Unexpected

A Friend

They all now sat inside the restaurant at a table for them all, Lyra and Madeline getting along quite well chatting amongst each other excitedly.

"You mustn't be so surprised dear, one could not forget a scandal like that no no. Don't worry, I won't mention it to the girl. She's innocent in all of it" Clarice swirled her martini in the air, swirling the drink before taking a sip.

It was noon which was early for alcohol however Clarice Davis was on another level of living life to the fullest within her age bracket she did frankly as she pleased unfazed by what others may think.

Marisa held her breath with nervousness and unease. She glanced towards Lyra who sipped her water with two hands like Marisa had taught her before talking once more with Madeline about some story of playing on the ground of Jordan college. In the light Marisa held her gaze towards her daughter, catching the dimples in her smile and expression which mirrored Marisa.

She had to do it, sacrifices had to have been made to be where she was now. She couldn't have kept her, no matter how much she had wanted to. How much she had regretted it afterward.

Marisa then glanced back towards Mrs. Davis within thought softly speaking.

"For years I have atoned for my past, I have been loyal to the magisterium and the authority ever since. I swear my intentions and my project are genuine"

"For some reason, I believe you, the details of your proposed project are proof of that. You will find with me dear, I will not hold your sin against your daughter. While some will hold you in discontent for your past, no one can fault you for taking responsibility for being a mother. It is one of the authorities' gifts to us all. I love my own children, especially my dear Madeline........ At the heart of it, I think it is all quite genius using the girl. As a reminder to strive to live within a world without sin" Clarice Davis then picked the olive from her martini off its pick, consuming it, before sighing and looking back at Marisa.

Marisa hid her surprise and shock well with a deceptive charming smile upon her face, she was relieved Mrs. Davis seemed to be favorable towards Lyra. With Marisa's luck, she seems to believe having the girl around was all to prove the importance of her research. In many years Marisa Coulter had never had such luck for such important things to just simply come together in her favor.

The only problem is that Lyra would be gone within two months back to Jordan College. Mrs. Davis among the other potential backers all would think Marisa had stepped up and taken responsibility for her child. Marisa's mind began to drift her eyes going left to right as she kept her head down on how she could pull off this illusion. With the girl, she could procure all the funding she needed and if the girl suddenly left within two months when Asriel returned for her she would be ruined. She needed to do something.

"I do appreciate that Lyra doesn't deserve to suffer for my sin. She deserves to live in a world without sin where she can grow up and live peacefully. A world in which all children including her are safe" Marisa spoke passionately about it, surprisingly some feelings surfaced for Lyra in a way in which she had never thought of for the girl.

Suddenly with Lyra in her life once more, she surprisingly found herself thinking for another person other than herself.

"I wholeheartedly agree......now what shall we have for lunch?" Clarice then turned to Madeline with a warm smile showing her the menu of the restaurant and helping the young girl pick out her meal.

Lyra having been taught to be self-sufficient began to look at the menu herself to decide on a dish, Marisa seeing Clarice interact with her granddaughter with a spark in her eyes then turned her attention towards Lyra.