Once again I found myself sitting in my cell hugging my knees to my chest on the verge of a breakdown as I pondered everything that happened with the council. The confirmation of my "power" was pretty damning evidence, even if it was false. If Michael's speech was any indication, the council had already made up their minds about me.
Would anyone tell Stella what had happened? I was supposed to be home by now for my birthday dinner was Stella worried about me yet?
The image of her frantically pacing to and from the front the door waiting anxiously for me to show up was enough to make my insides twist. The thought that I may never see her again was enough to make me feel like throwing up. I was ready to burst into tears when a knock on the glass that separated me from the outside world caused my head to jolt up in surprise, interrupting my spiraling thoughts.
I looked up to see Michael standing in front of my cell his hands clasped behind his back as he looked down at me his eyes filled with concern instead of the contempt I was expected.
"What, are you here to tell me to slit my wrists or something" I spoke sarcastically immediately on guard at his unexpected visit.
He looked down at the ground as if ashamed to look me in my eyes I almost didn't hear him as he said his next words softly "I would never want you to hurt yourself pheeny." I tensed at the use of my old nickname.
Could he really remember me? No, I probably just heard him wrong.
"I don't know who you're talking to because my name is Bella," I said icily trying to keep my face impassive.
He pulled the stool that Dr. Pewter had previously been sitting on close to my cell and sat down, looking at me with a mournful expression.
"Seraphina Beladin don't play games with me I'd recognize you anywhere even if you were a hundred years old and had died your hair purple I'd still look in your eyes and see the girl I used to chase after for hours in Pindle forest, I swear I thought your power would be invisibility because it was so hard to find you once you ran through those trees." His mouth tilted up into a sad half smile as he recalled happy moments from our childhood.
"What happened to you Seraphina your parents said when you discovered your power they were too intense for you to handle so you had a mental breakdown and ran away before they could stop you, they sent people out to look for you but they never found you, everyone thinks you died". He stared at me expectantly most likely waiting for an explanation for my years of absence but all I offered was a humourless laugh.
So that's what happened after I left, my parents found a way to show the world they had a powerful daughter while effectively ridding themselves of the embarrassing truth that they had a powerless child. I was willing to bet whoever was sent to search for me was given specific instructions to come back empty handed. I felt like I should feel something maybe anger or hurt at their actions but I no longer felt anything towards the two people who were supposed to love me the most but cast me aside instead. Stella was my true family, I didn't need anyone else.
Michael sighed when he realized I wasn't going to offer an explanation. "Look If you don't want to tell me what happened I won't force you I can tell whatever happened changed you but I also refuse to believe the sweet girl I once knew has turned into a terrorist, I'm going to talk with some people and see if I can get you out of here".
I raised an eyebrow at this still on guard. "But I thought you believed I was guilty," I said remembering his chilling speech where he basically told me he wanted me dead.
He looked sheepish for a moment rubbing the back of his neck and avoiding my eyes. "Sorry about that I realized I may have to break you out of here and I didn't want anyone to think I supported you in any way so no one would be suspicious of me later on when you miraculously escape" He explained.
He glanced down at his watch and frowned before standing up to leave. He stared at my face for one long moment as if memorizing my features before turning around and making his way towards the staircase.
"Bye Mikey" I spoke just loud enough for him to hear.
He stopped his foot resting on the first step. "See you soon Pheeny" he responded without turning around and continued up the stairs leaving me with a small spark of hope burning in my chest.
YOU ARE READING
Synthetic Magic
Aventura(NOT FINISHED) In a world where every child is born with a magical gift Seraphina is born powerless. Shunned by her parents and the city she calls home she isolates herself and finds a new home with a sorceress in Darkling woods. When the city is at...
