Fall Into Me

..XVII..

The island wasn't much of an island really, a tiny strip of land with some greenery and sand. It was close enough that they could swim to it, but Mona wasn't allowed to, a fact she mocked and rolled her eyes about, so they went to the shore in a smaller speedboat that came out of the side of the yacht.

Almost as soon as they got there, Lorelei pulled Minerva to the side, away from everyone else. When they were safely out of hearing range, she spoke gently and quietly, removing any risk of being overheard.

"Your mother sent a message."

Her words made Minerva's heart skip and she swayed a little on her feet. She missed her parents terribly.

"She said she loves you so much, that she knows how hard this is, but it will get better. Your dogs are okay - Cricket still had his surgery and is recovering really well. Cleo has been a little difficult to handle, but Naru helps to calm her down. That's all."

Minerva let out a huge breath, rubbing the heel of her palm into her eye tiredly.

"Thank you, Lorelei," she said. It didn't matter how well she was sleeping currently, Minerva seemed to always be tired. The feeling stemmed from inside her brain, thundering down her spine and wrapping around her like a weighted blanket. Hearing from her mother had brought tears to her eyes, and she was too exhausted to hide them.

"I know what it's like," Lorelei said quietly, "having someone you love forget you and feeling that when they remember, nothing will be the same. But you'd be surprised at how stubborn some people are. And what you need to remember, is that what you did was what kept you alive. It kept you afloat. You can't feel bad about it when any other option would've meant your death."

Minerva peered at Lorelei, hating that her words had struck a chord within her, that they made perfect sense. Her brain didn't like it either, already complaining about it, denying it, scoffing and telling her how untrue it was. Minerva was sick of it.

"From what I've seen, Mona won't judge you for it. She seems keen to love you and the only thing stopping her, is you."

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" Helena's voice dried Minerva's tears instantly. Lorelei leaned slightly to the right to peer around her.

"Of course you'd interrupt," Lorelei grumbled, "no. Not on your own."

"Lori, I'm not going to kill her. Or anyone."

"Not what it sounded like earlier."

"I know and I want to explain."

Lorelei made a gesture for her to go ahead. Minerva refused to turn around to face her, folding her arms across her chest and staring ahead.

"I didn't mean it how it sounded. I've spent so long trying to keep Mona alive, testing her food, her drink, even her clothes. I shouldn't have reacted that way, and I know I need to calm down," Helena sounded nervous, but Minerva just didn't have the energy to deal with her emotions. "I'm so used to checking everything, because they kept trying to kill her. I'm sorry." Lorelei's gaze shifted to Minerva, waiting for her answer.

"Your protection isn't necessary," Minerva was cold as she spoke, "unless we're not as safe as we've been told," her eyes shot to Lorelei.

"You're safer, actually. I can't tell you how, but you are."

"Keep your hands to yourself, Helena," Minerva snapped, "I understand; Mona is beautiful and wonderful, but she isn't yours. I'm still doubting that she's mine, but you don't get a right to insert yourself in any way."

"I'm not doing that!" Helena protested, "I promise. I need to stop being so protective, that's all."

"Your job is to keep us healthy, yes?" Minerva turned to her finally, seeing the guilt written all over Helena's face.