Chapter 272: We meet again

Theo stood in the middle of a large, green clearing staring at a small cottage that sat in front of her. Just behind the cottage was a stream of water, and surrounding her were trees

The scenery.

The feeling.

Everything felt familiar.

*I have been here before, haven’t I?* Theo asked.

*Zeke also brought you here the last time Gravemont went on its four day break,* Seraphina replied, *It’s where he lives,*

Just then, Sylas came up behind him and wrapped his arms around her body.

She and Zeke had left the academy this morning, and Sylas had told them he would catch up before they arrived.

"Both of you are so similar," Theo said, leaning back against him, "You both love to stay far away from people,"

"It’s better that way," Sylas replied, "In case you haven’t noticed, we can be quite scary,"

Theo laughed and shook her head a bit.

Just then, Zeke walked up to them too and took her hand into his, "Shall we?"

She nodded.

The three of them walked up to the cottage, and Theo was nervous as they stood in front of the door. She could hear movement coming from within the house, and then she looked at the other two who did not seem bothered at all, "I’m not the only one hearing that, am I?"

"No, it’s fine," Zeke said with a smile.

"There’s actually someone we would like you to meet," Sylas added.

Theo’s nervousness suddenly skyrocketed, and she swallowed tightly, "Who...is this person?"

"A person who has been expecting you," Sylas replied, then he squeezed her hand, "Don’t worry, Venom."

"I shouldn’t?" She suddenly looked down at herself and started to feel her face.

She was putting on pants and t-shirt and she was pretty sure her hair was a bit of a mess from the motorcycle ride all the way here.

She wanted to look presentable.

This was the first time they were introducing her to anyone.

"Sylas," She whispered, and leaned closer to his ear, "Use your shadows and grab me a dress or something from the closest store you can find, please. And some makeup, and a comb. And a good shoe. And a—"

"I think you look fine," He kissed her cheek, "You’re getting too worked up,"

She’s getting too worked up?

They were the ones who brought her here without telling her in the first place that someone was waiting for her!

"She would not care about your dressing." Zeke said, "Trust me. She already adores the hell out of you,"

"She does?" Theo was still trying to fix her face.

Her tongue darted out and started to moisten her lips, and she ran her fingers through her hair in haste.

"She does," Sylas replied.

"Deep breaths, deep breaths," Theo chanted to herself.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open and Theo’s heart almost jumped out of her chest.

A older woman in her late fifties stood in front of them with the biggest smile Theo has ever seen. She was very beautiful and had a large scar across her face, and Theo’s lips slowly parted as she recognised the woman.

She was the one they had almost run over the other day with Ava. The one they had given a ride.

Charlene.

"Hezekiah! Zevon!" She cried out excitedly and embraced them tightly.

Theo noticed the way they both relaxed around her, hugging her just as hard. It’s not everyday you see them look at someone and see no threat from them, or even relax in front of anyone.

And it’s not everyday you see someone look at them as if they weren’t just monsters walking in broad daylight.

"You didn’t tell me you were coming!!" She said as they pulled away, her hand resting on their cheeks, "I would have prepared something for you. Oh God, I’m so glad to see you again,"

"Why are you acting like you haven’t seen me in like a year? I was only gone for a few weeks," Zeke groaned.

"Enough time for me to miss my boy," She said and pinched his cheek hard.

"We are sorry for not letting you know earlier," Sylas said calmly.

"It’s fine, my love,"

The way she looked at them reminded Theo of her mother, and she quickly looked away and wiped the pool of tears from her eyes.

"And of course, Theo,"

Theo turned back to see Charlene now staring at her. Without another word, the woman also embraced her tightly, "I told you the other day, didn’t I? I told you we’d meet again very soon,"

"You’ve met before?" Sylas asked, surprised.

"Yeah," Theo replied, sniffing a bit, "We almost hit her with a car and—"

"Don’t tell them!" Charlene shushed her immediately, "Let it be our little secret," She whispered.

"Alright,"

"You know we can hear you, right?" Zeke rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, but you would never know the secret," Charlene fired back, then she returned her attention to Theo again and squeezed her hands really tight, her eyes warm with love, "How are you doing? I have been waiting so long to meet you properly," Her smile suddenly turned to panic, "Moon Goddess...where are my manners? Come in, come in!"

Before Theo could say anything, she was gently being pulled into the house. And just like before when she’d stood outside, everything in here looked familiar.

She hated that she couldn’t remember. It was constantly frustrating and made her chest clench.

Charlene ushered her to take a seat, and propped down next to her. She was still holding her hands, and Theo didn’t know eyes could sparkle so far till she took her eyes off the house and looked back at the woman.

"How are you, dear?" She asked.

"I’m fine, thank you," Theo’s voice cracked.

"Zeke, get her some water!" Charlene barely glanced at him, "Are you okay?"

"I’m fine. I just—" A tear rolled down, "I’m just so happy and sad at the same time. It’s making me insane,"

"Awwn," Charlene pulled her into another hug, and Theo closed her eyes and rested her head on the woman’s shoulders, "It’s fine. It will all be fine, my dear. I promise,"

Then, Charlene turned to Sylas and glared at him, "Did you do anything to her?!" She snapped.

Sylas shook his head quickly.

Charlene turned to Zeke next, "It’s you, isn’t it? You troublemaker. What did you do to her on your way here?"

Zeke froze, holding a cup of water in one hand, "I didn’t do anything, okay? Hellcat, are you okay?"

Theo raised a thumb and mumbled, "I’m good."