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]

"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."