"So, my mom is from the UK. But we moved here to the US when I was very young, when I was around one year old." Wade casually said. His eyes were still a little red, but there was no sign of tears anymore.
"And your father?" John leisurely asked, showing a bit of interest in the boy's origins.
"Never seen him." Wade said, not showing many signs of hate or sadness over the fact he never had a father present in his life. "My mom doesn't talk much about him either. I once tried to ask her who he was, at least a name or something out of curiosity. But she never told me anything."
"That's a pity."
"Meh, I am long over it." Wade shrugged his shoulders.
Well, that's a way to deal with it. John thought. "So, is your mom a Fae as well?"
"Not really. She is a witch, a normal one." Wade replied, showing a bit of enjoyment of participating in such a long conversation.
But reacting differently from him, John raised his eyebrows in curiosity at his previous words. "Then, if she is a witch, how did you know you were a Fae?"
"To be honest… My mom just knew and I believed in her." Wade said embarrassedly. "But it's not like that's the only reason! No, I share some traits said in stories that the Fae Folk also have!" He desperately tried to explain himself.
Looking at him, John kept an impassive face. If I couldn't see what I see and know what I know, maybe I wouldn't believe in him either. "Like what?"
"Well, I'm excellent at illusion magic!" He declared, waving his arms in a boisterous manner.
Immediately, right between the two boys, magic surged. It moved and morphed into an unknown, yet not recognizable shape. But soon, not much than a couple seconds later, a very detailed and magical presence stood before John.
The eyes were wide and yellow, its skin was green and grotesque, with its face covered in lesions and pustules. Drool escapes between its sharp teeth, giving the creature a very rabid and crazy expression. It was skinny, very much so, but it had a round belly and only a dirty cloth was used as clothes to hide its intimate parts.
Studying the creature before him, John's eyes widened a little in surprise. "Is that… a goblin?"
"Yes! Yeah, it is!" Wade nodded very enthusiastically. "A green goblin, to be more exact!"
Leaning closer to the creature to have a better look at it, John was surprised when the goblin fearfully retreated from him, holding its small club towards him as if warning him not to come any closer.
Does it… "Are you moving it or is it pre-programmed?" John asked, studying some very small details of the creature's face.
"Hm… pre-programmed, I think." Wade said slowly, taking a moment to think what John exactly meant.
"You think?" John asked.
"Um, I don't exactly think much of how I want it to behave. It just… does." Wade said, scratching his head a little.
Getting up from the chair, John walked around the goblin to have a better look at it. He was impressed as the goblin followed him with its eyes, constantly moving its feet so as to not lose sight of the young man.
This is impressive. John was genuinely awed by how sophisticated the spell was.
By stomping his right foot ahead and giving the goblin the idea he would launch an attack on it, the creature jumped backwards while randomly swinging its wooden club.
The goblin miscalculated its movements and hit the chair where John was sitting just a moment ago. Upon impact, the goblin dispersed into tiny motes of light.
Before these particles could disappear as well, John fetched one of them and brought it closer to his eyes, giving it a quick inspection.
"What did you think?" Wade asked, trying to restrain his merriment when showing off his skills.
Letting the particle go, John turned to the young boy and smiled. "I thought it was pretty cool."
Wade's eyes basically shined when these words reached his ears. "Right?!" He happily exclaimed. "Normally, I don't create them this big. I make them really tiny so I can have a better idea of what is happening during my DnD campaigns!"
"DnD, hum… It's been some time since I've played."
It seemed like a lighthouse was built in the place of Wade's eyes. "You've played DnD too?!"
"I've played a table-top RPG before, but it wasn't exactly DnD. It had elements from DnD with a mix of some other things." John calmly explained.
"What class did you play with?" Wade asked excitedly. At this moment, he was overjoyed to learn someone in school had experienced, even if for a bit, one of his hobbies.
Knowing this conversation would go on for some more time, John sat down to relax. "Well, in that campaign I played as a Magic Swordsman."
"Like a Bladesinger?"
"I have no idea what that is…" John replied.
