This choice was important..

Nicholas Berling

I was laying on my bed, looking outside the window. There is another world where no one knows about us, a world which is like a dream for us just like we are a dream for them. I wonder how that world looks like. I have never been out of Enchantesia. I stared at the moon, resting my head on my hand. How can a normal person enter this world without magic? That just sound so incredible but the fact that you have no idea when you will return is scary as well. I wonder how she is coping up with everything. 

This just made me remember her, the way she smiles, laughs, her brown hair loosely falls down her shoulders. Everything about her is perfect. I didn't even realize I was smiling at the thought of her. I immediately came back to my senses, feeling my cheeks heating up. Was I blushing at the thought of Isabelle? 

I shook off the remnants of my flustered moment and stood up, my eyes falling on the locket around my neck. A mischievous grin tugged at the corner of my lips as a thought took shape in my mind. Determined, I strode out of my room, a destination already in mind. My steps led me towards the office of Professor Mrs. Berling, who possessed the unique magic to capture pictures through her spells. I entered the office and said, "Mom, I need your help with something."

"How many times do I tell you, call me Professor inside the school" she scolded but I had no time of her nags. "I know, I know," I acquiesced, holding up my hands in surrender. "But this is important," I quickly added, my impatience and eagerness evident in my tone. "I need your help with something, Professor." 

"What help you need at 9 o clock at night? You should be asleep by now" Her voice firm. "Yeah, I know, I know," I replied with a hint of urgency. "But trust me, this is important. Can you just help me with this one thing?" 

"Just tell me this one isn't stupid" Her voice in a defeated tone. I held my hands up in mock surrender, trying to convince her. "I promise you, Mum, it's not stupid. In fact, it's important," I said with conviction. "Can you please trust me on this?"

"Mum, you aren't a kid anymore Nicholas Berling!!" She nagged again. I chuckled at my mother's reminder, a playful grin spreading across my face. "I know, I know, I'm not a kid anymore." I leaned against her desk, my eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. "But you're still my mum, and you know I wouldn't ask for something stupid, right?"

"I know you too well, now tell your stupid help" With a slightly cheeky grin, I leaned forward and spoke up. "Alright, alright," I said, knowing she wouldn't let it go. "I need your help, Mum. I need you to make a picture of someone for me."

She turned her gaze at me, "of someone?" Her eyes fixed on me intently as she repeated my words, her curiosity piqued. "Yes," I nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of my lips. "I'd like a picture of Isabelle."

She widened her eyes and then narrowed it, "why?" I shrugged nonchalantly, an attempt to play it cool. "I just want a picture of her, that's all," I said, trying to sound casual. "I can't trust you. Tell me the reason" she said sternly. 

I should have known my mother would see through my attempt to evade her questions. She stared at me with a stern expression, demanding an honest answer. I sighed, knowing I couldn't deceive her. After a brief pause, I admitted, "Fine. I... I want to add her picture to my locket." She widened her eyes, "Whyyy?" 

I could sense my mother's growing curiosity as she questioned my motives. I shifted in my spot, feeling a bit self-conscious. "Just... just because," I muttered, trying to downplay the significance of it. "I want to keep her picture close, that's all." 

She raised her eyebrows and sighed, "Didn't I tell you about her? You can't get attached to her, you will be hurt at the end" I stiffened at my mother's words, her warning about Isabelle ringing in my ears. She had tried to caution me against getting attached, concerned about the pain that might follow. I sighed, knowing she was right but feeling a pang in my heart at her words. "Yeah, I know what you said," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "So why? Don't say you like her?" 

I let out a deep breath, realizing there was no escaping the truth. "I..." I began, my voice a mixture of vulnerability and resignation. "I do like her, Mum. I like her a lot."  She was surprised, "in just a day??" I fidgeted nervously under my mother's questioning gaze. She was right, it seemed like such a short time to feel so strongly. "I know it sounds crazy, Mum," I admitted, my voice betraying my own disbelief. "But... it's different with her. I can't explain it" 

She held my shoulders, "if she returns tomorrow, what will you do then?" I felt a pang of sadness at her question. "If she leaves tomorrow..." I trailed off, the thought of Isabelle leaving causing a tightness in my chest. "I don't know... I'll just have to deal with it, I guess." 

"That's why. I don't want to see you hurt" I could hear the motherly worry in my mother's voice as she spoke, her words filled with care and concern. I smiled softly, appreciating her worry but also knowing there was no stopping my feelings. "I know, Mum," I replied sincerely. "But I can't help how I feel about her. I just... I just want a picture to keep with me." 

She looked at me with worry and sighed. She closed her eyes, focusing her magic to create the picture I desired. After a few moments, she opened her eyes and held out the picture.

I took it gingerly, holding the picture of Isabelle firmly in my hand. The image of her smiling face filled my heart with a mix of both joy and bittersweet sadness. 

"I can't guarantee what will happen in the future. But it's your own choice" I looked at my mother, her warning hanging in the air between us. I knew she was right—the future was uncertain, and nothing was guaranteed. "I know," I said quietly, my voice tinged with resignation. "I know. It's my choice. And... I've made it."