Descending from her lofty perch high above Earth, Aeonara sensed the vibrations of her realm’s mystical pond. Her alliance with Feronia had kept her occupied, observing the founding families in Golden Rivers, specifically Adeline, who had been receiving nightly dreams from her. Their combined efforts seemed to be realigning the young O’Cean heir with her destiny. Yet with the impending shift of Mirathrend’s Mirror, Aeonara couldn’t afford to rest; she needed to inform Feronia so they could decide how to proceed.
Feronia’s mystical plants guarded her entrance upon Aeonara’s arrival at her ally’s sanctuary. As Aeonara stepped closer, the leaves parted to reveal Feronia herself emerging with a peaceful aura, gliding from her garden with arms wide in welcome. “Aeonara, my dear friend. Everything is converging as we hoped. The moment of fruition is near!” she declared, enveloping Aeonara in a warm embrace.
“Feronia,” Aeonara replied, stepping back to lock eyes with her. “Mirathrend’s Mirror stirs. The deities will soon congregate at its waters. Shall we join them?”
Feronia’s expression turned somber, yet her eyes held gratitude. “I must stay and oversee the Deverells here. Venture to the pond without me. Your presence among our kin may uncover crucial insights for our endeavor,” she urged.
With a reassuring grip of Feronia’s hand, Aeonara affirmed, “Consider me your envoy. Fear not, for I shall return swiftly once the spectacle concludes.”
Feronia remained at the threshold after Aeonara’s departure, her contemplative gaze trailing her departing ally. As she turned back towards her garden, the plants intertwined, sealing the path behind her. A thought flickered through her mind: “I must remain unseen for now. Maris must not inquire why I granted a child to the O’Cean lineage after my previous declarations of helplessness.” Dismissing thoughts of her former friend, Feronia resumed her vigilant watch over Garrett, confident her absence at the pond would go unnoticed.
Elsewhere, Mirathrend’s Mirror began its enchanting display, its surface shimmering and emitting a deep hum that beckoned the nearby celestials. Quoriel, attuned to the pond’s melody, projected her melodic voice throughout the realm. “Come swiftly, dear brethren! Mirathrend’s Mirror has awakened, inviting us to witness its revelations!”
Vistara joined Quoriel at the water’s edge, and together they settled into their seats. The once tranquil vicinity buzzed with the arrival of the deities, their murmurs woven with the wind, full of speculation. The unexpected presence of Aelius, the reclusive deity known for his patronage of the De Kure family, stirred a flurry of whispers. His rare appearance at such congregations was a curiosity in itself.
Vistara’s gaze sharpened at Aelius’s arrival but maintained a respectful distance as he ascended to a cloud above the gathering. Straton, ever curious, ascended after Aelius. “What occasion lures you from seclusion, Aelius?” he probed. “It’s been ages since you’ve mingled among us.”
Unruffled by Straton’s bold approach, Aelius kept his attention focused on the reflective surface below. Straton lingered, awaiting recognition, but the arrival of Maris and Eloquen diverted his attention, and he drifted away in pursuit of new intrigue.
Maris and Eloquen, drawn by Quoriel’s whispered summons, collided in their haste to Mirathrend’s Mirror. Their protective enchantments over their charges had diminished since their last meeting. Maris glanced at Eloquen, who continued moving amongst the crowd. She had felt no urgency to seek Eloquen since there was no apparent meddling from Feronia. She had wanted to find her friend and mend their relationship, but her quest to find Feronia was still fruitless.
Straton approached them before any exchange could occur between Maris and Eloquen, prompting her to excuse herself and mingle with the whispering celestials near the water.
Vistara greeted Maris with a warm smile. “Any inklings on today’s revelation? It’s peculiar that Feronia is absent; she seldom misses such vibrant assemblies.”
Surveying the crowd, Maris noted Aelius’s lofty position and responded to Vistara’s welcome. “Indeed, Feronia’s silence is uncharacteristic.”
