The Dark Society

33

 Sabrina often thought about distant friends. After all, seeing Tatum again felt sentimental. But, what she'd shared with Luis was more meaningful. With this in mind, she again struggled with the consequences of recent decisions. However, while exiting the terminal, frustration melted into pure happiness. Tim and Julia were waiting among the crowds, so Sabrina's anxiety escalated.

"Where are you?"

"Gate 34." Julia replied.

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 emotion, 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, tending to the 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 feel tired after traveling."

Sabrina shrugged.

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

During the drive, Sabrina gazed out the window, admiring each familiar landmark. She'd enjoyed the time in London, but appreciated the countryside more. Meanwhile, Tim pulled into the driveway and stopped.

"What's wrong?" Sabrina asked.

He took Julia's hand.

"I forgot to get the mail."

Her mother glanced in the rear-view mirror.

"I don't remember getting it either. Would you mind?"

Sabrina got out and walked to the mailbox. As a child, she loved collecting the mail and racing Tim up the driveway. And though she was older, 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 nearing the house, someone was 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. So, 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 from the porch.

"I know this isn't the right time."

Sabrina stepped back.

"Then why are you here?"

Jennifer took Sabrina's left hand and gestured to the birthmark.

"Because of this."

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, looking 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.

"Unconditional love and promises of forever can do that."

Sabrina nodded, thinking of Luis.

"Strangely enough, I understand."

Jennifer's eyes lifted.

"How so?"

Sabrina wavered.

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

Jennifer seemed calm despite this revelation. Though, she'd 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."