"It's a wizard which can use a sword, basically."
"In this case, it is a swordsman who uses magic. It's the contrary, even though the result can be the same depending on how you play it." John muttered. "I enjoyed the idea of wielding swords and casting magic at the same time, even though I wasn't anywhere close to a wizard's capability."
"I usually choose a druid or a wizard." Wade waved his hands, creating a few tiny figures in the air. "In the campaign I'm currently playing, my choice was a druid since a friend of mine wanted the wizard class."
The tiny figures of what John assumed to be of Wade's campaign team formed out of his magic.
It was formed by half a dozen figures, all of them dressed in fantastical medieval clothing, wielding staffs and swords.
Honestly, by how tiny they were, they seemed like chibi characters from some anime more than anything else.
Unable to resist his urges, John poked an elf on the cheek. She pouted and tried to use her bow to hit him, but that only made her cuter.
"Why aren't they dispersing like the goblin?" He asked, curiously watching as the party seemingly considered his finger the boss of some dungeon.
"That was just because I wished for it to disperse. Normally, my illusions can sustain that kind of interference without dispersing as long as I am focusing on it." Wade explained in a low voice, not needing to control the illusions for them to gang up against John's index finger.
The illusions cutely let out war cries, swinging their swords and launching spells against their opponent. Besides their voices, nothing else could be heard in the room, as even the two boys silently laughed at the scene.
By the end of the fight, the party lay defeated on the floor. Crossed lines forming X's replaced their eyes, indicating they had passed out.
"This is fun." John commented, his lips forming a smile out of the pure joy that was playing with the illusions.
Wade shared a similar smile. He picked up one of the passed figures, with it waking up immediately upon his touch.
"I think the same." Wade said warmly, rubbing the head of the chibi figure without it protesting. "When mom had to work and I needed to spend the evenings and nights by myself in my house, I never felt alone because of them."
The illusions woke up one by one and began crawling up the sofa until they reached Wade's hands.
"The neighborhood I grew up in didn't have a lot of kids that I could play with, and the people from my school weren't the kind to enjoy the things I liked either. So, when it comes to friends, many of them were these little guys here." Wade played calmly with the illusions, letting them use his hands as a platform. "It sounds very childish, right? Someone saying he had illusions as friends. I guess it's not different from someone saying they had imaginary friends." He said in a low voice, a bit of sadness in it.
In regards to these words, John remained silent initially. He didn't respond to them, he just observed as the young boy in front of him showed a genuine expression of contentment when interacting with the illusions, as if they carried away the faint sentiment of depression in Wade's tone.
Childish… That word, in specific, wasn't something John could just ignore. He pondered over the idea presented with this word as the center of it for some time in his head, not completely unaware that things around him were going much slower than normal.
Becoming conscious of the silence, Wade lifted his head in the direction of the new student. "You don't need to search for words to say you agree with what I said. I know everyone thinks the same, or worse…"
"Then you will be surprised," John said slowly, keeping his tone a bit flat. "because I don't think it is weird. Actually, I think it's pretty neat."
Wade gave him a skeptical look, but without saying anything.
John chuckled, knowing what was going through his mind. "I'm telling you the truth, whether you believe in it or not. From my point of view, interacting with illusions is not much different than talking with yourself – something I often do. The difference is that you can use magic to give birth to the personalities you already have registered in your mind." He paused his words for a moment, remembering something. "I'm pretty sure there is a magical artifact like that, that manifests an illusion of the person you think with its personality based on what you know of that person."
"Really?" Wade blurted, not aware of that piece of information.
"Uhum." John hummed. "People use it for reasons not much different from yours. From seeking someone's counsel to abate the longing they feel for someone."
Even when saying these words, Wade still kept a mild expression of sadness. "Their reasons sound much more reasonable than mine."
John's eyebrows furrowed. "Does it bother you that your reasons sound childish?"
"Yeah… I mean, wouldn't you think the same?" Wade looked up at him.
With his back leaning fully on the leather armchair, John rested his head on the top of its back to stare at the ceiling and contemplate the question. "Are you asking me if I find the fact that you bring to life fictional characters of your RPG campaigns to have some fun with them childish?"