Caelistra, a goddess who normally dwells in the cosmic expanse, overheard their exchange and interjected, “Feronia was in conference with Aeonara some time ago. Should you be concerned about her absence, perhaps Aeonara holds the answer.” Their collective gaze shifted to Aeonara seated serenely on a distant marble bench.
As the crowd’s excitement peaked, Mirathrend’s Mirror chimed one final time. The waters calmed, revealing the beloved mortal city Golden Rivers. The spectators held their breath as the view narrowed, zooming into the vibrant cityscape until it centered on the O’Cean’s Mall Park, where the parents’ association fundraiser was in full swing. Members of the founding families were all present: the Deverells tended produce stands, the De Kures oversaw the first aid station, the Obersts handled security and a BB gun shooting booth, and the Landins sponsored the basketball team’s booth and conducted a 50/50 draw in the adult only beer garden, all on O’Cean grounds.
The scene narrowed further to Garrett, who approached the mall’s parking lot carrying two bottles of freshly squeezed orange juice. He offered one to Kaylynn and another to Adeline, both clad in damp shorts and t-shirts from their participation in the carwash.
“Take a break and enjoy some juice,” Garrett suggested, handing them the bottles. “This sun must be exhausting to work under.”
Adeline accepted the bottle with a laugh. “Thanks, you’ve read my mind,” she said, savoring the cool drink. “How’s your stand going?” She settled on a nearby concrete parking block.
Garrett joined her, his built frame casting a shadow that offered shade from the sun. “All’s well at the stand. The team’s adept at managing these types of stands. And the carwash?”
“It’s a blast,” Adeline beamed. “I haven’t had this much fun while working so hard in ages.” She began massaging her shoulders, prompting Garrett to stand and offer assistance.
“Drop by after you’re done,” he proposed. “You seem like a massage could save you before your next stint.”
Their exchange was cut short by Kaylynn’s call. “A, we’ve got another car!” she shouted, waving at Adeline. Casting a pointed look at her brother, she whisked Adeline back to the carwash. Garrett smiled and returned to his duties at the Deverell stand.
“What was that about?” Kaylynn asked, her tone laced with concern.
Adeline raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?” She drained her juice and grabbed the hose.
“Your closeness with Garrett lately,” Kaylynn prodded. “What would Eric think?”
Adeline dismissed her worries with a playful squirt of water. “Eric and I trust each other, and Garrett’s just a friend. Don’t you trust us?”
“I want your happiness,” Kaylynn called out, chasing Adeline with soapy water. “You and Eric are great together. He’s attributed to this new A that we all love. I don’t want you to lose that.”
Adeline fled from her friend, laughter mingling with the splashes of their playful car wash. Yet beneath the surface, she harbored a flicker of doubt. Balancing her relationship with Eric amidst family turmoil had been challenging. Garrett’s support had been a relief for her, especially with Eric preoccupied by basketball finals. Despite Eric’s efforts, her father’s disapproval weighed heavily on them, making it hard for them to see each other. Their relationship seemed to have plateaued since their one-month anniversary, while her bond with Garrett seemed to have rekindled. As her gaze drifted up towards the park, she spotted the familiar figure of Garrett Deverell. His friendship, patience and understanding had soothed her lately, stirring questions about the barriers they had once created between them.
At the basketball booth, Eric and his teammates were busy engaging visitors with games and prizes courtesy of his family’s donation. The booth’s location, distant from the parking lot, meant that Eric, as the team captain, was anchored to his post, complicating any chance of a casual encounter with Adeline. He hadn’t had a chance to catch up with her today, but he sorely missed her. Their one-month anniversary had just passed, leaving Eric conflicted about their once easy connection that now appeared to be filled with a turmoil of emotions. Adeline’s frequent visits to the Deverell estate and her growing closeness with Garrett gnawed at him. Garrett’s name had become a recurring echo in their conversation, whether he was escorting Adeline home or chatting with her into the night.
