Crown Of Thorns [ Michael Langdon ]

6 - lavandula - 6

{Chapter Six - Lavandula}

~ Baby, though I've closed my eyes
I know who you pretend I am ~

- Washing Machine Heart

"Elora, pass me the yarrow."

"Which one is yarrow?"

"You see that one with the little white flowers? That's yarrow. It's good for fevers."

The young girl lifted the pot and passed it down the bench towards the blonde woman, soil spilling out the sides.

"Good girl. Now help me pot this lavender."

"What does lavender do?" The girl asked, as she breathed in the scent of the plant. This one was her favourite, with the sweet floral smell and the bright purple color.

"It helps you fall asleep at night, and takes all your worries away." Cordelia ticked the young girl's belly, and she let out a shrill laugh.

"It smells yummy!"

Now it was Cordelia's turn to laugh, and she turned to the shelves behind them. She pulled out a small vile, and placed it in the girl's hand.

"For sweet dreams."

✧

"Elora?" The man breathed, stepping onto the porch and surveying the young woman before him. Elora felt her eyes well up with tears as she waited for her father's response. "Oh my God, it's really you!"

Noah pulled his daughter in for a hug, kissing her head. He smelled familiar, although Elora would have been much too young to remember. Elora couldn't hold it in any longer, she began crying.

"Oh don't cry, sweetheart!" Noah pulled away to console the girl, but his eyes were also swimming with tears. "Come in, come in." Noah ushered the teenagers inside, leading them to the living room.

"He your boyfriend?" Noah glanced over to Michael as they sat down, with a smirk.

"No, Michael's just my friend." Elora said, sniffling.

"Huh. Just friends." Noah eyed Michael suspiciously. Elora's cheeks burned as her father went into 'protective mode'. Noah then hurried off to make them tea.

They sipped their tea in silence for a minute, while Noah studied his daughter.

"You look just like your mother." Noah commented, and Elora couldn't hide a grin. "Exact same smile."

"C-can I ask... what happened to her?" Elora said slowly. She wasn't even sure if she wanted the answer.

"She died after giving birth to you." Noah didn't beat around the bush.

"Oh..." Elora whispered, "I'm sorry. It's my fault."

"It is not your fault. How could a harmless baby mean to kill their mother?" Noah said, but at the sight of Elora's widened eyes, he added quickly, "I'm sorry, that came out wrong." To his surprise, Elora only laughed.

"So, uh, how did you find me?" Noah asked his daughter.

"Well, my whole life, I thought you were dead. You and my mom. But I found my adoption papers, which you signed." Elora explained.