13

Jessica is smiling and standing in the doorway, holding a suitcase. She says goodbye to Trish, who hugs her tightly.

Trish - I'm going to miss you so much, sis.

Jessica - Me too, beautiful. But you know I'll always be here for you, right? You can call me anytime.

Trish - I know, I know. But it won't be the same without you here.

Jessica - Oh, don't talk like that. You'll see, I'll be back to visit you soon. And you can also come to my new house whenever you want.

Trish - Really?

Jessica - Of course. Peter will love you. He'll be happy to have you.

Trish - That's great. He's a nice guy. You're lucky.

Jessica - I know. I love him too much.

They let go of each other and look into each other's eyes with affection.

Trish - I love you, sis.

Jessica - I love you, little sister.

They kiss each other on the cheek and smile.

Jessica's adoptive mother, Dorothy Walker, a middle-aged woman, serious and cold, is sitting on the sofa, watching TV. She looks at her daughters with indifference.

Dorothy Let's get on with it. Your boyfriend is waiting outside.

Jessica - I'll be right there, Mom.

She picks up her suitcase and walks to the door. She looks at her mother, expecting a gesture of affection, but only gets a nod.

Dorothy - Bye.

Jessica - Bye, Mom.

She leaves the house, sad and disappointed.

Peter is leaning against his car. He sees his girlfriend leaving the house and smiles.

Peter - Hi, love. Ready to go?

Jessica - Hi, honey. Yes, I'm ready.

She approaches him and kisses him on the lips. He takes her suitcase and puts it in the trunk of the car.

Peter - How was your farewell?

Jessica - It was... normal. My sister was super sweet to me. She'll miss me.

Peter - And your mother?

Jessica - She... didn't say much. She just said goodbye.

Peter - Oh, what a shame. I know you wanted a hug from her.

Jessica - Yeah... I did. But that's okay. I'm used to her way.

They get into the car and sit in the front seats. He starts the engine and begins to drive.

Peter - You know I love you very much, right?

Jessica - I love you too, my love.

They look at each other tenderly and kiss again.

Dorothy - Tell your boyfriend it's non-returnable!

They hear Jessica's mother's voice coming from the window of the house. They are startled and look back.

Jessica - Mom?!

Dorothy - That's right! Now you're his problem!

She closes the window tightly and goes out of sight.

Peter - Wow. She was rude.

Jessica - I'm sorry about that, my love. She doesn't know what she's saying.

Peter - It's all right, darling. I don't care what she says. I only care about you.

He holds her hand and smiles.

Peter - You're the best present I've ever gotten in my life. And I'll never give you back.

Jessica - You're sweet. I love you.

Peter - I love you.

They kiss once more and happily move on to their new life together.

Elder Pov

The supreme mage is sitting in her room drinking tea, she seems outwardly calm.

But something was wrong. For days, she had been unable to see anything but a white mist in her mind. No image, no voice, no hint of what was to come. She felt lost and vulnerable, as if someone had stolen her vision.

She wondered what had happened. Had the jewel of time run out? Had someone interfered with her magic? Had the future become so uncertain that not even the time jewel could predict it?

She activated the jewel, trying to feel some connection. She closed her eyes and concentrated, hoping to see something, anything. But all she saw was white mist.

Pov Peter and Jessica

Jessica was packing up her things in the couple's bedroom, feeling a mixture of anxiety and fear. She knew she had to tell Peter the truth, but she didn't know how he would react. She loved that man more than anything, but he didn't know her biggest secret: she had powers.

She went downstairs and was surprised to see her boyfriend in the dining room, smiling at her. He was wearing a black suit and a red tie, and holding a white rose in his hand. The table was beautiful, with a white tablecloth, porcelain plates, silver cutlery and lighted candles. There was also a bottle of champagne and two glasses.

Peter - You look beautiful - he said, handing her the rose.

Jessica - Thank you - she said, hugging him. - You're incredible. I didn't expect that.

Peter - I wanted to do something special for you - he said, kissing her on the forehead. - Shall we have dinner?

They sat down at the table and he poured the champagne. They toasted and began to eat. The food was delicious, he had prepared a dish of chicken lasagna with white sauce. They chatted about trivial things, but she sensed that he was nervous. She was too, but she tried to disguise it.

Peter - Are you all right? - he asked, looking her in the eye.

Jessica - Yes, I am - she lied. - Why is that?

Peter - You seem a bit distant - he said. - Is there something you want to tell me?

She swallowed. It was now or never.

Jessica - Actually, there is," she said, lowering her gaze. - I need to tell you something very important.

Peter - What is it? - he asked, curious.

Jessica - I... I have powers - she said quickly.

Peter remained silent for a few seconds, expressionless. Jessica felt her heart race. Would he get angry? Afraid? Disgusted?

Peter - Do you have powers? - he repeated, calmly.

Jessica - Yes. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. I can do things that no one else can. I have superhuman strength and my body is also very resistant.

Peter - How long have you known this? - he asked.

Jessica - Since I was a child - she said. - But I never told anyone. I was afraid of being rejected, of being persecuted, of being used...

Peter - And why have you decided to tell me now?

Jessica: "Because I love you," she said sincerely. - And I don't want to hide anything from you anymore. You're the most important person in my life, and I want you to know me completely.

Peter remained silent for a few more seconds, staring at her. Jessica didn't know what to think. Was he going to break up with her? Was he going to ask her to leave?

Peter got up from the table and went outside the mansion. He didn't say anything, just gestured for her to follow him. She obeyed, confused and frightened.

Outside, he stopped in front of her and asked her to close her eyes. She hesitated, but did as he asked. She felt him pick her up and lift her off the ground. She opened her eyes and saw that they were flying open.

They soared above the clouds and came close to the stars and the moon. She was amazed at the sight. It was the most beautiful thing she had ever seen.

Jessica - How... how did you...? - she stammered.

Peter - I have powers too - Peter said, smiling. - I always knew you had them too, but I was waiting for you to trust me before you told me.

Jessica - You always knew? - she asked, surprised.

Peter - Yes. I love you, and I know all about you.

Jessica - Why didn't you tell me before? - she asked.

Peter - Because I wanted you to tell me first. I wanted you to feel safe and comfortable with me. I wanted you to know that I accept you just the way you are.

Peter kissed her on the mouth, when he stopped kissing her he said.

Peter - You said that your body is very resistant, how about we test your resistance in the bedroom?

Jessica nodded shyly, and Peter went down to the mansion with her and they went up to the bedroom.

************ +18 *************

Use your imagination young padawan