yeah, that's because I have duties and obligations on Meridian, I will go there. That's so benevolent of you."- he mocked.
Cornelia groaned:
"You're not like this the entire time, you know, you start sulking about Nerissa being away from Heatherfield the minute something social is brought up. OK, we get it, you don't like the socialite aesthetic, and neither do I! I am tired of constantly being under pressure, but I'm doing it because I have to be successful while I'm young. That's an example I'm setting for our kids in the future, and-"
"And I'm doing the same, aren't I? I suck up all social shit and work the stupid company despite not being too interested in that too."- Caleb frowned.
"Oh, no, don't put the company thing on my account too!"- the woman waved her index finger under his nose. "That was all your mother!"
"Let me sulk at peace from time to time, will ya? I'm going way out of my way to fit your aesthetic."
Cornelia gasped:
"As if I'm not?! I've been going out of my way for you for years, ever since I met you, hero boy! I was ready to move to Meridian a few times because of you! But then we decided we'd live here, in Heatherfield. You were the one who was willing to put his life on Earth first because of me and our future, are you suddenly regretful?"
"I haven't said that."- Caleb gritted his teeth. "I could never regret putting you first."
"Then what? Coming face to face with how hustling adult life here is, after so many years is a problem for you? I don't see how that's possible! You're a hard worker all your life-"
"My problem is that you sent my mother away-"
"I sent her away because you often put her before me when she's here and that clashes with everything."- Cornelia snapped. She threw a look behind her shoulder just to make sure that none of the neighbors were spying. "And because she needs a rest from creating messes here. Besides, she has a great life on Meridian too, don't you see how these last two weeks have been much calmer? For all of us?! This was a good idea, Caleb, stop acting like I've sent Nerissa into exile forever!"
Caleb pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to relax the tension. He couldn't out-talk her and if he tried, the dumb argument would just gain unnecessary depth.
He didn't want to argue. He didn't want to fight but he was upset with her and he couldn't just pretend that he was OK with everything she obviously saw no wrong in.
"That's not how you do these things, Cornelia, you can't order your family what to do!"
"I wouldn't have to if she had enough decency to not interfere in certain things or resign from her crazy goals when I ask her to, for the good of the family. But no."- the blonde snapped, glaring at the tall man. "You never tell her to do that. You never tell her no, and when I do, when I snap at some point, when I've had enough, I'm suddenly the bad guy."
"No, you're not. "- he gave up. He didn't want this. He was going to wait for Cornelia to come around on her own.
"And I talk to her too but you're both too stubborn and self-righteous for your own good! Go pick up your tablecloths for Fields Birth get-together or something."- with his ending line fired, he gave her his back and walked away.
Cornelia was at a loss for words. She? She was self-righteous like Nerissa!? How about no!
"I'm not finished, Caleb, get back here!"
"This is finished alright. This entire conversation and topic are exhausted, drop it." - the tall man warned. "Drop it before you make it worse."
She angrily kicked the air once she was alone. Caleb had stubbornly returned inside the house. Now they had the evening to themselves but the evening would be wasted because of his stubborn nature and her ego, pulling her back, not allowing her to do something to turn the situation around.
Over the years they were together, they had fought about a lot of things a lot of times, but ever since Nerissa was out of Weira's jewel, every second fight was about her.
"Mara, I'm home! Sorry I left you alone last night, we wanted to check all the new equipment and the venue for the next big gig I'm doing. It's the biggest concert "Lair on the Air" has organized to date, I told you about it...Mara?"
Irma left her bag in the entryway and just looked around herself when she received no answer. It was empty. The kitchen, the guest room...the entire apartment was empty.
The water guardian was confused. Had Mara gone out?
But then she estimated that it was a little too quiet. A quick look around confirmed her suspicion. It was so quiet because Mara's pet rabbit was gone too. As were her things.
She had just picked up and left like that? Without saying a word, after a few weeks of living together? Irma wasn't buying it.
"I know someone's messing with us! You hear me!"- she said out loud, walking into the living room with a serious and grim expression. "I know! I know Mara wouldn't just vanish on me!"
Her first thought was the Eye of God. Of course, those scumbags had probably got Martin in the first place. Now they had taken his mother too because she had stumbled upon something. A clue maybe? But why take her rabbit...and her things? Were they trying to stage it as if Mara had left on her own, willingly, when Irma was 101% sure that wasn't the case?!
To conceal that they had managed to find her new address and break into the apartment...
Irma was very angry. She tightened her fists but then her eyes fell on the knocked-over glass near the coffee table. Right next to a puddle of water which had obviously formed there when the glass had been knocked down.
Irma's eyes lit up:
"I got you this time, sucker."
She quickly knelt down and spread her hand above the water. She just had to concentrate and she could do her Water Scrying. The water spilled in this room; it would show her what had transpired around it last.
Her amazing power over the water element allowed her to see lucid reflections of the future or past.
Like it did now. It showed her what had really happened in her absence and what she saw made her blood freeze in her veins.
No.
Not again.
Not another traitor boyfriend...
She saw Vance Michael. She saw Vance Michael sneaking in and taking the cage with Mara's rabbit.
"Irma? The door was open-"
And now he was back.
She turned around, fast and rageful like a tsunami wave.
"Irma? Is everything alright?"
Vance Michael blinked at her innocently. He even offered her a hand, seeing her on the floor. On her knees.
What a fucker. How had she ever fallen for his dumb shit?
Her fingers wrapped around the knocked-over glass.
"Irma, babe, are you OK? Say something, you're beginning to scare me. Did you fall or something, why was the door left open?! Are you OK, Irma?"
"I will be."- she said through gritted teeth and abruptly stood up, knocking him out cold by breaking the glass in his head.