Page 61 of Autumn Secrets
Chapter 19
I woke up super early the next morning with a big smile on my face. I had stayed with Adrian until it was almost midnight, before he returned me safely to my car by the library. My stomach fluttered. I had never felt like this before, but I knew I was falling head over heels in love with Adrian Hunter, even more so after last night. I kicked off my covers and jumped out of bed, pulling my desk chair closer to the window.
It was very early, still dark outside, so I lit some candles and stared out the window and into the darkness. I closed my eyes and let my mind wander back to that magical morning in the forest, to remind myself of the feeling that stirred more and more restless in my soul. It felt like it had happened so long ago, even though it had only been a few days since I had discovered a world that was right here among humans, but completely hidden. The peace I’d felt out there in the forest was almost addictive. I couldn’t shake it, I wantedmore.It was the feeling of being in tune with everything around me, giving me a sense of peace I’d never felt before, reminding me of my destiny.
A warm surge of energy and light flooded through me, finding its way into the very centre of my heart, and in that moment, I knew what I had to do. It was like a true awakening, and suddenly everything was so clear to me. I was a guardian of light, and I was going to honour my destiny.
I waited until dawn broke, then quietly got dressed and sneaked outside. The cold autumn morning greeted me as I started walking down the dirt road towards the riding school and its surrounding meadows. I continued past the school and walked further into the forest, towards the other end of the lake. As I’d already suspected, the lights were on in Mr and Mrs Peters’ house. They had always been early birds. I knocked on the door and waited patiently for someone to come and let me in. It was Mr Peters who finally greeted me with a cup of coffee in his hand.
“Aurora? What are you doing here this early? Is everything all right?”
“Yes, everything is fine. I just needed to see you and Mrs Peters. I hope I didn’t wake you up?”
“No, no. We’ve been up for a few hours already. Come in, love.”
Mrs Peters was in the kitchen. She set the table and we sat down to have some breakfast together.
“Thank you,” I said and reached for a piece of toast.
“How are you, dear?” Mrs Peters asked and looked at me.
“I’m…still confused, but I’m also, actually quite okay.”
“And how are things between you and Helena?”
“Mum is giving me space, just like I asked her to. I’m still trying to come to terms with everything. I just need some time, you know?”
Mr and Mrs Peters looked at each other before Mrs Peters turned to me. “You know she did what she thought was best for you, Aurora? And we played a big part in it as well.”
“I know, it’s… I don’t know… I’m still angry with her. I’m still disappointed about what you two did as well but at the end of the day, she’s my mum. Sheshould have told me. That’s why I feel betrayed.”
“Helena loves you, Aurora.”
I swallowed. “I know, and I will deal with it when the time is right, but right now I need someone else to guide me.”
“And that’s why you’re here?”
“Yes. I want you to teach me everything you know. What I need to know. I want to honour my grandmother, and I want to honour my destiny.”
Mr and Mrs Peters gave each other another look and then smiled back at me. “This is great news, Aurora. You will be a wonderful and strong guardian of light. Your grandmother would be so proud of you,” Mrs Peters said and put her hand on top of mine.
“What about Mum?”
“Once you’ve made your decision, she will stand by your side. She will never let you down.”
I felt myself tearing up. I’d hurt Mum, shutting her out over the past two days. I needed to let go of my anger. I didn’t want to fight her. I wanted her by my side. It just hurt.
“I’ve made my decision. I really want to do this,” I heard myself say with confidence.
“Then we will help you. Come over this afternoon if you like. Our door is always open.”
I nodded. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”
I left Mr and Mrs Peters, feeling lighter in my heart, and with a sense that everything would be okay. I knew I was making the right choice; I could feel it. My grandmother had lived a normal life just like a regular human, even though she carried around a big secret, and I was confident I could do the same.
I thought of Lucinda and Phoebe in the bakery. I really wanted to have a face-to-face conversation with them as well. Maybe I could go for a drive to Lovika Creek? The school holidays were just around the corner and that would give me plenty of time to dive into this hidden world I now knew about and wanted desperately to be part of.
Mum was already up and getting ready for work when I got back to the house.