Nightmares at Everglade Falls

24. Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Ophelia

I sit in class, trying to focus on the lesson, but my mind keeps drifting back to Gabriel. His name is etched all over my notebook, surrounded by tiny moons that I absentmindedly doodle. I can’t seem to shake him from my thoughts, no matter how hard I try.

Aurora slides into the seat next to me, her eyes filled with concern. “Hey, Ophelia,” she says softly, “How are you holding up?”

I force a smile, but it feels strained on my lips. “I’m okay,” I reply, though it couldn’t be further from the truth.

She reaches out to squeeze my hand gently. “You don’t have to pretend with me,” she says kindly, “I know it’s tough.”

Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, and I blink them back fiercely. “I just can’t believe he would do this to me,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Aurora wraps her arm around my shoulders, offering me comfort. “I know, sweetie,” she murmurs, “But you’re strong. You’ll get through this.”

I nod, though I’m not so sure. The anger and sadness inside me feel like a raging storm, threatening to consume me whole. I’ve never felt so lost and alone before.

Throughout the day, I catch glimpses of Gabriel in the hallways, but he’s always with Owen, avoiding me like the plague. It hurts more than I care to admit, knowing that he’s out there, moving on with his life while I’m stuck here, nursing a broken heart.

As the final bell rings, signaling the end of the day, I gather my things and head out of the classroom. Aurora falls into step beside me, she’s a comforting presence amidst the chaos of my emotions.

“Hey, let’s go back to our room,” she asks gently, “We can watch tv, talk, or nap or whatever and just forget about everything for a while.”

I manage a small smile, grateful for her offer. “That sounds nice,” I reply, “Thank you, Aurora.”

She links her arm with mine, leading me to our hostels. I've still been staying with her most nights.

I don’t know how I would survive this breakup without her by my side.

As we enter our room, the cozy atmosphere envelops us like a warm embrace. I sink into the plush armchair, grateful for the respite from the tumultuous emotions swirling inside me.

Aurora settles onto her bed, crossing her legs beneath her. “So, spill,” she says, giving me an encouraging smile, “What’s been going on with you lately?”

I take a deep breath, gathering my thoughts before I speak. I want to talk about just about anything else, but all I can think about is him.

“Gabriel was my first,” I confess, my voice barely above a whisper, “I’ve never felt this way about anyone before.”

Aurora’s eyes soften with understanding. “I know, sweetie,” she murmurs, reaching out to squeeze my hand, “It’s tough when your heart gets broken for the first time.”

I nod, tears pricking at the corners of my eyes. “It’s not just that,” I continue, “I grew up in an orphanage. I never had anyone I could rely on until Gabriel came along.”

Aurora’s expression is one of sympathy as she listens to my story. “I’m sorry, Ophelia,” she says softly, “That must have been really hard for you.”

I sniffle, wiping away the tears with the back of my hand. “It was,” I admit, “But I’m grateful for Gabriel. He made me feel like I belonged somewhere.”

Aurora smiles warmly at me. “You do belong, Ophelia,” she says firmly, “With us. You’re part of our family now.”

I feel a lump form in my throat at her words, overwhelmed by the depth of her kindness. “Thank you, Aurora,” I whisper, “For everything.”

She pulls me into a tight hug, holding me close. “Anytime, sweetie,” she replies, “I’m here for you, no matter what.”

As we pull away from each other, Aurora’s expression turns more serious. “So, I have some news,” she says, excitement dancing in her eyes, “I’ve been studying really hard, and I think I might actually pass my exams this time.”

I can’t help but smile at her enthusiasm. “That’s amazing, Aurora!” I exclaim, “I’m so proud of you!”

She beams at me, her cheeks flushed with pride. “Thanks, Ophelia,” she says, “I’m hoping this will really help improve my social standing.”

I furrow my brow, a question nagging at the back of my mind. “Do you ever miss being with your own kind?” I ask tentatively, “Like being around other fairies?”

Aurora considers my question for a moment before responding. “Honestly, no,” she says with conviction, “I’ve never felt more at home than with you all . You and Owen and Gabriel, you’re my family now.”

I feel a warmth spread through me at her words, touched by the depth of her loyalty and friendship. “Sometimes,” I confess, “I think you’re a lot, but like, the right amount of a lot.”

Aurora laughs, the sound light and infectious. “I’ll take that as a compliment,” she says with a grin, “And for the record, you’re pretty amazing yourself, Ophelia.”

And then there is a knock.

I don’t know why, but I can tell who it is before he even turns the lock—just something about his scent.

As Owen enters the room, balancing a tray of steaming food, I notice the subtle exchange of glances between him and Aurora. It’s like they have this silent conversation, a language all their own, spoken through lingering looks and stolen smiles.

“Hey, guys,” Owen says cheerfully, setting the tray down on the table, “Dinner is served.”

Aurora’s eyes light up at the sight of the food. “Thanks, Owen,” she says gratefully, “You’re the best.”

I smile at the two of them, feeling a pang of loneliness tugging at my heart. They’re so in sync, so perfectly attuned to each other’s needs. It’s a reminder of what I’ve lost, what I’m missing.

As they start to eat, I make a decision.

Keeping her here is selfish. Besides, I can tell Owen is fiending to spend time with her.

“You know what, Aurora?” I say, my voice is surprisingly steady, “You should go spend the night with Owen. I’m just planning on crashing early anyway.”

