Scarred

Chapter 3

Eva's POV
Tomorrow comes sooner than I was expecting. And that means returning to the capital. But I'm the bright side, I won't have to travel so far whenever I want to see Flynn, he'll be right there, similarly to when we were kids. Back then we were each other's punching bags, I'd like to think we've both matured since then, but I'm beginning to doubt it with Flynn.

I do have to prepare a birthday present for him soon, I have another month but he's turning sixteen soon. Which is crazy because I'm not even fifteen yet. I suppose that's just what happens when you befriend people outside of school, you're not stuck with people born in the same year as you, you get to know people older and (though I don't) younger than you.

I don't pack much in my bag. Instead, I pack some essentials and a couple books, including Sebastian's journal. Cas' bag is in a similar state, just minus the books.

I don't like the fact I have to say goodbye to Maven and Charlie so soon, but we plan to call each other, and it's not a huge journey to get back here, just a short train ride or a longer walk.

"Don't get hurt, that goes for all of you. Even you Alice," Maven laughs.
"I swear, if I hear anything about the lost princess appearing again, I'll break into the palace and drag you two home myself. Okay?"
"We'll make sure you don't have to do that Charlie. But don't worry, we'll be fine," I reply.
"Promise?"
"We promise," Cas says as I nod.

When the train arrives, I almost have to tear myself out of Maven's arms. It hurts to do, Uncle Maven is what I called him as a kid, but he's evolved into something close to a father figure for me. Charlie has too, but I've known Maven so long, longer than even I can remember.

"I'll visit soon," I whisper.
"You better."

"It's okay to cry y'know," mum says quietly as I watch them drift out of my sight.
"Tell that to them," I reply with a bitter laugh. "At least I won't be causing them any trouble whilst out here."
"Yeah, cause all you do is cause them trouble," Cas laughs. "Remember that fight we go into, it was at that business trip Maven took us to. He had to apologise so much and he hasn't gone to one since."
"One, that was both of our faults. Two, I'm glad he didn't go back, his coworkers were jerks."
"True, that was before he met Charlie, wasn't it?"

"Yeah... he was still mourning James quite badly then. It's a shame he can't come visit."
"What?" Mum asks.

Oh shoot.

"Okay, I'll tell you but you can't tell Maven. You can't!"
"I won't, it's okay Eva, I won't."
"Well... we found out that James is alive. He's an officer in Cassie and Hunter's home town."
"Yeah and he almost arrested Eva for stealing some pastries. You didn't give them back, did you?"
"Umm... no...you can't blame me though, James invited us to his house and then he gave us that letter and then we had to go see Ada's brothers."

"About that letter... why didn't you just come home and show it to me?"
"Well I asked Uncle Jake about her... and it was very clear that she would likely hurt you if you went. I just didn't want you to get hurt."
"So you let yourself get hurt instead?"
"That's not what I intended to happen. I didn't want to reveal that I was your daughter...but how come you showed up so quickly?"

"Wait a sec! Were you the person I thought was following us?" Cas sputters.

Mum stays silent as she looks down, almost as if she's embarrassed by it.

"I would've told you, but I knew you'd find a way to visit her at some point. I thought I would be able to stop her before she hurt you, but I got lost in the crowd and then wasn't sure of where I was going."
"Well I suppose it was for the best... if you didn't, Cas and I could've remained stuck there for who knows how long. And I don't think I could've stayed there for another hour, let alone several more days."
"Well I'll make sure she never gets to either of you again."
"Thanks..."