AN: Hello, here I am again with another chapter. I hope you liked the previous ones and I hope you'll like this one. I also wanna thanks all the reviews and views, they are the things that give me strenght, confidence and will to keep writing this story. So once again, I'm sharing more of it with you.
Enjoy your reading!
CHAPTER 12
EMILY'S POV
About half an hour later we arrive at my house, with Naomi parking a few blocks away, even though she wanted to wait at the gates in case I needed some help, but I was able to convince her that I would be fine on my own. Now I just had to convince myself. I ring the intercom and immediately a voice came from it, "Who is it?" I rolled my eyes, "It's me, Emily."
"Ah yes, Miss Emily. I'm sorry, I did not recognized you." Rose says through the speaker, opening the gates. I can't really blame her, her eyesight isn't so good seeing she is one of the oldest staff on our house. Once the gate is open, I enter with my head set on going to the main door. On my way I smile and say hello to Guillermo the gardener, he's a nice guy and also very kind. He has been working here since Cassie and I were little kids. I remember we used to spend afternoons by his side while he showed us all the different kinds of flowers he planted on our garden and what were their names and species. That was actually how we found out that Cassie was allergic to Lilies. That day she suddenly couldn't stop sneezing and we didn't know why. I laughed my ass off at seeing her sneeze so hard and so many times. Eventually Guillermo figured it out what the problem was and made sure she was never around Lilies anymore. That's one of the best memories I have of my childhood, it's sad that people get to a certain age and no longer have the rituals that used to make them happy. But apart from that, I still cherish that time I spent with him, I guess that's why I feel so good whenever I see him still taking care of the garden after so many years.
I continue to make my way to the door going through every paved step until I reach the last one and stop, right in front of the big windowed doors. Ok Emily, this is it. No running away with your tail between your legs now. Deep breaths. Inhale… Exhale…Ok! Let's do this!
I open the door and peek carefully inside, to see if someone is close by. Hm… It doesn't seem like it.
"Young Lady!" I hear a voice say sternly from behind and immediately stiff like a tree, at the same time trying not to die from a heart attack.
I decide it's best to turn around, "Hey dad." I say in a nervous tone.
"Where were you?" He asked harshly. I can't answer him. Seeing as he wasn't going to hear a peep from me, he says again, "Get inside so we can talk properly."
I do as he says, obviously, as he puts his hand on my shoulder leading me to the leaving room.
I sit on the couch and he sits on his armchair in front of me. He reaches for the table by his right side and picks up his smoking pipe, lightning it up and taking a small puff.
He then turns to me, "So Emily, daughter of mine, decided to spend the night away." He says in a calm tone. I don't know if I should be relieved or scared. I don't anything at this point.
"I'm sorry I didn't warn you dad. It's just that we went out after lunch and when we looked at the time it was already night so we decided it was best to stay at a friend's house." I say too quickly, immediately regretting have said the part about the friend. Stupid, I smack my head mentally.
"Hm… I see." He gives another puff, only this time longer and slowly, "Who is this "we" you're referring to?" He asks maintaining his smooth tone, only this time looking at me with his signature cold stare.
"Well you know… Cassie and I…" I answer him meekly, "And some friends of ours." Whispering the last sentence, but of course that for his sharp and keen hearing, it sounded like a loud cry.
"Friends you say? Is that boy Jeremiah Jones when of them?"
"What? No!" I immediately said afraid that he could do something to him.
"Ah I'm glad. He's such a frail boy, he will never be able to succeed in this society." He says almost with a voice of, relief?
"What do you mean?" I ask confused.
He inhales deeply, "You see my dear Emily, in this society of us, only the stronger ones prevail. We with the Royal blood are the few who can do so." He says now with a cocky tone.
"I don't believe in that." I say, and I notice surprise all over his face.
"If we were so capable and better than anyone else, you wouldn't be sending people from the outside to war." I say imitating his previous calm voice.
His expression suddenly changes into an angry one and he gets up from his chair, "Where did you hear that? Who told you?"
"Doesn't matter does it?" I say, also standing up, "What matters is that you're sentencing people to death who have done anything wrong! You say we Royals are so strong and special, but you won't even get off your high horse to fight a war that is only yours!"
After saying that the only thing I feel is his palm on my cheek, slapping me hard. I feel my skin burn, rage running through my veins rapidly and next thing I know, I'm coming on to him fast, trying to hit him with my fists. I can't see anything in front of me other than red but as soon as I'm close to his face, he grabs both my arms and stops me.
