Chapter 50

Nightfall came as Sabrina readied for service. Already, she'd renounced the schoolgirl facade and adopted various sinister traits. An obsession that'd thus far helped shape her existence. All that aside, she'd soon greet everyone amidst Julia's persistent ogling.

"Look at you." Michelle declared, drawing close.

Right away, Sabrina chuckled and embraced her.

"Heading out?" Julia interjected, closing in.

"Yes..." Sabrina answered, turning to Michelle. "We shouldn't be too late."

Normally, Sabrina didn't concoct excuses, but Julia knew she'd disguised her motives. On a similar note, Michelle had always watched over her daughter, though Julia now doubted the incentive for doing so. Either way, Tim's humor felt needed as he entered the living room.

"I thought Halloween was in October?" he joked, inspecting the girls' attire.

Meandering, Michelle grinned.

"Oh stop..." she murmured. "She's beautiful."

As this happened, Julia locked eyes with Sabrina as she shied away from her mother's gaze. All along, she'd sensed the deception, but Sabrina had followed through anyway. Likewise, the decision to conceal the truth only confirmed the effect of the households curse. On a final note, as Tim peered through the curtains, Julia advanced, angered.

"What is it?" he questioned, staring.

"She lied to me." she whispered, retreating to the living room.

Later that evening, the girls arrived in Strong City and settled outside Saint Anthony's. In the beginning, Sabrina seemed withdrawn and contemplative, but soon appeared surprisingly eager.

"How's this supposed to go?" she challenged, gazing at the church.

Fluctuating, Michelle giggled.

"It's not your first sermon..." she joked. "Plus, everyone's expecting you."

"Everyone?" Sabrina questioned, shifting her stare.

"You'll see."

Contrary to the majority judgment, everything made sense. To start with, as everyone in London struggled to understand why, they couldn't. Secondly, England felt routine, and distancing from the horde became difficult. For these reasons, Sabrina had returned home prepared to embrace destiny.

"I have to ask..." Michelle announced. "How are you coping?"

Sarcastically, Sabrina peered into the rear view mirror.

"It's been interesting."

Based on experience, Michelle understood, but Sabrina wasn't intent on discussing her personal life. In this way, she could avoid answering too many questions.

"I can only imagine." Michelle retorted, snickering.

"I'm tired of the mystery..." Sabrina continued. "I want to be normal, like everyone else,"

"But, you're not." she affirmed, gesturing to the birthmark.

One after another, Sabrina noted the diverse personalities as they entered the church. And despite not being acquainted, she felt somehow connected. More than that, the beckoning from inside persisted, so senses had again proved correct - there was something more.

"It's time." Michelle noted, motioning Sabrina inside.

Progressively, they passed through the darkness and accessed a secluded rear gateway. Then, as the door opened, they'd welcome another familiar face.

"Raina?" Sabrina uttered, smiling.

"Welcome home sister." she responded, offering an embrace.

"I missed you."

"Likewise." she responded.

Since childhood, Raina has always been influential, but like Michelle, she'd also adapted a more modern appearance. Now, with ruby red hair, tinted black, and attire tailored to harmonize. (Something unexpected, but nonetheless welcomed). Upon entering, Sabrina observed a niche adorned with twin Chamois couches and sizable canvasses, shadowed by an artless background encapsulating a recognizable heading.

"See through the lies. Truth is everywhere."

Straight away, Sabrina thought of Jennifer, because it's the exact phrase she'd uttered on the plane, and again during her unexpected visit to the family home. In this connection, she now recognized its significance despite Jennifer's interpretation.

In parallel, she'd repeatedly noted Raina's ever-changing nuances. Almost entirely, she seemed vigorous and energetic, but also laid back and official. In the least, she'd disregarded the reality, since her friend's behavior somehow seemed coerced.

"What now?" Sabrina questioned, peering throughout.

"Someone wants to meet you." Raina admitted, motioning.

Immediately following, a tall, clean-cut patrician attired in ankle-length robes entered.

"Sabrina..." he greeted, closing the curtain. "I've been expecting you."

"And you are?" she asked, staring.

With a subtle nod, he smiled.

"Sovereign Paul Steele."