Chapter 31: The Brights (Part 2)

Samantha reread the email, her eyes scanned over each word as if to confirm its authenticity. She wondered if this was some sort of cruel scam but quickly dismissed the thought. There were no links to click, no requests for money. The message was straightforward and simple.

"Could it really be my baby boy after all these years?" she whispered to herself, feeling hope swelling in her chest.

With trembling hands, she began to type a reply. The words flowed easily at first, but then she paused, her finger hovering over the backspace key. What could she possibly say to him after doing nothing while that bastard ex-husband of hers kicked him out? 

She bit her nail nervously and rubbed her temples, feeling the weight of her guilt and uncertainty. Maybe she should apologize, but wouldn't it be better to do it in person?

"How can I even begin to make this right?" she muttered, her thoughts a mess.

Frustrated and unsure, she left her office and hurried to her bag in the living room. She rummaged through it until she found her phone, then quickly dialed a contact named "Little Sis."

"Please pick up, Amanda," she thought, standing nervously as the phone rang.

Finally, a groggy voice answered, "Hello? Who is this?"

"It's me," Samantha said quickly. "Are you sleeping?"

Amanda sighed, "I was. Stayed out late last night and I'm recovering from a hangover."

"Don't be drinking on weekdays," Samantha lectured automatically.

"Wednesday is just Friday in the middle of the week," Amanda retorted, a hint of amusement in her voice. "Did you call just to lecture me, or did something happen with Summer?"

"No, well yes, but it's not about Summer," Samantha replied hastily. "I got a message from Don. He's back in Santos City and will be enrolled at SHU. He was asking if he could stay until he finds accommodation."

There was a pause, then Amanda asked, "Don? After all this time?"

"Yes," Samantha's voice wavered. "He doesn't even know Henry and I divorced. That bastard always said he sent money to him too. I'm so happy to know he's well and even willing to see me after what I did, but I don't know how to respond to his email or if I should call him via the number he left."

Samantha's voice broke as she started to cry. "You always got along with him when he was a boy. Can you help me?"

"Calm down," Amanda said gently. "Send me the number. I'll talk to him. You should take a day off and think about what you'll say to him. Remember, it isn't your fault. Don is a young man now, he'll understand what you've been through once he knows."

Samantha sniffed, wiping her tears. "Thank you."

"That's what sisters are for," Amanda said warmly. "Now, go fix your makeup. I can hear it running from here."

Samantha let out a mild laugh. "Okay."

The call ended, and Samantha clutched the phone, taking a deep breath. She hoped with all her heart that Don could forgive her.

Returning to the living room, she stood for a moment, collecting her thoughts. The sun was streaming through the windows, casting a warm glow on the family photos that lined the walls. Samantha's gaze lingered on a picture of Don as a child, smiling brightly. 

———

Unaware of the emotional turmoil his mother was experiencing, Don stepped out of the airbase building, relieved to have passed customs without any issues. 

He let out a sigh, feeling the procedures in this world were just as bothersome as those of his former life. 'No wonder Trixie vanished,' he thought. 'She said she'd meet me outside. Where is she?'

As if on cue, Trixie appeared by his side in a puff of pink smoke. "Did you miss me?" she asked playfully.

Don did a double-take. 

Her appearance had changed dramatically. Her once pink skin was now a light tanned brown, and her horns and tail were gone, making her look like an ordinary human. "Can you shape-shift?" he asked curiously with a brow raised.

"I wish," Trixie pouted. "This is my only human form. The only things I can change at will are my body proportions."

"Speaking of," she continued with a teasing glint in her eye, "what's your type?"

Don chose not to answer, instead pulling out his phone to check a map that showed a vehicle approaching his location. "The Ober ride I ordered is almost here," he said.

Trixie leaned against the suitcase by his side, tilting her head. "Where do you plan to leave the luggage? You don't have accommodation yet."

Don sighed, realizing she had a point. He couldn't lug around a big suitcase and bag all through orientation, that was just asking for negative aura. Quickly thinking of a solution, he said, "I'll head straight to the school. You can drop off at the nearest hotel and book a room for a day. I'll find you once I'm done."

Trixie pouted again. "That's boring."

"Nobody said conquering a city would be all fun and games," Don replied with a small smile.

"Fine," Trixie rolled her eyes just as the Ober ride pulled up.

The car arrived with loud music blaring from its speakers. The driver stepped out, a man with dark, curly hair, a thick mustache, and wearing a brightly colored red shirt. He spoke in broken English, "Hello, friends! You need help with bags?"

"Yes, please," Don nodded.

The driver began loading their luggage into the trunk. Once they were settled in the car, he turned down the music and asked, "Where to?"

"Santos Hero University," Don answered.

The driver nodded enthusiastically, "Ah, Santos Hero University! Very good place. I take you there quick!"

As the car pulled away from the airbase, Don glanced at Trixie, whom he simply hoped wouldn't cause much trouble.