The Guardian

Chapter 5

Relena still remained in the ballroom, standing by the window, staring out at the dark landscape collecting her thoughts in the process. She was very angry and embarrassed at the moment. Angry at the fact that Heero had disappeared for most of the evening and embarrassed because she was left to wonder by herself the whole night. 'If I weren't such a lady, I would show him what for,' Relena thought bitterly. 'I'm such a fool to even believe that he would be my Prince Charming.'

"Miss Relena, are you all right?" Frederick spoke from the doorway.

Before Relena answered, she composed herself and put on a smile. "I'm fine Frederick. Could you send for Mrs. Jackson please? I'm ready to retire up to my room for the night."

"As you wish," Frederick answered with a nod.

She just wanted the night to end at that moment. The end result of that evening had been disastrous, what she thought would be the best time of her life, turned out to be her worst. Relena glided across the wood floor of the ballroom to the door. The room was empty of people except for the last of the musicians packing up their instruments and music from the stands. Before leaving the room, she stood in the doorway and took one last look at the room. Tears wanted to pour from her eyes but she willed them not to, not at that moment, she wasn't allowed to cry in public. Relena picked up the sides of her dress, lifted her chin, and ascended the large staircase back up to her room. Standing outside was Mrs. Jackson, waiting for her mistress to return. She curtsied and greeted Relena, "Good evening Miss Relena."

Relena acknowledged her with a slight nod of her head. "Sorry for being so late Mrs. Jackson, you must be quite tired from the day," Relena apologized as she opened the large wooden door to her room.

"It's my job Miss," Mrs. Jackson replied as she shut the door behind her.

Relena stood their as Mrs. Jackson helped her unbutton her dress and undergarments. "Mrs. Jackson, how long have you known the Yuy's?"

"Oh, for many years until the Misses(sp?) passed away. Shortly after her death, my assistance wasn't needed so I took it elsewhere," the older lady said as she began to unlace the corset.

"You might know this then. How long as the young master been like this? So reclusive and ill-mannered," Relena spoke with bitterness in her voice.

"I thought he would have grown out of it by now, but to answer your question, he has been this way since the passing of his mom," Mrs. Jackson said with frown. "Poor child. The last time I can recall him being happy is when a young girl used to come and play with him while her parents visited with his. He wished for nothing more than for her to be there when his mother died but he heard nothing after he called upon her. He was saddened greatly by this. It was as if a piece of him and been taken out when his dear mother left the earth, God bless her dear soul."

Relena's demeanor changed with each passing word. Was that the reason Heero was being so callous towards her? "Did he ever say who her name was?" Relena divulged further.

"She was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dorilan. Do you know who she is Miss?" She asked as Relena turned around.

"I'm her," was Relena's reply and a flicker of hope flashed in the older woman's eyes.

Mrs. Jackson smiled. "Maybe there is some hope after all for the young master. I will see you in the morning Miss. Good night."

"And a good night to you," Relena answered her hand-maid(not sure what to call her).

Well, that explained Heero's behavior towards her. Relena sat down on the edge of her bed, resting her hand on her forehead as the anger and resentment faded from her disposition. 'I never received word of his mother's death, why is that? I don't remember my parents ever telling me about that. He must think that I purposely did not come and that is why he hates me so. Oh, this is giving me a headache, I can't think about this any more tonight.' Relena walked over to her wardrobe and pulled her nightgown out. It had been a long night and all she wanted to do was sleep. She slipped the white muslin gown over her head and turned back the sheets on her bed. She slipped into the warm confines of her covers and blew out the candle beside her bed. 'Oh Heero, if only I knew.'

Relena slept uneasy that night not only due to the fact that her night had turned out to be miserable but the new information given to her by Mrs. Jackson about Heero gave reason to it. She would have to talk to Mrs. Jackson some more, find out what happened in and around the Yuy house when she wasn't there and things like that. It was going to be nice having a female around the house, even if it was only her hand-maid. Just someone to confide in was refreshing in a house predominantly filled with the male species.

The only positive thing that really came out of that evening was now Relena had some idea of the source of Heero's cold demeanor. Now all she had to do was confront him on this issue and get things resolved so she can retain the friendship they once had with each other. The only problem she could see with that particular approach is getting Heero to actually talk to her and also finding a place and time suitable for this. She figured the best time to approach Heero is after breakfast when he has retreated to the study. Maybe a stroll through the gardens and the grounds on the estate, that would be pleasant.

Relena met with the Yuy's at breakfast, dressed in a simple white muslin dress, trimmed with delicate lace around the collar and sleeves that tapered off just below her shoulder. Her spirits were high that morning and it was evident to everyone around her. "Good morning Relena," Mr. Yuy greeted Relena as he stood up along with Heero.

"And a good morning to you," Relena answered pleasantly.

The three took their seats and started to eat their breakfast. "Did you have a good time last night my dear?" Mr. Yuy asked the girl to his left.

Heero gave his full attention to Relena, he knew what her answer was going to be. He also knew he was going to hear it from his father after this is all over. "I had a lovely time," Relena replied with a smile.

Heero nearly dropped his fork in surprise and Relena just glanced at him, she had a feeling that that would get a reaction out of him. "Well that's good to hear. You sure looked lovely last night dear."