"You saying that only–"
Wade couldn't finish his words before being interrupted by John's laughter.
"Ahahahahaha…!" He laughed lightheartedly, but loudly. His voice echoed to far distances through the school, reaching the ears of many.
For some time, the entire first floor of the Salvatore School was filled with John's laughter. By how far it reached and how long it lasted, it didn't take long for people from other rooms to approach and stick their heads to see what was happening, only for them to see John having a fit of laughter.
One of them was Penelope, raising her eyebrows in doubt of what was happening.
Did he go crazy?
Meanwhile, Wade thought the same thing for a moment.
John shook on the chair while he laughed, a few teardrops accumulating over the corner of his eyes. At some point, when it seemed he was about to stop laughing, John clutched his stomach and kept on laughing.
Observing this exaggerated behavior, the consideration of John laughing at his statement had crossed Wade's mind.
However, that idea was soon discarded when the laughter started to faint.
Wiping away the tears from the corners of his eyes, John looked at Wade. His lips were still stretched into a wide, joyful smile. However, when Wade was confronted by John's stare, all he could see was a pair of serene eyes looking at him, with not a bit of mockery or mirthfulness in it.
"Well, Wade… This was fun." John gave one final chuckle. "Before saying anything else, let me first clear any possible misunderstanding. No, I'm not laughing at you because you think your reasons are childish. I'm laughing at myself."
Himself? Wade raised his eyebrows, doubtful.
To calm himself a little, John took a deep breath while resting his back on the chair. "You will be a little out of context with what I'm going to say, but I'll say it anyway. When you said your reasons sounded childish, I couldn't help but think of myself and wonder: 'Then, how childish must I be?' I mean, you just have no idea what I would possibly do with an ability like yours."
Mustering a bit of courage, Wade dared to ask. "Like what?"
"Ah… from where should I start?" John wandered through the countless organized and unorganized memories in his mind, trying to find the best example. "Chances are that I would create characters of works of fiction that I have dreamed of meeting because of how much they influenced me," People I'll meet one day. "maybe historical figures that I thought of how a conversation with them would be," That will be one hell of a time-travelling experience. He continued. "even recreating scenarios that I dreamed of wandering through. There is simply no shortage of possibilities for an ability like yours."
Just like there won't be a limit to the opportunities I'll encounter on this journey of mine.
Rising from the chair, John stepped up to Wade's side. He patted the young boy's shoulder, giving him a comforting squeeze. "It might not be easier, but try to be a little more confident of yourself. Because if you feel childish because of such small reasons, then what should I feel about my reasons?"
"Uhm… okay?" Wade said, a little bit at loss.
Truth be told, he was truly thrown off by the previous few words from John. Some parts he understood and some others he didn't.
Not wishing to explain, John decided it was better to let Wade think of everything he said by himself.
"Well, I'll be going by now. It was good talking to you, Wade. If you ever need someone to fill a slot in your party, you can try calling me."
"Okay…" Wade replied, still a little bit confused. However, that confusion was short-lived when he processed the last part of John's phrase.
Immediately, his expression took a more brightful tone and he nodded a few times. "Sure, sure! As soon as this campaign ends, I will call you for the next one."
"I'll be waiting for it." John said, giving one more tap on the boy's shoulder before walking away.
Wade watched John leaving, with the miniature figures doing the same as they waved their swords and magical staves in a goodbye gesture.
…
Childish, ha… That was a good one. John shook his head, still not letting go of this thought while walking through the school.
He couldn't help but compare his and Wade's situations.
He thought: If someone considered it childish to interact with illusions they created, with some of these born out of his RPG characters; then how childish was someone like him, a person who decided to travel through the cosmos to live the same experiences his favorite characters went through?
I could be doing so many other things, things that would help many others… Yet, here I am, using my abilities to live a cheerful, happy school life.
Pushing open the doors to the school's backyard, John breathed the fresh, cold air of winter. His black, flowy hair waved and his eyes narrowed while he moved forward, walking aimlessly around the school grounds.