Eric had been collaborating with Kaylynn to secure the rare flower bulbs they had agreed upon, all while maintaining his meetings with Nate Descott. Seeing Garrett’s proximity to Adeline as a looming threat, Eric has been slowly working on persuading Nate to allow him to reveal Adeline’s inheritance to her, hoping to strengthen their shared future. Although Kaylynn’s support has grown, her inability to keep her brother at bay mirrored the strain now strikingly obvious in Eric’s relationship with Adeline. Lost in thought, Eric exhaled a heavy sigh.
“A penny for your thoughts?” Ashley Briggano’s voice sliced through his introspection.
Eric turned, offering a half-hearted smile. “Are you looking to try your hand at the game?” he gestured towards the hoop.
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“If you’re the one teaching, Captain,” Ashley emphasized his title playfully.
Finding no joy in her company, Eric beckoned towards a teammate. “Logan, Ashley’s looking for a coach. Could you assist her?”
Logan approached but was intercepted by Ashley’s insistence. “I’d prefer your team captain’s guidance, for a generous donation to your grad,” she said, placing a fifty-dollar bill in their fundraiser jar. “Shall we?” she asked, turning back to Eric. Logan met Eric’s gaze with a silent apology and returned to his station to continue his conversation with a group of girls.
With no room for argument, Eric granted Ashley’s request, guiding her to the free-throw line. He put on a professional demeanor and demonstrated the technique while Ashley watched from the side. She attempted to replicate his instruction but was unsuccessful due to her inactive lifestyle. Eric, ever the leader, continued to provide her with encouragement, despite her misses.
Feeling a wave of confidence, Ashley paused, eyeing Eric carefully. “I noticed Adeline at the car wash, quite cozy with Garrett Deverell. Have you two broken up?”
Eric masked his unease with a steady smile. “They’re just friends. Adeline and Kaylynn are best friends, and their families go way back. The Deverell home is like a second home to her,” he explained calmly. His gaze hardened slightly, meeting Ashley’s gaze. “Adeline and I are still together, happy and trusting. There’s no need for speculative rumors.”
Ashley returned his gaze, her smile unfaltering. “I’m just concerned for you. Gossip is the last thing on my mind,” she assured him, noticing his forced smile as she missed another shot. “Eric,” she hesitated, her eyes searching his, then continued with a newfound resolve, “I’d like us to be friends, regardless of whatever relationship you have. I’ve thought about what you said, and you’re right, I don’t know you, but I want to. Friendship is allowed, isn’t it?”
Caught off guard by Ashley’s earnest request, Eric watched in silence as she took another shot. To their mutual surprise, the ball sailed through the net. Ecstatic, Ashley bounded towards Eric for a high-five, but their height difference turned the gesture into an awkward collision that snapped Eric out of his daze. The unintentional jolt reminded Eric of the growing distance between him and Adeline.
“Well done,” Eric said, his tone hollow. “You’ve got a few shots left. Think you can make another?” His mind, however, was elsewhere, tangled in thoughts of Adeline’s recent aloofness about her father’s disapproval of him, and her unintentional time spent with Garrett.
Eager to try, Ashley resumed her position. Despite her enthusiasm, the remaining shots missed, though a couple came close. Pleased with her attempt, Ashley rejoined Eric, her expression candidly happy. “Thank you, Eric,” she said, her tone turning serious. “I hope you’ll consider getting to know me too. Although it’s true that I may have assumed too much about you, you don’t know me either.”
Her words struck a chord with Eric. Leaving him without waiting for a response, Ashley retreated into the crowds towards the park. Eric watched her go, her words echoing in his mind, amplifying the unease he felt about Adeline. Glancing at his watch, his heart sank as he realized he still had two hours before being free to seek her out. The day’s events felt like a prelude to a significant change, and that thought made him desperate to see Adeline.
