31. Reconciliation (End of Arc 3)

[So hey, gonna try something different here and have the song at the start. Go ahead and start playing "Better Side of Me" by Blessid Union of Souls. Have it playing throughout this first scene. Hope it really captures the mood for the scene]

"Luz…." said Anne slowly

"Anne….." said Luz looking deep into Anne's eye's.

The two starred at each other for a moment before Anne broke the silence, "would you mind if we talked outside?"

"Yeah sure that'd be great," said Luz. With that Anne motioned for Luz to follow her away from the house and out towards a familiar spot where she and Sprig had spent nights outside reading. It was a small hill on the edge of the Plantar's property that had a small section of an old stone wall.

"It's good to finally see you again," began Anne.

"You too, how long has it been?" asked Luz.

"A few months at least, so much has happened in that time," answered Anne.

"I'd love to hear what you've been up to in that time," said Luz.

"I've got so many stories and I'm sure you do to," answered Anne.

"Right….but first….there's something I have to say to you Anne," said Luz suddenly becoming very serious. Anne looked into Luz's face and could see her struggling to keep her composure. Surprisingly Luz knelt down on the ground in front of Anne.

"Anne…." began Luz taking a deep breath before finally saying, "I'm so sorry for kissing you at the dance! It was wrong of me to do that, it was a violation of your boundaries and it made you uncomfortable. I know what I did was inexcusable and I understand if because of that you don't want to be my friend anymore," Luz paused before continuing, "you have every right to be angry at me, but I hope that even if you don't want to be friends you will at least accept my apology."

Anne took in everything Luz said feeling many emotions, she hadn't expected Luz to say what she said. After a few minutes of silence Anne responded by getting down on her knees as well.

"Luz….." began Anne also taking a deep breath, "I'm the one who should apologize, I didn’t give you a chance to explain, I should have listened to what you wanted to say at the park. I realize now how much I hurt you by saying I didn't want to be your friend anymore. I don't hate you for  kissing me….I still want to be your friend, if you can forgive me.

"But Anne, it was wrong of me to just kiss you like that," said Luz, getting up from the ground.

"Well it was wrong of me to not give you a chance to explain yourself, we'd been friends for months at that point. You came to the park to apologize and I should have given you a chance, besides….I don't know if you're aware but it wasn't entirely your fault." countered Anne, also rising from the ground.

"What do you mean?" asked Luz.

Anne paused before continuing, "a lot has happened since I saw you last, but I met Sasha--"

"Oh you did, yeah me too," said Luz, "she told me something about that night."

"Wait did she confess you about what she did at the dance?" asked Anne in surprise.

"Yes, she did," said Luz, "but that's still no excuse, all she did was make a suggestion to me, she didn't force my actions."

"Sasha basically tried to entrap you," exclaimed Anne, "she's partially to blame here."

"But Anne….I should have controlled myself," said Luz.

"And I should have just talked to you after the kiss, " said Anne, "you know that night I wanted to talk to you then and there but Sasha convinced me not to…..If only I had things could have been different. The point is…..we both did things we shouldn't have."

Anne and Luz looked at each other for a long time, neither of them speaking. Finally Luz broke the silence.

"Anne…." she said.

"Yes," replied Anne.

"….can I hug you?" asked Luz almost in a whisper.

"YES!" yelled Anne immediately rushing towards Luz and practically throwing herself into her arms. As soon as the two began hugging they also began loudly crying. Tears flowed from both girls eyes as they were overcome with emotion at their reunion. Anne finally spoke between outbursts of tears.

"Luz….I'm so sorry for saying I didn't want to be your friend!!" Anne wailed while crying, "I still want to be your friend!"

"Anne….I'm sorry for making you uncomfortable!!" sobbed Luz, "I should have found a better way to express my feelings for you!"

"All this time, I kept thinking what if something happened to you out here," began Anne still crying, "if you died, and the last thing I ever said to you was how we weren't friends. I'm so glad I got the chance to apologize, can you ever forgive me?"

"Only if you can forgive me for placing you in that situation in the first place," countered Luz, "if I hadn't forced myself on you then you wouldn't have said you didn't want to be my friend."

The two continued to cry and hold onto each other tightly, almost afraid that if they let go they would be lost forever. The hug lasted quite awhile as both Anne and Luz continued to cry and to let their tears run their natural course until they were finished. As they finally separated they each looked at the other's face and began laughing.

"Ha! Anne your face is all red and poufy," observed Luz, "you've got snot coming out of your nose."

