Uncanny Resemblance
The door was not opened for me automatically, as if it didn’t entirely trust me and ran me a few series of tests.
It took me so long to reach it as I felt like I was entrapped in a maze.
There was a shining light and I followed it, but it seemed to be a trap as there were insects who fell into it.
I kept on going, almost wanting to give up midway, but then it suddenly stopped in a room where I was staring at myself in the mirror.
It was staring back at me. Brown hair, hazel eyes, petite body structure, except it felt melancholic. She was wearing a dress, something vintage, and her hair was styled up. She looked beautiful. And staring at her eyes was enchanting.
“Honey, I'm home.” Someone said behind, a male voice.
And my mirror reflection looked behind her, her mouth beaming at the sight of a man.
The man looks familiar and looking closely, I knew I had seen him somewhere.
“Oh Ceylan, any gifts?” My reflection asked and the man leaned in for a kiss and whispered, “Close your eyes, Selyse.”
The woman did as she was told and waited patiently, while the man grabbed something from his pockets revealing a diamond necklace.
He put it on her neck while saying, “Happy anniversary.”
The woman gasped, kissing the man and jumping excitedly, “Happy anniversary dear. I have a surprise too.”
She then showed him a small device. A pregnancy test with two lines.
The man paused for a moment, processing it before he jumped, “You’re pregnant!”
“Yes!”
Both the couple was happy, and watching them like that felt a bit envious.
“We're going to be parents. I’m going to be a father!” He exclaimed, “Have you gone to an ultrasound? Know the sex of our baby?”
The woman smiled, “It’s a girl.”
The man was confused, “How’d you know?”
She shrugged, “Well, I just know. A mother’s instinct.”
I wanted to close my eyes and escape this. I know for sure this couple is just an act of illusion, a test for me that I need to overcome.
I need to focus on my goal.
Now how can I escape this?
“Have you decided on a name?” The man asked.
“How about Alara? Or Kira?”
It finally took me why the man was familiar.
It was my dad. And the woman he was hugging is not my stepmom….
So that means she is my biological mother…
I forgot her pictures, and I did not know how much I resemble her.
He nodded, “I like the name, Kira.” He then saw the glint of pain in her eyes and asked, “We should be happy that we are expecting...You’re hiding something from me, are you?”
The woman avoided his gaze. “You don’t have to know it.”
“Selyse, I know you when you’re not in the mood. Tell me what’s wrong. Did I make you feel bad in any way?” The man’s voice was genuine and soothing, and wanting her to open up but my mother seemed to be in pain still.
He then cleared his throat, “Selyse baby, I had always known that you are keeping something from me. Tell me if it's about me so I can change for you.”
Her cold exterior was still there, It’s not about you. It’s about me.”
My father suddenly stopped, “You’re a witch, aren’t you?”
It was only faint, but my mother’s brown eyes flickered into purple, and then changed back into normal.
“What? What made you say that?” Her tone was convincing, but the slight crack of her voice gave it away. She’s lying.
“The people in town are having a meeting, wanting to kill anyone they see as a threat….like witches. The witch hunters association is on the move now.” My father’s eyes gazed into her.
“They say you’re a witch. I did not believe them, but as much as I want to deny it, and the longer I am with you, the more I see it.” He said, “So, admit it.”
My mother chuckled, looking unfazed by all of my father’s claims. I did not even know that my father was part of the witch-hunter's association. He hid a lot from me and chose to be with my stepmom.
He did not even do better as a father.
“Me? A witch? No, You’re part of the witch hunters association. You would know, right?”
“Yes, isn’t it ironic that me, a witch killer fell for a witch?” He laughed, “Just confirm it to me, and I won’t hesitate to run with you. Let’s leave this place.”
My mother caressed his cheeks, “I can’t…”
“Why not? They’ll kill you, Selyse.”
“I can’t tell you. It will only endanger you.”
My father planted a soft kiss on her lips, “Honey I’ve been in danger ever since I fell for you. Loving you was not a sin. Or a mistake. It was a choice I made. And I have to take responsibility. Especially now that we will have a child.”
“And if I am a witch, you’re willing to sacrifice everything?”
“Everything for you. I’ll do everything.”
“They might say I cast a spell on you. Controlled you like my puppet and made you drink a love potion.” My mother said, and I could see that he was tempted to reveal everything now.
“They call you crazy. It’s alright if they fight me and insult me, but one thing I hate is hearing how people would dare to talk bad about my loved ones.”
“Honey, they are your family. You should choose them.” My mother was trying to knock some sense over him but my father seemed to be too stubborn, too lost in his love for my mother.
And for once I admired how dedicated my father was to my mother.
“And abandon you? Never. If I am asked to choose between you and them, I don’t have to choose, the answer is clearly you. I’ll choose you any other way.” He then gently grabbed her delicate hands, “Come on, I accept you dearly. I knew it long ago.”
A tear escaped from my mother’s eyes as she gazed at him long. Hugging him tight as if she’ll leave him eventually. She then leaned into him.
“I don’t want to bring Kira into this world hated by humans. I want her to be loved. Please take care of Kira. And when the time comes, let her rule my realm. That’s all I ask.”
And she mumbled some strange words, followed by her hands moving to his head, getting a white magic airy stuff and stuffing it in a box.
“You won’t know me. I erased myself from you. And I’ll just be gone. Live your life to the fullest.” My mother said through her tears.
