Four Elements Book 3 - Sacrifice

Part 56

Isabelle switched the television off, plunging the Davis living room in silence for a moment.

"I've been thinking," Zarias said, his arm wrapped around her shoulders. They were sitting on the couch, alone. Robert was out with his female partner – Linda if he remembered correctly – , and Bane had been invited to dinner at Andie's. "You remember when we talked about me looking for my parents?"

"Yes," she replied, surprise in her voice. "Why?"

Zarias paused a moment, then said:

"I think I would like to know who they are," he said slowly. "Find out if they're happy..."

Isabelle let that sink in, then asked:

"Why the change of heart?"

"I think seeing Andie with her family made me wonder about mine." he said thoughtfully. "The one I might have had."

Isabelle curled up closer to him.

"Are you sure you're ready for what you might find out?" she asked carefully. "It's been twenty years... so much can happen in that time... Look at what happened to all of us in just these last two!"

"I know," Zarias agreed. "But after everything... I think knowing the truth, even if it's painful, is better than staying in the dark."

Isabelle looked up at him.

"Okay, then."

"And besides," he smiled. "You're here, and that helps."

Isabelle smiled.

"So. Where do you suggest we start looking?" Zarias inquired.

Isabelle's throat tightened abruptly. She bit her lip, her eyes searching Zarias's.

"Actually," she began slowly. "We don't need to."

Zarias blinked at her in confusion.

"What do you mean? Why not?"

Isabelle shifted so she was sitting up straight.

"Now... Please don't be mad..." she said. "But, when we talked about it that day and you said you didn't want to find out who they were... you looked so sad, I-I thought I would look into it for you... just in case you changed your mind..."

If Zarias had looked shocked when she'd told him about the scholarship, it was nothing compared to his expression now. Isabelle tried, unsuccessfully, to determine whether he was angry or not. She hated that she couldn't tell.

"Are you mad? I know I overstepped, but-"

"How did you know I'd change my mind?"

"Well, it's only human to be curious... we all want to know where we come from. It's often what happens when you're adopted, for example. You want to know why your parents didn't raise you themselves."

It took Zarias a second to find his voice again.

"Did you find anything?"

Isabelle pulled a paper from her handbag, which had so far lain forgotten on by the door.

"I found their address. I haven't contacted them, though."

He looked away, his eyes bright with uncertainty.

"What if they don't remember me?"

"Of course they'll remember you!" Isabelle assured. "Parents never forget their child! But you don't have to if you're not ready."