Meet in The Space Between ✔️

12

Hands, put your empty hands in mine
And scars, show me all the scars you hide
And hey, if your wings are broken
Please take mine so yours can open too
________________

FAIRY GODMOTHER called us later that night. I had to put her on speaker so everyone could properly hear her.

"Well, Emma." She was saying, "I had a talk with your mother. It took some persuading, but she's okay with you staying at Auradon Prep for a little while. She has agreed to cooperate with some of my questions but has refused to leave the house."

Emma gave everyone a meek look. "Yeah. I'm not surprised." She said, "Mom isn't a very open person."

"Do you think you know why?"

"I think it's just post traumatic stuff, you know?" Emma answered, "She's afraid. If the whole Maleficent thing didn't happen, I bet she would've stayed indoors for the rest of her life."

We heard the Fairy Godmother sigh. "Well, I hope eventually she'll understand that I'm not here to harm her. That she can trust me." She said.

Emma bit her bottom lip. "Yeah uh, good luck with that." She said, clearly not believing it could happen, "I appreciate everything though."

"Of course, darling... oh and, two more things." The Fairy Godmother continued on, "I have the barrier on strict regulations. No going in and out for any reason. Cause the second someone decides to open it, Maleficent would be able to use her powers."

Everyone nodded in understanding, though they knew she couldn't see us.

But doesn't that mean no one will never cross over ever again?

"And I'm gonna need your help tomorrow. I'm trying my best to find a spell- or anything that can remove the curse without having to travel to the Isle. If you all can meet me in front of the museum tomorrow, I'd be very happy."

We looked at each other.

"Sure." Jay said, "We have nothing else to do. What time?"

"Hm... My daughter is gonna be back on campus and I'm spending time with her in the morning... 2:00pm?"

"Sounds good." Mal said, "Will Ben come?"

"Preferably." Fairy Godmother replied, "I'd need all the help I can get."

"Hey, uh, Fairy Godmother?" I said, sitting up.

"Yes, dear?"

"When you visited Brisa..." I swallowed, "Did she talk about me, by any chance?"

"Not really. I tried coaxing your backstory out of her, but she was very clever at changing the subject... Sorry, Brae."

"It's alright." I smiled sadly, "Have a good night, Fairy Godmother."

"Thank you for everything." Evie added.

"My pleasure. Goodnight."

And the line went dead.

"You guys owe me a detailed explanation." Dizzy said, uncharacteristically demanding as I pocketed my phone.

Evie smiled at her. "I'll fill you in later, okay? But you better take your shower before the hot water runs out."

I turned to Emma. "You'll be staying in my room." I told her, "Mal has offered to take up the couch."

Emma smiled shyly at the purple haired girl. "Are you sure that's okay?"

Mal laughed. "It's my favorite couch, don't worry."

Carlos came and pulled me into a tight hug. "Goodnight, love."

I reached up and cupped his checks. "Goodnight, freckles. Say hi to Dude for me."

He chuckled. "Sure thing." He said, before turning more serious, "Are you gonna be okay?"

"Yes." I told him, softening at the sight of his genuine concern, "Thank you, Carlos. Really. Thank you."

He smiled. "Anytime."

I turned towards Jay, who looked very much dumbfounded as he stared at us.

"Jay?" I questioned.

Jay blinked. "Sorry." He said, scratching the back of his neck, "It's just- watching you and Carlos- I don't think I'll ever be able to be like that with Lonnie."

Evie placed a hand on his shoulder. "Hey, don't stress too much about it. If it's meant to be, it'll work itself out. The best love comes unexpectedly."

Jay exhaled, then gave Evie a quick hug. "Okay. I'll try keeping that in mind. And I'll text her. Thanks, E. You're the best."

Wow. Jay's soft side is really showing its face today.

"Thank you guys for today." Emma spoke up, "Sorry if I was a bother."

Both Carlos and Jay assured her it was great having her around and started collecting their stuff.

"Goodnight you two!" Mal called, waving as Jay and Carlos headed out the door.

Emma and I retreated into my room. It was a strange feeling to have my sister, who I did not know existed until literally this morning in my personal space. So much as happened today. It's gonna need some time to digest.

"Okay. This is either gonna sound stupid or rude." Emma said suddenly, "But are you and Carlos dating?"

I cracked a smile at her innocent question. "Yeah."

"Okay cause all that affection was confusing me."

I allowed myself to laugh slightly, flopping down on my bed.

"Can I be honest?" She continued, "Just to kill off all the awkwardness?"

I raised a curious eyebrow. "Okay."

"When Mom had to explain to me about the whole... Maleficent thing, she made it seem like you were a really bad person."

Oh.

"She was afraid of meeting you, because she thought- well, she thought growing up on the Isle would mean you're essentially evil. She didn't even know you were enrolled at Auradon Prep."

I shrugged, not knowing what to say.

"There's more." Emma said, "But it's not mine to tell. Maybe someday she'll find the courage to tell you about your backstory. Give her time."

She said the same during the car ride. It was obvious she wanted me to know. But I nodded. I didn't want to push it.

"But hanging out with you today- and the rest of your pals." She smiled timidly, "I think you're all pretty nice."

I smiled too. "I'm glad we changed your mind."

She paused, then reached her hand out boldly.

"Sisters?"

I sat up and scooted over to shake her hand.

"Sisters." I agreed.

And just like that, a fraction of the wall between us collapsed.