The Sadian Chronicles: Book 2: From Mercury To Venus

In the Name of Love: Part 1

I hope you

Chapter Two: In the Name of Love

By early May, Marianna's excitement grew in droves, not just the anticipation of receiving her degree in a few weeks or her job at a research lab, but for the first time in her life, she actually felt alive. Marcus was the cause of her new-found zest for life. She began to think about something other than work. She took time to notice the little things-- like smelling the flowers, gazing at the moon and talking about nothing with a lover that made her smile.

On the weekend before her graduation ceremony, Carla paid her a visit. To her surprise Carla found her occupied in the arms of a man she had never seen before.

"Oh, Carla, what a surprise," Marianna said, fumbling for her robe. "Honey, wake up," she directed to Marcus.

Carla turned her head, giggling at Marianna's embarrassment. "Take your time," she said.

Marcus ran into the bathroom, and Carla turned to see her once ward blushing. "You're a week early."

"Obviously," she said as she approached Marianna. "So who's the guy?" she asked as she sat down in a chair and crossed her legs. Her eyes told Marianna that Carla already knew.

"Just someone I've been seeing," Marianna said, trying to act, nonchalant, but Carla could see a peek of a smile come across Marianna's face.

"He must be pretty incredible to put a smile like that on your face," she said, reaching out a hand to her.

Marianna took it without hesitation. A few months ago she never would have done such a thing. She walked around the room as if she were in a daze. "You could say that," she said, not able to contain her joy. Then she turned towards Carla and pointed a finger. "It's all your fault."

"My fault?" Carla asked, playing the innocent.

"Yes, Carla," she said, standing next to her. "If you hadn't urged me to go on that camping trip, I would probably never have met Marcus."

"Then I stand guilty." Both women laughed as Marcus emerged from the bathroom fully dressed. "Hello," Carla said.

Marianna rushed to his side. She had kissed him goodbye before he had a chance to get away. "See you tonight," she said.

He nodded not saying a word that sent Carla into hysterics. "Lovely young man... but shy."

"It's one of his best traits," Marianna said, turning to Carla. "I have something to tell you, Carla," she continued. There was a seriousness in her voice. "I'm in love. For the first time in my life, I love somebody, but..."

"But what?" she said, rising from her seat. She put her arms around Marianna and hugged her. She looked into the face of her foster mother instead, "I think it's wonderful you're in love. Enjoy it."

"I can't," she said, pulling away from her. She walked over to her bed and sat down. "I just feel like sooner or later it will end, Carla. I haven't told him, about who I am and my past. I don't know if I can ever tell him."

"Just be honest," Carla said, sitting down next to her. She placed her arm around her shoulders. "If he loves you he'll understand."

"I'm just afraid he won't understand, and that scares me." She rose from the bed and stood with her back to Carla and folded her arms.

"What don't you think he'll understand?" Carla asked, rising from the bed to stand behind her.

"Where to start?" she said, turning in frustration. "Mother's murder, the catatonia, the deception, the drugs, seriously all of it, there are worse things I haven't told you. Some things I haven't even admitted it to myself, not out loud anyway."

"It doesn't matter," Carla said trying to reassure her. "The past is past, and you are who you are now. That's who he loves, and he wouldn't be with you if that wasn't true."

"I guess I'm just being silly," she said trying to force a laugh.

"That's the spirit," Carla said placing her hands on Marianna's arm. "Now, why don't you go change, and we'll go to lunch."

"Five minutes," Marianna said, making her way to the bathroom. Although it took more than five minutes for her to change Carla waited patiently.

Finally she exited the bathroom feeling and looking for fresher. "Is this better?"

"Yes, Mary," she said, relieved that Marianna was wearing some real clothes. "I wouldn't want you to get arrested." Both women laughed at the thought. "Shall we go?"

"Of course," Marianna said. "How does the Bistro sound to you?"

"It sounds lovely," Carla said in agreement. It was rare that she and Marianna did anything that was considered normal. After everything Marianna had been through since her mother died Carla wanted nothing more than to see the girl living a happy life.

Marianna enjoyed her afternoon with Carla. This was time of great joy for her. Her life had taken a new turn, one that both frightened her and intrigued her at the same time.

all like this scene. I had to write something with Marianna and Carla showing their mother and daughter relationship. There is more to come as we find out more about Marcus. Will it be good or bad? Find out next time.