Maris smiled at the contented gaze of her sleeping mortal. The words of Eloquen returned to her as she waved away her mirror, preferring the view of the sea instead. Adeline seemed resolute in moving forward with Eric; his words had clearly had a profound effect on her. Initially uncertain, Maris now pondered if Eloquen was right – perhaps Eric was indeed the catalyst needed to propel Adeline towards the grand destiny Maris envisioned. Her prophetic visions had long since painted Adeline’s fate as reaching beyond the confines of Golden Rivers; maybe Eloquen’s mortal was the key to fortifying her resolve. Until now, Maris thought that without interference, the O’Cean legacy would be forever hindered by the parents’ binding course – the O’Cean lineage had lost their pioneering spirit, unchanging and remaining within the familiar confines of this city.
A knock on her door interrupted Maris’s thoughts, and she hastened to identify her visitor. ‘Such activity at my home today,’ thought Maris as she opened the door to find her friend Feronia visibly distressed.
“My dear friend,” Maris exclaimed, surprised, “what urgent matter leads you to my sanctuary so soon after our last meeting?”
Feronia crossed the threshold, her urgency pushing Maris back inside. “Oh Maris, what should we do?”
“About what precisely?” Maris inquired, perplexed.
“It’s Garrett – he’s heartbroken,” Feronia revealed, as though expecting Maris to have read her thoughts. “We must find a remedy.”
“Feronia,” Maris began, Eloquen’s parting words reverberating in her mind, “Adeline has made her choice; it is not our province to alter its course.”
“But Eloquen has interfered; his arcane essence permeates the human realm. His hand has tipped the scales – I am convinced,” Feronia protested, her plea tinged with desperation. “Adeline’s volition was not unaccompanied – she was swayed.”
“Nevertheless, I am bound to abstain,” Maris sympathized, her conviction unyielding.
“Maris, this circumstance is unparalleled. I beseech you not for actions beyond our powers but merely for your endorsement in this rectification,” Feronia implored. “Think of your mortal! Your cooperation is all I seek.”
“And what do you propose?” Maris asked, wary of the sudden vested interest in her charge.
“Patience. Let’s wait and see what unfolds,” Feronia suggested cryptically, guiding Maris back to the balcony and settling into the coral seat adjacent to Maris’s favored chair.
Maris followed, her heart fraught with indecision. Should she grant Feronia the privilege of peering into her mortal’s thoughts? Feronia gestured towards her, urging the conjuration of the looking glass.
“And what of Garrett’s endeavors?” Maris deflected. “Last I saw, he was determined to remain Adeline’s silent guardian.”
“He’s diligently working. Such a steadfast lad,” Feronia beamed with pride. “He will continue to bolster the Deverell lineage. And your human Adeline shall be instrumental in this pursuit.”
“The Deverells have always flourished with little effort,” Maris observed, her voice holding a hint of envy. “Adeline’s brilliance will outshine all other O’Cean dynasties. She is destined to elevate her ancestor’s legacy to remarkable heights. Though once I may have overstepped, I now recognize that mortal lives unfurl in their own accord. Adeline will navigate her fate, guided or not by my tutelage. Her happiness remains my paramount concern.”
“Dear Maris,” consoled Feronia, “those events transpired over a century ago in the human realm. Let bygones be but a distant memory. While your blessings may have waned for the O’Ceans, they remain fortunate. I stand ready to lend my aid.”
Maris seated herself alongside Feronia, her gaze lost in the tumultuous waves crashing against the cliff, mirroring her inner turmoil.
“I’m uncertain,” Maris confessed, her skepticism blending with the ocean’s roar. “Adeline appears aligned with her fated path. To intercede seems superfluous.”
Feronia shook her head, enfolding Maris’s hands within her own. “You’ve grown cautious. When have my counsels led you astray? I have been your steadfast companion; I shall not forsake you,” Feronia vowed, her azure gaze aglow with unwavering devotion. “Just as Kaylynn and Garrett Deverell have supported Adeline, we too shall overcome any challenge together.”
