The Dark Society

33

Sabrina had been thinking about distant friends lately, and while seeing Tatum again had been sentimental, what she'd shared with Luis remained meaningful. With this in mind, she often struggled with the consequences of her recent decisions.

However, as she exited the terminal, her frustration melted into pure happiness. Tim and Julia were waiting somewhere among the crowds of strangers, so she immediately texted her mother.

"Where are you?"

Julia replied quickly: "Gate 34."

Sabrina chuckled. "I'll be right there."

Soon after, she caught the familiar scent of her father's cologne.

"I missed you too!" she exclaimed as Tim grabbed her in a tight hug.

He rarely showed his emotions openly, but as Sabrina looked into his eyes, she saw tears.

"Got one of those for me?" Julia asked.

Sabrina continued crying as she embraced her mother.

"You act like you haven't seen us in years," Julia said while holding her.

"It feels like it," Sabrina replied, pulling Tim close.

"There's so much to do while you're home," he said, picking up her bags.

Sabrina smiled and looked into his deep green eyes. "Can we go to the lake?"

Her father grinned. "Everything's ready."

Julia ran her fingers through Sabrina's hair. "You must be tired after traveling."

Sabrina shrugged. "I am, but I'm excited to be home."

During the drive, Sabrina gazed out the window and admired each familiar landmark. She had enjoyed her time in London, but she appreciated the countryside even more. Meanwhile, Tim pulled into the driveway and suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong?" Sabrina asked.

He took Julia's hand. "I think I forgot to get the mail."

Her mother glanced in the rearview mirror. "I don't remember getting it either. Would you mind?"

Sabrina got out eagerly and walked to the mailbox. As a child, she loved collecting the mail and racing Tim up the driveway. And though she was older now, her enthusiasm for small pleasures remained strong.

"Ready?" Tim called out.

"Let's do it!"

Sabrina ran toward the house as Tim followed. She was still fast and hadn't lost a step, but as she neared the house, someone was unexpectedly waiting.

"Jennifer?"

Julia looked surprised by Sabrina's reaction. "You know each other?"

Sabrina hesitated. "Sort of."

Her mother approached. "I'm Julia Kole, and this is my husband Tim. We're Sabrina's parents."

"Jennifer Connelly," she replied, shaking hands. "Sabrina and I met on a flight to Boston, and since I was in town, I wanted to say hello."

She seemed sincere enough, but Sabrina didn't appear pleased by the surprise visit.

"I see," Julia said, turning to Sabrina. "I'll help you get settled so you can visit."

Jennifer stepped nervously off the porch. "I know this isn't the right time."

Sabrina stepped back. "Then why are you here?"

Jennifer took Sabrina's left hand. "Because of this," she said, pointing to the dark birthmark.

Sabrina pulled away. "What about it?"

Jennifer met her eyes. "It's why I had to find you, though it wasn't easy."

Sabrina became more attentive. "Go on."

Jennifer sat down but looked hesitant. "After we met, I couldn't stop thinking about you."

"Why?"

"It's complicated, so I stayed away until I was certain."

Sabrina softened. "I don't understand."

"As I said, you remind me of someone," Jennifer explained. "And seeing that mark changed everything."

Sabrina stared. "Who?"

Jennifer trembled. "Samantha."

"The one you mentioned before?"

"Yes."

Sabrina thought for a moment. "Then why do you look frightened?"

Jennifer shifted uncomfortably. "Unconditional love and promises of forever can do that."

Sabrina nodded, thinking of Luis. "Strangely enough, I understand."

Jennifer looked at her intently. "How so?"

Sabrina wavered. "In London, there was someone, and things became complicated."

Jennifer seemed calm despite this revelation, though she had always feared such complications.

"I figured as much. How serious was it?"

Sabrina moved closer. "I'm not sure. It's complicated."

Jennifer shifted. "What are you going to do?"

Sabrina sighed. "Like everything else that happened in London--put it behind me and move on."

"Can we spend time together tonight?" Jennifer asked.

"I was hoping so," Sabrina replied. "There's a lot to discuss."