The Return

Phaedra stood in the elevator as it ascended to Malara's penthouse. It seemed like a lifetime since she had been here. So many memories flooded back to her as she watched the numbered floors ding and pass by. Memories of her early life. Her sisters, her family. Malara, Chloe, her mother. Izziel had walked her here, there had been little conversation as she followed him closely. When they arrived she entered the elevator, thanked him and waited for the initial meeting that was soon to come.

Tears had begun to stream down her cheeks as she hugged herself tightly. There were so many feelings, fears, and worries that seemed to escalate as she got closer and closer. What would be waiting on the other side of the door? Up till now, she had only been searching for people, but like a dog chasing a car, she had no idea what to do once she actually got there face to face. What would she say? How could she explain? Would they be mad? She was beginning to feel heavy now. Maybe this wasn't such a good idea. Not that she could stop it now.

Phaedra held herself tightly as she awaited her fate. With a final Ding the door opened. And she stepped out of the Elevator entering the penthouse. Her body clicked and chittered loudly, destroying all chances of a silent entry. The bright lights that once reflected off her shiny carapace now highlighted the skuffed shell of her body and cast shadows into grooves cut into her very armor. She could sense someone there, though she dared not raise her eyes to meet them. She wanted to speak, but a lump had formed in her throat, and try as she might, she was unable to get words to pass it. Instead, she stood, waiting for whatever would happen in silent anticipation.

Phaedra felt a rush of emotions when she heard Chloe's voice. It was soft, nurturing, almost soothing. Farcry from the sinister evil she had been exposed to for far too long. The young spider looked up, her eyes meeting with Chloe's. She couldn't see the shock, she couldn't see anything but a softness that she had long since forgotten.

For a moment there was nothing. a Silence that followed the greeting. Not awkward, not bad, just silence. Phaedra had no words, nothing to say, like all thoughts of communication seemed to no longer exist as her thoughts questioned if this was even real. She wanted to speak, t try and say something, and even as she failed to say anything, her mouth opened and closed as if it were forming something.

When Chloe approached with her arms open, Phaedra was suddenly caught in a new volley of emotions, Fear. She flinched away rather hard, closing her eyes and taking a step back as her body lowered to the ground. She knew Chloe was not going to hurt her, but this was bigger than that. She had been hurt so long that her instincts now demanded she flinch, like a beaten animal. The sudden movements, the change of tone it all caused her to panic.

She didn't know if Chloe would keep coming, or if she would back up. In truth, Phaedra wanted to feel a positive embrace more than anything in the world, and despite her pulling back she silently prayed that Chloe would keep coming.

"A-Auntie Chl-Chloe..."

Her voice was little more than a tiny trembling stutter.

Phaedra's eyes began to well up with tears as Chloe came closer again. There were things here, comforting things that she didn't know she had missed. That soft voice, the familiar scent, even the warmth of a body coming close. Before Phaedra could even think or express herself she was overcome with a single urge that she followed through with, throwing her arms around Chloe and sobbing.

She held her aunt tightly, almost as if she feared that she might disappear if she let go. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, and into Chloe's shirt as Phaedra buried her face into her Aunt. In between sobs she tried to speak, tried to get words out to convey something, anything, but all that managed to come out was incomprehensible babbling.

There were times over the last few months in which Phaedra thought she might not survive to see the island or her family again. Even after getting back she had not fully believed she was here, but somehow, this moment right now made everything real. Being here with her Aunt helped to convince her that the nightmare was over. She even felt a sliver of safety here.

"I found my way back" She managed to say without too much trouble.

Phaedra fell silent for a few moments before finally releasing her grip on Chloe. She hadn't thought about anything she could have wanted for food or drink. Now that she thought about it, it had been some time since she had last had anything. Water would have been good, a little meat to fill her tummy, but she wanted something more, something to relax her, to help her feel less on edge.

"C-could I please have s-something to help me s-settle down?" Any sort of caffeinated beverage would do. She didn't want much though, just enough to take the edge off so she could talk a little easier.

"It's b-been very difficult." Her voice trembled a bit. She wanted to tell someone what happened but feared to even say the words. What would they think? would they even believe her? She hadn't exactly been the most trustworthy of people before she left.

"P-pandora..." She struggled heavily saying her mother's name. It seemed to lump up in her throat and cause more tears to form in her eyes. "... did this..." She didn't know what else to say or even how to explain it. More than anything she needed a few moments to collect and compose herself again.