I nodded once in understanding, and as much as I respected Scarlett's decision, I couldn't do the same. The idea didn't sit well within my heart, even if a part of me felt he deserved to endure our rejection.
He thought he'd have the opportunity to tell us the truth, but instead, he died before he could lay out the plan to protect us from this.
"If all these obstacles were eliminated within this golden cube, what is one thing you wish for?" I inquired.
My question surprised him as he lifted his bowed head to look up at me.
"What?"
"Let's say that the clock was frozen in time, and everything that has happened in the past and present is now invalid. If you could do anything, what would it be?" I elaborated.
He didn't even hesitate as he answered, "I'd wish for a hug from my daughter and to hear her call me ‘Father’ one more time."
"He could have wished for forgiveness," Lia whispered into my mind. "Wished for some sort of happy ending or to be in your life again, but instead he requests for a physical hug and to hear his baby girl acknowledge his role in her life one last time. In my time of living, that would be a noble move to make."
With the bob of my head, I began to step forward, and soon enough, I was in front of him, looking down at his confused expression.
"Am I still mad about all of this?" I whispered. "Definitely. I'm pissed that I lost my dad. That we had to go through years of ridicule as we worked through our emotional struggles to take another step through life. I'm mad that you didn't think Mom could handle the truth...and I can understand why Scarlett doesn't want anything to do with you."
His head hung low at my words, but soon I was crouched down and I lifted his head up to look into my eyes.
"But Scarlett and I are a tad different, and you're right. We had a strong father-daughter bond because you were always my hero. No matter if my days were the best or worst, there you were to make sure I always had a smile on my face. What you taught me helped during the difficult years when I had to deal with various situations that left me broken and debating if life was even worth it. Each time I questioned my worth, I could look at the picture of you beside my bed and vow to move on. I'd cry and let my emotions out, and then start the day anew with the idea that my dad had my back wherever he was."
His eyes were overflowing with tears again and I finally allowed myself to smile.
"My dad was the one to teach me to dream. My dad was the daily motivation I needed to work on myself and the path I wanted to achieve. My dad was the reason why I desired to be the first non-supernatural witch to attend S.S.S, and because of my dad, I somehow didn't die a premature death like the enemy wished for me."
Reaching for his hand, I rose up and gestured for him to do the same. Letting go of his hand, I took a step back and took in his appearance once more.
"We definitely resemble one another more when you're in this form," I muttered, more to myself. "Seeing as we're in a cube where anything is possible, I'll grant you that wish, Father," I whispered, and opened my arms up for a hug.
He looked at me in disbelief, as if he couldn't process my words. I waited, my body still and my arms remaining outstretched.
"But...I don't deserve..." He trailed off and stared at me with so many emotions flashing within his blue eyes.
"In this cube, we do not judge. You are worthy, just like how I'm worthy to make my own decisions," I declared with power. "I've experienced what death is, and I know if I hadn't been graced with the chance of life from Death himself, I would have regretted not doing this if the opportunity came to my doorstep. Holding a grudge because you wanted to protect us is pretty silly to me, so I'll do what I think is right."
With the best smile I could muster, I stared into his eyes and whispered, "I forgive you, Dad. Can we hug now? My arms are getting tired."
His lips opened to speak, but they trembled as a quiet sob left his lips instead. He took two steps forward to hug me, and I couldn't deny the feeling of happiness that blossomed within me.
There were still the other emotions, but they were put to the side for this one moment in time. I couldn't imagine what he'd gone through, or the sacrifices he must have committed for our sake.
No matter his mistakes, he helped give us life and did his best to give us the best childhood, one that helped me grow to the woman I was today. Nothing is perfect in this world but forgiving someone meant we'd be able to move forward, and he at least deserved that.
To move forward and know that I at least forgive his mistakes.
We pulled back and I observed him closely.
"I think I get my ugly crying from you and not Mom."
He gave me a scowling look that actually made me laugh, and we pulled apart to share relieved smiles.
"Thank you, Silver." His words only made me happier.
"Just because I forgive you doesn't mean you get a ‘get off scot-free’ card," I pointed out. He looked nervous at my declaration and I put my hands on my hips and cleared my throat.
"First of all, I have five boyfriends."
He stared at me with a pout, which looked really weird on him with his almighty look.
"What?" I asked.
"I know that," he replied.
"Oh..." I frowned before adding, "You have to like them!"
"If you're wondering if I approve of them, I do."
"Oh." I stared at him and then tried to think of something else. "Um..."
"I'm proud of you, Silver," he whispered, and I met his gaze. "Proud that you've overcome every obstacle that was laid out for you. I know you fear what is to come at S.S.S. Sky Division, and there may still be a chance that you’ll want an out. I just want to make sure you know that I've witnessed everything, and that you've done an amazing job that leaves nothing but pride within me."
"If we move forward," I whispered, "will we be entering a school that will truly prepare us for the life of becoming a spy?"
"More than that," he whispered. "We didn't add Sky Division to S.S.S.’s name because the land where the school is located is hidden within the sky. When you look up at the sky, it's normally for a number of reasons. To get lost in the clouds, or your dreams, or the endless possibilities given to you in the land of magic and power. Sky Division unlocks the world of limitless opportunities, but it crafts each chosen supernatural to obtain all the skills, strength, and survival tactics you'll need as a supernatural spy. This will be nothing like the four years you've experienced. It will be better. It'll be easier to communicate with one another and tackle the true problems and criminals that seem to be hidden in uniforms among your own."
He snapped his fingers and there was a red envelope with gold writing that had my name in cursive. He offered it to me, and without hesitation, I took it.
"Silver Spell Solange. I, Headmaster Artemis Solange, present to you the formal invitation to attend S.S.S. Sky Division. When you sign on the dotted line, your future with the school will be locked in stone. You will be allowed to remain on S.S.S. campus and within the dorm house until the time of attendance. Once you officially start, all items in your dorm house will be magically teleported to your new location. Your uniforms will await you on the first day of school, and you'll be shown the new campus upon arrival. Be prepared, for this school will test you and your team when you least expect it. Again, before your enrollment, you'll be given another opportunity to speak to us."