Comforted by Feronia’s assurances, Maris gave a nod, the sadness dissipating though uncertainty lingered. Resolving not to dwell further, she yielded to her friend’s request. With a graceful flick of her wrist, she summoned her magical mirror. The ocean responded in kind, its waves leaping skyward above her balcony before descending, revealing the tranquil scene of Kaylynn and Adeline in deep slumber within Kaylynn’s bedroom. Adeline lay atop the bedding, wrapped tightly in Eric’s jacket, while Kaylynn was cocooned beneath her blankets, the afternoon sun stealing glimmers of light through the edges of the blackout curtains.
Feronia sat back, her expression filled with contentment. “Now let us witness the path your mortal treads…”
The scene within the majestic mirror shimmered, coming alive at the sound of Kaylynn’s yawn. The two observers turned their attention away from each other, captivated by the scene unfolding before them.
Kaylynn unraveled herself in her bed, the covers cascading away as she stretched languidly. Noticing Adeline’s peaceful slumber beside her, she slipped from her bed with silent grace and made her way to the sanctuary of her washroom, where she surrendered to the embrace of a steaming shower.
As the hot water cascaded over her, Kaylynn’s mind wandered through the remnants of the previous night. ‘Adeline and Eric together. Where does my own path lead from here?’ The thoughts lingered as she cleansed herself, the memory of Eric’s contract resurfacing. The events of the evening had cast it from her mind, but now urgency took hold. Rushing to her room with only a towel wrapped around her body, she rummaged through her belongings until her fingers clasped the substantial folder containing the contract. A sigh of relief escaped her as she glanced at the clock, only to be replaced by a surge of panic – it was later than she had realized.
“A – wake up,” Kaylynn whispered, her voice gentle but insistent as she nudged her friend. “Look at the time – it’s past one. Don’t you have a shift today?”
Adeline’s eyes fluttered open, a fleeting surge of panic gaving way to recognition of her surroundings. She rubbed the remnants of dreams from her eyes and propped herself up. “Good morning, Kay,” she croaked, her voice raspy with slumber.
“Morning?” Kaylynn chuckled, glancing at the clock. “It’s 1:18 in the afternoon! You’ll be racing against the clock if you don’t get moving now.” She coaxed Adeline out of bed and steered her toward the washroom. “Come on, freshen up. You need to swing by your place to change, right?”
Adeline moved as if on autopilot, splashing water on her face as reality seeped in. Kaylynn’s words rang true – if she didn’t pick up the pace, she’d be late for work again, and that was a conversation with her parents she wasn’t eager to have. She already had a difficult conversation planned with them. With renewed urgency, Adeline hastened back into Kaylynn’s room, both girls ready to depart.
“Alright, we’re off,” Kaylynn declared, her tone laced with determination. “I’ll drop you home, then we can head to the mall.”
“Wait,” Adeline paused, turning as they stepped into the hall. “I have a date with Eric after my shift. Could you help me choose something to wear at home?”
“Of course,” Kaylynn replied as they made their way to the grand entrance. “Ma, I’m taking Addy to work. I’ll be back later!” she called out, stepping through the doorway.
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Mrs. Deverell, in her kitchen apron, emerged just in time to see them leave. “You skipped breakfast, darling. Make sure you eat something!”
“Don’t worry, Ma,” Kaylynn assured her, unlocking her car. “I’ll grab a bite at the mall.”
Mrs. Deverell watched the car pull away, heading toward the heart of Golden Rivers. Kaylynn drove through the streets with a speed that bordered on reckless, arriving at the O’Cean residence in record time. Adeline got out before the car had fully stopped and dashed to her room, with Kaylynn close behind.
As the shower muffled Adeline’s thoughts, Kaylynn perused her friend’s closet for the perfect first-date outfit. By the time Adeline reemerged, Kaylynn had assembled a casual but chic outfit: a lace tank top paired with a relaxed cropped cardigan, black fitted cuffed jeans, and sleek lace-up booties.
“Here,” Kaylynn presented with a flourish, “tuck the cardigan into your bag and layer your work blouse over the tank. After work, you can switch to the cardigan and refresh your makeup with this lipstick.” She handed Adeline a small makeup kit and lipstick that complemented the outfit. “What do you think?”
Adeline slipped into the clothes, her approval immediate. “It’s perfect. You’re a lifesaver, Kay!”
“Just doing my part,” Kaylynn beamed, helping to pack Adeline’s essentials into a spacious leather hobo bag.
Boots laced, they hurried from the O’Cean home back to Kaylynn’s car. The drive to the mall was brief, and they arrived with minutes to spare before two o’clock.
