The Sorceress' Apprentice

Chapter Forty-Eight: Home

Cedrica had never been happier to be home. Finally, she was away from Scarlett and with her true love Maddie. In fact, she was on her way to the castle now for a date with Maddie. She had been in the village remembering the old times and remembering how far she's come.

'I smell that salty breeze blowing through the fjord, I hear those creaky ships as old board meets old board. I breathe in the place I live and wonder what else can I give this home. My home. Wandering through the town with everyone doing all of their stuff, somewhere in my heart, I feel I've not yet done enough for these people I know, this place that I love so. My home. My home.'

Cedrica whistled happily as she walked through the village. Everyone waved hello to her as she walked past

'I whistle as I walk, a lovely smell of kransekake wafting out of the baker's door. The merchants haggling over fish remind me I have what I wish 'cause I'm not alone anymore.'

Cedrica walked back to the castle where Maddie had been setting up their date with Sophus and Erika. Maddie only asked for their help because she hasn't been getting a lot of sleep lately. She's been dreaming about the past and it's coming back to haunt her. But it's not the Scarlett situation, it was back when they tried to take over the kingdom. She can't seem to escape it. Cedrica then arrived at the castle.

'I'm grateful for this castle and for everything we've got, especially my family. We've all been through a lot. I know how fragile things can be. If I lost them, I'd lose me. They're my ocean, they're my shore. I wanna give them more. They're my home. My home. Bless this happiness we found, bless this good and solid ground. Our home. Our home.'

'Our home. Our home. Our home. Our home. Our home. Our home. Our home.'

'I'm home,' Cedrica smiled

Cedrica arrived at where Maddie told her to meet her. She had a picnic set up for them both. She was proud of the work. They shared a quick kiss and Cedrica couldn't help but notice that Maddie had noticeable bags under her eyes. She asked about them but Maddie just told her they were nothing to worry about. So, she just shrugged it off and they started their picnic.

They mostly talked, ate the food that Maddie made herself, and drank some grape juice. Maddie wanted to try wine but she went against it. They're still the Royal Sorceresses. Drinking and magic don't go together. As they were talking, Cedrica noticed that Maddie was finding it hard to concentrate on the conversation and was seeming very tired.

"Do you want to continue this some other time? You look like you haven't slept in a few days," Cedrica said.

"I'm fine, Cedrica. There's nothing to worry about," Maddie said

"I've heard enough lying for a lifetime. Tell me the truth. What's going on?"

Maddie sighed, "I haven't slept in three days. I keep having dreams about the days when we were both evil and planned to take over the kingdom. It's been haunting me and I can't sleep."

"Why didn't you tell me? I could've helped you."

"You know I'm scared to share a bed with you. I don't know if it's allowed or not because I've never gotten this far with a relationship."

"And you'll always be afraid until you give it a try."

"I know but I just want these dreams to end," Maddie said, 'Power was all I desired. But all that grew inside me was the darkness I acquired. When I began to fall and I lost the path ahead, thats when your friendship found me and it lifted me instead. Like a phoenix burning bright in the sky. I'll show there's another side to me you can't deny. I may not know what the future holds but hear me when I say that my past does not define me 'cause my past is not today.'

Cedrica stood up and helped her to her feet.

"You're not the only one who's going through this. But we need to work together if we want this to end. Just let me help you," Cedrica said, 'Ambition is what I believed would be the only way to set me free. But when it disappeared and I found myself alone, that's when you came and got me and felt like I was home!'

'Like a phoenix burning bright in the sky, we'll show there's another side to us you can't deny. I may not know what the future holds but hear me when I say that my past does not define me 'cause my past is not today!'

"Now, I think you should get some sleep before you fall asleep. We'll continue the date tomorrow. I promise," Cedrica said smiling

"I'll try. I'm sorry I ruined our first date," Maddie said

"Ah! None of that. You haven't ruined anything. Now sleep. I'll pack up and I'll see you later."

"Alright. See you later," Maddie smiled.

Maddie left and went to catch up with sleep. Cedrica used magic to pack up Maddie's picnic and took it inside. Sophus and Erika were watching from a distance and were a little disappointed about what happened but understood that Maddie was very sleep deprived so they let it go. But Erika was disappointed it didn't last longer. She has a boy at school who she really likes but she can't find the right way to confess to her and she's interested in someone else.

Maddie said that she'd help her by telling her to take notes of her and Cedrica's date. But obviously that didn't last long enough to get anything. Erika is also scared about the boy she likes, Christopher, would ask about the mask she always wears. She wears it to hide a disfigurment she was born with but she hates it because she thinks she looks like a monster and who could possibly love a monster? Well, she did get some proper notes the next day when Cedrica and Maddie tried their date again but it wasn't enough. Erika gave up. She's never going to confess to Christopher.