The ones who live hidden in plain sight (A discovery of witches story)

Dark blue (Andrew POV)

Andrew opened his eyes in the soft morning light, his mind still fogged with sleep. Beside him, Camille lay sound asleep, her breath even and peaceful. He stood still for a few moments letting it envelop him in a strange quietude. He would never have believed that a simple presence could have such an effect on him.

He sat up slowly, careful not to wake her, and got up to prepare breakfast. As he busied himself in the kitchen, the sound of movement in the bedroom made him look up. He couldn't help smiling. Don't get carried away.

A few minutes later, Camille appeared in the doorway, already ready for the day.

- Oh, that smells good.

- Coffee?" he offered, trying to keep his tone light.

- Yes, please. She approached him and thanked him gently: "Thank you for offering to let me sleep here.

- It's a pleasure.

He swallowed, looking away briefly. A pang of guilt crept up inside him. He shouldn't have... or maybe he should have. He just didn't know anymore.

They exchanged a few words over their coffee, until Camille looked at the time.

- I've got to go to the hospital.

He felt his tone change, a hint of urgency suddenly creeping in.

- No problem," he answered immediately. Thanks for agreeing.

She smiled at him, and he felt a shiver run down his spine.

- Oh," she said, lowering her eyes slightly. I'd do it again in a heartbeat. It's... I didn't mean it like that.

He laughed softly, and so did she.

- I understood the intention.

After she'd left, he got ready in turn, but as he gathered up his things, he noticed Camille's phone charger lying on the floor. She'd need it, that was certain. A glance at the clock confirmed that he could drop it off quickly before heading off to school.

The idea of seeing her in her element, at work, aroused an excitement in him that he didn't dare analyze. He wasn't yet ready to understand what that meant.

When he arrived at the hospital, he was let in without difficulty. He quickly found her. Camille was with Marcus. He stopped dead in his tracks. An unpleasant twinge knotted his stomach.

Please don't do this.

But it was too late. He had to face the truth. He couldn't go on lying to himself. He was looking for her, he wanted to be here, he wanted... what, exactly?

He forced himself out of his thoughts and Camille, seeing him, frowned slightly, worried.

- Are you all right ?

- Yes. You forgot your charger," he replied, trying to sound normal, despite Marcus' heavy gaze.

- I could have... thank you. I hope you won't be late for class.

She was glowing. And that disturbed him more than he dared admit.

- No, but I have to go," he replied hastily. See you... next time.

He instantly hated himself. She didn't deserve to keep so much from him. But how to tell her? How could he explain to her that he was a wizard? That a hidden world existed, that he was part of it?

He stepped outside, taking a deep breath. He had a busy day ahead, but at least it would keep him occupied.

In the evening, after a long day of classes and responsibilities, he would spend another part of his evening brooding. Camille, her smile. The feeling he'd had when he'd seen her with Marcus. He needed to talk, and he knew exactly who to turn to.

He set off, his anxiety growing as he approached the family home. He was lucky: his mother was in the garden. He slowed when he saw her, and suddenly the child in him took over, wanting a hug immediately.

- Hi, mom.

She turned to him, clearly surprised.

- Andrew? Are you... are you all right?

- Not... no.

He couldn't finish his sentence. A ball of emotion swelled in his chest, and he felt his eyes mist up. His mother didn't ask any questions. She simply opened her arms.

- Come here.

He let himself go against her, inhaling her familiar scent, releasing what he hadn't wanted to admit until then.

They sat down in the study, and she waited patiently for him to speak.

- I know... I've met someone," he said at last. Camille.

The very mention of her name made his heart ache.

- I... she knows nothing about us, about magic. For her, everything's normal. And me... it's only been a month, but...

- Oh," breathed her mother with a tender smile.

- I didn't know what to expect when I started, but she's... You should see her, it's...

Her mother took her hand gently.

- The heart doesn't choose. It already has for you. But you can't be true to her if you keep everything from her.

- I can't!" he exclaimed, his throat tightening. In his world, everything's logical. Normal. I should have...

- Can you go back in time?

- No, but... Mom...

- I'm not saying it'll be easy. But if you want to be honest with her, she deserves the truth.

- I don't have the right to destroy her world just for... for me.

He didn't have time to continue, as his little sister's voice rang out from inside:

- Mom!

His mother glanced at him.

- Go ahead," he smiled.

Her mother hesitated. Anastasia didn't know he was there and...

- In fact, I'm going to..." he smiled in anticipation.

Without warning, he dashed into the house for a surprise hug.

- Andrew!" exclaimed Anastasia, surprised.

His mother looked at him, slightly worried.

- I won't have the answer tonight," he murmured. But thanks for listening.

And for the first time in hours, he felt a weight lighten in his chest.