Crimson Hearts

𝐸𝓁𝑒𝓋𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒽 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 ౨ৎ

Red and Bridget decided to hang out after dress shopping, leaving Chloe behind at the dorm. The two girls headed to a bustling carnival that was alive with vibrant colors and whimsical magic of wizards performing captivating tricks and illusions. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and cheerful music, mingling with the sweet aroma of cotton candy and popcorn.

As they wandered through the lively fairground, admiring the enchanting displays, Bridget turned to Red, her curiosity piqued. "You mentioned once that your mom is pretty strict. What's that like?"

Red hesitated, a shadow passing briefly over her face. "She's. . . well, she's never been the type to show much affection, and yea, I know she loves me, she just shows it differently."

Bridget nodded thoughtfully understanding the weight of those words. "If I were your mom, I would love to have a daughter who thinks for herself."

Red looked at Bridget, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. The unexpected kindness touched her deeply, and for a fleeting moment, she felt the warmth of the motherly love she had always longed for. Bridget noticed the emotion in Red's eyes and felt an urge to hug her, but she held back, knowing Red wasn't a hugger. Instead she put her hand on her shoulder and smiled.

"Thanks, Bridget. That means a lot," Red said softly, brushing away her emotions with a small, grateful smile, she gazed at her mother's teenage self, not ready to let go of this part of her life, knowing that soon she would become a cruel person.

They continued strolling through the carnival, taking in the sights and sounds. However, the cheerful atmosphere shifted when Red suddenly winced, clutching her head as a sharp familiar pain shot through her.

Red paused, in realization dawning on her. "Bridget, I think Hook might be here. Maybe you should go find him. I need to get back to Chloe."

Bridget looked concerned. "Are you okay? You've been getting these headaches a lot lately."

Red nodded, trying to reassure her. "I'm fine, really. Just . . . go enjoy the carnival with Hook. I'll be alright."

Bridget hesitated for a moment but then agreed, albeit reluctantly. "Okay, I'll see you later then. Take care, Red."

As Red made her way back to the dorm, the pain continued to throb in her head, a constant reminder of the tangled fate of web she was unwittingly pulling apart. Once she reached the dorm, she wasted no time in telling Chloe they needed to visit Glinda again to get answers.

༺༻

As soon as they entered, Red's frustration boiled over. "Why do I keep getting these pains when I separate Bridget and Hook? What does this have to do with me if I'm only related to Bridget?"

Glinda met Red's gaze with calm but penetrating eyes. Chloe tried to calm Red down, saying, "Red, we'll figure it out. Let's just hear what Glinda has to say."

But Red, tears brimming in her eyes, wasn't ready to back down. She was on the verge of a breakdown, her voice rising in desperation. "Why won't you tell us anything else? I keep having sharp pains every time I interrupt things that are suppose to happen between Bridget and Hook, why?"

A tense silence settled over the room as Red's words hung in the air. Suddenly, the truth seemed to click into place, and Red spoke in a trembling voice. "Is he my father?" she asked, her voice cracking as tears spilled over. She covered her face with her hands, overwhelmed by revelation.

Chloe hurried to her side, wrapping her arms around her, trying to provide comfort. Red remained on the floor for a few moments, taking deep breaths to calm herself, before she finally found the strength to stand up. Wiping her tears, she felt a rush of determination surge through her.

Unable to cope with the emotions surging through her, Red turned and ran out of the cottage, Chloe got on her heels.

༺༻

Red found herself sitting on a log in front of a tranquil river, trying to process the overwhelming truth. The gentle sounds of water lapping against the shore provided a soothing backdrop, but her mind was a whirlwind of confusion and pain. Chloe found her and sat beside her, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

Red's voice trembled as she spoke. "I can't believe that Hook is my father. How could my mom lie to me all these years?"

Chloe held her tightly, offering comfort and understanding. "She had her reasons, Red. But that doesn't change who you are. We'll figure this out together."

Red wiped her eyes, taking solace in Chloe's presence. "But I'm born much later. If the prank happens tomorrow, how will I be born if my mom won't talk to him again?"

༺༻

Meanwhile, back at the carnival, Bridget found Hook sitting on a bench, looking lost in thought. She approached him with a bright smile, "Hey, Hook. This place is amazing, isn't it?"

Hook looked up, forcing a smile despite the guilt gnawing at his conscience. "Yeah, it is. I'm glad you're enjoying it."

Bridget's excitement was infectious. "I'm so excited to go to the dance with you. It's going to be magical."

Hook felt a pang of guilt, knowing what was looming. He tried to maintain his composure and returned her smile. "I'm excited too," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

As the music swelled and filled the air, a lively tune prompted all the carnival-goers to dance. Hook took Bridget's hand, and they joined in, twirling and laughing amidst the crowd. He accidentally stepped on her foot, and as he apologized not just for the misstep, but for everything that was to come.

"I'm so sorry, Bridget," Hook said, sincerity in his voice.

Bridget laughed it off. "It's okay really. I'm having so much fun with you." She reassured him with a warm smile. "Do you want to head back to the dorm?"

Hook nodded, and they made their way back to Bridget's room. As they walked, Bridget chatted excitedly about the different acts they had seen, while Hook listened, trying to push aside the guilt that was threatening to overwhelm him. Bridget's hand in his warm and reassuring, and he couldn't help but steal glances at her as they strolled under the twinkling carnival lights.

He thought about how easily she laughed, how bright her eyes were when she talked about things she loved. It was moments like these that made the weight of his secret even heavier.

Once inside Bridget's room, they shared a tender kiss , their connection undeniable. But before I hinge could progress further, Bridget pulled back slightly. "I'm not feeling too well. Maybe we should just rest."

Hook nodded, grateful for the reprieve. "Of course princess, let's get some sleep." They settled on the bed, and Hook held Bridget close, her breathing soft and rhythmic against his chest. He stared at the ceiling, his mind racing with thoughts of what tomorrow would bring and the uncertainty that hung between them. Bridget, already half asleep, mumbled something unintelligible, and Hook gently brushed a strand of hair from her face.

"Goodnight, Princess," he whispered, "I love you." he said. Though sleep eluded him. His heart was heavy with the knowledge that their time together might be more complicated than he had ever anticipated. As he lay there, he vowed silently to find a way to protect her, no matter the cost.

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•So I absolutely hate the last chapter, so let's pretend it never existed. But thank you all so much for 5k reads 😭🤍

•I will be uploading another chapter tomorrow if I'm not busy!! Thank you all for the support