Since he was using flip-flops, John could feel the grass grease the side of his feet while he moved around.
By lifting his head, John observed the passing of the clouds with narrowed eyes. Maybe I… should be doing something else? Trying to help others? The doubt bothered him a lot right now.
Ever since his awakening, there wasn't an exact moment where John was having certain thoughts like now. Maybe one or another, with it going as quick as it came to him, but surely not like now.
He never thought of truly helping other people if these people weren't somewhat related to moments that he had the intention to intervene in worlds he wished to visit or if they weren't individuals he wished to prevent them from having a bad future.
Was I too ignorant of my surroundings? John thought.
As he kept walking, John also kept thinking of the many things he could do instead of being here. Mainly, he dwelled on the decision that enrolled him here.
It was a bunch of many things, from wishing to experience a little of a magical school to his interest in Hope. But the de-facto reason which firmed his decision was none other than his idea of enjoying a simple, "normal" school life before indulging in the craziness of the omniverse.
When he was old, maybe hundreds, thousands and if fate allowed and he wasn't imprudent, millions of years old, the least thing John wished for himself was to regret the fact he didn't complete high school or didn't enjoy such a normal experience when he could.
For all these reasons, he decided to enroll in the Salvatore School, to enjoy a peaceful semester before graduating and then embarking on his journey out in the world.
But now, even when his life was blessed with a beautiful young woman, John couldn't help but think: Am I doing the right thing by staying here and doing nothing else but preventing the world from messing with Hope's life, or should I be out there using my abilities to do something more? Doubts and more doubts took over the boy's mind, his eyes dulling in response to it.
"Hey."
Maybe I am already doing it by preventing the possible apocalypse in the hands of a monster? But when I think of it, my actions seem so… flat, as if it is not the same. But then, what should I do and how much should I do? John sighed deeply.
"Look ahead."
With both hands, John messed up his hair. If I decide to help everyone, then what is the limit? I can do many things, but if I do everything I can, will I be living for myself or living for others? In the possible future I help everyone on this planet and somehow make it an utopia, then what? Forget everything and start living or jump on to the next universe and do the same? I mean, isn't that a never-ending and possibly insignificant job? How many atrocities are happening out there in countless worlds that I can't reach out right now? Should I simply ignore them or do something to help them too?
"You are gonna step into the lake."
Still lost in his thoughts, John didn't listen to the warning voice once again. He was so unaware of his surroundings that he only retreated to the world when he felt cold water running over his feet, the chilling sensation spreading over his body.
"Shit…" John cursed under his breath, taking a couple steps back out of the lake.
At some distance from him, the warning voice reached out to him again. "I tried to tell you, but you wouldn't listen."
Turning his head to the left, John's eyes fell over a certain person giving him a gentle, warm smile, who obviously tried to hold back a laugh.
She was sitting under the gazebo's roof, with no company but a few items. One of them was a cashmere blanket covering her legs, a small cup of coffee with a bit of steam still coming off it and a book lying on her stretched legs.
The book's cover was partially facing John's direction, allowing him to see what the beautiful woman was reading.
"Preparing for your next trip already, Mrs. Forbes?" John asked calmly, knowing his words would reach her despite the distance.
Seeing he noticed her book, Caroline didn't see the need to hide it and simply nodded. "Yes. If things go right, I will be leaving next week."
Taking slow steps towards the gazebo, John slowly approached her. "Well, I would normally say it would be better for you to rest a bit more before going back to recruit students. But, we both know this isn't the reason, right?" The last part he said in a very low tone, so even vampires nearby wouldn't listen to him.
Caroline offered him a wry smile, taking up her cup. "I still am not accustomed to a student like you knowing about such matters." She took a sip of her coffee.
"Sorry about that?" John said, a bit of a smile on his lips.
With her mouth full, Caroline shook her head before drinking the coffee. "Don't be. You weren't seeking this kind of knowledge. Actually, I should be thankful to you and Hope to help a mother like me in such a situation."
