Return to Me

chapter 22


A.D. 423, The Pinetum, Ravenna, Italy

No one knew they were coming to the villa.

Nervous, Gigi walked with Magnus and the ten-year-old girl who had never wavered in her beliefs, who had refused to follow any other path.

Gigi hoped they were making the right decision, yet in her heart she knew there was no alternative. Athaulf’s daughter was as stubborn and determined as he’d ever been. The thought brought a grim smile to Gigi’s face.

“I will go inside and find Leontius,” Magnus said, leaving them outside to wait.

Gigi glanced down at the remarkable child, whose gaze burned bright with hope, a pure blue fire.

“I’m so scared, Gigi, but I’m glad I’m here.”

“It’s what you’ve always wanted, sweetheart,” she replied. “It’s what she always wanted.” Tears filled her eyes, but she brushed them aside. “We’ll see each other again, I just know it.”

The girl nodded and held up the flute she was carrying, a smaller version of Gigi’s, but made of gleaming silver.

Gigi touched her own golden flute, still safe within the leather case slung on her side.

The gate squeaked, and Gigi turned to see Magnus helping Elpidia hobble out, Leontius following behind. The old servants cried upon seeing the girl — two dear, doddering souls gushing over their new charge as they enfolded her in their arms. With a final glance and wave, the girl disappeared inside.

Magnus wrapped his arms around Gigi and together they watched the villa for a long and poignant moment.

“I can’t believe she’s gone,” Gigi finally whispered.

“She isn’t gone, my sweet,” Magnus said. “She’s finally home. Placidia will be arriving from Constantinople soon, and their reunion will be wonderful.”

“Yes, I know it will,” Gigi whispered, “but still I’ll miss her.”

They turned and walked away, holding hands, bound by love and determined to take a different path. Gigi had always known this day would come, had tried to prepare for it, but she found herself fighting her emotions, wanting to cry out for what had been lost, yet seeking solace in the reunion yet to come.

She and Magnus entered the great plaza, searching for those who waited there. They stood by the baptistery, a gorgeous group of young people.

Gigi touched her flute, then her mother’s gold wedding band.

Soon, she sent her thoughts out and across time.

There was just one more thing to do. And then, they’d all be home.