Anne wiped her face with her hand before replying, "yeah you too.  You've got snot and tears all over you. You're a mess."

"I look terrible, but I feel a whole lot better now I needed a nice good cry!" said Luz, wiping her face and laughing.

"Me too," replied Anne, "you have no idea how good I feel right now. I don't care if I'm a mess. I feel amazing! Much better than I've felt in a long time!!!"

With that the two hugged again, letting time pass by and not caring about anything else at the moment except each other. The minutes ticked by but the two continued to hug as the red moon continued to shine down on them. The feeling of being near each other was such a relief, Anne and Luz felt safe in each other's arms. A long time had passed before Anne finally spoke.

"Luz….can we stay like this forever?" asked Anne wistfully.

"As much as I'd love to we have to separate eventually," replied Luz in a teasing manner.

"I know, I know, can we stay like this for just a little bit longer then?" asked Anne.

"Of course," answered Luz. As the two continued to hug they felt a sort of energy between them. Neither of them could describe exactly how it felt, but this feeling of energy gave comfort to both of them as they hugged each other. It was a feeling of immense calm and joy, and it also felt like reassurance that even when they separated they would still be together.

Eventually they did separate and went to sit down on the hill next to each other, their backs against the stone wall, and looked up at the star filled sky. After a few minutes they began talking telling each other all the stories of what they had been through on their journey through Amphibia.

"So yeah that's how I met Sasha," said Luz, having just told Anne about the fight with Sasha, "I was so angry when I saw her cheer on Grime as he hurt Uodeela. She's changed Anne."

"The thing is I don't think she really has changed," answered Anne, "I think she's always been like that, but we never really noticed. Considering what she did to us at the dance I think she's always had a mean streak about her."

"Did Sasha tell you why she did what she did?" asked Luz.

"No actually," said Anne, "did she say something to you?"

Luz paused before responding, "she said she was worried I'd steal you away from her."

"What?! Really?!" exclaimed Anne, "uhhh, Luz I'm so sorry. When Sasha was convincing me to end my friendship with you one of the things she kept saying was how much better it would be if things went back to the way they were. She said how awesome it was when her, me and Marcy were a trio, and how we didn't need another person. I should have seen it then, it all makes sense now."

"I guess it does, that's…..wow," said Luz.

"I mean it's not like if we had started dating I would have just abandoned Sasha and Marcy, we all still would have been friends," said Anne.

"Hmmm, I wonder…." began Luz before deciding to stop, "actually never-mind."

"Huh, no what were you going to say?" asked Anne.

"It's nothing," replied Luz, though in her mind she wondered, was Sasha's interest in Anne purely platonic?

"Hey I'm sorry about your teacher," said Anne starting a new conversation, "Amara told us what happened in Newtopia, I can't even begin to imagine if something like that happened to Hop-pop."

"Thank you," said Luz, "So you met both Marcy and Amara in Newtopia then?

"Yeah I did. Amara was the one who told us about you coming to Wartwood, she's the reason the Plantars and I raced back," said Anne, "Heck you should have seen Hop-pop and I a few nights ago, we were so desperate to make it back that we drove non-stop for over 20 hours!"

"What?!" exclaimed Luz, "Anne that's not safe!"

"I know, I know," said Anne, "I was SOOOO tired, I had a really crazy dream too….but I wanted to make it back so I could see you! I….I….I've wanted to apologize you for so long. I didn't want to miss my chance."

Luz took in Anne's words and smiled at her before speaking, "I guess that's also why I wanted to come to Wartwood once I knew you were here. I wanted to apologize to you as well."

"Now here we are…." said Anne as the two looked at each other then out at the sky once again.

"So Amara made it back to Newtopia that's good to know," said Luz, "it's good to know that Marcy is okay too. So tell me more about what you found for us to get home."

"Right so, Marcy and the king found out some information about the music box, the one I opened when we were at the park, and it turns out that the gems on the front had been drained somehow," Anne fished in her pocket for her phone before bringing it out to show Luz a picture of the box, Luz could see that the fours gems on it were a dull gray color.

"Yeah didn't those used to be colored," observed Luz, "I only saw the box briefly but I could have sworn the gems had different colors in them."

"They did," said Anne, "I'm guessing when I opened the box and it transported us here, it must have used the powers of the gems or something. I tried opening it again the first night I got here, but it didn't do anything. Marcy and the king discovered that the gems need to be recharged in order to make the box work properly. Once the gems have power again, we'll be able to use the box to go home!"

As Luz heard this she glanced down at her hands and wondered, "hey Anne did Marcy and the king say anything about the gems having powers?"

