FALLEN PROMISE

CHAPTER 15 “TWENTY-FIVE YEARS LATER”

The waves lapped gently against the shore as Clarissa sat on her favorite rock, a large boulder where she often sought refuge. She smiled as she gazed out at the seemingly endless expanse of water. Effortlessly, she lifted her beautiful tail, its color mirroring the sky. The gentle shimmer of her scales in the sunlight cast a dazzling array of colors, creating a mesmerizing spectacle that never failed to captivate her.

This spot held a special place in Clarissa's heart. Ever since she transformed into a mermaid at the tender age of seven, she had frequented this place. The memory of that transformation was still vivid—how the waves had embraced her and the sea had claimed her as its own. This rocky outcrop became her sanctuary, a place where she could sit undisturbed, lost in her thoughts and the rhythm of the ocean.

Clarissa cherished this spot. Ever since she became a mermaid at the tender age of seven, she frequently visited this place. She was immensely grateful for discovering it, for it had become her retreat from the bustling undersea world. Here, she felt connected to both the sea and the sky, a bridge between two worlds.

"Clarissa!" a familiar voice called out to her, breaking her reverie.

"Jessa," she replied, seeing her friend approach. Jessa’s arrival was always marked by the playful splash of water and the gleam of her greenish-blue tail, contrasting beautifully with Clarissa’s sky-hued one.

"Queen Marisela has been looking for you. Why are you here again? Do you miss your mother?" Jessa asked, concern lacing her voice. She knew how much Clarissa yearned for her mother, even after all these years.

Clarissa sighed sadly and looked out into the distance. "Do you think she thinks about me, Jessa?"

"I think so. Didn't Queen Marisela say that our mothers always think about us, especially when we're out of sight? That means your mother feels the same way about you, Clarissa," Jessa said, her voice brimming with encouragement.

Clarissa sighed once more. "But you know, Jessa, it's not just my mother that brings me back to this rock. I also want to see my friend, you know—"

"Lucas?" Jessa interrupted, her voice filled with understanding.

Clarissa nodded and sighed again. "I wonder how he is. Does he still think about me?" Clarissa spoke with a hint of sadness in her voice. She missed the boy she had once known, the human friend who had shared so many adventures with her before their worlds had pulled them apart.

*****

FROM the veranda of their luxurious beachside home in Batac Bay, Victoria sighed deeply as she hugged herself. It had been twenty-five years since they left Eldoria, yet the memories remained etched in her mind and heart. The sea breeze carried with it the scent of salt and the distant calls of seabirds, evoking a poignant nostalgia.

Batac Bay, where they now resided, was also in the province of Pangasinan but a bit farther from Eldoria. Victoria chose to stay there after learning the truth from her mother, Loleng, who had long since passed away. The bay, with its tranquil waters and golden sands, had become their new haven, a place where she could rebuild her life with her son, Lucas.

Victoria sighed once more, trying to ignore the wounds in her heart, which, though somewhat healed, still ached at the memories they carried. From the time Lucas was a small boy, they had always been together. Perhaps, she thought, Lucas was given to her so she wouldn't be alone in her old age. He was her constant companion, filling her life with joy, stories, and the love that strengthened their small family of two.

Lucas, as a brave and loving child, was always by Victoria's side, ready to help and bring happiness. As a mother, she couldn't ask for more. His laughter had been her solace, his curiosity her joy. Together, they navigated the challenges of life, their bond growing stronger with each passing day.

But like everything in the world, their lives didn't stay the same. Time passed, and Lucas didn't disappoint his mother. He grew up to be a good man, intelligent and ambitious, driven by the sacrifices he witnessed his mother make to ensure his education. He learned to dream big. His dreams took him far from their modest beginnings, propelling him into a world of honor and duty.

Victoria glanced around the luxurious house they now lived in, a stark contrast to the simple, almost impoverished life they had in Eldoria. The walls were adorned with photographs capturing moments of pride and joy—Lucas in his graduation gown, his first day in the Navy, and his numerous commendations. After graduating with a degree in Marine Engineering, Lucas decided to join the US Navy SEALs to become a distinguished soldier. She was proud of his determination and happy that he was fulfilling his promises. Lucas built this house and gave her a comfortable, happy life.

"Lucas, my son…" Victoria whispered as she looked out over the vast ocean. The endless horizon seemed to mirror the depth of her longing for her son.

She often felt a profound longing whenever Lucas was away. It was an inexplicable yearning, making her fall silent in many moments. She loved her son deeply; he was her everything. She knew she would die if anything happened to him.

There was a time when her world revolved around one man. Remembering this, Victoria chuckled softly. She once thought he was her everything, but God showed her she was wrong. The love she felt for Lucas, her son, was incomparable.

As time passed, along with each of Lucas's successes in his chosen profession, her love for the boy she had nurtured and raised only grew deeper. As a mother, she couldn't help but worry whenever he was away. But amidst all this, the trust and hope in their hearts continued to give strength and joy to their mother-son relationship.

Every time Victoria was by the beach, she saw the waves reflecting her mixed feelings of worry and longing for Lucas, especially given the nature of his job. She constantly prayed for his safety, and each morning, aside from his regular calls, she awaited the day he would return and they would be together again, just like when he was a child.

Today was that day. Lucas was coming home, and she was at the beach, eagerly waiting for his arrival. She had prepared his favorite breakfast and made sure the house was spotless. Her heart raced with anticipation.

A few moments later, she heard the sound of a vehicle pulling up nearby. She turned, not minding the quickening pace of her heartbeat.

"Mama!" Lucas shouted, running towards her.

Victoria felt the joy and excitement in her son's voice, intensifying as he got closer and enveloped her in a tight embrace.

At that moment, Victoria felt as if happiness had returned to her heart as if everything in her life had reverted to normal.

"I missed you so much, Mama!" Lucas exclaimed, gazing at her lovingly.

Victoria smiled, returning his embrace. "You have no idea how much I missed you, too, son. Come inside, breakfast is ready," she invited him warmly.

"Perfect timing, Mama. I'm starving," Lucas replied, putting his arm around her shoulders.

Victoria responded with a soft laugh. A few moments later, they happily shared the meal she had earlier prepared with the help of their household staff.

As they sat at the table, Lucas regaled her with stories of his recent missions, careful to omit the more dangerous details. He spoke of the camaraderie among his team, the places he had seen, and the satisfaction he felt in serving his country. Victoria listened intently, her heart swelling with pride and relief at having him home safe.

Their laughter filled the house, mingling with the sound of the waves outside. For now, the worries of the world were distant, and the bond between mother and son was all that mattered.