"Why thank you, of course I wouldn't have been able to without your assistance."

"Relena, a lady like yourself does not need my assistance when it comes to matters such as these. You are your mother's daughter after all," Mr. Yuy commented.

"I will try my best to honor both of my parents," Relena said proudly.

"That's good to hear child. Did you meet any new acquaintances last night?"

"I did. I had the pleasure of chatting with the Maxwells and the Bartons, all charming people. Even had the pleasure of conversing and sharing the dance floor with Mr. Winner."

'She talks of him so fondly, does she esteem the young heir?' Heero thoughts running rampant through his mind. The name of Winner made Heero cringe just at the sound of it. Quatre Winner truly was a womanizer and the way he looked at Relena and how danced with her made him realize who his new conquest was. Of course it was his fault that this all happened in the first place but that didn't matter.

"Wonderful. Heero, how was your night?" Mr. Yuy directed to his son.

Relena turned her eyes towards him, she was eager to hear his response to this. "It was as I anticipated father," Heero replied vaguely as he was suddenly brought out of his train of thought.

"I see," Mr. Yuy knew he would have to be satisfied with that answer.

The rest of the meal was resumed in silence and concluded with Heero departing for the study along with his father. Relena knew now would be a good opportunity to confront Heero, he couldn't avoid her around his father, cruel intentions but it was the best measure to take. Relena knocked on the door to the study and Mr. Yuy called her in. "Hello dear," Mr. Yuy greeted.

Relena smiled and said, "Hello."

"Is there something I can do for you dear?"

"No, I just need to talk to Heero for a moment," she told him, her words catching Heero's attention.

"Heero, would you like to take a walk with me on the grounds?" Relena inquired politely.

Both Mr. Yuy and Relena's eyes were glued to the young gentleman sitting in the chair by the fireplace. His nose was stuck in a book as the glow of flames danced on his face. "I would be glad to," Heero sounded out as he closed his book, giving Relena the answer that she had hoped for.

"Splendid, I will have Mrs. Jackson fetch my bonnet and shawl," Relena chimed, so far so good.

After Mrs. Jackson brought down Relena's white shawl and bonnet, Heero and Relena meandered out one of the back doors to the garden. They quietly walked side by side along the path through the rose garden which eventually led to another path that circled the rest of the grounds surrounding the estate. 'It's so nice being like this, strolling through the gardens on a beautiful spring day. I just wish it didn't have to be so awkward. Well it's now or never,' Relena thought as she peered out of the corner of her eye at Heero. "Beautiful day isn't it?" Relena said trying to get some conversation going between the two of them.

"Hn," was Heero's response.

"You never were much for words Heero," Relena retorted, undaunted by his quiet demeanor. This was not going to be easy.

"What is it that you want Relena?" Heero spat out rudely.

Relena kept her composure and remained calm, she expected this out of him. "Well, there is something I want to talk to you about," she said as she followed her hands neatly behind her back.

"If it has anything to do with the events of last night, I will not speak of anything," Heero informed her without hesitation.

"Well, despite the fact that you left me among a group of strangers without showing your face all night, that's not what I want to talk to you about," Relena remarked with a touch sarcasm in her voice, he wasn't going to get off that easily.

Heero raised an eyebrow and looked in her direction, giving her his attention. "Heero, it has just come to my attention that I was never told of your mother's death. For reasons unknown to me, my parents declined to tell me of her passing and the fact that you had sent for me. I'm really sorry Heero," Relena told him quietly.

Heero paused in his tracks and quietly stood there for a moment. He glanced over at the pond across the road and spotted a stone bench nestled under one of the trees on the rim of the water. Relena looked at him, waiting for him to say something, anything. "Oh I give up," she sighed as she walked off towards the pond.

'I knew I shouldn't have said anything,' she scolded herself before sitting on the cold stone bench that Heero had been eyeing earlier. 'Well, at least I gave it a try. Can't help someone who doesn't want to be helped.'

"May I sit here?" a voice sounded from Relena's left.

Relena looked up to see Heero standing there she didn't even hear him coming. She smiled and nodded as Heero took a seat next to her. "I was never aware of that Relena," Heero uttered with his head hung low. "When you didn't respond to my calling, I was given the impression that I wasn't worthy of your company."

Relena shifted her body in his direction and folded her hands neatly in her lap. "Oh Heero, I was very fond of your company. If I was given the chance, I would have been here the day you asked for me. Growing up in the manner that we did, little if any time was allowed to play or just be children. I was allowed to be a child when I was in your presence," Relena consoled her friend.

A gentle smile tugged at Heero's mouth with the words Relena spoke. He was relieved to hear that after all the years of thinking so bitterly of her. It had been a long time since Heero had smiled and that was enough to bring a smile to Relena's face. "I apologize for last night Relena, I was acting childish."

"You had good reason to do what you did, I understand. Besides, you told me not to speak to you of it so I won't," Relena answered in her sweet tone of voice.

"Would you like to continue our walk?" Heero asked changing the subject.

"I thought you would never ask," Relena replied as she gave her hand to Heero to help her up.

A great deal had just been lifted off both of their chests for their friendship would endure once more. Higher spirits could be sensed between the two as life would be a little better around the Yuy estate as of that moment.