"Huh what do you mean?" asked Anne.

Luz paused, thinking how to ask her question, "well did they say anything about the gems say…granting any sort of powers to people."

"Ummmm I don't think so," said Anne, "I'm pretty sure I would remember something like that, why do you ask?"

"Well Uodeela mentioned something about the gems being able to give powers, but I'm not quite sure about all the details," said Luz, "you know she had a gem of her own that allowed her to do magic, but Sasha and Grime destroyed it."

"I haven't been able to use any strange sort of powers in my time here," said Anne, "nor has Marcy, you know she would have told me if she had. And I'm pretty sure if Sasha had powers she would have used them in our fight."

"Yeah I guess you're right," agreed Luz, starring down at her hands once again, was it possible that Uodeela was mistaken about what had given Luz her powers?

"In any case we learned a lot in Newtopia about the box, and soon we'll have it working again," said Anne.

"Wow we may have actually found a way home!" said Luz in excitement.

"Yeah I know!" said Anne, "as we speak Marcy is getting things ready for our journey to the first temple. She sent me a mail fly message saying she should be ready in a few days."

"So in a few weeks we might go home and finally see our parents again!" exclaimed Luz.

"Yes!" replied Anne.

Luz starred off into the distance, the prospect of seeing her mom again giving her hope, "Espera un poco tiempo mas mama, regressare. I can't even imagine what my mom must be going through right now."

"I thought about my mom recently, I really miss her Luz…." Anne began to tear up unconsciously thinking about that night in Newtopia. Luz saw and put her arm around Anne to comfort her.

"I got her something while I was in Newtopia, hope she likes it," continued Anne.

"Anne, she'll be happy just to see you back home safe and sound," said Luz in a comforting voice. Anne turned to her and smiled.

"Hey, why don't you come inside and meet the Plantars? It's getting cold out here." said Anne.

"Yeah, sure, um…..there's one more thing I want to talk about though before we go inside," said Luz.

Anne looked at Luz not being able to guess what it was she wanted to discuss, though realization slowly dawned on her.

"Is it about…..us?" asked Anne.

"…..Yeah," said Luz, "look I don't want to put pressure on you or make things awkward but…."

"It's fine Luz," replied Anne, "I get it….you're right let's talk about us. Can I ask you a question Luz?"

"Sure," said Luz.

"How did you know you…..liked girls?" asked Anne with some hesitancy.

"I….just knew," answered Luz, "it started at the sleep over, remember when we were dancing?"

"Yeah….oh wait a minute! Is that why you're cheeks were so red?" asked Anne as she finally put it together.

"Yes," said Luz, causing her cheeks to become red again, "that's when I first started to feel something, then I knew for sure when you leaned up against me--"

"---and used you as a pillow," finished Anne.

"Yeah, by the way I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable because of that," said Luz.

"What? No, you are a very comfortable pillow Luz," teased Anne.

"You know what I meant," said Luz.

"And that's it?" asked Anne, "after that you just knew you liked girls?"

"I mean I did a bit of research," said Luz, "and I came to the conclusion I like both, boys and girls."

Anne laughed a bit before continuing, "so listen I have a confession to make. That night at the dance, after you kissed me…..I was shocked for sure….but I also felt something for the first time. I think that's why I was so eager to accept Sasha's advice. I didn't want to admit that a part of me…..enjoyed that kiss."

Luz didn't say anything though she looked deep into Anne's eyes.

"Luz, I told you how I was bullied growing up right?" asked Anne.

"Yeah I remember you telling me," said Luz.

"That's why I was so scared of those new feelings," said Anne, "I'm sorry for being a coward, but I just thought if people thought I was gay that would be something else for them to make fun of me for. I hated being bullied and I didn't want to go through that again for being gay. So I just ignored those feelings, and tried to pretend that nothing happened."

"I understand, I really do Anne. As someone who was ignored and bullied too I get that fear. I'm sorry you felt that way," said Luz.

Luz paused a bit before asking "So what do you feel now?"

"I think….I might like girls too, but to be completely honest I don't know for sure. I guess it wasn't an instant click for me like it was for you, I have thought a lot about that night. Now I'm not afraid of my feelings but I'm also confused. I feel I need more time to know for sure whether I really like girls, but like I said, I can't deny…I liked your kiss."

"So….what happens now?" asked Luz, a little afraid of the potential answer, but also a little hopeful.

Anne took a deep breath before replying, "I feel I'd like to start over with you as friends…..for now."

"Okay," said Luz stoically.

