Locket of Emotions

By Bella Ivy

Laura Paige didn't know what to expect when her mother gave her a special locket at the age of five. Now, 11 years after her death, Laura begins to discover a power she never knew she had, the power to control emotions.

However, her quest to create happiness in everyone at school was derailed when her magical locket was stolen, raining sadness and fatigue upon the entire city.

Following in the footsteps of her mother, can Laura generate the strength she needs to save the city from the negative emotions of another empath?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bella Ivy Publishing
• Release date: Nov 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9781952716324

Book preview

Chapter One

The Locket

Laura, her mother whispered weakly from the bed. Come here.

Five-year-old Laura Paige looked up at her dad, who nodded. She carefully let go of her dad’s arm and made her way over to the hospital bed where her mother was lying.

Monitors were beeping, and liquid pushed in and out of the tubes that surrounded her. The room was cold and empty, and the darkness outside only made it worse. Laura shivered as she approached her mother, who was looking so weak, so frail.

Laura thought if she hugged her mom, she might break her into little pieces, like the vase that she had accidentally shattered a few months ago.

She stood next to her mom, gently grabbing hold of her hand, and looked at her sadly.

Mom? Laura asked.

My little Laura, my darling little Laura, Laura’s mom whispered. I know everything might seem scary right now, but don’t you worry, okay?

Laura nodded.

You’re a brave and beautiful girl, full of happiness and love. You will live a life of great wonders, changing the lives of those who meet you, her mom said.

She reached around her neck, pulled off a silver locket, and handed it to Laura. Closing her little fist around the locket, Laura’s mother smiled.

Will you take care of this for me? she asked. It’s a very special locket. Full of unusual secrets and mysteries.

I will, Mom, Laura said, tears dripping down her cheeks.

Promise me you won’t lose it?

I promise! Laura said, her eyes twinkling as she held on tightly to the locket.

That’s my girl, her mom said with a smile. Bring out the light in everyone, okay?

Laura nodded, unsure of what her mother meant. She took the locket and hung it around her neck, letting it settle onto her dress. Laura looked up and smiled, but it faded away when she saw her mother again.

Mommy? she asked.

Her mother’s eyes fluttered open. Just resting, Laura. Mommy is just resting.

I love you, Mom.

Her mother smiled again and put her hand over Laura’s heart. I’ll always be right here, Laura. Whenever you think of me, know that I’m always with you.

Laura nodded again. Can you tell me about our house in the clouds again? she asked, her blue eyes shining.

Her mom and dad laughed. They sat together, and once again, Laura’s mother told the story about their big house in the clouds, where no one is hurt or sad, and everyone loves each other, no matter what.

She described their house, how they’ll live with hundreds of adorable pets and will have plenty of friends. Laura listened to her mom talk, imagining the house as her eyes closed.

Five hours later, Laura’s mother passed away. Laura and her dad left the hospital, holding each other’s hands, hearts heavy and full of grief. As they climbed into the car, Laura looked over at her dad.

We’ll see mommy again, right?

Of course, sweetie, Laura’s dad said, blinking back tears. We’ll all be together at the house in the clouds someday.

Laura smiled. I like that. Maybe that’s why Mom said we’ll see her later.

She nestled down into her car seat and leaned back. She played with her mother’s locket the entire way home, thinking about her, wondering if she was having a grand adventure on her way to the house in the clouds.

When they finally arrived home, Laura picked up her box of crayons and started to draw in a notebook her mom gave her for her birthday last year. She drew them all in the hospital together, and then, she drew her mother picking up a few bags and flying to the home in the clouds. She also drew their old cat and dog in the sky, holding hands.

From the other room, she could hear her dad crying. Laura frowned and stood up, walking over to her dad’s bedroom. She climbed up onto the bed and snuggled up next to him.

Don’t worry, Daddy, she said, patting his shoulder. I’m still here. Laura smiled and pointed at his heart. And Mommy said she will always be right here too.

Laura’s dad wiped away his tears and smiled. He sighed and patted her on the head.

You’re right, he whispered. I’ll remember that.

He hugged her tightly, and for a moment, Laura felt all the sadness leave his mind. She liked the feeling so much, she decided to make him feel better every day, until his sadness was gone for good.

***

Ten years later, Laura knew her dad was happy once again, although there was still a little piece of sadness that would always remain. It bugged her that it never went away, but the more Laura learned and grew, the more she realized she would always have that piece of sadness too.

They both just missed her mom too much to carry on life exactly the same as before. But that little piece of sadness never stopped them from having fun together, like going to the movies, going on road trips, and spending everyday together, unless her dad was at work, or she was at school.

Laura also made many new friends, spending time with them whenever she wasn’t with her dad. She had found her little corner of happiness.

Her dad also found a new source of happiness. A new woman, Cassandra, came into his life as well as Laura’s, and soon, they were spending more and more time together. She adored Laura, seeing her as the daughter she never had, and Laura liked her well enough.

The woman also had a son, just a year older than Laura. His name was Ryan. The first time they met, Laura found herself mesmerized by him, wondering about all the sadness and fear and darkness inside him.

She thought she could change him too, just like she changed her dad’s sadness, but the more they hung out, the more Laura realized she didn’t like hanging out with Ryan that much. He had a mental barrier, something that wouldn’t let her into his life.

One night, while Cassandra and her dad went out to dinner, Laura and Ryan watched a movie together. Laura looked over at him.

This is an interesting movie, right? she asked.

It was a classic superhero movie, and she had paused it for more popcorn.

It’s alright, Ryan said. "I wish we could see the hero lose for once. They always win. It’s so predictable."

Why? Laura asked. Shouldn’t good always win?

Ryan shrugged. It’s a nice change, he said, popping some of the fresh popcorn into his mouth.

Laura looked at him suspiciously. He shrugged and turned back to the movie, hitting play. As they watched the movie together, Laura figured she should try to keep a closer eye on Ryan,