IV - First Secret

The two let out a giggle as they threw themselves on the bed that fits just right for the two of them. Hearts raging from excitement and fear. Odette turned to face Tara who's now spacing out. The adrenaline must took a toll on her.

"That was scary, weird, and most of all, intriguing", says Odette who's trying to recall everything that happened.

They're aware that it's not the right time to make fun of what happened but maybe they were just trying to ease the uneasiness they've felt a while ago. They committed every forbidden thing. Who knows what's awaiting for them as the sun rises.

The two fell asleep talking about what happened to each of them. When Odette woke up, she head to the kitchen after hearing noises coming from around it. With back against her, she saw Willow busy cooking something on the counter.

"When did you get here?", she asked pouring herself a cup of tea.

"I just got here. I was with Lilith earlier..." she faced Odette and tilted her head. "Were you sleeping with Tara?" she added which alarmed Odette.

She broke a laugh after taking a sip. "Yeah. Who should I be sleeping with?" she joked.

Willow nodded and faked a laugh. "By any chance, did you pass by the portal or go somewhere near it?" Odette bit her lip and placed her cup back on the countertop.

"Willow, I was grounded" she said making it sound as if she was sad. Willow sighed and motioned her to sit as the food is ready.

"I'm gonna go call Tara"

Odette sighed. At this moment, she assumed that they knew someone entered the portal but they don't know that it was Tara and her. She reached for her chest which was racing with fear. They need to be careful from now on.

Willow slowly opened the bedroom door. There she saw her daughter sleeping soundly. She took the moment to admire her. Caressing her hair, she thought about the memories of Tara when she was still a little kid. She would always braid her chestnut brown hair and Tara would always love how she looks.

Tara would go around the place asking everyone she'll see how does she look. She would usually come back with Odette who would ask for the same hairstyle. If not for their different hair color, the fairies around them would mistaken them as a twin.

Tara woke up from the feathery touches she was feeling on her head. "Mom...", she uttered as soon as she recognized the individual caressing her hair.

"Good morning. Odette's already waiting downstairs" she said before planting a kiss on her forehead.

She stood away from the bed and head towards the door. "We'll be waiting for you. Make it quick, alright?"

Tara nodded before fixing herself. Her hand flew to her mouth when she remembered what happened last night. Fear and worry quickly invaded her system knowing that it's not impossible for Lilith to know what happened. But considering how her mother was earlier, she thought that they still doesn't know what happened and how she wish they will never know.

They were able to eat peacefully when Willow left them alone. She was summoned by Lilith to investigate again the possible intrusion on the portal.

"I guess they got wind of what happened. What shall we do now?", said Tara whose face was now etched with worry.

Odette shook her head and reach for Tara's hand. "Listen to me. We did nothing and we know nothing." she looked closely at Tara and cupped her face.

They stayed like that for a moment. Odette waited for Tara to calm. She's always been like this whenever they do something forbidden or prohibited. Tara's always the first one to be anxious and worried.

"You're not grounded anymore right? You're healed"

Odette nodded and gave her a smile.

Tara went home to prepare for their daily training. Now that Odette's suspension is also lifted, they will now face the other fairies. However, they aren't aware of their suspension. They just knew that Odette was healing from an accident and Tara was assigned to take care of her.

They do not know about the whole Garden of Eden being a mess. And this is an information they can not spread around. Surely, they have a lot of questions going through their minds but they're not in the right position to ask or even question Lilith about it. After all, what they have done is a forbidden action.

"Tara!" a small figure came running towards them as they reached the pond.

"Bea, hey!" she kneeled down to match her height. "Have you been doing good with your training?" she asked.

"Yes! Where have you been?" her eyes shifted to Odette.

"Odette had an injury and I had to take care of her" the little girl nodded and reached for both of their hands.

They watched themselves be pulled towards the other fairies.

In the middle of their training, Lilith and the ministry came to announce something. Tara blended in with the crowd and glanced at Odette. Odette seems to know what's going on but there's not a hint of single fear on her face. This slightly calmed Tara.

Lilith walked towards the middle. She slowly eyed everyone in there.

She cleared her throat and straightened up. "I apologize to barge in here without any notice. As you see, I have been dealing with issues regarding our realm. I want this to be a safe place for everyone without having to worry about intruders. We have been living a peaceful life, away from the other races. However, I have been receiving signals that our portal is being passed through." she paused and her eyes landed on someone.

Tara felt uneasy as she try to hold back from looking away. The whispers she's hearing around her is also making her anxious.

"Must be Willow's daughter. Her mother has done it already, right?"

