(Our Realm)
On a Saturday morning, Alethia groaned as her phone buzzed for the second time.She reluctantly picked it up and answered, "Morning, Jen."
"Why are you still in bed? We're going dress shopping in the city, remember?" Jen scolded.
"Sorry, I overslept. I'll be ready in ten minutes, I promise," Alethia replied.
"You better be. We're already waiting outside," Jen warned.
"Ten minutes, I promise," Alethia hung up and glanced at the clock. It was already seven in the morning. She had stayed up late the previous night, trying to pry information from Russell about her father and the elders' manipulation of her memories. But all he would say was that she had to figure it out herself. Frustration gnawed at her, as she desperately sought answers that seemed out of reach.
She quickly got out of bed and rummaged through her closet, selecting an outfit. After changing, she ran a brush through her hair and splashed water on her face before heading outside. She locked the door behind her and climbed into the car. Corie and Sara were in the back seat, looking half-asleep. Alethia settled into the passenger seat, yawning and fastening her seatbelt.
"You do realize it's the weekend, right? We could have slept in," Alethia commented.
"Sure, we could have, but it's still a one-and-a-half-hour drive to the city, and we can make a day of it," Jen replied.
Alethia sighed, glancing back at Corie and Sara, who seemed barely awake. Only Jen appeared fully energized and eager for the day ahead.
"Well, at least you're driving. It'll give us all a chance to wake up," Alethia said, rolling her eyes. She turned up the radio and rested her head against the seat, trying to shake off her weariness.
Jen took them to a dozen stores before lunchtime. Corie and Sara quickly found outfits within the first few stores. Corie, not a fan of dresses, opted for a cute blouse and black pants. Sara discovered a stunning red dress that perfectly complemented her hair and skin tone.
Jen, on the other hand, was extremely picky about her dress. Alethia had no clue what would suit her, let alone impress Russell. They took a break from shopping to have lunch, grateful for the chance to sit and eat. Jen was determined to explore every store in the hopes of finding the perfect dress.
After finishing their meal, they resumed their shopping spree. Jen tried on a multitude of dresses until she settled on a light pink one that elegantly wrapped around her neck. It looked stunning on her. With the purchase made, Jen turned to Alethia and said, "Now it's your turn. You have a date, right?"
Alethia shrugged. "Actually, I haven't really discussed it with Russell."
Jen shook her head. "Well, whether you do or not, we're going to make him want to be by your side all night with the dress we choose." She dragged Alethia out of the store, with Corie and Sara trailing behind.
It took three more stores until Jen was finally satisfied with a dress for Alethia. It was a dark purple dress with delicate spaghetti straps, just above the knee to comply with the school's dress code. The dress hugged Alethia's every curve, and she stared at herself in the mirror, feeling amazed.
"That looks incredible," Jen exclaimed, approaching her from behind.
Alethia nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this seems like the one. Let's get it and return home before the hour grows late."
The journey back was uneventful, as was Sunday. Monday commenced with ease, Alethia uncertain about her relationship with Russell, unsure if they were officially dating. She decided to let it be, waiting for him to take the initiative this time.
During the final class of the day, Alethia sat with her head resting on her hand, absentmindedly doodling on the sheet before her. Her mind wandered to thoughts of other realms and prophecies, until a soft knock on the door interrupted her musings. A few moments later, Mr. Howard gently tapped her shoulder. "Alethia dear, your grandfather is here to see you."
Confused, Alethia looked up. One of her grandfathers had passed away, while the other lived four hours away. "Thank you, Sir," she said, standing up and making her way into the hallway, scanning her surroundings. A short, elderly man in blue robes leaned against the lockers a few classes down, whistling. He waited for Alethia to approach him, a mischievous grin on his face.
Excusing herself, Alethia asked, "Did you call me out of class, Sir?"
Looking up, the man grinned even wider. "Of course I did, child. Why ask such a silly question? Don't they teach you anything in this school?"
Alethia sighed, growing slightly frustrated. "It was a simple question. I was told my grandfather was here."
He chuckled. "I am the only person, aside from yourself, standing in this hall, am I not?"
Alethia nodded, her frustration mounting. "Yes, that's correct."
With a smirk, he replied, "Therefore, it was I who summoned you to this hall, correct?"
Alethia huffed, her patience wearing thin. "I suppose so, but you are not my grandfather. So, who are you?"
The man bowed, removing a pointed hat that had seemingly materialized on his head, and swept it across his chest. "My name is Fenwick, and I am here to observe how the renowned Daughter of the Stars is faring."
Crossing her arms, Alethia retorted, "You are a peculiar little man, Fenwick."
He straightened himself, pointing his finger at her. "Only a fool would listen to a fool, my dear."
Sighing softly, Alethia asked, "What are you getting at?"
Fenwick huffed in exasperation. "Straight to the point, I see. Ruining all my fun, aren't you? It's not often that I leave the higher realms to visit. But alas, you need to know why I am here at this very moment." He pouted. "I need to assess how you are handling the few prophecies you have received."
Alethia shrugged. "They are deciphered and recorded in a book at home. Why do you ask?"
Fenwick placed his hat back on his head. "Excellent. Then a few more should not trouble your lovely mind."
Alethia hesitated. "What do you mean?"
With a sigh, Fenwick explained, "I control the number of prophecies you receive, so you don't become overwhelmed. I have a backlog of prophecies that you are meant to receive, and I must allow them to reach you." With that, he turned on his heel and vanished, leaving Alethia startled and alone in the hallway.
Returning to class just as the bell rang, Alethia began to pack up her books to retrieve her belongings from her locker. Russell stood there, waiting for her. As she approached, he stepped aside, allowing her to unlock her locker. "How was class?" he asked. She smiled, grabbing her bag. "It went well. And yours?"
"It was just a class," he replied, following her as they walked down the hall toward the main entrance, preparing to head home. "There's something I wanted to ask you." Stopping just as they stepped outside, Alethia inquired, "What is it?"
"Well, I know our date on Friday didn't go as planned, but would you consider accompanying me to the dance?"
Alethia blushed, her smile widening. "I would like that."
Russell appeared relieved. "Great. Let's forget everything that happened on Friday and start anew."
Alethia chuckled. "It wasn't that terrible, you know."
Russell waved off the notion with a disapproving shake of his head. "I want our first date to be a memorable one, and our first kiss to be free from the torment that plagues your mind," he said, his voice laced with concern.
Her cheeks flushed even deeper as she averted her gaze. "So, you're saying I'll have the chance for another first kiss at the dance?" she asked, her words a mixture of curiosity and hope.
A sly smirk tugged at the corner of Russell's lips. "Guess you'll have to exercise patience and find out," he teased, his eyes gleaming mischievously.
