I Find Myself Alive (Stephanie)

[hellfire_empath]

 There had been a time, back when she was in high school and her early days of college, when Brooke would come to Central Park, armed with a bag filled with a mix of cracked corn, barley, oats, and peas, and feed the ducks while losing herself in thought. It was something that she hadn't done in a very long while but found herself wanting to do that day.She was seated on her bench, legs crossed demurely, floral skirt spread out just so, painting what she was sure was quite the pretty picture. There was a warmth emanating from her, a contentment, that gently affected all who passed her. Even Sharona, Brooke's maid, who was sometimes exasperated by the demands Brooke made of her, was perfectly content to stand behind the empath, holding up a parasol so as to block Brooke from the sun.

On the bench next to her sat two fresh cups of coffee and a little sack filled with chocolate croissants from her favourite coffee shop. She'd invited Stephanie to meet her out here this morning, since they had a lot of catching up to do, including some news to share with her best friend. News that was best told in person and not uncovered over an announcement in the society pages. It wouldn't be proper. Besides, this wasn't the sort of news one could break over the phone. Not to their best friend. 

Brooke reached into the bag and drew out a handful of the feed, spreading it out in front of her. Watching the ducks feed, she smiled in contentment. 

Mrs. Brooke Aaron, she thought to herself. I love the sound of that!

Comments

[pyroprincess]

Stephanie nodded. "It wasn't that it felt bad it's just ... a little overwhelming." Her thoughts swiftly unmuddled themselves though as the emotional aura dimmed considerably in intensity.

She waited for a moment before taking one of Brooke's hands in her own. "Are you ready to commit to what could be literally eternal?" Of course, there were ways of dissolving a marriage but Stephanie was old-fashioned enough at heart to believe marriages should be contracted with the intention of being together for life. "And do you know that he is?"

She hoped that it sounded open-ended like it was supposed to be. She didn't want to pass judgement on Brooke or Alexander. But marriage was a serious commitment, and one to a demigod was even more so. She couldn't fault Brooke for wanting to marry sooner rather than later, but she also felt that Brooke needed some time to consider the ramifications of marriage to an Olympian.

[hellfire_empath]

"I've had a similar effect on my proximity in the past," Brooke agreed. "Once, when Alexander and I...well, you know." Her first time had been a Big Deal. "And then yesterday, when he proposed. I may or may not have sent a shockwave through the school." These were things she was going to need to learn to control, one way or another.

"I know. Forever here...the meaning is a lot different, isn't it? Than what one usually means?" Brooke smiled down into her lap. "For the longest time, I wasn't sure I'd find anyone who would love me. A suitable match, sure, but someone who loved me for me? For all of my...you know." Brooke was, after all, a special person, as far as these things went.

"I believe he is. I know he loves me. I can feel that much. And I love him too. If I hadn't, I wouldn't ever have...you know." Because that had been a very big deal for Brooke. "You know how all we ever want is someone stable, but someone who can still surprise us and keep life interesting? I mean, what's more stable, but still mysterious enough, than a demigod?" She paused. "It's a big step, marriage. I'm not even sure what one would look like. Mom wasn't married to Father. Not really. And my grandmother was long gone by the time Mom had me." She looked back up at Stephanie. "But I don't know if I can imagine my life without Alexander in it anymore."

[pyroprincess]

"I can only imagine." Stephanie replied with amusement. Certainly, had she had similar powers, there would have been some 'feedback' with people within her proximity as well.

"Marriage is a huge step." Stephanie confirmed. "But it's a wonderful life to be in." She could not help but feel a little doubtful of Alexander's ... not his love. But his ability to remain in love with her. Didn't immortals and gods have a way of becoming infatuated and then becoming bored? Weren't the Olympians notorious for their wandering ways?

But he had made Brooke happy, and that had to count for something. A lot. "I know I've said it already, but I've got your back, Brooke. I'll be your matron of honor and help and support you any way I can. Because you're my best friend. And it's wonderful to see you happy. It really, truly is."

[hellfire_empath]

They did, and Brooke generally wasn't the sort of woman to turn the other cheek if her paramour were going outside of their relationship for a little something-something.

Or a lot something-something.

But Brooke believed in Alexander enough to be certain that he wouldn't be that type of man. Sure, he may have been Roxie Danvers' brother, but that didn't mean that he couldn't stay faithful in a relationship, did it?

Brooke squeezed Stephanie's hand. "Any relationship, any big step, comes with its what-ifs. This one has a lot more than others, it's true. There's so much uncertainty. But I'm certain of his love for me." As an empath, at least she'd know if Alexander was...straying.

And then she might do something about it.

If it came to that.

But it wouldn't. She was Brooke Wyngarde. How could you not love her?

"Thank you. For being on my side. And supporting me. I know I don't need to say it, but it means a lot." Stephanie was the closest real thing she had to family, after all. "Because I have no idea what to expect in the coming days."