MEMORiES // Jemma

Chapter 1

26 Feb 1999

This was the day Leona Mercado-Novoa gave birth to Jax Novoa. He was her first child with Jake Novoa, his biological father. Inheriting the trait from his parents, Jax is also a wizard.

Coincidentally, this was also the day when Maria Castillo-Alonso gave birth to Emma Alonso. She was her second child with Francisco Alonso, her biological father. Their first kid was Lucas "Luke" Alonso, who was born in January 1998. Also inheriting the trait from her family, she is also a witch. Not just an ordinary witch, she was actually the Chosen One.

In this century, it is quite odd to have two Chosen Ones living in the same time. This occurs very rarely in history. Yes, there is another Chosen One. Her name is Michele Torres. Having this rare occurence can also bring harm to both of them, especially the younger one, as he/she has less experience with magic as the older one may threaten to remove the younger Chosen One.

"Papa," one-year-old Luke poked his father's shoulder.

"Hm?" Francisco titled his head down to face his son. The little boy pointed at her mother lying on a hospital bed holding his new sister.

"You have a sister now, Lucas." Maria explains.

Francisco stepped closer to his son, sitting in his baby stroller. "I hope you'll become a great brother to her." The thought made him smile. Luke giggled.

On the other room, Liana was also lying on the hospital bed, holding her newborn baby in her hands. Just by glancing at his face, it's clearly obvious that he got most of his features from his father. She looked at her husband who didn't look so... well... he was expressionless.

"Jake," her snaps off his ridiculous thoughts and averted his head to face his wife and newborn son. Just by looking at him – Jax, his own son – his face was filled with unreasonable disappointment, which confused Liana.

"Nothing." Jake shakes his head. But Liana knew him too well to believe nothing.

After a brief exchange of glances, he scoots closer to the bed, taking a seat next to it. He takes Liana's free hand in his, looking into her eyes. Liana, in the other hand, was clearly focused on Jax.

"Babe," his soft voice calms her, "I'm sorry. I was just worried for our family, that's all. With all the problems I have in the company, the debts I have to pay to the Council..." he looks away and scratches his head. He even mentally scolds himself for filling his head with problems that need not be dealt with at the moment. "It's stressful."

Liana sighs. "Jake, we talked about this. I thought you'd keep your promise."

He nods and gives her hand a reassuring squeeze. "I will keep my promise to avoid ending up like my father." His abusive father...

"I know you're not ready for a child but please bear with me. He's not only mine, but ours." Liana repeats for the hundredth time that night; thousandth within the week. She had to constantly remind herself to forget that Jax was sort of an oops baby. Ironic, yeah?

"Yeah." Jake looks away and clenches his jaw.

Liana knew this wasn't gonna be easy.