Sharla - Family Secrets

Family Reunion

Two days later - 

Back at the Chaldia training institute, It seemed everything was going great, a banquet of sorts was being held in the great hall for Sharla and her family. All her friends were there. The smiles the laughter, the joy she felt as she watched her parents dance on the dance floor. They were in a world to themselves oblivious to the fact that the music ended ten minutes ago.  

"I never thought we would be like this ever again," Zamilia smiled as she stared into Atéri eyes. It was filled with love, adoration and compassion. Has he really forgiven me she wondered? Smiling as he looked down on her beautiful face, he replied while still gently swaying her. "The music has ended my dear. Shall we retreat outside for a chat?"

Zamilia then glanced around to see all eyes were staring at them, she blushed and then nodded her head. He then took her hand and led her off the dance floor and out of the prying eyes. 

 "So Sharla... it must be nice to finally know the truth about your parents and your heritage. And of course, to know both your parents still love you, and they did what they did out of love for you. I can't believe bishop Demetri is your father." Nico said as he ate a slice of the Devils chocolate cake. 

Sharla smiled and shook her head. "No... Bishop Demetri was never my father." 

Nico turned to look at her, then in the direction he last saw the couple went. "He was just on the dance floor with your mother," he said pointing.

"I know, but my father killed the real Bishop Demetri years ago and took his place with the help of Father Azzi." A shocked expression was on his face. "Wow... so your father is also a shapeshifter?"

"I guess," she replied while she spooned some ice cream into her dish as one of the servers brought various flavours to their table. 

"So the face we see now, is that his real face?" Marlo asked. 

"I don't know, but I know his true face behind the mask he has on now. You all might be afraid of him, but that is debatable." They all stared at her as it was rare for her to be smiling so much.

"You look even more beautiful, Sharla," Nico said as he shared his own flavour ice cream from the tray that was now presented to him.

She blushed and flipped her hair behind her ear. "Don't get soft on me now, dweeb" she replied still smiling. All the pain of abandonment just seems to vanish as her heart now felt full. Her parents were back on the dance floor as another slow song was played. Her mother had rested her head on her father's chest and her father had the most handsome smile she had ever seen on a man. 

"They look happy don't they?" she asked still smiling like a silly school girl. 

Nico's eyes were only on her. She had the most dazzling smile on her face, her eyes were much kinder and softer which made her look extremely beautiful and exotic. His heart was racing, he knew he liked her but they were always competing at something. They were both up for the Captain exam in a few weeks time and knew Sharla would not consider any romance. The thought of them just sharing a simple kiss was fleeting. He closed his eyes and could only imagine them out on their first date and sharing their first kiss. 

"Ouch!" Nico shouted as he felt a sting of pain at the back of his head. He turned to look at Sharla who was looking innocent with a playful smile on her face. 

"What was that for?" he asked rubbing the back of his head. 

"You were acting weird, so I snapped you out of it," she said twirling the ends of her hair innocently.

"Fine, let's say I deserve that. Are you ready to take the captain exam coming up in the next two weeks?" he asked.

"You know it. Always up for the challenge. If you want us to do some practice match later, I am game if you are," she said looking at him, wondering if she really slapped him too hard.

"Yeah, sure. Will join you later. But right now I got something to do, so meet you in the training room around 7 pm," he said as he looked at his watch and got up from the table, He looked down at her waiting for a response. 

"Sure. No problem, be ready for another a*s whopping,"  she jeered. 

"You know there is always a tie between us," he replied. 

"Sorry not this time around, the captaincy is mine," she grinned.

"You wish. Not without a fight," he warned.

"Hey don't waste any more time talking to me... time is going if you need to meet with Father Venjamin," 

"How did you know about that," he asked. 

"Hey don't mind how I know, just get going and don't waste any more time."

He stared at her for a brief moment then ran off to his meeting with Father Venjamin in his office.

 ***

"Is it strange that we are here with our daughter?" Zamilia asked looking up at her husband and then at their daughter before looking back at his face. 

His eyes stared lovingly back at her. His heart felt like it was going to explode with happiness. He glanced at his daughter who smiled and nodded at him. 

"I feel blessed to finally have my daughter and you back in my life. But I know the reason you left was because of my demon face or side, but what I want to know is... will you leave me again?" he asked in a cracked voice. 

"Can we go outside and talk about this? I don't think we should discuss it here with prying ears," she replied. 

"As you wish my love," Atéri said and guided her off the dance floor. 

They walked towards the upper stairs that lead to the garden area. Even though it was underground it was artistically decorated with colourful flowers. Plants of all sizes, a water fountain with an angel in the centre with a sword pointing upwards. It has several concrete benches with cushions and they walked towards it and sat beside each other holding hands. 

"I know now, that may be running away from you instead of taking the time to speak with you about it was not the best choice. It made our daughter feel unloved and unwanted which was not my intention. I just didn't want her soul to be damned. I don't ..."

"I am sorry I chased after you in my beast form. I was just so angry and hurt that you attempted to poison me and take our child away from me, especially when you knew how important family is to me."

She moved to stoop in front of him. 

"I am sorry. I truly didn't mean to hurt you. At least I didn't think you could be hurt as I thought you were a demon and I couldn't believe I allowed myself to get entangled with one." She said and held down her head.

A tear escaped her eyes.  He gently lifted up her chin and brushed it away with his thumb. "I have always loved you and will continue to love you, but please don't run away from me. I am not sure my heart will be able to take it." he croaked.

He stood up and pulled her up towards him and hugged her, then kissed the top of her head. 

"I guess this is a great family reunion after over 100 years of separation, you still have not aged one bit," he quipped.