Shadowheart

Chapter 17

Friday, start of the weekend. It's the best day for her to find out more of herself... She grabs her schoolbag and goes downstairs. She sees luggage bags, and her father pushes her out of the stairs, dropping to the floor.

-"Move away, punk, we're going on vacation!"

Dahlia gets up, seeing her dad wearing a floral shirt and shorts... Stereotypical tourist outfit. Her mother comes in from the kitchen.

-"Max, don't forget my makeup!"

-"Yeah, yeah, I'll make up when I hit the jackpot."

Maxie goes back upstairs as Caitlyn helps Dahlia up.

-"You ok?"

-"Mom... Where are you guys going?"

-"We're going to Vegas. Your dads friends invited him to gamble over there and-"

-"Wait, gamble? Mom, dad's gonna wage off everything if he steps in there!"

-"I'll make sure he doesn't spend every dime."

-"Oh, will you now?"

Caitlyn sighs. -"I wish..."

-"Mom... If... There's something you're not telling me... Would you tell me at some point?"

-"What do you mean?"

Maxie shouts loudly -"Where's your makeup purse!"

-"My bathroom!" Caitlyn turns to Dahlia.

-"Mom..."

-"Dahlia. I know... I know things are complicated... But... I know you're in senior year and I know this is hard for you. It's always been. I just want to let you know that..."

-"Stop being such a sugarwuss to punk girl and let's go." Maxie comes down the stairs, interrupting Caitlyn as he picks up the luggage.

-"Mom... It's ok, you got a vacation to-" Dahlia gets interrupted by a hug. A hug from her mother. Years and years of abuse that Dahlia endured from her fathers abuse and her mother didn't bat an eye. Her insecurities held her back from letting Dahlia know that she cares. Caitlyn shows Dahlia the affection she longed for... Her mothers embrace. Shaken... She returned the hug, tearing up.

-"I love you Dahlia. I always have... I always will."

-"I... I... Love you too, mom..."

-"Now... Be a good girl. You know how to make the roast, right?"

-"Yes, and the stew... And chicken..." Dahlia sniffles.

-"Wonderful." Caitlyn opens the door and leaves with Maxie with the luggage. -"Don't be late for school!"

Caitlyn and Maxie get in the car and drive off on their trip to Vegas. Dahlia weakly waved at her mother as they drove off. This is bizarre. How come for the first time in years... Years of abuse and neglect her mother has shown love and care for her? All she got in her mind were two words...

Half breed.

Does she know? Does Caitlyn know about Dahlias gift? She paced on her house... Thinking. Arms just like his... A black aura shrouding her... Lord Volgath... Half breed... She couldn't resist. Dahlia took her school bag and went running. Running to a different route, back to downtown Saint León, where the public library was. Dahlia stepped inside the vast halls that were even larger than city hall itself. Dahlia came forth to the old librarian with a plaid sweater and receded hair on the front desk, who spoke with a Scottish accent.

-"Excuse me, good morning sir."

-"Ah, such a lovely young lass. What can I do for you today?"

-"Do you have any books of... Demonology? And any reference to a... "Volgath"?"