“I’ll find parking. You get to work,” Kaylynn instructed as Adeline exited the vehicle. “I’ll call later.”
“Thanks, Kay,” Adeline’s gratitude echoed as the car door closed behind her.
Adeline slipped into the back offices just as the clock struck two. Her father, Mr. Joseph O’Cean, was deep in conversation with the customer service manager. She quietly placed her belongings in the staff locker, giving Eric’s jacket a careful hang on the hook before securing the door. With a deep breath, she turned to her desk, readying herself for the day’s tasks.
The customer service manager finished her chat with Mr. O’Cean and turned to Adeline with a warm wave. “Adeline, we’ve sorely missed your presence on the team!” She shot a playful grin at Mr. O’Cean. “I still can’t believe how quickly you poached such a delightful young woman from us!”
“Ms. Johnson, you’re well aware that my daughter is destined to helm this establishment one day,” Mr. O’Cean interjected. “The plan has always been for her to gain experience in every department, not to be confined to any single team regardless of her natural flair.”
Adeline hid her cringe from her father’s words. With a knowing wink at Adeline, Ms. Johnson chuckled. “Oh, Jo, some things never change with you – always the businessman, sparing little time for fun and humor.” She waved farewell, retreating to her domain. “Don’t overwork your girl now. It’s her final stretch of high school after all!” she called out, her voice trailing off.
“Ms. Johnson, it’s Mr. O’Cean in the office, if you please!” he called back, then turned to Adeline with a more serious demeanor. “Come along, we have matters to discuss.”
Adeline rose swiftly, falling into step beside her father. “Of course, Mr. O’Cean. What’s on the agenda?”
“As it turns out, we’ve overlooked the fact that you’re graduating this summer,” Mr. O’Cean began. “The parent association has come to us, eager to organize a fundraiser in the park here next month to honor the graduates from Golden River’s High.”
They strolled down the corridor, the back exit leading to the mall’s park coming into view. Stepping through the doors into the sunlight, Adeline squinted, her eyes adjusting to the brightness. Mr. O’Cean continued leading the way, Kaylynn’s greenhouse came into view, the glass structure stood majestically in the distance.
“Speaking of which, it’s been over a year – any idea when Kaylynn will open the conservatory to the public?” Mr. O’Cean inquired. “A grand opening this summer after you graduate would be quite the spectacle.”
“Kay’s been pouring her heart into it. I have no doubt it’ll be ready soon,” Adeline assured him.
“Could you discuss the timeline with her?” he asked.
“I will,” Adeline confirmed. She was used to such professional conversations with her father. “Is there more?”
Mr. O’Cean sighed, the weight of logistics on his mind. “The fundraiser is shaping up to be quite the affair. The parents envision a performance stage, a farmer’s market with local crafts, a car wash, and more. It’s a lot to coordinate in such a short period of time.”
“I’ve tasked Ms. Johnson with leading the event alongside the parent’s association. Her expertise as our Customer Service Manager makes her the ideal candidate for the job.” He continued, his gaze distant while his smooth thoughtful forehead revealed more.
Adeline agreed but pondered her role in all this. “And what would you like me to do?”
“Firstly, we’re scaling back your hours here. The tail end of your senior year will be hectic,” he explained. “Once university begins in September, I want your focus on academics.”
“But I’ve always juggled work and school effectively,” Adeline protested.
“University is a different beast. Networking will be crucial, and I don’t want the business to distract you,” Mr. O’Cean gestured broadly. “After you’ve earned your degree, you can resume your training here. I’m not retiring any time soon.”
Adeline’s nod was a mere façade, masking the whirlwind of uncertainty within. The conversation had blindsided her, offering more time with Eric, yet the untimely arrival of this topic was perplexing. “Understood. So what’s my new schedule going to look like?” she asked, feigning disinterest.
“You’ll be working weekends only – four hours on Friday evening, and eight hours on Saturday and Sunday,” Mr. O’Cean explained, surveying the park.
Adeline furrowed her brow, doing the math. “But that’s still twenty hours just condensed into three days instead of spread across the week!”
“Your mother made the same observation,” he acknowledged, gesturing towards his wife to join them. “Nevertheless, your training here cannot be set aside.”
Adeline’s confusion was palpable as her mother approached. “Did your father explain our decision?” Aria O’Cean asked, settling onto a nearby park bench.