Aurora looks at me, concern flickering in her eyes. “What?”

“I am sure Owen misses you!”

“I do miss her, but I also know she wants to be here for you,” Owen tells me.

“I know, and I appreciate her for that, but I just need a few hours alone. I am going to shower and sleep anyway.”

“Are you sure, Ophelia?” she asks, “I can stay if you want.”

I shake my head, forcing a smile. “I’m sure,” I assure her, “You guys go have fun. I’ll see you in the morning.”

After they leave, I head to the bathroom to take a shower. Stripping off my clothes, I step under the warm spray of water, letting it cascade over me like a soothing balm.

But as I start to wash my hair, I’m hit with a sudden memory of Gabriel doing the same thing for me. His strong hands massaging my scalp, the gentle rhythm of his touch.

Tears well up in my eyes, mingling with the water streaming down my face. And then, inexplicably, the temperature of the water starts to rise, turning scalding hot until I have to jump out of the shower, my skin flushed and tingling.

Confused, I turn off the water and wrap myself in a towel, my mind racing with questions. What just happened? Why did the water suddenly turn so hot?

As I make my way back to my room, I’m bubbling with emotions, a swirling mix of sadness and anger and longing.

I grab a glass from the table, intending to pour myself a drink, but as I raise it to my lips, my hand trembles, and the glass slips from my fingers, shattering against the wall.

Fuck me!

I curse under my breath, bending down to pick up the pieces. But as I reach out to grab them, I feel a sharp pain in my finger, followed by a strange sensation of warmth spreading through me.

I look down in surprise to see the cut on my finger knitting itself back together, the skin closing up as if it were never there.

I stare at my hand in disbelief, my mind reeling with possibilities.

What does this mean?

What the hell is this?

Am I... different somehow?

But before I can dwell on it any longer, there’s a knock on the door, pulling me back to reality. I quickly compose myself, tucking away my confusion and uncertainty.

“Who is it?” I call out, trying to keep my voice steady.

“It’s me, Aurora,” comes the reply, “Can I come in?”

I hesitate for a moment before answering, unsure of what to say.

But then I realize, I don’t have to face this alone. Aurora is my friend, and she’s always been there for me. Maybe she can explain this to me because the last time I checked, witches couldn’t just automatically heal themselves.

Besides, I had no magic, right?

“Of course,” I say, my voice soft but steady, “Come in.”

Aurora enters the room, her brow furrowed in concern as she spots the shattered glass on the floor. “Hey, Ophelia, I forgot something,” she begins, then pauses, her gaze flicking to the broken glass. “What happened here?”

I try to brush it off casually. “Oh, I dropped the glass by accident,” I reply, attempting to sound nonchalant.

But Aurora isn’t convinced. She kneels down beside me, her eyes sharp as she inspects the broken pieces. “Are you sure you’re okay?” she asks, her voice tinged with worry.

I shake my head, trying to clear it. “No, I’m not okay. I... I need you to see something,” I say, my voice wavering.

Aurora looks at me, her expression filled with concern. “What is it?” she asks, moving closer.

I point to the broken glass on the floor. “Pick a piece,” I instruct her, my voice barely above a whisper.

Confusion clouds Aurora’s features, but she complies, picking up a shard of glass and holding it in her hand.

“Watch,” I say, taking a deep breath. I snatch the glass from her hand and quickly slice my palm, blood welling up instantly.

Aurora gasps, grabbing it and then dropping the piece of glass. “Ophelia, what have you done?” she exclaims, reaching for my hand.

But I pull away, showing her the wound that refuses to close, blood continuing to seep from the cut. “I needed you to see,” I explain, my voice trembling. “It is supposed to…”

Why isn’t it healing?

Aurora’s eyes widen in confusion. “Why would you do that?” she asks, her voice filled with concern.

I shrug, feeling lost and scared. “I don’t know. I thought…I thought…”

Why isn’t my palm healing?

“Ophelia, that is bleeding everywhere.”

I bite my lip, feeling a lump form in my throat. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, feeling utterly foolish.

But Aurora isn’t angry. Instead, she grabs a nearby tin filled with dried leaves and herbs, muttering under her breath as she sprinkles them over the wound. I watch in amazement as the cut begins to close, the skin knitting back together before my eyes.

When she’s done, Aurora sits back on her heels, her expression troubled. “I made a mistake,” she says quietly, “I should have never left you alone like that.”

I shake my head, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. “It’s okay,” I assure her, “I’m fine.”

But Aurora isn’t convinced. “Promise me you won’t do something like this again,” she says firmly, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.

I hesitate for a moment, then nod. “I promise,” I say solemnly, knowing that I can’t let her down. “But…please don’t tell anyone about this.”

“Ophelia…”

“Please. I was trying…it doesn’t matter. I was wrong. Please don’t tell Owen or anyone else about this.”

I cannot bear the thought of Gabriel thinking I am so heartbroken that I have now resorted to self-harm.

Fuck no!

“I will, but you have to promise me that you will talk to me before something like this happens. Okay? You cannot hurt yourself and expect me to be silent. That is not me being helpful…”

“I promise. I promise, Rory.”

But even as I make the promise, I can’t shake the feeling that something strange happened tonight.

Something I can’t quite explain.

And I need to get to the bottom of it.