Charmed [✔]

25.3 ▌Origin of the Birthmark

June 23, 2014
XXX Country

"...WE SHOULD tell Elise the truth. We can't delay it any further."

Elise halted her steps upon hearing her name. There was an urge to eavesdrop so she stepped away from the living room.

"I'll take the consequences. I just can't bear to see her in this state," her dad added.

"No. We must take our time. This is a sensitive topic, honey."

"But Mom, there's no use delaying it. What's worse, she doesn't seem aware of it." The following voice came from Edward.

Her forehead wrinkled. 'What are they talking about?'

"I know. That's why this is needed to be discussed thoroughly."

"We'll just have to persuade her to talk to the psychiatrist."

'It's that thing again.' Aside from her dad mentioning it last time, it never reoccurred but they never seem to get over it. 'Are they really thinking I'm having some trauma?'

She almost scoffed at how absurd they were. Her family was so overprotective and worried over nothing.

"Alright. If that's the case, I'll talk to Doctor Philips and tell him to postpone Elise's return—" her mom said.

"What?! No way!" She was not able to stop herself from interjecting.

She's been resting for almost a week and she already planned to get back to work tomorrow. With her eyes squinting, she stomped her feet towards them.

"How long have—"

"Shut up, Ethan." She faced her parents who were as calm as usual. This made her wonder where she got her temper when they always acted like nothing could make them furious. "What do you mean by that? Don't interfere with my job."

"Elise, Mom and Dad are doing this for—"

"I'm not talking to you either," she interrupted Edward and remained her gaze on their parents.

Her mom suddenly stood up and met her gaze. "Let's talk."

BOTH OF them headed upstairs. Elise's mom had her own library full of literary fiction. It showcased even the most prized first editions of her favorite books.

Elise loved to stay here when she was younger but when she discovered the world of science, she eventually stopped. It was still the same light birch wood that made the whole room brighter and more inviting. Nevertheless, comparing it to the library of the Flamions, this was nothing but a small fraction. Not only in the size and collections but also in the elegance and grandiosity of the whole place.

She breathed a sigh. How she missed that place...

'Stop reminiscing, Elise!' She instantly scolded herself.

Her mom sat on the sofa and then tapped the seat beside her. Elise sat down obediently but there was still a trace of irritation on her expression.

With crossed arms, she waited for her mom to explain what she meant earlier. However, there was nothing. Her mom pulled out the drawer of the end table. She heard the rustle and glanced at the tarot cards in her hands.

She almost had to roll her eyes. Her mom usually did divination daily if she could but Elise hadn't heard a single one since she came back. Now that it was an important time, she chose to do so.