“He mentioned reducing my hours, yet it’s still a twenty-hour week,” Adeline reiterated, seeking clarity.
“Let me elaborate,” Mr. O’Cean interjected, raising a hand for patience. “This arrangement holds until university begins. Then you’ll work just ten hours per week during the weekends. Summertime and post-graduation, we’ll transition you to a full forty-hour workweek.”
Adeline’s frustration bubbled over. “But that leaves no room for life outside of school and work!”
Mr. O’Cean’s surprise was evident. “What sort of life do you mean? This is uncharacteristic of you.”
Adeline’s voice wavered. “Time with friends is what I mean. We’ll all scatter after graduation.”
Mrs. O’Cean chimed in, softening the tension. “I’ve said it before, Jo. Addy needs space to savor her youth.”
Mr. O’Cean was taken aback. “She’s never voiced such concerns. I thought she would be happy with this arrangement.”
“Dad,” Adeline stood, meeting his gaze squarely. “Mom’s right. I want to cherish these moments before life changes. I’d like to discuss reducing all my scheduled hours, now and in the future.”
“And how would you spend this newfound free time?” he probed.
“I’m not sure yet,” Adeline asserted, “but I want it to be memorable. I don’t aspire to a life of all work and no play.”
Stunned, Mr. O’Cean sat in silence. Mrs. O’Cean reached out, her touch a silent solace. “She’s heeded our guidance so far. Let’s grant her these few months of freedom.”
Conceding, Mr. O’Cean stood. “As our daughter, I trust you’ll uphold your academic and personal standards. We’ll revisit your schedule later. For now, back to work.”
They rose, Mr. O’Cean leading the return to the office. Mrs. O’Cean’s arm slipped through Adeline’s, her whisper firm yet affectionate. “Stay on course, or I won’t be able to shield forever.” Adeline’s smile conveyed her gratitude.
Inside the corridor, Mr. O’Cean resumed his managerial tone. “Adeline, you’re to assist Ms. Johnson and her team with the event. This isn’t a step back to Customer Service; it’s a learning opportunity.”
“Yes, sir,” Adeline responded. “Shall I meet with her now?”
“Not immediately,” he directed, entering the back office. “The parent’s association arrives at four to confer with Ms. Johnson. Join them then. Until that time, familiarize yourself with the previous fundraising efforts by the association and your school. Preparation is key.”
“I’ll start right away,” Adeline assured him, darting back to her desk and powering up her computer.
“Tonight, we’ll have our family dinner together to debrief us of your meeting and finalize your new work schedule,” Mr. O’Cean added. “Londyn should join us; it’s time your sister understands the family business.”
Adeline’s heart raced as she glanced up from her screen. “I can’t tonight. I’ve already made plans.”
Her parents inquired in harmony, “With whom?” It was unusual for Adeline to say ‘no’ to them.
“Eric Landin,” Adeline declared, a hint of defiance in her tone.
“The Landin boy?” Mr. O’Cean’s brow furrowed. “I’m sure you can postpone that.”
“I don’t want to,” Adeline countered, her resolve catching her parents off guard. “We’re collaborating on a project.” Her white lie slipped out, her impulsive reaction to her secret about Eric revealed that she wasn’t prepared to share.
Mr. O’Cean hesitated, seeking affirmation from his wife. “If it’s school-related… then perhaps we can reconvene tomorrow morning. Breakfast together?”
“That would be wonderful,” Adeline agreed, her smile genuine.
“Just be home at a reasonable hour,” Mrs. O’Cean cautioned, her gaze firm yet caring.
“I promise,” Adeline reassured them.
With her parents attending to other responsibilities, Adeline immersed herself in her research. As the clock neared four, she joined the Customer Service team for their meeting with the parent’s association. The session was productive; Adeline received assignments to liaise with the Deverell family about a booth for the event and to coordinate with the student council on the entertainment lineup. The meeting concluded in a blur, signaling the end of her workday.
Returning to the now-deserted back office, Adeline checked her phone to find a text from Eric.
“Where should I meet you?” he had inquired.
“By the greenhouse in the park,” she replied.
“Great, see you soon,” came his prompt response.
Adeline gathered her belongings from her locker and prepared herself for her date. Her chest danced with anticipation of seeing Eric and telling him about her first step towards freedom.