Fated Bonds

26

*

The evening sun cast long shadows across the Mikaelson house in Mystic Falls. Sabrina sat on the porch, her thoughts drifting. The day had been quiet, with Niklaus and Rebekah having left earlier to tend to some business. Caroline had stayed the night before, unwilling to leave her sister's side. Sabrina appreciated the company, even if she didn't always show it.

Caroline emerged from the house, wrapping her jacket tighter around herself against the October chill. She wandered over to the pool, now empty and covered with a blanket of fallen leaves. Sabrina watched her for a moment before joining her.

"Hey, Care," Sabrina said softly, standing beside her.

Caroline looked up and smiled. "Hey. Just thinking."

"Why'd you stay?" Sabrina asked, genuinely curious. "Not that I don't appreciate it, but you could have gone back to your own life."

Caroline shrugged, her gaze fixed on the pool. "Our house felt so empty without you, Sabrina. I just wanted a night's sleep with my sister, in this home."

Sabrina smiled, touched by her sister's loyalty. "Thanks, Care. I don't know what I'd do without you."

Before Caroline could respond, there was a knock at the door. Both girls exchanged a puzzled look before Sabrina walked back inside to answer it. She opened the door to find her mother, Liz Forbes, standing there. Sabrina's heart skipped a beat.

"Mom?" Sabrina said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liz Forbes looked the same as she did the last time Sabrina saw her a month ago, weariness etched into her features. She gave a small, tentative smile. "Hi, Sabrina."

For a moment, neither of them moved. The silence stretched, thick with unspoken words. Finally, Liz stepped forward, her eyes filling with tears. "Can I come in?"

Sabrina nodded, stepping aside to let her mother in. Liz entered the house, looking around as if seeing it for the first time. Caroline, sensing something significant, followed them into the living room.

"I didn't know you were in town," Sabrina said, trying to keep her voice steady.

Liz took a deep breath. "I came to see you. I owe you an apology, Sabrina."

Sabrina's heart clenched. She had dreamed of this moment, but now that it was happening, she wasn't sure how to feel. "For what?"

Liz's eyes were full of sorrow. "For not being there for you. For pushing you away when you needed me the most. I let my fear and prejudice blind me, and I regret it every day."

Sabrina looked down at her hands, the pain of her mother's rejection still fresh. "You didn't want to be in my life because I'm mated to the Mikaelsons."

Liz reached out, her hand trembling as she placed it over Sabrina's. "I was wrong, Sabrina. I was so wrong. I was scared of what it meant, of the danger, of the unknown. But I realize now that I was only hurting you more by staying away."

Tears spilled down Sabrina's cheeks as she looked up at her mother. "Do you really mean that?"

Liz nodded, her own eyes glistening with tears. "Yes, I do. I want to be a part of your life, Sabrina. I want to know you and support you, no matter what. Can you forgive me?"

Sabrina's resolve broke, and she leaned forward, wrapping her arms around her mother. Liz hugged her tightly, the years of distance and pain melting away in that moment. They held each other for a long time, both crying and finding comfort in each other's presence.

"I'm so sorry, Sabrina," Liz whispered. "I should have been there for you."

Sabrina pulled back, wiping her tears away. "I missed you, Mom. So much."

Liz smiled through her tears. "I missed you too. And I promise, I'm here now. I'm not going anywhere."

Caroline, who had been standing by silently, stepped forward and hugged her mother and sister. "This is a good start," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

They sat in silence for a while, simply enjoying the closeness they had both longed for. Sabrina felt a weight lift from her shoulders, the burden of her mother's absence finally beginning to ease.

As they talked, Liz glanced around the house, her eyes lingering on the family photos and the signs of the Mikaelsons' presence. "Where are klaus and Rebekah?" she asked gently.

"They're out causing havoc, as usual," Sabrina said with a small laugh. "They have their own way of dealing with things."

Liz nodded, a hint of worry in her eyes. "I hope they keep you safe."

Sabrina squeezed her mother's hand. "They do, Mom. In their own way, they do."

The conversation drifted to lighter topics, and for the first time in a long while, Sabrina felt a sense of peace. Having her mother back in her life was a balm for her soul, a reminder that she was not alone.

When Niklaus and Rebekah returned later that evening, their antics having run their course, they were met with the sight of Sabrina and Liz together. Niklaus raised an eyebrow but said nothing, simply nodding in acknowledgment. Rebekah, on the other hand, gave Liz a wary smile before pulling Sabrina aside.

"Are you okay?" Rebekah asked, her concern evident.

Sabrina nodded, a genuine smile on her face. "Yeah, Bekah. I think I will be."

Rebekah hugged her tightly. "Good. You deserve it."

As the night settled in, Sabrina found herself reflecting on the day's events. She was surrounded by people who cared about her, and despite the challenges ahead, she knew she could face them with her family-both new and old-by her side.

Liz had spent a bit more time with Sabrina and Caroline, chatting about memories and catching up on the lost time. They talked about the latest events in Mystic Falls, the changes in their lives, and the old times they missed. Liz shared stories of her own struggles and how she regretted every moment she had missed in her daughters' life.

As they laughed and reminisced, the atmosphere gradually lightened. Liz's presence felt like a missing piece of a puzzle finally falling into place. She was no longer just a figure from the past; she was becoming a part of their present, their future.

"I can't believe how much I've missed," Liz said softly, her eyes glistening with tears again. "But I'm here now, and I want to make up for lost time."

Sabrina squeezed her mother's hand, feeling a newfound sense of hope. "i'm glad you're here, Mom. It means a lot to us."

Caroline nodded, adding, "We're a family, and that's what matters. We can face anything together."

As the night grew darker, they finally said their goodbyes. Liz promised to visit more often, and Sabrina believed her. Watching her mother walk away, she felt a mixture of sadness and relief. It was the beginning of a new chapter, one where they could rebuild their relationship.

Returning inside, Sabrina felt a comforting warmth spread through her. The Mikaelsons, her newfound family, had accepted her with open arms. And now, with her mother's return, she felt a sense of completeness she hadn't experienced in a long time.

She went to her room, where the note from Elijah still lay on the dresser. She picked it up, reading it once more. His words echoed in her mind, filling her with a bittersweet longing. He had promised to return, and she held onto that hope tightly.

Curling up in Elijah's bed, Sabrina let her tears flow freely. She missed him dearly, but the day's events had given her a renewed strength. She knew that with her family's love and support, she could face whatever challenges lay ahead. And when Elijah finally returned, she would be ready, with her heart open and full of love.

As she drifted off to sleep, Sabrina felt a sense of peace envelop her. The journey ahead would not be easy, but she was no longer alone. She had her sister, her mother, and the Mikaelsons by her side. Together, they would navigate the uncertainties of life, finding solace in each other's presence.

For the first time in a long while, Sabrina felt truly hopeful. The bonds of family, both old and new, would carry her through the darkest of times, lighting the way towards a brighter future.