Epiphany: Reminiscence

IX. Calamity

It's been three days since Flavia came to London and started living in Lucia's apartment. During this time, nothing unusually happened but Lucia's inner sight evolved even more, now being able to see a multitude of creatures which otherwise would stay hidden.

Flavia decided to train her niece into the basis of the magical arts, even if Lucia herself didn't even want to hear about it. That is why, ever since Flavia announced her purpose, Lucia begun spending most of her time outside. It didn't matter what she did. She just didn't want to stay in the house and keep having Flavia try to persuade her into this life, to which the fairies obviously agreed, since it meant their mistress would regain the strength they knew her to have.

That is the reason as to why she stood all alone on a bench in the nearest park. She was trying to memorise the lines of the character she was to play, Grace. There were only two weeks left until the premiere of the play so she tried her best to perfect this role.

But she often thought about things that she shouldn't now when she wished to focus on her job. She realised that her life became more and more tangled in this magic concept and tried to realise when did she first come in contact with it. That was also when she met Ethan, whom she initially hated. But now, that she hasn't seen him in the last few days, she couldn't say with the same determination that she hated him.

He was childish at times, but also serious and intense during the important moments. She also wanted to punch him several times, his attitude infuriating her sometimes, but she couldn't help but remember that sad child side of his which he showed to her that day, while he kept apologising to her for something she did not know. To her, he was indeed a fascinating being, but the fact that he was in love with the woman known as Seraphine made her frown.

The way he talked about her and the way his eyes lit up with happiness each time he spoke her name... It made her finally realise that this kind of man exists. To yearn for someone you can't hold anymore, it must have been frustrating. She tried to image it but the closest thing she could relate to was that she herself couldn't have her parents near her. It made her sympathise to him, since she somehow related to his pain.

And yet, he saw Seraphine in herself, which must have added to his pain greatly. Each time he looked at her, she thought, he must have felt that sting in his heart as he knew she was gone. She was different from Seraphine, but she felt everyone expect her to become that woman. Ethan, Bluebell, Nightshade, even Flavia... They must have had expectations for her, but as long as they were regarding the magic world, she would refuse to answer them. She was Lucia D'Heur, an actress, not a witch. She was the future, not the past in which illusions lived...

"I may be a really selfish being..." She thought, sighing.

"Lucia, is that you?" A familiar voice surprised her, making her curse as she recognised it. "It really is you! What a coincidence meeting you here."

The one that came walking slow steps towards her was none other than Al, with his blazing fire around his shoulders. As usual, he smiled playfully to Lucia.

"What are you doing here? Stopped after a walk?"

"Ah, yes... I am taking a stroll," she said, hoping that he would understand her tone and just leave her alone. Meeting him right here made her wonder again if he was really a stalker, but he didn't seem that type of guy, even if he still had that dangerous look in his eyes.

"That's cool," he said, seating himself next to Lucia on the bench. Almost like an instinct, she moved closer to the edge. "The weather is nice today. It would be a pity not enjoying it," he added, looking to the sky.