After her shift at the car wash, Adeline left the playful chaos behind. A mix of relief and uncertainty stirred within as she approached the Deverell booths. Kaylynn, preoccupied with cleaning a particularly muddy truck, didn’t notice Adeline slip away towards Garrett. He noticed her crossing the park towards him and welcomed her with a comforting smile, quickly offering a dry spare shirt. “Take this, it’s clean. Change out of that wet shirt before you catch a cold,” he suggested, pointing to the tent set up for extra supplies. “You’ll have some privacy there.”
“Thanks,” Adeline said, her smile reflecting her appreciation. “I won’t be long.” As she entered the tent, a flicker of guilt passed through her. Garrett’s presence had become a comforting constant that she depended on amidst the emotional turmoil at home. She knew her actions could be misinterpreted, possibly leading Garrett on, but he brought her a sense of security and peace that Eric hadn’t provided recently, and she found herself drawn to it despite the unfairness. Her father’s disapproval of Eric remained, making it hard for her to see Eric without feeling her father’s disappointment.
Garrett, meanwhile, informed his team of a brief departure to check out the other booths and the performance stage MCed by the Golden Rivers High Student Council. When Adeline reappeared, he hung her wet shirt up to dry and suggested they take a walk around the park to fully enjoy the fundraiser. Adeline agreed without hesitation, and together, they set off to enjoy the festivities.
Their first stop was the outdoor barbecue stand, a bustling hub of the fundraiser sponsored by the O’Cean family. Its red-and-white tent with matching checkered tablecloths on picnic benches created a rustic charm. A canopy of lights guided attendees to the queue for a taste of the grilled delights offered. The smoky aroma of cooking meat and vegetables, the sizzle and pop of the grill accented by the cheerful banter of friends and families, filled the air around them.
Once they reached the front of the line, Aria O’Cean was at the cash register and greeted them with a warm smile. “Oh, sweetheart, you must be famished. Grab a seat,” she motioned to the nearby picnic tables. “I’ll get them to bring you both something to eat. All grads eat free at this stand.”
“Thank you, ma’am,” Garrett said politely. “But I’m not a grad,” he joked while placing their orders. When Aria refused his money, he added, “You deserve a break too. Why don’t you join us for a meal? I can fetch you something lighter from the mall food court.”
Aria beamed at Garrett’s thoughtfulness. “That’s very kind of you, Garrett. If you don’t mind, I’d really love to have a quinoa salad with roasted chicken breast, greens, pine nuts, and cheese from the Salad Bar. If you tell the girls there it’s for me, they will know how I like it.”
With a nod, Garrett went around the cashier table to assist Aria to a picnic bench. “I’ll get your salad and our meals,” he assured, giving Adeline a reassuring look. “Relax here with your mom. I’ll be back shortly.”
As Garrett vanished into the crowd towards the mall, Adeline and Aria remained seated near the stage but far from the barbecue stand. The stage was currently quiet between performances. Aria took her daughter’s hands, her voice a whisper. “Did you tell Garrett about my pregnancy?”
Adeline shook her head. “No, only Kay knows, and she wouldn’t tell. As we agreed, this was to be kept between the family for now. I didn’t even tell Eric; why would I tell Garrett? I’m sure he’s just being his usual considerate self, nothing more.”
Aria nodded in understanding. “Okay, it’s probably just me, but his behavior tells me he knew,” she muttered. “I haven’t seen Eric lately. How are things with you two? Your father’s been difficult, but Eric seems to care deeply for you,” she continued, her eyes filled with concern. “I hope you aren’t spending more time with Garrett because your father approves of him more.”
Adeline’s response was firm. “No, it’s just that Eric and I have been busy with other obligations. We’re fine…” Her voice faltered, betraying her uncertainty about the path their relationship was taking. Her words felt empty, and she couldn’t shake the feeling that her and Eric’s lives may already have started to diverge, while Garrett’s seemed to have slowly started moving parallel to hers.
