It was well past midnight before they were alone with his sisters and Rashid. Narine who lived for these sorts of occasions was glowing with happiness. He could practically hear her organizing the guest list to their wedding. Laura who was more laid back seemed pleased with herself like it was her doing that he and Anna were together. He watched Safa conspicuously look at her watch.
"Goodness look how late it is! I suppose we should let you two go to bed. You're probably tired." She exclaimed. With his empathic capability, Quatre couldn't tell if she was sending him off for alone time with Anna, or is she wanted to be alone with Rashid.
Both came Anna's thought. Well now was as good a time as ever to broach the subject. How the heck was he supposed to do that? Hey sis I'd like to talk to you about your lover here? He had to think of something fast she was already getting up.
"So I guess this means we'll be having a wedding soon." Oh you idiot what did you say that for? He berated himself. By the look Anna was giving him she heartily agreed.
"Quatre does this mean you're engaged?" Rashid asked. His sisters were too shocked to speak.
"No I meant you and Safa. I assume you were waiting until I was settled before you moved forward in your relationship." Ungh… he thought. That was even worse that the first try.
He never got a chance to modify his statement. Pain and anger came off Rashid in waves so strong it made him dizzy. He flicked a quick glance at Anna. If his weak empathic talent was getting bowled over he was worried how she was handling such a barrage of feeling. All the color had drained from her face and she looked as if she might throw up. He needed to fix his blunder before she did.
"Take it easy Rashid. I'm sorry if I offended you. The two of you seem to keep forgetting that I have an empathic ability. I've known the two of you have been in love with each other for years. What I've never understood is why you keep denying yourselves the happiness of being together. "
It stung to see and feel the storm of emotions coming off of both of them. He hoped this momentary pain he was causing would lead to a lifetime of joy.
"What goes on between Safa and I doesn't concern you." Rashid hissed through clenched teeth.
"You're wrong Rashid. It concerns me a great deal since I love you both so much. If you need someone's blessing, take mine. Nothing would make me happier than to see you together."
He watched them look at each other and his heart felt a tiny click telling him they would live out their lives together. In the two days since he'd met Anna he'd been practicing with his empathy more than he'd ever done in his life. She was right, he was getting stronger. The quick thrill he felt at the prospect was quickly snuffed out. Now more than ever his sister and Rashid looked like they wanted to be alone, but he still had to tell them about Anna. Anna darling are you ready? Do you understand? He sent her.
Quatre I'm a telepath I can feel your need just as strongly as you feel it yourself. Of course I understand. Her tone was tinted with amusement and understanding.
"As much as I'd like to let you two go now there is one more thing I have to tell you." They were holding hands now and guilt washed over him for delaying what should be a very private moment.
"Actually, I'm the one who has to tell you something." Anna said coming to stand beside Quatre.
"What is it?" Laura asked no longer appearing as comfortable as she was.
"Ann Winters isn't my real name it's a false identity I assumed years ago. My real name is Annabella Rosemarita Petronovitch."
She stopped at the looks of horror on their faces. Even Quatre was stumped by their reaction. A minute ago they wanted to adopt her. Now they looked at her like she was the vilest creature alive before she mentioned brain augmentation.
Safa rounded on him "Quatre is this some kind of joke? Because if it is, I don't find it funny at all." Rashid murmured an "Indeed" beside her.
Anna spoke in such a tiny voice even Quatre almost didn't hear her. "He told you. Didn't he? Rajel told you about me." Her eyes were shiny with unshed tears. "Oh god! I didn't expect this! How much did he tell you?"
"He left us a message about a girl who was a supposed ally of Quatre's. When we researched the name, the only match was a girl who died before her second birthday so you can't be her. Just who are you anyway?" Rashid demanded. He had moved himself between his lover and the woman he now saw as a potential threat.
"I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I am that girl. Now please what did he tell you?" she was too churned up inside to pick up anything clearly from them.
"He didn't tell us anything. Like Rashid said he left us a message. A message for you." Snapped Narine. She seemed to be hurt by Anna's apparent betrayal."
"Can I see the message?" Anna asked quietly. "Please it's important to me. If you wish, you're more than welcome to view it with me."
"Oh you can bet we will." Warned his sister.