“Fine, fine, just leave me alone!” she cried.
“Give me back my necklace,” Eva asked, gently, after the voices had died down.
“Here!”
Katrina pulled it off of her, breaking the chain. She threw it hatefully at Eva, who managed to catch it in her hands, before it fell down to the ground.
“I hate you all!” she hissed, before she ran out of the cafeteria.
A second later, roaring applause was heard and it was all because of Eva. The students were all giving her a standing ovation, thanking her for finally ridding them of Katrina. Eva smiled awkwardly, sitting down, trying not to make a big deal out of it because, in essence, it wasn’t. Katrina wasn’t a big deal at all. She only thought she was. All it took was for one person to stand up to her, and the rest followed easily. But, it is hard, as Eva herself knew. Probably, if all this didn’t happen, she wouldn’t have the courage to stand up to Katrina either. Usually, we don’t know what we are capable of, until we push ourselves to the limit, and even over it.
“How do you feel, hero?” Dorian winked at her, from across the table.
“That was so awesome!” Bella added, once the applause died down, and everyone seemed to return to their everyday business, only everything felt lighter. Even the air smelled fresher, liberated from the stench of a school bully.
“I knew you could do it,” Sebastian smiled.
“It’s because I’ve got you, guys,” Eva gleamed.
It was true. She finally had everything she ever wanted, and more.
Chapter 28
It was the weekend of the picnic. They found the perfect spot, deep in the woods. The day was beautiful and sunny and the birds were chirping cheerfully. The red and white checkered blanket was spread out on the grass, right underneath a weeping willow tree, which lowered its branches sorrowfully towards the ground, creating a pleasant shade.
“This was a great idea, Evie pie,” Roman said to her, wrapping his arm around her shoulder.
Sebastian and Frey were setting up the plates for everyone, on the blanket. Dorian was busy unloading the picnic basket, which was filled with food for nine people.
Sorwyce and Amelie were sitting nearby, picking some herbs for their potions. Bella and Darlith were helping with the drinks. Happiness was almost tangible, and yet, Eva felt a pang deep inside, as if someone was missing.
“I wish mom was here,” she whispered to her dad.
“I know,” he whispered back. “Look around you.”
Eva did as he told her. She could see the woods, bright green colors, warming her heart.
“Can you feel her?” he asked.
She closed her eyes. The wind caressed her cheek so softly, that it almost felt like a mother’s hand. The birds sang so sweetly, it almost sounded like the voice of a mother.
“I can,” she smiled.
“She is always here,” he told her. “As long as you remember her, as long as you love her, she will always be by your side, even if you don’t see her.”
Eva’s eyes filled with tears.
“I love you, dad…”
“I love you, too, Evie pie…”
They hugged. Her father’s sweet embrace made her feel better again, and she thanked her lucky stars for returning him to her.
“I think we’re all set!” Frey informed them, and they all gathered around, sitting down on the blanket.
Eva looked around. The sound of cheerful chatter permeated the woods, filling the air with happiness and joy. Life was good once again. She had managed to rise above the storm, and find sunshine once again, at a moment when everything had seemed dark and bleak.
When they finished eating the food, Roman suggested to Sorwyce and Amelie to take a walk.