A Reborn Bride Pearl Emerging from Dust

"Could it really be her?" Silas's eyes went wide with surprise.

"What?" Calliope whipped around to face him. "You know her?"

Silas hesitated, just for a second, then quickly shook his head in denial. “No, I don't. I've never seen her before."

He frowned, his gaze growing distant, clearly lost in thought.

Calliope could tell, though, he was hiding something from her. He definitely knew something, but wasn't saying. She wanted to push, to ask questions. But she knew from experience that if someone doesn't want to talk, it doesn't matter how much you ask. All you get are lies.

So she let it go. If Silas ever decided to tell her, he would.

Her own feelings were a mess. Kermit knew the truth, but she wasn't sure if her brothers did. The Jewell family-her "family"-definitely had no clue. They didn't even know their real daughter was already gone.

She wondered what would happen if the Jewells found out the real Calliope was dead. Would they care? Would they be sad? Or would it not matter at all, since they'd never really cared about her in the first place?

Calliope didn't have the answer. And for now, she wasn't about to tell them anything. She'd tried for years to make herself part of their family, but it had all been wishful thinking, a bad joke at her own expense.

At least now she knew the truth. She had a mother who truly loved her. The Jewells didn't matter anymore.

Still, she felt a pang of regret for the real Calliope. But maybe, in a way, she was lucky. If she had survived, there was no guarantee her life would have been any better. The Jewells would never have treated her well; she might have suffered even more. Maybe leaving this world and getting a second chance, somewhere with a family who would love her, was the best thing that could have happened.noveldrama

After making sure there was nothing left in the old farmhouse, Calliope and Silas headed out.

Before leaving, they stopped to say goodbye to Neil.

"Heading out already?" Neil's face fell, a little sad. "Wish you could stay a few more days!"

He paused, then perked up. "Hang on, let me grab a few things for you!"

"Neil, really, you don't have to. We've got everything we need!" Calliope protested.

"I know, I know," Neil insisted, waving her off. "But city food's not the same as country food! These are all fresh from our garden-veggies, eggs, you name it. Good for you!"

Calliope tried to refuse, but it was pointless. Neil was already bustling around gathering up a basket full of homegrown vegetables and farm fresh eggs, even some homemade jam and smoked bacon.

He handed it all to Calliope and Silas grinning ear to ear. "It's nothing. fancy, but it's all natural. You can trust what's in it. Take it home and enjoy, alright?"

"Thank you, Neil! This is honestly the best gift." Calliope flashed him a bright, grateful smile.

Neil's whole face lit up in response. "That's our Callie, always knows just what to say. Makes an old man's heart feel warm!"

He paused, looking at her with affection. "Honestly, though, I should be the one thanking you, Callie."