Leave {z.m.}

Ten

December 3, 1887

I told my mother that I did not wish to be married at all. The very thought of it was repulsive. I cannot fathom marrying a man at this very moment. Today is my sixteenth birthday and birthdays should be filled with happiness; this was quite possibly the worst birthday I had ever lived through. 

"Gemma," she spoke my name with utmost enthrallment. 

"What do you want, mother?"

"Your grandmother is here to visit with you. You will be on your best behavior and act like a young lady for once," she scolded. 

I did not bother replying and I waited in my room for my grandmother to appear. I see her as more of a mother of mine than my own mother. 

"Happy Birthday, dearest Gem."

I smiled and brought her close for a warm, much needed hug. 

"Just one more year, grandmother," I reminded her excitedly. 

"Now, Gemma. You mustn't hurry them. If they do not come just as you turn seventeen, you mustn't fret. They will come, but not exactly when you are expecting them to."

"I want to experience my full potential." 

She smiled at me while shaking her head. "You are just like I was, Gem. I could not wait for them. Once you receive them, you  shall feel more connected with life all around you. It is truly an amazing feeling. You must learn to control them though. If you cannot, I will be forced to take them away from you."

"I know, I know. I'll control them, I promise." "

Do not promise me; promise yourself. You will be very strong; you may even be too strong for yourself." "

I know the risk. I have done all of my research all these years just like you told me to. I still have another year to learn more. I know I can control them," I swore.

"I sure hope you can, sweetheart. Being a sorceress comes with a price............"

My head snapped downwards as I broke out of the flashback that did not belong to me. I have not experienced one of those for years, not since my mum died. 

"Zayn?" I glanced up to see Adelaide eyeing me cautiously. 

"Yes?" 

"Are you okay? You were freakishly spacing out for like ten minutes straight."

I sighed, "I am fine. It was nothing. Are you ready to go?" 

"I think so. Let me gather all of my things." 

My eyes followed every movement she made as she retraced the steps to the other room. I needed to know how she received something from Gemma. How is she connected to her? I could not ask her though. She would probably not know anyway; if she did know, I am not certain that would be any better.

"Hey, can I ask something?" 

She returned and I answered her with a simple nod. She set her suitcases down on the floor beside her and slipped her phone into her pocket. She took the book from me and used her index finger as a bookmark whilst I held the actual bookmark. One of her nicely shaped eyebrows raised as she stared at me.

"Why were you obsessing over that thing?" 

I did not know how to reply. 

"It's a gift from my cousin. It was passed down the line of her family so I would appreciate if you would give it back." 

Her voice did not sound rude; in fact, she said this with a smile. I could not return her smile though.

She was involved in Gemma's bloodline.