Crimson Hearts

𝒯𝒽𝒾𝓇𝓉𝑒𝑒𝓃𝓉𝒽 𝒞𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝑒𝓇 ౨ৎ

In the days following the humiliating prank at the dance, Bridget vanished from the social landscape of Merlin Academy. She didn't attend any of her classes and secluded herself in her dorm room, shrouding herself in darkness and solitude. The lively, bubbly girl that everyone knew seemed to have disappeared, replaced by someone colder and distant. She made a decision to return to Wonderland but planned to leave only after nine months.

During this period of isolation, Bridget's sister, Mirana, made a surprise visit to the academy. Upon arrival, Mirana rushed to Bridget's dorm, her heart aching at the thought of her sister suffering alone. As soon as Bridget opened the door and saw Mirana, the walls she had built around her crumbled, and she broke down in tears.

"Bridget, what's happened to you?" Mirana asked softly, wrapping her arms around her sister. Though their parents had always favored Mirana, Bridget harbored no resentment toward her. They had always been close, a bond that transcended their parents' preferences.

Through her sobs, Bridget confessed, "I'm pregnant, Mirana." Mirana's eyes widened in shock.

"Who's the father?" There was a pause until Bridget finally said something, "it's the guy I told you about, Hook."

"I wanted to tell him at the dance, but I never got the chance. He broke my heart before I say anything."

"Is there anyone who can help?" Bridget nodded, wiping her tears. "Glinda. She agreed to help me. But I don't know how to raise a kid by myself." She said between sobs.

Mirana considered her options carefully. "We can't keep the baby, Bridget. You know how our parents are, we can't keep it. Maybe we should leave the baby with someone you know."

Bridget knew who she meant, she shook her head, uncertain. "I don't want my child growing up with Hook, but. . . it seems like the best option."

༺༻

As the months passed, Mirana stayed by Bridget's side, caring for her. Bridget's once vibrant wardrobe shifted to darker hues—reds, blacks, and whites dominated her closet. Her hair, now a striking shade of red, mirrored her changing attitude and the emotional armor she had donned.

Meanwhile, the dynamics at Merlin Academy shifted. Uliana's group parted ways, and each person went their separate ways. Maleficent and Hades retreated into their own world, and it wasn't long before Maleficent cast her infamous curse on Aurora. Hook, however, vanished into the seas, distancing himself from the chaos he had left behind. Ella married Princess Charming and started a new life with him.

When Bridget learned she was having a boy, she was a loss for names. Eventually, she settled on "Harry," liking the sound of it and its simplicity.

༺༻

After giving birth, Bridget waited a week before making the heart—wrenching decision to leave her son in Hook's ship. Mirana insisted on doing it for her, but Bridget felt it was something she needed to do herself. She waited until winter, knowing the seas would be calmer and the ship docked.

Under the cover of darkness, Bridget approached Hook's ship, her heart pounding with each step. The ship was empty, the crew out for the night. She crept aboard, cradling Harry in her arms, and entered Hook's cabin. She placed Harry gently on the bed, making sure it was Hook's. She sat there for a bit, she stared down at Harry, kissed his small forehead, tears were forming in her eyes, she pushed them back and got up.

Bridget left a note beside Harry, her handwriting shaky but determined:

"Before you broke my heart, I needed to tell you something, you didn't let me explain so this is your explanation, this your child Hook, I think he's better off with you. You said you didn't care for me at all or loved me at all. But the least you could do is take care of him and raise him, I named him Harry, I thought it had a nice ring to it.