"To My Former Family,
Surprise, surprise-I've tied the knot with Hawthorne, and we're living the dream in LoveLock. It seems you've all finally gotten your wish, and I've left your 'happy family' behind.
Save your false concern. I won't be answering letters or welcoming any attempts to find me. Hawthorne and I are building our own happiness far away from your toxicity.
Enjoy your adopted girls and your beloved 'Posy'. My role in your play is over. Consider this my final act.
No regards,
~Mariposa"
The entire family was woken up a month later to the sound of Queen Pandora wailing as if someone had cut her arm off. She held the letter in her trembling hands as her cries were painful and piercing. King Augustine was seated by her side, with a numb expression, holding the charity basket as if it were a dead body. To compound the betrayal, it was revealed that the couple had absconded with a significant amount of money from the charity fund, funds meant to support the less fortunate children at the orphanage. The sounds of Queen Pandora crying that her darling baby had been ripped away from her broke the entire family's hearts, and no one could believe that Mari was gone. The only thing she could do was ask her husband why all these terrible things were happening to try and tear their happy family apart.
Evie was devastated, mortified, in denial. Every minute she paced up and down, looking out the window, trying to find the bright side, trying to manipulate herself into thinking that this was all a silly game, that at some point, Mari would return with the same grumpy, grouchy attitude. But one day turned to several days which turned to several weeks. Mari was still not in sight. She couldn't help but think it was all her fault. She always knew her immaturity was a bad thing, but if she'd acted her age for once, Mari would've remained in the palace, away from harm. It took hours for Pander to calm her down.
"Muffins, what's going on? You've been really upset lately"
Evie glanced at Pander, her eyes red and puffy, "It's Mari. She's eloped with Hawthorne."
Pander's eyes widened in shock and a wave of cold washed over him, "I'm so sorry. That's...unexpected. What happened?"
Pander sat beside Evie and placed a comforting arm around her. By then, Evie began to cry even more.
"I should've seen it coming, Pandie. I should've been tougher on her, taken things more seriously. I blame myself for not stopping this."
"Muffins, you can't blame yourself for someone else's choices. Mariposa is her own person, and Hawthorne made his own decisions."
"But I could've done more. I could've protected her from someone like him." Evie sniffled, wiping her runny nose with a handkerchief.
"But you can't control everything. You're not responsible for Mariposa's choices. Besides, your free spirit and kindness are part of what makes you amazing."
"But maybe I'm too silly, too immature. I should've been stricter. Isa always tells me-"
Unable to withstand Evie's self-deprecation any longer, Pander took Evie's hands and lifted her chin, gently removing strands of her wavy brown hair from her face.
"Baby, your silly nature is what I love about you. You bring happiness and light into my life. I like who I am around you-free to be myself, to express myself."
"You...really mean that?" Evie whispered, her eyes softening.
"Absolutely. You're not stupid, Evie. You're caring, kind, and so, so lovable. Don't be too hard on yourself." Pander whispered, giving Evie a small kiss on the forehead.
Evie released a small bashful smile, a feeling of warmth rushed through her.
"Thank you, Pandie, I really needed to hear that"
YOU ARE READING
8 Sisters of KodaCait: The Original
Teen Fiction"For the first time in the seven years since she first arrived, she began to think the Orphanage was a better place for her. She just hated herself, hated her life, hated everything. " King Augustine and Queen Pandora make a life changing decision t...