"It's the least I could do, I guess." John said, still half-way through to the gazebo.
Before continuing their conversation, Caroline waited patiently for him to approach her. Until he sat in the direction opposite to her, she didn't say a word since she still preferred to have a talk up close like this.
She put her book aside and pulled the blanket a little more, shielding her more from the cold. "Still, I shall thank you two. Alaric has relayed to me you have already read many of the books in the library in search of something we might have missed, with Hope even contacting her family to deliver grimoires we might not have touched to potentially find something if not for her. So, just be a good boy and accept it, okay?"
"Okay, then." John chuckled, finding funny her subtle aggressive mannerism. "And I will be sure to relay your words to Hope as well."
"Thank you." Caroline said, holding the cup over her lap. "So, what were you so immersed in? You even ignored me."
"I'm sorry about that. It's just that when I think too much about something, I become unaware of my surroundings." John brought his legs up, letting them rest over the padded benches of the gazebo. "I was just… having some self-reflection. Things that I could be doing instead."
"Care to elaborate more?" Caroline asked, a bit of genuine curiosity in her tone.
Thinking for a moment in silence, John organized his thoughts and how to share them. "Hm… I believe Dr. Saltzman has informed you I am not the most normal individual even among our community."
"He shared with me some bits of knowledge." Caroline nodded her head. "It was surprising even for me, and that comes from someone whose worldview has been shattered who knows how many times since I was only a teenager."
Let's hope this was the last. John prayed silently. "I just had a brief conversation with someone, with this person saying he thinks the use of his abilities is childish. And that made me think: Am I childish for using mine in the current way? Or better yet, for not using them in what would be the 'right' way?"
Caroline made an expression like she understood what he said.
"You think you could use your powers for greater purposes, is that right?"
"Yes…" John nodded slowly. "I never had thought of this before, and it is strange how much it bothers me now."
"I guess it's understandable." Caroline moved around, shifting her posture to face the young man forward. "You are a strong individual, John. From what Alaric has shared, you have abilities that surely would be useful out there. You could solve conflicts, deal with gangs and even rescue people from natural disasters."
"Right–"
Caroline didn't permit him to continue his words. "However, how much would that cost from you?"
Faced with this question, the first thing to come to John's mind was what he replied. "Time?"
Caroline gave a few quick, short nods. "Sure, time would be one of them. After all, our world isn't short of problems. However, such as I, you are immortal as well. One day, maybe our society would be free of major problems like the ones I mentioned and possibly wouldn't require your help either. Until then, you would just need to be patient and wait for this day to arrive." A soft breeze passed by, carrying alongside it some of the golden strands of Caroline's hair.
Despite his focus on the actual conversation, the scene before him made John momentarily admire the headmistress' beauty.
No wonder the twins seem prettier each day. They surely inherited great genes. He briefly thought, soon completely focusing on Caroline's voice.
Moving away some of the strands covering her eyes, Caroline continued her words. "Unfortunately, time wouldn't be the only thing this idea of yours would cost you." She said slowly, reaching out to her mug of coffee again. "Tell me, John. Have you ever thought about why we remain hidden from society?" She asked before savoring her drink.
"The question has visited my mind sometimes, but I didn't think much of it." John replied, having not truly thought much about it since he came to this world.
Putting down the cup, Caroline's eyes locked on him again. "There are a few reasons for it. First of all, can you imagine how many humans – not even other species – have vampires killed throughout the ages?"
"…Tens of thousands?" John replied, but even he was skeptical about this number. Maybe the Originals alone killed this many.
It seemed his thoughts were right, for Caroline smiled at him for his conservative answer. "Believe it or not, in another place I recently visited – one focused on studying the history of what is supernatural – a scholar came up with an answer based on how long vampires have existed, how many came to exist throughout the ages and even the average level of violence they demonstrated." She explained calmly. "The numbers he showed me were truly shocking. In more than a thousand years of vampires, they have probably killed more than eight million humans."
Holy shit… John cursed silently, knowing well the weight of this number.
