Return to the Shadows // Sequel to Out of the Shadows

Charlotte's Perspective

Dearest Charlotte,

Your aunt and I miss you very much. As well as your brother and our son. We understand that you are all terribly upset. But you are also very young and it can be difficult to understand the decisions made by adults for your best interest.

Please understand that we love you very much. We never had any intention of hurting you. And we regret keeping details from you. We only wanted what was best for the three of you. I know how condescending that may sound but our intentions really were for the best.

Your aunt and I want you to know that you are welcome here anytime. This will always be your home in some manner. And your brother is welcome, too.

Remember that we love you. Remember that I love you. You've always been my Special Lottie; I don't care how old you are. Your mother, your aunt, you and your sister, and my precious Lola are my girls and you always will be. My heart belongs to my girls. Please come home soon.

Always,

Uncle Ominis

I scanned the letter once more for anything of importance. I realized I was just rereading it because I was soaking in Uncle Omi's handwriting and the clear love seeping from every word. And then, I remembered the entire year's worth of lies. Over a year. Ever since Georgie's death and mum's disappearance.

That all too familiar feeling of rage and resentment filled me once again and my hand crumpled up the letter sharply and threw it into the dustbin. I had already received two letters from Aunt Anne with a similar tone. And not a word from my father. October had been quiet without my family.

I exhaled sharply. "Maybe if you didn't lie to your loved ones, they'd stop home now and again." I mumbled in an irritated tone.

"Are you talking to yourself, Lottie?" Padme asked me from her bed as she laced up her boots.

I sighed. "No. I mean, probably. Just unwanted mail. So, tell me, are you going to this Halloween party everyone is talking about?"

She giggled. "You mean your brother's Halloween party?"

I sighed. "Yes, yes one of his infamous parties. Are you attending?"

"Well, he asked me personally so it would be kind of rude if I didn't show."

"Oh! Padme... are you his date?" I asked raising my eyebrows at her suggestively.

She blushed immediately. "Why? Is that going to be a problem?" Her dark eyes shot down to the floor.

"No! Of course not. If he likes you and asked you to go to the party with him, why would I mind that?" I said, feeling bad that I had somehow insulted my friend.

She looked relieved. "Good. Because I think I really like him." She was blushing again.

I rolled my eyes. "Join the club, Padme. He's apparently really good looking. I wouldn't know. And also, extremely charming. I wouldn't know. And I've heard that he's a really good kisser." I gagged a little bit. "I wouldn't know, thank Merlin. So, I say, if you truly like him, go for it."

"Thanks! I'm actually really excited. He was so sweet when he asked me. He rarely shows that sweet side."

"Ha! You're telling me. I'm actually a little surprised that he showed you that side of him."

"I... I think he likes me, too. I'm really excited he finally asked me out." Her dark eyes were sparkling with anticipation.

"Good. I'd like nothing more than the two of you to be happy." My answering smile was genuine.