As you may recall, Zinnia randomly called me out of class in the last entry. While I am splitting this into 2 entries, they happen continuously. Mostly because I hate using two different pens in one entry, and the last one ran out.
In the car, Zinnia explained, “Oxidane is back from college with her degree, and she’s visiting us with her mom, Selena. It’s close to Dad’s fourth anniversary, and Selena wanted to talk to Mom.”
I felt a mix of emotions. My dad’s anniversary always brought back memories and grief, and now, with Oxidane and Selena visiting, it felt like there might be more to this visit than a simple reunion.
Especially with all the tea I've been overhearing from Zinnia, whose noise cancelling headphones spill everything to me while I'm around.
When we arrived home, we saw Oxidane and Selena in the living room with mom, chit-chatting. They looked identical, with dark brown hair, slightly tanned skin and brown eyes. And both are really beautiful. Even though Selena's hair is a little more gray and Oxidane's eyes got her dad's gray, you would be able to tell that they are mother and daughter with no problem.
Selena stood up, her expression soft but determined. “Aura, Zinnia, there’s something we need to discuss. It’s about your father and the legacy he left behind. It’s important, especially as we remember him today.”
Aura’s heart pounded. What could be so significant that it had to be discussed now, on the eve of her father’s death anniversary?
"Please tell me you're not one of Aurelia's people." was all I let out.
Selena looked confused and amused at the same time, while mom gave herself a silent facepalm. A 'why did you just say that' look on her face, she glared daggers into my soul.
"We used to be friends, but... I'm keeping my distance nowadays." she responded, not freaking out unlike what" I would have expected. "I'm not from that wretched lab of hers, if you know what I mean."
I frowned slightly. My father used to work there. But that lab isn't a particularly great place to live at all. "What happened? Is everything all right?"
"Aurelia ruins lives, Aura," she said sternly, a tear rolling down her face. "I should know. My son is there, living in that radioactive facility. I don't know what's happening to him, but... I want to believe he is all right."
"The two of them used to be best friends," Mom continued, before Selena could start crying and lose her flow. "But then Aurelia made some choices and she's quite successful. She makes money out of people like it's no man's business. Before you and Zinnia were born, Oxidane and her twin were born in 2030. Aurelia was the most reliable person whom they could entrust anything with, but she's changed with power."
Zinnia just took a seat next to Oxidane, squeezing her friend's hand. "Hey, don't be mad. He's okay. I know Helios."
Once in two months or so, till the two of them were fourteen (I was eight), Zinnia would go with dad to meet Helios, and on take your kid to work day. But then it got banned for no good reason. Since then, nobody has gotten to know the status of the helium-wielder but he is generally just considered dead.
I remember a distinct memory. They were sixteen and I was ten. Oxidane was asking dad what happened to her brother. Dad explained that he is receiving special care, for his own survival. She didn't seem too convinced, but she just let it be.
Just as the room fell into a contemplative silence, Selena cleared her throat. “There’s something else I wanted to discuss, Aura,” she said, her voice steady. “Aurelia has announced a state-of-the-art radioactivity facility, and she’s organizing a science competition. The winning school gets a lab visit.”
Mom nodded, her expression serious. “It’s an opportunity for young minds to explore advanced science. Selena and I were wondering if you’d be interested in participating.”
My mind raced. A chance to visit the very facility where dad once worked, and where so many secrets are buried. It was tempting, but also daunting.
Oxidane chimed in, her voice gentle but encouraging. “I think it could be a great opportunity, Aura. You’re one of the brightest students in school, and this could be your chance to shine. Plus, it might give us some answers about what happened there.”
Zinnia squeezed my shoulder, her eyes full of support. “No pressure, sis. But it’s worth considering. You might find more than just scientific discoveries there. And don't worry - we all know the truth behind you, and nobody else does.”
I could feel the vein on my forehead throbbing, my eye twitching. "I'll think about it. But... was this so important that you called me out of class?"
"You looked bored out of your skull there, okay? Be grateful." Zinnia said simply. "There is another thing though. One which Selena wanted to show you."
As if on cue, Selena produced a letter in a neat little envelope from her bag, with the words "To Aura - open only when you're ready for your life to be changed" written on it in black ballpoint pen ink. Her father's, unmistakably.
I opened the letter, my heart racing. While to the others it looked like I was just casually opening it, they don't know the thoughts in my head.
I haven't cried in 3 years, or ever laughed out loud. I never have a huge outburst of fear, or experience panic attacks. Everyone says I'm a very 'NPC' type, which means I'm just a generic human being.
But generic human beings are known to cry, laugh and fear. I am a weird one, no doubt. But how weird - only one way to find out - by reading the letter and seeing just what is on it.
ns 15.158.61.16da2