Contrary to the young man, who gave obvious signs of how much this information weighed on his mind, Caroline just lazily leaned against the gazebo's fence. "And this is still a conservative result. Vampires nowadays are much more tame than the ones from older times."
"How fortunate." John commented dryly.
"Right?" Caroline chuckled. "Now, let's assume the possibility of revealing ourselves to the world, telling everyone that witches, werewolves, vampires and everything in-between have existed for thousands of years. It would be a clusterfuck from the start, but can you imagine just how it would be if information like that was revealed? Millions of humans were killed by thousands of vampires throughout the ages. In no time, people would think 'maybe my disappeared relative was killed by them?' or 'my daughter left on a full moon and never came back, maybe a werewolf…".
"Okay, I think I get what you are trying to say." John's palm rubbed his forehead and moved down his face, pushing down his cheeks for a moment. "Basically, every human in the world would associate everything that does not have a solid conclusion to us. That we killed their relatives or worse."
"That is just the tip of the iceberg." Caroline said, a scoff coming out of her lips. "Even if we are not the source of all problems in the world, some are our responsibility. I, myself, am responsible for a mistake or two that I fear of coming out to light in the case of our reveal to the world."
Right, humanity-off Caroline was a thing. John thought. "I guess I know where you are going by saying all of this. Basically, if a person like me reveals himself to the world, it is just a matter of time until everyone thinks what else is there."
"There are other reasons as well. Do you think all of humanity would happily accept you? By your abilities alone, some would consider you an evolution – what is next – or maybe even a god. Do you really think everyone would be happy knowing others might worship you?"
"I can already imagine the headache of it." John sighed deeply, turning his eyes to the lake for a brief moment. "Then… What if I used my abilities subtly? Making sure no one knew." He looked at her again. "That way… I would make sure to keep a promise as well." He muttered the last part, nor remembering a conversation he had just a few weeks ago.
Caroline tilted her head from one side to the other, thinking of his idea. "Maybe it would work, your abilities would make it possible." She said, crossing one leg over the other. "I'm skeptical of believing in it, to be honest. Technology has reached a point that is simply almost impossible for you to go undetected if you plan to put this idea forward." She offered him a wry smile, her lips thin. "Your idea isn't bad, John. I know that it comes from a good place, however, many problems will come from it. Some we haven't addressed yet."
John's response to Caroline wasn't through words. He just threw back his head and covered his eyes with his hands.
"You seem more troubled by it than I thought." Caroline commented.
"Maybe," John dropped his arms, resting them by his side. "or maybe I'm momentarily overtroubled by it. I mean, I didn't think about it for the past few weeks since I've awakened my abilities, so why the fuck am I so bothered by it now if I didn't give enough importance to it before that only now I thought about it?"
Savouring the last bits of her coffee, Caroline put down the cup while wiping away a small drop staining the corner of her lips. "It seems you are really anxious about it."
"Huh, strangely, not the first time someone has told me something similar in the last 24 hours." John lifted his head to look back at Caroline.
"Maybe that's a sign?"
"Considering how weird our world is, I won't discard that idea." John replied.
"I would recommend the same." Caroline said, giving him a gentle smile.
Taking a deep, long breath, John quietly stared at nothing for a few good moments. By the end of it, he turned his eyes to Caroline and put his hands over his thighs. "Well, I think I unloaded everything in my mind with you, Mrs. Forbes. I should leave you alone by now." He said, preparing to leave.
But before he could rise up to his feet, Caroline stopped him. "Hey, you said your piece, now it's my time to have the conversation I would like."
Even though he was a little bit puzzled by what she would possibly want to talk to him about, John still listened to her. "Sure, what would you like to talk about?"
Caroline's eyes glowed in joy with his affirmation. She made herself more comfortable before speaking to him. "I just wanted to hear a little bit about you and Hope, how your relationship is going and maybe even hear your plans for Valentine's. It is next week, isn't it?"
"Oh, you wanted to talk about that." John blurted out, a bit surprised by what she wanted to talk about. "And yeah, it's next week. I have a few ideas on what I will do, I just don't know if it's romantic enough or worthy of someone like her."
