#chapter 1.18

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Later that day Rayna decided to go on a stroll,

Her household was always so chaotic, what with a child and a teenager causing a ruckus while she was trying to work.

Chapter 1.18 - Abundance

Ambient music softly filled the room encouraging peace and an inner silence. The lingering scent of frankincense coated my nose as I inhale and exhale deeply. Surprisingly, I maneuvered the requested yoga positions quite easily. The struggle came when asked to clear our minds during meditation. For months now, I have been a walking thunderstorm of emotions. Many highs often followed by a temporary low. Up until now Dr. Lawrence has guided me in this journey of renewal and healing. As I sit with my mind open, a sense of accomplishment begins to wash over me unexpectedly. All of the physical and emotional hurdles that I have tackled within the past months allow me to take pride in where I am today. My mind shifts to thoughts of Grayson and the direction of our relationship. Desires appear to be strong for one another despite the unavoidable separation. Reflections of my family and friends suddenly took precedence, followed by a deep introspection of my career and future goals. Eventually I see nothing, my mind was finally clear. I actually reached a place of serenity and sat alone with absolutely no thoughts. A bright light soon replaced the darkness as a smile softly emerged on my face.

The eventual silence of the rhythmic vibration from the large gongs indicated the end of our meditative session. “That was crap,” Erinn whispered in my ear as we exited the room. “Seriously, Erinn? I really enjoyed it,” I replied curiously. “All I did was think of shit the whole time I sat there,” Erinn proclaimed. “That’s the point heffa,” Clara quickly added. “I started thinking about everything and everyone but then it all went black and tranquil,” I explained. Clara stopped me, “Wow, so you truly cleared your mind and found your inner peace.” The approving look on her face covered me in warmth, as Clara was an avid meditator. “Yeah, I guess I did, because I feel un-bothered and dare I say light as a feather?” Erinn waved us both off, as she appeared unsettled with her progress. The day continued with massages, manicures, pedicures, and finally a steamy stop in the sauna.  

We made it back to Clara’s house later that evening. Thanking Grayson for this exceptional gift was the only thing on my mind. The hefty wood door slowly closed behind me as I made my way to my room. Laying across the bed, I quickly hit speed dial to call Grayson. “Well hello there my love, are you all Zen, and rejuvenated now?” Grayson said with a smile in his voice. “We had the most amazing time. How can I ever thank you?” I asked flirtatiously. With a seductive chuckle, “I can think of a few things, but seriously though it was my pleasure mon chérie,” he cheerfully replied.

We talked for what seemed like forever. He filled me in on everything that was happening with his family and work. Come to find out his older brother was the culprit of the missing money. Apparently, he had a love child hidden away and the women was blackmailing him in exchange for staying quiet. “I just don’t understand it, I could never deny or hide my child no matter how embarrassing the circumstances were,” Grayson proclaimed. “Well honey not everyone is as noble as you,” I retorted. He laughed at the remark but maintained his stance about his brothers decisions, “I know he was trying to avoid bringing shame on the family but now it’s a full blown scandal so in my opinion he’s made it worse.”

Jokingly I ask, “So if I wind up pregnant you promise not to hide me away?” He chuckles and fastidiously replies, “For starters I would never do that, and besides it would be Immaculate Conception if you became pregnant by me considering I’ve only had you in my dreams.” The mood shifts as he proceeds to add, “Cherish, I just want you to know that I haven’t been with anyone since we started talking and I promise there is no love child hidden away.” I wasn’t sure how to respond at first while my mind wondered what type of things we did in his fantasies. Nevertheless, it was reassuring to know that he felt the need to tell me this. It was as if he was now saving himself for me as I was for him. “Neither have I,” I respond conveniently ignoring the kiss with Noah. But, it’s not as if we had sex or anything. “I can’t wait to be back home and spend some quality time with you. I should be out here a few more weeks then I’m coming back to San Myshuno for good,” Grayson announced. “For good, huh? I won’t hold my breath on it but you most definitely owe me some “quality time” mister,” I reply assuredly.

Days passed and our Windenburg trip had ended. As we were saying our farewells, there was a knock on the door. Emil returned with Noah and Ian not far behind. “Did you really think you could slip away without at least saying good-bye?” Noah asked as he pulled me in for a hug. Following our time in the Bluffs Noah and I continued to speak regularly. He was curious to know more about the guy that had my affection and our circumstances at first. He respected my decision and eventually stopped hitting on me so I can truly say a friendship was formed.

The weeks following our return had flew by like a whirlwind. Work had me swamped and I still had to make time for hitting the gym with Brant as the challenge was soon ending. He kicked my ass in the gym practically every day but man was it worth it. As the challenge was nearing the finale, Dr. Lawrence invited me to make a television appearance with him in Newcrest. “Morning! with Mariah” was one of my favorite shows and now I would be an actual guest on it. Meeting a very pregnant and beautiful Mariah Huddleston and two of her daughters was an amazing experience. I surprisingly connected with them all but a special bond had formed with her teen daughter Genesis. Checking up on her has become part of my regular routine now. Never did I imagine leaving the show with three new friends.

The competition coordinators also informed me of being chosen to do a photoshoot for S.H.E. Magazine. I spent a few days with the Glam Squad and came up with a look that best represented me. Then it was time to model, once my nerves subsided the photographer was able to capture some fantastic shots for the magazine. This entire process was truly amazing. Dr. Lawrence agreed to keep seeing me in his private practice because despite the strides that I have made having a safe place to vent and share is crucial in sustaining my progress and for continued growth.

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A/N: Big hugs and thank you to @thatsimmariah for having Cherish and Dr. Lawrence appear as guests in her latest story “Mama’s Girl.” Here is the link for Cherish’s chapter on Wordpress - Working it Out

Hyperbola Chapter 1:  Between a Rift and a Void Space

But as Nadine looked down at the girl, she realised she didn’t have the heart to give her up to the foster system, and agreed to take her in.

Mimi Ivanov now lives with her adoptive parents, Nadine and Yuri Ivanov, their other children, Tatiana and Dimitri, and her grandmother Rayna.

Nadine vowed never to tell Mimi about her resurrection. 

The events of that summer night, she hoped, would live and die with Rayna and herself.

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Rayna could still see her hair poking out of the top, and clutched up the now infantile girl into her arms.

She must have used the wrong spell, she thought to herself, it must have brought her back to infancy rather than just bringing her back to life. 

She sat for a while, cradling her, and hoping she didn’t grow any smaller, wondering if she might just shrink into dust. 

And then she kept dropping…

And dropping…

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She chanted for hours, until finally…

‘RESSURECTIUM TU SPIRITAS’ She yelled, praying for a miracle. 

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The next few hours were physically and mentally exhausting.

Rayna conjured and whispered numerous spells

All with the thin veil of hope that she was skilled enough in the first place to complete the resurrection.