Hidden Heart: A Saga Of Redemption

Jellybeans

[Victor's sobs began to subside, his breathing was ragged as he tried to regain control. Amelia continued to stroke his back gently, her touch was reassuring. She wiped his tears away with her thumb, her touch was too tender and soothing.]

Amelia: (softly) We all have our battles, Stark. Some are visible, some aren't. Your fangs don't define who you are. It's your heart, your courage, and your resilience that define you.

Victor: (sniffling) But... Why aren't you afraid of me?

Amelia: (shaking her head) Not in the slightest. In fact, I think it makes you even more interesting. (smiling softly) I see the goodness in you, who feels deeply. That's what matters to me.

[Victor looked at her, his eyes red and puffy from crying, but filled with a glimmer of hope. Amelia's words were beginning to penetrate the walls he had built around himself.]

Victor: (slowly) I'm abnormal.

Amelia: (firmly) You know, our society thinks that if a person has a pinch of uniqueness then he or she must be an alien.

[Victor became silent.]

Amelia: (casually) They've their face, their tongue. So let them speak. But because of that you'll cover your face, you'll stop being talkative and you'll stop enjoying life, this is not fair.

[Victor nodded slowly, his tears gradually stopping. Amelia's unwavering support was a lifeline which gave him a sense of hope he hadn't felt in years. She took his left hand, brushed her fingers over those withered cuts and made him wear his black watch by herself.]

Amelia: (whispering) Black fits you more than blue.

[As he looked at her, she gave him a broader smile and rest his hand over one of his thighs.]

Amelia: (gently) We can't change the past and can't see the future.

[Victor took a deep breath and gradually felt a sense of relief washed over him. Amelia's words were like a beacon of light in his darkest hour. She brushed his hair back from his forehead, her touch filled with care and affection.]

Amelia: (added) But, one thing you can do is enjoy the current time and that's why, its another name is present. Mr. Stark, (softly) Present is a blessing from God.

Victor: (looking down) Call me by (lowly) Victor.

Amelia: (surprised and locked at him) But you instructs me to call you by Mr. Stark!! Then??

[Victor looked up. His eyes were not totally dry.]

Victor: (harshly but not in anger) Did I ask you to call me Mr. Volcano or Mr. Fancy?

Amelia: (gently) No.

Victor: Then why did you go for only Mr. Stark? Huh??

[Disturbance was totally clear at his voice but he was not angry. Maybe he was earnest for something.]

Amelia: (trying to control her laugh) It means you like those names. Gre..... (Stopped)

Victor: (interrupting with disturbance) I told you to call me only with my name and that is (firmly) Victor.

[She noticed that he was trying to clung to her and this time she took fun of it. She thought that maybe that would distract him.]

Amelia: (taunting) Okay (pointing towards him as a thumbs up), Mr. Volcanoooooo!!

[She kept her hand over her mouth quickly as he stared at her in disturbance. Then she pulled her ears as a gesture of sorry.]

Amelia: (slightly smiled while holding her ears) Sorry. (Whisper) Victor.