"Quickly, quickly, tell me more." Caroline asked excitedly, eager to know the details.
…
"Oh my, I didn't even notice the time passing by." Caroline commented when seeing how dark it was already, with the lights of the backyard coming to life.
She wasn't the only one surprised. John looked at the reflection of the moon on the surface of the lake, awed by its beauty. "Normally, great companies lead to that."
"You are a flatterer, I already noticed that throughout our talk." Caroline commented. She felt sore from sitting in the same position for too long, so she stretched her arms and legs a little.
Not denying her claims, John stood up slowly. "I guess it's time for me to go then. I think I already took too much of your time."
"Ha! 'Too much time'? Almost sounded like a joke." Caroline smirked. "And don't think of our time that way, it was joyful. I felt like I was in my teenage years again."
"Well, you certainly still look like one." John reminded her. "Sorry, but I have to ask. Does it bother you that you weren't able to fully grow up?"
"You won't hear me complaining about not being two inches taller." She said, shaking her head. "Or skin problems. My friend, Elena, still complains about these kinds of problems ever since she became a human once again."
"Fair enough, I guess. I've been this way for a short time, but I barely can't remember how it is to be a mortal." John said, standing in front of her. "I guess I really gotta go now. Dinner will soon be ready, and I already lost yesterday's with Hope."
"So, your life is hanging by a fine thread." Caroline commented.
A short laugh escaped John's lips. "You can say that." He turned around, preparing to leave the gazebo. "It was great talking to you, Mrs. For–" Seeing her raised eyebrows, John quickly corrected himself. "Caroline… I hope we can do this again someday."
She smiled widely, showing all her front pearly white teeth. "I hope the same, John."
Giving her a quick wave from his right hand, John began walking away from her, taking the small wooden bridge back to the grass.
However, when he was half-way through it, Caroline called him.
"John."
"Hm?" He turned around, meeting her eyes at the distance.
Despite the distance between them, her soothing voice was still perfectly transmitted to him. "If you think again that you are not making great use of your powers and that you should be doing more, remember that you are already using some of them to help a couple of cute girls. They might not be the world to you, but they are to me. So, as long as I breathe, don't ever think that I'll let you think less of yourself for reasons like this."
Listening to her gentle words, John found himself silent for a short second until he nodded her way. "Okay, thank you."
"I am the one thankful." She kept her smile. "Now, go. Don't let your lady wait for you."
With a brief nod, John faced forward and kept moving, walking back to the school.
Once inside the building, John didn't stop his steps until he reached the dining hall, where Hope was already waiting for him on their usual table.
Alongside her was Josie and surprisingly Lizzie, with them somehow not bickering against each other.
"Good evening." He greeted them, sitting down by Hope's side.
"Hey." Hope leaned towards him, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. "I was starting to think you wouldn't come today as well."
"Sorry about it. I was having a conversation with Caroline."
Listening to their mother being mentioned, the twins' attention intensified on John.
"Our mother?" Josie remarked. "What were you talking about?" She asked curiously.
"Ah, just some random things. She also helped me sort out some ideas I was having as well." John answered briefly, not debriefing much about it. "My talk to her was excellent and fruitful. Your mother is a great person." He looked at the twins.
Among the two, Lizzie was the one to puff out her chest in prideful manner while she nodded her head. "Of course she is, she is our mother! She is the best in the world!"
Well, I won't disagree with that last part because mine is outside of it. John thought. "When we least noticed, it was already dark. And since I didn't want to leave you hanging, I came right after." He nudged Hope's shoulder, giving her a gentle smile.
Seeing her cheerful expression, Hope couldn't deny she felt at least a little bit happy for him as well. "As long as you are happy, I do not mind waiting some more."
"And that's why I love you." John pulled her closer, kissing Hope's face a few times while she giggled.
Meanwhile, a person showed a bit of discontent from the sight while someone else did her best to hide it.
Regarding these emotions, John was ignorant of them. He simply tried to enjoy the moment and the company beside him, doing his best to forget about everything else.
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