Meet in The Space Between ✔️

31

I hate you, I hate you, I hate you, but I was just kidding myself
Our every moment, I start to replace
'Cause now that they're gone, all I hear are the words that I needed to say
___________________

I WAS delighted when I woke up to Emma calling me out of the blue. The two weeks that has passed was aimless and foggy and numb.

"Hey. I'm coming over."

I yawned, turning over in my duvet. "What?"

"I said I'm coming over. I got some news, big sissy." She chirped, "Actually I'm just like- two minutes away and you sound like you just woke up, so get changed."

"Fine. The parentals coming too, little scrunch?"

"Yup. Now get your rear in gear."

I don't know if I was supposed to be anxious about seeing the parents but I did as told. I hurried to the door when the doorbell rang.

"I'm coming to school!" was the first thing that came out of Emma's mouth before she attacked me with a hug.

"Huh?"

"No more home schooling!" She grinned, releasing me, "Mom enrolled me into Auradon Prep!"

I turned to Brisa for confirmation. She nodded, smiling slightly. And I beamed. Wow.

Suddenly, Jon held his hand out. "Nice to meet you, Braelyn."

I hesitated, then shook my stepdad's hand. "Nice to meet you too." I replied politely, "Uh, come in. If you want."

"Actually." Brisa spoke up, "Is it okay if I talk to you?"

I blinked, pointing at myself. "Me?"

"Yeah. If that's okay."

It was the first time she's looked at me right in the eye and I didn't know if I should be intimidated or touched.

Evie appeared behind me. "Hey there."

"Hey E." I was relieved at her arrival, "Do you mind inviting Em and her dad in?"

"Yeah of course."

I closed the door behind me, then turned awkwardly to Brisa as we stood on the porch. "You wanted to tell me something?"

"Jon and I are moving away."

"Oh?"

I watched her fidget with her hands as she spoke quietly. "I just feel..." She sighed, "I'm a terrible mother."

I didn't know what to say. Am I supposed to comfort her or reply with a honest heck yeah you are?

"Emma has been so much happier with you. More than she'll ever be with someone like me. So I decided enrolling her here would do her good." Brisa continued sadly, "I guess I've been hiding so long that I've been disregarding everyone else. And that includes you."

"What exactly are you hiding from?" I asked.

She paused, then answered "Myself, mostly".

Intrigued by her choice of words, I let her continue.

"Braelyn. Your father was... very mean to me." She said, "He'd use me... both mentally and physically..." She glanced up like she was hoping I'd catch on. "It wasn't exactly my choice to have you."

My throat went dry. "So you're saying... he raped you?" I croaked.

She nodded slowly. "I neglected you, Braelyn. But I want you to understand that it was because I was... terrified of you. Whenever I looked at you, all I saw was him. You were his baby, after all." She looked up at me. "And in all honesty, Braelyn, I've never really gotten over that trauma."

"And that's why leaving me on the Isle was... easy for you." I finished for her.

Something in me stirred. I wasn't angry. In fact there was relief that came with understanding how it all happened. I finally got an answer.

"But Braelyn, you've proved me so wrong." She stared at me, then hesitantly touched my cheek, "You are nothing like your father. None of his wickedness passed on to you. I'm sorry... for doubting you could be any more than the horrible person your father was. You're good. You're good."

Her hands were warm against my skin and I stood speechless.

"I know I don't deserve to be your mother. But I'll be better." She smiled a rare smile. "I'll heal. I finally feel strong enough to heal. And that's because of you. If you managed to grow even after everything I've put you through, then I can too. But until I feel mentally stable enough, Emma will be your family here at Auradon Prep. I think that's what's best for her. I hope that's alright."

"Yeah- yeah it's completely alright." I cracked a smile too.

I still didn't have the heart to call her my mom. I don't know if I ever will. And that's okay. There was a mutual respect built between us, and as long as we're smiling, I think it'll be enough. She saw me in a different light, and a part of me felt restored.

"Are you leaving soon?" I asked.

Brisa nodded. "I think I'll go grab Jon and we'll be off. Oh- Let Carlos know I appreciate all his help, would you?"

I whipped my head around at her. "C-Carlos?"

Brisa furrowed her eyebrows. "Yeah. He's been coming over to the shop everyday to help us clean and pack for the past week. Who do you think drove us here?"

"Oh." I stammered. "That's- nice of him."

"He left as soon as he dropped us off though." Brisa said, "I'm surprised you didn't know. Aren't you two... a thing?"

If this was supposed to be a mother-daughter moment about love and boyfriends, she chose a very bad time. I scratched the back of my neck and blushed in embarrassment. "Uh, no, not really. I broke up with him two weeks ago..."

Brisa looked surprised. "Why?"

I sighed. "Let's just say Maleficent messed with my head and I didn't feel like being with him was the right-"

Brisa shut me up with a disapproving wave of her hand. "Don't let Maleficent ruin you the same way she ruined me."

"But-"

"He's a gem, Braelyn. A gem." Brisa declared with exaggerated emphasis at me. I don't think I've ever heard her speak with that much certainty. "Such a gentleman. Drove hours to help out in the shop. Got us treats from the bakery across the street- apparently he knows the boy who works there. He's dedicated and caring, and not like your father. Don't let a boy like that slip through your fingers."

Again, I didn't know what to say.

"Oh! I could tell you two were together the second you first walked in. He's infatuated with you, Braelyn. He was so protective of you when I reacted the way I did." Then Brisa grabbed me by the shoulders and I stared at her wide eyed. "Screw Maleficent. Forget about her. This is your life. Don't let something you can't control rid you of the people you love! You'll end up like me, child!"

"O-okay?" I stammered, shocked at this new, demanding side of her. She sure packed a punch.

"Good. Now let me say my goodbye to Em."