"Yeah. It may run in their bloods"

"If anyone of you knows something, just know that my house is always open for visitors", she ended her speech with a bow and they flew away.

The crowd started forming a group trying to formulate an idea on what was happening. Tara found herself with Odette walking towards the portal.

-

Kieran was welcomed by a lot of books everywhere after barging in his sister's room. "What the hell Kieran?"

"What the hell Karma? You're a book worm now?" he stated as he examined every books scattered around her room.

"The Mystics. The History of Ancient Fairies. The Legend of Red Serpent. What the hell?" Karma glared at her.

"Could you please keep your hands off of my books? I need to know something. So be quiet or just leave", irritated, she gathered all the books in one place.

Kieran smirked and watched her frustatingly keep her things. He adjusted on his seat and licked his lips, "Seriously, what are you doing?"

Karma closed her eyes and sighed. "That girl is tormenting my mind. Ever since I saw her, I feel like... I don't know!" Kieran nodded.

"I wonder where do they live..." Kieran mumbled before storming out of her room.

He rummaged through his closet to look for something to wear. He got his self a pair of black jeans and a white shirt. He top it with a black denim jacket and he's good to go. "Damn, I look hot", he whispered as he stared at his reflection for a moment.

"Tara" a familiar voice rang in his head. "What the fuck?"

He brushed his hands on his face and chug on the liquor he found on his room before going out.

"Oh, Brandon. Our father, where are you?" he sang while dancing his way around their house.

The hall was quiet as usual, no hint of everyone in the house. He shrugs after realizing there's no one he can talk to.

"I'm on my own, I guess", and with that, he ran towards his car parked outside.

"Hey! Where are you going?" he looked behind him and saw Karma standing on their staircase. Crossing his arms above his chest, he tilted his head and flashed a grin. "Not letting you come with me this time" and he turned his back from her before she even got to say something.

Before he starts his engine, he fished something from his pocket. He stared at the little paper folded into a thin piece and unfolded it. Written in it is a familiar place he knows. He folded it again and put it back to his wallet before he started driving.

"Gotta keep your little notes for a while, sis" he whispered, a grin plastered on his lips.

-

"Are we sure about this?" Tara whispered. They're on their way to the portal to check if something has changed.

Luckily for them, the ministry was not there. They are probably having a discussion about the matter. "Look, we are just going to check it. We are not doing anything else" Odette reassured her which made her sigh.

"Mother, I swear I have nothing to do with that. You would know if it's me" their eyes widen upon hearing familiar voices.

"Let's say it's not you but are you sure that your daughter is not doing the same thing you did?" Lilith's cold voice followed.

Odette quickly pulled Tara to duck alongside the tall grasses. "We've got no other choice. They are heading here" then she glance towards the portal.

With so much disapproval, Tara quickly shook her head. "We cannot affor to get caught again. Come on! We don't have much time" Odette whispered looking alternately at Tara and Lilith who is coming their way.

Odette heave out a big sigh before pulling Tara towards the portal. The familiar setting welcomed them after passing through the portal. They walked through the forest to find the way out.

"Odette, we should come back now" Tara tug on the hem of Odette's dress. "They might still be there. Do you want to get caught? For now, let's just go around the area", Tara couldn't do anything but go along with Odette. She wiped her watering eyes with her fingers in which Odette noticed.

She paused from walking and held Tara's shoulder. "Are you crying? I'm so sorry. I'm not gonna let bad things happen to you. I promise this would be the last time and we will keep everything a secret", Tara nodded and let Odette enveloped her for an embrace.

"Oh my, what a sight", Tara quickly pulled away to look at the familiar voice.

In there, he saw a familiar figure of man standing tall with his hands on his pockets. He licked his lips and walked towards the two of them. Odette backed away but Tara remained on her place. "Tara!", Odette whispered.

"I didn't expect to see you here..." said Kieran who's suprised to see them here.

"Uhh..", Tara glanced at Odette who is now confused. "We are just passing by" Odette interrupted when she realized the situation they're in.

Kieran tilted his head and glance back at Tara. "Do you live nearby? I can give you a ride" and he flashed the best smile he could muster.

Odette cleared her throat and stepped between the two. "You know, Tara's been going through a lot and she actually needs space and time to think. So please," Odette paused, hoping that Kieran would understand.

"Oh, is that so? If you don't mind, I know a place"

And like how they are not supposed to meet, they found themselved hanging out in the middle of the forest talking about the life they both made up.

"It's a shame you didn't invite me", the three of them glanced at the voice coming from their back.

"Karma..."