For Now

Mid-afternoon sunlight poured into Alina’s study, lighting the stacks of school brochures spread across the table. Each one promised bright futures, strong programs, and a safe, supportive environment. She went through them all carefully, weighing every detail. Choosing a school wasn’t just about education, it was about finding the right place for her children, a place where they could grow, learn, and stay safe.

On top of the pile lay a new assessment report. Nathaniel, only five, was already reading and solving problems far beyond his age. His mind was sharp and quick, spotting patterns and connections others often missed. Charlotte, his twin, had her own kind of brilliance, curious, lively, and full of imagination, always asking questions and exploring ideas. But Nathaniel saw the world like a puzzle he was already working to solve, a quiet focus that made Alina proud.

A soft knock came at the open door.

“Come in,” Alina said.

Nathaniel stepped forward, hazel eyes shining green and gold in the light. He held a crumpled map of the school. “Did you find it?” he asked.

"I did," she said with a small smile. "You and Charlotte will start at Westbridge Academy in two weeks."

His face lit up, then quickly worried. "Will we be in the same class?"

Alina took his hand. "You'll be in the same school, but your class will be with older children. They think you'll do better there."

"But I want her with me," he whispered.

"You'll still see each other every day, at lunch, at playtime, and after school." She pushed his dark curls back. "Sometimes growing means taking a step ahead, but you'll never stop walking beside her."

He nodded, his lips tight. "She'll be okay, right?"

"She'll be more than okay," Alina said softly, kissing his forehead gently. "And so will you."

When he left, Alina picked up her phone.

"Alina," came the voice on the second ring. "I was about to call you."

"Hi Sam. Do you have a moment?"

"Always. This is about the twins, right?"

Alina exhaled softly. "Yes. I've found a school that might suit them both, but Nathaniel will need to start a level higher. They'll be in the same school, but not in the same class. I want to make sure their records stay private."

After a short silence, Sam spoke. "It can be arranged. I'll have the headmaster sign the confidentiality agreement, and only a select staff will know the details. But, Alina, why are you pushing this so hard?"

Her fingers tightened around the table edge. "Because I can't risk them being found before they are ready. Not by him. Not by his family."

"The Vaughn's?" Samuel asked.

“They’re quiet now. But Arthur always wanted an heir. If they learn about the twins, they’ll try to take them or use them.”

"I'll make sure their names stay protected," Samuel said quietly. "They deserve a childhood free of that."

“Thank you,” she whispered, ending the call.

That evening, the twins sat cross-legged on the living room rug, crayons and paper scattered everywhere. Charlotte was drawing a sunny field with a horse. Nathaniel was sketching neat shapes and lines that slowly turned into something detailed.

“So we are really going to Westbridge?” Charlotte asked, her blue eyes bright.

“Yes,” Alina said, sitting beside them and placing a folder on the table nearby. “Your uniforms are ready. Classes start in two weeks.”

Charlotte grinned. "Will there be painting? And stories?"

"There will be. And music, and gardens, and even a science club," Alina said with a smile.

Her smile faded as she looked at her brother. “But Nate’s in another class.”

Nathaniel shrugged a little. “They said I should.”

“You’re just… fast,” Charlotte muttered, though she looked proud.

Alina tucked a loose strand of hair behind her daughter's ear. "School isn't a race. You'll both learn your own way. What matters is that you enjoy it."

The room became quiet. Charlotte set her pencil down as Alina leaned in a little, her voice calm and steady.

Nathaniel tilted his head. "What if people ask... about our Dad?"

“Your father is alive, but we don’t see him,” Alina said gently. “When I left Atheria, I was already carrying you. Things between us were complicated and not safe for us then. One day, when you’re older, I’ll tell you everything. For now, here is what matters: you are loved, and nothing about his choices changes that."

Charlotte reached for Nathaniel’s hand. “So we keep it… right?”

Nathaniel nodded. “For now.”

Alina felt a familiar feeling in her chest, part pride, part worry. They were so young, but they already understood what it meant to hold a secret.

She hugged them both softly into her arms. "Your job is to be children. Learn, play, make friends. Let me worry about the rest."

Charlotte tucked her head under her mother’s chin. “Will you come with us on the first day?”

“Of course,” Alina whispered, smoothing her hair. “I’ll always be there when it matters.”

Nathaniel's voice was small but sure. "I'll look after her too, Mom."

Alina felt a soft ache in her chest, part worry, part deep, quiet pride. The twins were tiny, yet already carrying the secret she had chosen for them. She had left Atheria after being hurt, started a new life in Marlowe, and soon discovered she was pregnant. Every step since then had been about keeping them safe, building a world where they could grow with love and freedom, untouched by the past.

That night, after tucking the twins into bed, Alina sealed the last envelope for Westbridge and placed it carefully aside. Her reflection caught in the dark window, a woman once overlooked, now steady, confident, and strong. The city outside still held shadows of the past, whispers of old pain but here, in this quiet home, her future waited.

And she would protect it, fiercely and fully, no matter who tried to take it away.