Agatha, her mother, and baby Dydra returned to the Thelmond mansion that same day. Jerry was out on a business trip. Agatha instantly asked the maids to prepare a room for the newest member of her family. Her son, Jeremiah Junior, jumped with excitement upon hearing he had a baby sister. The whole family gathered at the fireplace that evening, watching Dydra lying in the baby crib, her son used when he was an infant. Whatever she did brought smiles on their faces.
The next week, Jerry returned home with awe written over his face, when he heard the sound of a baby's giggle. He traced the sound to his room, and saw his wife facing the window, while giggling.
'Honey, I'm home,' he announced. His heart racing as his wife turned around and he saw a baby in her arms. The surprised expression he had turned grim when he caught sight of the baby's features. By that time, traces of hair was visible on baby Dydra's head. His eyes caught the vibrant red hair, and radiant dark skin. His heart pouced against his chest, as he took notice of the ocean blue eyes.
An image of a house burning flash through his eyes, and his expression grew with more distain.
'Where did you get that?' his asked between his teeth. The excited expression on Agatha's face fell, as she wondered if her husband was upset with her. Her first instincts was to explain to him.
'You wouldn't believe this, but—' but she was cut off by her husband.
'Get that thing out.' His voice came out low and dangerous. A voice she had never heard him use before. Her brows drew close,'Honey, what—' she was cut off again.
'Get that thing out! Get it out of my room! GET IT OUT OF MY HOME!' he thundered. Agatha's blue eyes widened in complete shock. Her whole body began to tremble, as she has never seen this side of her husband. She stood still, not knowing how to react.
Jerry's eyes were fixed on the baby, as he made his way towards his wife, with heavy steps. He reached out, and yanked it out his wife hands. Without a word he turned and walked out, heading outside. Hearing the sound of commotion, Agatha's mother rushed out.
'Jerry, what are you doing?' she saw her daughter running after her husband, who was holding the baby. Her expression grew grim, and she went after them.
Baby Dydra cry rang out in the cold night. Jerry's body trembled with anger. He went to the stream, and without so much as a second thought, tossed Dydra into it.
'Ahhhhh!' a blood-curling scream gushed out of Agatha's lungs, and she rushed to the stream, ready to jump in to save the child, but a hand pulled her back. Before she could process all what was happening, Jerry hoisted her upon his shoulders, carrying her way from the stream. She kicked and hit him, but Jerry didn't budge. His eyes held a coldness she had never seen. With her on his shoulders, he entered the house, carrying her to their room. He gently put her down, slammed the door shut, locked her in and left the house.
Agatha's mother was able to save baby Dydra that night. She went to her daughter, telling her she would raise the baby in the forest hut.
A week later, Jerry returned, apologizing to his wife, but not giving her an explanation. Agatha kept the survival of the baby a secret, going to visit whenever Jerry wasn't home.
Eight years passed, and something tragic occured. The death of her mother. She had come to visit them at the forest hut as usual with gifts, not knowing the visit was her last. She entered to see her mother laying on the couch with young Dydra eyes filled with tears. Hrer mother was still conscious, and she said her goodbye in tears. Just before her mother's last breath, the old lady gave her an instruction.
'Take this, dear,' she squeezed the locket they found in baby Dydra's fists the day they found her, 'never let her wear it in public,' her voice shook. She was able to point on some old books at her desk, 'Give her those too. My dear, child,' she sweetly turned to young Dydra, whose head was resting on her lap, 'you are full of wonder. You're supernatural. Listen to my dear, Agatha.' With that, the old lady drew her last breath.
Agatha smiled as she saw the masterpiece she just did on Dydra's hair. Dydra's hair was tied in a rose like bun, with pieces of it hanging by the side of her face.
Dydra stared at her reflection, with her palms over her mouth. She had never pictured herself to be this pretty. Her dark skin gave her blue eyes an unusual glow, making her feel like a princess from a fairytale book. Her palm left her lips, going to feel her hair.
Agatha's eyes caught this, and she gentle snacked her hand away.
"No touching," she warned. "Now get up. Choose your style, princess," she playful said.
Dydra stood up with excitement, and her eyes fell on a purple gown, with diamonds laid on the helm and neckline. Agatha picked it up, helping Dydra put it on.
"Ouch," Dydra winced, gripping the edge of the master bed, as Agatha held the ropes of the corset, tightening it, "Beauty is pain, my love."
"I can't breath." Dydra face squeezed.
"Done," she heard Agatha say, and she stiffly walked to the mirror. A light gasp escaped her lips, when she saw her reflection. Agatha, who was behind her, had a pleasant smile on, softly patting herself on the back.
The dress was an off-shoulder lace knee-length. Dydra spun around, earning a giggle from her adopted mother.
"We could try others," Agatha gave a smile, and they started changing. From blue, to yellow, to baby pink. Agatha also tried on some dresses, and they finally stopped with Dydra wearing a dark armless full-length dress, with dark diamond on the corset. She swirled, taking notice of the side slit.
"My goodness, black on black. You look like the devil's bride." Agatha joked, with love and affection in her eyes. The dress fitted Dydra perfectly, making her hair and eyes stand out even more.
"I have just the thing for us to make it perfect," Agatha grinned with excitement. She rushed to her wardrobe, coming out with a jewelry box in her hands. She handed it over to Dydra. The red-haired girl took it and open it, her heart skipped a beat, as she instantly recognized the locket. Taking it out, Agatha helped her put it on.
A soft gasp escaped her lips. The golden heart shaped locket was like a veil on a wedding dress, completing the look.
"Eeee," Agatha squealed, drinking in the captivating beauty of her adopted daughter.
Dydra's fingers caressed the locket. She suddenly turned to adopted mother, pulling her into a tight hug. Agatha was a bit startled by the hug,
"My dear," she rubbed Dydra's back.
Unbeknownst to the mother and daughter pair, a carriage pulled infront of the mansion, with Jerry coming out of it. He wore a pleasant smile, walking into his home. His clean shoes touched the wooden steps, earning a light creek.
A frown formed over his face when his ears picked up voices from his room. This had him wondering if his wife had some guest over, and why they were in their room. His fingers reached and he softly turned the doorknob, pushing the door open.
The smile on Agatha's face fell and she whispered, "Jerry," her heart running a thousand miles. Why was he home so early? Did he forget something?
Dydra body tensed, pulling away, she turned. Her blue eyes meeting the master's brown eyes. She felt a lump in her throat. Her lips parted to speak, but no words came out.