Nova's Universe

Chapter 13 (2014)

Aoede

"DeeDee, hi." I looked up from my knees where I'd been resting my head when I heard Mum's gentle voice coming through the fireplace. "What was so urgent you needed to talk through the fire?"

"Hi, Mum." I waved awkwardly, unsure of what to say. After the incredible night in the Forest with Noah, I'd been desperate to talk to her, so I sent a fire message asking if we could chat. Now that I saw her face in the flames, I worried I might have rushed into it.

"You sound nervous," Mum said, a frown creasing her brow.

"I just wanted to tell you that Noah asked me to the Ball," I blurted out, trying my best to smile. Hopefully, she wouldn't notice the Ball was the least of my concerns.

"See, I told you he would!" she exclaimed.

Mum was the first person I confided in about Noah and me, after Jenna of course. I told her everything, and Dora too.

Sometimes I confided in Dora first to get her opinion because I overthink things, and my little sister has a knack for grounding me.

I also asked Mum to break the news to Dad about Noah because the thought of a boy talk with him was mortifying. It was bad enough when Dora blurted out my crush on Noah in front of him. I still remember the horror on his face, his mind struggling to grasp that his little girl was old enough to fancy boys. I could practically see the lecture forming in his head, about boys and crushes and love, but Mum just gave him a look that told him she already handled it.

I hadn't been home since Noah and I started dating, and even though I knew Mum had told Dad, I wasn't sure I was ready to face him. I knew he'd look at me with those sad eyes of his, lamenting how his little girl was growing up too fast.

"But why don't you sound excited?" Mum interrupted my thoughts. "I thought you wanted to go to the Ball with him?"

"I am, I do," I sighed, struggling to explain.

"Was it how he asked you?"

"No, Mum, it was perfect. He took me to the Forest..." I saw her eyes widen in alarm at the mention of the Forest. I knew that would be another secret she'd keep from Dad. "Oh, Mum, don't give me that look! You know you were in there more than one can count."

"Alright, alright," she said, clearing her throat. "I admit it. But I also know the dangers that lurk in the Forest, hence the look."

"He took me to a clearing, Mum, and there was a unicorn! It was breathtaking. I almost cried! And then it came right up to me, Mum, and let me touch its mane. I wanted to scream and jump for joy! It was so soft and beautiful, it makes me tear up just thinking about it. And then Noah asked me to the Ball. He was so sweet and a little nervous, which just made it even more special."

"Sweetheart, that sounds absolutely magical," Mum said, clapping her hands excitedly. "Knowing you, seeing a unicorn was probably more exciting than the Ball invitation itself, but it was a lovely gesture from Noah. I bet it took a lot of effort to find one."

"Yeah, he said Hagrid helped him out."

"DeeDee, I'm so happy for you that one of your biggest dreams came true," Mum said, her voice trailing off. "But..."

"Nova, love, you coming to bed?" I heard Dad's voice in the background.

"Just having a chat with DeeDee, Char," Mum giggled.

"Oh, sorry to interrupt, girls. Love you, DeeDee, good night!" Dad's face appeared briefly in the fire. "I'll be upstairs," he whispered to Mum before walking away.