Chapter 3 Two

As we sat down for dinner, I couldn't help but feel saddened by the idea that this would be one of the last dinners I would have with Yadhira and Lillian. I had grown so close to them that I couldn't imagine what it would be like not having them around.

"Alassandra, dear, is something wrong?" Yadhira asked.

"Hmm, n-no," I replied.

"You haven't touched your food," she said, glancing at my plate and then at me.

I glanced at Lillian for a moment, then turned my gaze back to Yadhira.

"Actually, I want to tell you something," I replied.

"Go on," Yadhira said as she put her fork down on the table and crossed her hands together.

Although I knew that Yadhira couldn't read minds, she had this way of making you think she could. Those bright green eyes I envied gave off a different vibe. I took a deep breath before I spoke.

"Well, you know that I have been wanting to be a lawyer since I was a child. Umm, I received three letters today from three of the top schools," I said.

"And what did they say?" Yahira asked.

"My applications were denied by two, but I received a full scholarship for law school from the third," I responded.

Yadhira remained silent for a moment. "Mom, are you alright?" Lillian asked.

"Hmm, yes, child, I-I am just processing everything. I am very happy for you, Alassandra. Congratulations," Yadhira replied.

"Thank you. I am really excited, and I can't wait to start!" I replied.

"What school will you be attending?" Yadhira asked as she took a sip of her red wine.

"Whimsic Law School," I said.

The moment I said the name of the school, Yadhira dropped her glass and stared at me as if she had seen a ghost. She looked at me with wide eyes, and her mouth gaped open.

"Mom?" I called to her.

She slowly stood up from her chair, her face ashen white. She covered her mouth with her hand, and her eyes were filled with dread. I knew something was very wrong.

"Forgive me, girls, I suddenly don't feel too well. Excuse me," she said as she hurried out of the dining room.

I turned and glanced at Lillian, who was just as confused as I was about what had just happened.

"What was that about?" I whispered. Lillian shook her head, her face still full of surprise.

"I have no idea." She said as she looked at me. Her expression was a mixture of confusion and fear. Lillian and I finished our dinner in silence, then cleaned up the kitchen before heading to our room. We both had separate rooms, but as long as I can remember, we always ended up sleeping in each other's room.

"Ala," Lillian called out to me.

"Yeah," I replied, turning to her.

"What made you want to be a lawyer?" she asked. I stood silent for a moment, trying to think of what to say to her. I couldn't tell her the truth without breaking Yadhira's trust, but I didn't want to lie to her either.

"Umm, well. When we were kids, there was this family I knew, and they had a little girl I used to play with. Her father was a lawyer, one of the best in town, and her mom owned this flower store. Anyway, one day her parents went on vacation and the same day they left the police found them. They never made it to their destination or back to their little girl," I told her.

There was a moment of silence from Lillian. "Wow, that's crazy. Did they ever figure out what had happened to them? Did they ever find the person who killed them?" she asked.

I shook my head. "Sadly, no," I said, lowering my gaze as I recalled the very day the two men came to our house and said my parents had died.

"Well, what happened to the little girl?" Lillian asked, breaking me from my thoughts.

"Oh, she moved away," I replied as I started to pull the covers back on the bed when Yadhira's voice sounded from the bedroom door. "Alassandra, my dear, can I please speak with you?" she said.

I smiled, made my way to the door, and followed her into the living room.

"Please sit with me," she said, patting the seat next to her. I sat down next to her and looked into her eyes.

"I remember the day we first met. It was just like this. Dark night, fireplace, you were just a small girl," she said, pausing for a moment. "Earlier, you said you were accepted into law school."

"Yes," I replied.

"I made a promise to your parents long ago to always watch over you. I fear that with you leaving, I will no longer be able to protect you, so I must warn you. Out there, you will be vulnerable. Some things in this world don't always appear as they seem. You must remain vigilant and keep in mind that people are not always what they seem to be. You must always trust your instincts and be aware of your surroundings. If ever you find yourself in a difficult situation, do not hesitate to call out for help. I will pray to the goddess for your safety daily," she said, gazing at the fireplace.

Her words took me aback. Gods? Things were sometimes different from what they seemed. What did that mean? I thought to myself. I remained silent for a moment, unsure of what to say.

As I was about to say something, Yadhira spoke again. "What I mean is, you are very special, Alassandra, in more ways than you know." She stopped, sensing the confusion on my face.

"When you find the real truth, you will understand." She said as she stood and began to walk out of the living room before turning around and saying, "You are capable of always coming back to the light. Good night, dear child." She said, then turned and left, leaving me to ponder her words.