"Listen," began Anne, "we've both been through so much out here, a lot has happened, and right now we need to focus on getting home…..But when we get home…..maybe we can see what happens. I know that I'm essentially saying maybe to you, but I feel that's the best thing right now, I really do want time to think, but Luz I promise that when we get home we'll talk about this again…..and see how we feel, then maybe we can give "us" a try. What do you think?"

"That's fine Anne, you take all the time you need," agreed Luz, "so then….for now….friends?"

"Yes," said Anne, pulling Luz into another hug, "are you ready to go inside? I can get you some blankets and you can crash on the couch. I did for a few nights when the basement got flooded."

"Huh you stayed in a basement too," said Luz, "what are the odds?"

Anne stood back up and stretched out her hand offering Luz help to get up, as Luz grabbed Anne's hand she began to feel something, if only for a brief second, a warmth and tenderness in Luz's hand that caused Anne's heart to skip a beat. Anne and Luz went inside where the Plantars were waiting in the living room.

"Sooooo how did everything go Anne," asked Sprig, "did you work out all your awkward emotions?"

Anne glared at Sprig before replying, "actually we did, it was a little rough, and there was a lot of crying, but now I'm glad I can actually introduce you all to Luz."

"Hi!" said Luz a little awkwardly to the Plantars.

"So this is Hopediah Plantar, though we usually call him Hop-pop," began Anne indicating the elderly orange frog, "next we have Sprig, and finally Polly."

"Hello Luz," said Sprig coming up to Luz and shaking her hand, "we've heard so much about you, most of it recently, but it's great to finally meet you!"

"So that’s all of your friends then right?" asked Polly, "I wonder what this one will be like? Though I must say I'm liking that staff, really feels like you could stab someone with that pointed end."

"Good to meet you all!" said Luz, "so this is the family you've been staying with?"

"Yep," said Anne, "we've really become close in the time I've been here."

"So Luz," asked Hop-pop, "where in Amphibia did you get sent?"

"I appeared somewhere out in the wilds," answered Luz, "for the first few days I just tried to survive, but I was lucky and got taken in by Uodeela, she's a witch."

"Oh I've heard of her," said Hop-pop, "not much mind you, but rumors and such. What's she really like?"

"She's very nice," said Luz, "she took me in and gave me a place to stay and taught me how to brew potions."

"Hey wasn’t that the teacher that Maddie had?" asked Sprig.

"Yeah she was, in fact I met Maddie, she showed me how to get to your place," said Luz, "I hope if I have some free time later I can do some collaboration with Maddie and see if we can come up with a cure for Uodeela."

"A cure?" questioned Hop-pop, "what's wrong with her?" Luz's face fell as she heard this, realizing she would have to explain again what had happened to her mentor. Anne saw this and decided to end the conversation.

"Hey it's getting late, I think it's time for bed everyone," said Anne.

"Oh but where will Luz sleep?" asked Polly.

"I'll get some blankets and make up the couch for her," said Anne.

"Thanks Anne," said Luz.

"Aww but I wanted to ask Luz more questions," complained Sprig.

"They'll be plenty of time for that later," said Hop-pop, "come on kids get to bed."

With that the frogs left the living room, leaving Luz and Anne alone. Anne went to a closet and returned with some blankets for Luz. The two made up the couch so Luz could sleep there for the night.

"It's not much, but you should be comfortable for tonight. We may have to think of something else when Marcy gets here," said Anne.

"It's fine," said Luz, "I've been sleeping on the floor in a basement for most of my time here, the couch should be no problem."

"Speaking of which I'm gonna head down to the basement myself, goodnight Luz," said Anne.

"Goodnight Anne," said Luz, the two exchanged one final hug, "It's so good to see you again!"

"Yeah, I've missed you so much," said Anne to Luz, "I'm glad we've worked things out."

With that Anne went down to her basement to go to sleep. Luz got on the couch and stared up at the ceiling. As she lay down on the couch she took a moment to relax and take in all that had just happened to her. She had finally reconciled with Anne, not only that but Anne didn't hate her. The two had come to an understanding and were friends once more. Also Anne and Marcy had discovered a way to fix the box, meaning that for the first time since coming here Luz had hope that she would be able to go home and see her mother again. The night had been a plethora of many emotions and while it had been a bit overwhelming it was also reliving. Luz was excited as she lay on the couch and thought about what the future might hold, so at first it was hard for her to fall asleep, but eventually she did manage to drift off into a calm and comforting sleep.

END OF ARC 3

NEXT TIME…..

Arc 4: Gem Journey