Noticing the conflict of emotions flashing through her daughter’s features, Aria pulled Adeline into a hug. “You need to talk to Eric, dear. You can’t avoid these feelings forever. Relationships need honesty, trust, and communication,” she urged, emphasizing the last word. “Tell him how you’re feeling and what you are worried about. Don’t push him away just because it isn’t easy.”
Adeline nodded, embracing her mother just as Garrett returned with Aria’s salad and Mr. O’Cean. After a brief exchange, Garrett left to collect their barbecue meals. Aria left Adeline’s side to join her husband, leaving Adeline and Garrett to sit side by side. Mr. O’Cean was in a good mood; he praised Adeline’s organizational skills with this event and thanked Garrett for his support during this time. They continued to chat happily until the stage came alive with the high school dance team’s performance, the music signaling the continuation of the event’s festivities.
After their meal, Adeline and Garrett took their leave, allowing her parents to savor the performances in peace. The area near the stage was swarming with festival-goers, and Garrett, not wanting to lose Adeline in the crowd, instinctively took her hand. Instead of pulling away, Adeline clung to him, finding unexpected solace in his grip. They navigated through the throng of people and emerged at the BB gun booth run by the Oberst family.
Conveniently running into the Oberst patriarch who happened to stop by, Adeline engaged in conversation with him while expressing gratitude for their support. She then moved to discuss security matters with the rest of the Oberst security team. Despite her internal struggle as the O’Cean heir, she couldn’t help but adopt a professional demeanor to uphold her family’s image. Garrett, respecting her need to network, tried his hand at the BB gun game. His efforts paid off, and he won a plush eagle, which he proudly presented to Adeline.
Their stroll brought them to Eric’s basketball booth just as he was concluding the day’s activities. The sight of Adeline with Garrett tightened a knot in Eric’s throat, but he pushed aside his discomfort and approached them. “How was your day?” he inquired, his eyes briefly flicking to the stuffed eagle in her arms.
Garrett excused himself with a hug, sending a silent challenge Eric’s way before blending back into the crowd. Adeline’s gaze followed Garrett’s retreat, torn between the ease of his companionship and the complexities of her bond with Eric.
Eric, observing the conflict playing across Adeline’s features, felt a surge of emotion. The festive music in the background seemed to mock the turmoil in his heart. When their eyes met, a silent storm of questions and insecurities passed between them, leaving a trail of unspoken truths in its wake.
Their moment was shattered by a child’s cry. A young girl had fallen and scraped her knees. Adeline, acting on instinct, scooped up the child and decided to head to the De Kure family’s first aid tent. Eric followed, watching as the medical staff tended to the girl’s wounds and offered her a rainbow lollipop to ease her tears.
Adeline volunteered to have the Oberst security team announce the girl’s parents over the loudspeaker, and Eric joined her to report the incident. Upon their return, Adeline encountered her maternal grandfather, Hospital President De Kure. He pulled her aside for a private word, leaving Eric to entertain the little girl.
President De Kure shared his knowledge of Aria’s pregnancy and extended his support to Adeline, expressing regret for the distance between their families. He reassured her that she shouldn’t feel bound by the expectations of being the O’Cean heir and offered the backing of the De Kure family should she choose to pursue her education elsewhere.
Adeline, taken aback by her grandfather’s offer, promised to consider his words. He requested a meeting at his office in the coming weeks, which she agreed to. Rejoining Eric, they witnessed the girl’s joyful reunion with her parents, who showered everyone with gratitude before departing with their daughter in tow.
As Eric and Adeline left the first aid tent, the final notes of the evening’s music faded into the setting sun, and the park’s lamps started to flicker on. The couple stood amidst the crowd, their shared silence a canvas for the unspoken words and emotions that lingered between them. Adeline was still clinging onto the eagle Garrett won for her when the student council president took the stage to announce the evening festivities and fireworks finale. Eric reached for Adeline to pull her closer just as Kaylynn caught up to them. Their moment interrupted, the three stood silently watching the stage, ignoring the awkwardness between them.