The Dark Society

26

Sea Cliff is an affluent district in San Francisco, deemed the city's most exclusive suburb and current home of the Connelly family. John, fifty-five, owns and directs the Connelly Automotive Group, while his beloved wife Cindy, fifty-two, holds a seat on the city council.

Life had been fairly routine thus far, with one exception--Samantha Collins. An orphan their daughter Jennifer had befriended while attending the Esoteric Academies, a traditional teaching seminary.

John and Cindy had initially criticized Jennifer's involvement with occultism, along with her loyalty to the Saint Ann's mosque--a community of gifted children instructed in magic by elder Anna Copeland. Despite their concerns, an unusual attraction developed between Jennifer and Samantha. However, as students at the academy, same-sex unions weren't permitted.

This is why they concealed their relationship from Anna and their peers. But, when John and Cindy eventually discovered the truth, Sam and Jenifer's unreserved openness fostered a unique and enduring trust.

Samantha began attending Florida University shortly thereafter, and she and Jennifer were separated by distance and obligation. Then, Jennifer started working for American Airlines and left the mosque--a decision that fueled Samantha's escalating anger and resentment.

Moreover, enigmatic visions of an absent past persisted during that period, so as graduation came and went, Sam's goals crystallized. Today, however, ample sunshine and pleasant temperatures graced the West Coast--an expected change after four years in a similar climate. As the two-story colonial came into view, Cindy was, as always, tending her gardens.

"The roses never looked better," Sam announced.

Startled, Cindy looked up.

"Samantha?"

"In the flesh."

They had been like family throughout the years, so their empathetic embrace felt natural. Cindy wasn't alone in her enthusiasm--as the door burst open, John rushed forward. But amid the jubilation, one person was missing: Jennifer.

Sam escorted everyone inside, and initially everything appeared normal.

"You look beautiful," Cindy admitted, brushing Sam's cheek.

Sam and Jennifer shared many distinct memories, but to Sam's surprise, any traces of the past seemed to have been erased. Thus, settling into a seat, her suspicions returned.

"It's wonderful to have you home," John said. "Florida seems to have agreed with you."

"Thank you. It did."

John and Cindy knew what Sam wanted and expected questions. Besides, they'd been apart for four years, and her urgency to reclaim her history was evident. Most importantly, with witchery flowing in Sam's blood, they carefully guarded their daughter's precise location.

"I assume Jen's still with American?" Sam asked.

Cindy hesitated, her gaze uncertain.

"Yes, but she's out of town at the moment."

Sam's senses sharpened.

"For work?"

John shifted uncomfortably.

"No, visiting a friend."

Sam studied their mannerisms repeatedly, and though they were discrete, their implied secrecy was apparent.

"Why not stay for dinner?" he suggested. "I recall how much you loved country brisket."

"That sounds wonderful," she replied. "Would you mind if I freshened up?"

Cindy rose, gesturing toward the stairs.

"Not at all. You remember where everything is?"

In the bathroom, Sam immediately spotted a plane ticket with the bold heading: "Cottonwood Falls, Kansas." Throughout dinner, emotions heightened as Sam's intentions became the focal point of conversation.

"How bad is it?" John began.

Cindy shot him a warning look.

"Jonathan."

Sam leaned forward.

"It's alright."

"You're troubled," he continued. "Cindy and I sympathize, but we're worried."

Sam's expression hardened.

"Don't be. After all, you know why I'm here."

Cindy stared at her.

"We do, but it's been twenty years. Don't you think it's time to let go?"

"Could you?"

It was often a subject of debate, but Sam remained determined to reclaim her existence--not only where Jennifer was concerned, but also regarding her missing memories.

"What do you intend to do?" John asked.

Sam's eyes shifted, her voice steady and resolute.

"Whatever I have to."