The Blue Pendant

Part One

Dear Roman,

I don't know how things became this way. I don't know why our relationship was so damaged and difficult, but I fear the blame for it rests of me. Apologizing for everything I've missed out on and everything I screwed up on isn't nearly enough but I'm sorry with every inch of my being. You've been hurt in ways I'll never know or understand and I hate myself for it.

Despite everything that happened between us, please know that I only want you to be happy and safe. I know you hate everything that has to do with magic but what I'm giving to you is only used for protection. It's kept me safe for years and years. Now, I hope you'll allow it to do the same for you.

I love you, Roman, from the tips of my fingers to the center of my soul.

Love forever,

Mom

Roman dropped the letter back onto his bed and picked up the necklace that lay there as well. He ran his fingers over the gold curls holding the bright blue stone. It was shaped like a teardrop and the stone seemed to glimmer and shift colors. Even after years of living with her and years of growing and maturing, he still couldn't figure out his mother. Why would she leave him a necklace she knew he'd never use. She knew he would never accept one of her ridiculous magical items.

Light from the window flickered across the gem. He could feel the familiar tingle of magic spark beneath his fingertips. Along with the tingle came feelings of disgust and anger. With a now tight grip on the necklace, Roman began to raise his hand ready to fling the jewelry across the room. His arm didn't even make it past his waist before a soft, feminine voice stopped him.

"How are you holding up, dear?"

In the doorway stood his grandmother. As he stared at her now, Roman couldn't help but realize just how much she looked like a witch. Her gray-green eyes gleamed with knowledge. The clothes she wore were all loose and usually dark in color. On her hands and wrists were dozens of rings and bracelets, each with their own special magical properties. Around her neck was a silver chain with a purple pendant similar to the one in his hand. Her white hair was braided and wrapped neatly around her head. The wrinkles on her face deepened as she smiled at him. As always she was welcoming but today sadness seeped into her expression.

"I'm..." With a sigh, Roman dropped onto the bed. "I don't know, Grandma. It's hard to believe that she's actually gone."

"I know," she whispered, her smile disappearing. "I'm sorry you weren't able to talk to her one last time. It's difficult to get closure when you're denied a final conversation."

Roman laughed sarcastically. "A final conversation wouldn't have fixed all the issues we had. In fact, it probably wouldn't have changed anything. Mom was someone who pawned me off on you all the time just so she could practice magic and get 'stronger'."

Sylvia rushed over to her grandson and wrapped him in a tight hug. "She loved you, Roman, I'm sure she did. She loved us both."

He could hear the tears in her voice and although every part of him wanted to tell his grandmother that she was wrong, he simply nodded and returned a hug just as tight.

The two stayed like that until someone came up to let them know they were leaving in a half hour. Sylvia stood, wiped her tears, and left to finish getting ready with one last kiss on the cheek.

Once he was alone again, Roman took a moment to gain control of his emotions. He had to be strong for his grandma at the very least. After all, this was over he would find a good bar and drink himself under a table. With that resolve in mind, Roman grabbed his suit out of his suitcase. His grandmother had sent it to him along with the note explaining that his mother was dead.