"What do you think you're doing?! Did you really think you could beat me? Emily my daughter, you're not yet strong enough!" He says in a snarky voice, shoving me aside.
I land on the cold ground, looking up at him angry like I've never felt before. At that instant I hear my mom entering the room as she runs helping me get up, "What did you do to our daughter?!" She shouts at my father.
He gives us a look of disappointment, "Look at you, weak! Just like your mother."
I look at him despised, "I would rather be like her, than like a cowardly monster like you!"
"Enough!" My mother says raising her voice, "Rose! Come here!"
Rose enters the room as soon as she hears calling, "Yes Mrs Fitch?"
"Take Emily to the kitchen. Robert and I need to talk."
"Mom, no! I won't leave you alone with him!" I plead to her.
She sighs, "Just do as you're told Emily, please. You've said enough already." I feel a thug in my chest. Did she just blame me?
"Come one Miss Emily, I will make you that tea you like so much." Rose says putting her arm around my shoulders and walking me out of the room.
Once we're in the kitchen I sit down in one of the chairs while she makes the tea, putting the kettle on. After that she sits next to me and pats my head gently and I can't help but cry a few silent tears, "Oh honey, don't cry. It's all over now." I give her a small smile.
"See, now that's better. You have such a beautiful smile." She says and gets up to grab the tea, putting it down in front of me, "There you have it. Drink up."
"Thank you Rosie. You always know how to cheer me up." I say kindly.
"Ah yes, it has always been like that. Since you were a little girl, every time you had a fight with your cousin and ended up sad, I would make you tea and biscuits. I would always gain a smile from you, and of course, the minute Cassie saw you in the kitchen eating alone she would join you, and just like that, you would make peace."
I smile happily at that memory, Rosie is right. Cassie and I were always conjoined to the hip, even when we were mad at each other; we never really stopped loving one another.
"I remember that. Thanks for making me feel better." I get up an give her a tight hug.
"Don't mention it honey." She says and we part, "Other thing miss, you shouldn't give so much importance to what your father says. He may be harsh, but he loves you." Rose says and resumes to her tasks in the kitchen.
"Yeah well, he sure has an odd way of showing it." I whisper with a slight bitterness as I'm leaving the kitchen. As I get to the main entrance, I check to see if my parents are still in the living room. Nope, not a sight of them. Good, this means I can get out of here. I open the door as slow as I can trying to make zero noise. Once I'm outside it comes to me. Oh shit! Naomi! I almost forgot, god she must be worried as shit. Run for god's sakes!
After I run through the gates, I turn left and go down the road to where she is and I can see her come closer to me.
"What the fuck took you so long Emily?! I was worried sick!" She yells at me.
I'm panting, but I still manage to say, "I'm sorry." Trying to catch my breath.
She hugs me to her chest, "God, I thought I had lost you there! I was already trying to make out a plan to get you out of the house!"
"Naomi… You're choking me…" I say trying to squirm out of her arms.
"Oh I'm sorry." She says giving a small laugh.
"It's ok. I would do the same." I say, now being able to even my breathing.
"What chock me?" She asks provoking me.
"No you idiot! Hug you."
"Well you never know. I could be one of those people who likes being choked for pleasure." Naomi says with a serious tone making her way to her bike.
"I really hope you're joking." I say behind her.
"Maybe."
We both laugh as we get on the vehicle, with her turning the engine and driving back to her house.
"Cassie! You there?" I ask as I enter Naomi's house.
"In here!" I hear a voice calling from the leaving room, and I follow it.
"Hey Emsy, sit down with me." She says patting the spot next to her on the couch.
I plop down hard on the cushion and let out a breath.
"Your cousin here just killed me with worry." Naomi says to Cassie as she sits down on a beanie bag.
"I'm guessing it didn't go so well then…" Cassie says a bit sad.
"No, it didn't." I say looking down at my hands.
"Wait a second…" Naomi says and getting up and sitting close to me, "What's that mark on your face?" She asks and touches it slightly, getting Cassie's attention, which means I had two pairs of eyes set on me.
"Auch, don't." I say and wave her hand away. "It's aching."
Cassie grabs my other hand, "Emsy look at me."
I gulp hard as I feel tension turning up in the room, with me being the cause of it.
"Did your fucking father did this to you?" Naomi asks angry raising her voice.
I'm not able to answer her, and I feel the tears forming in my eyes again.
"He did, didn't he…" My cousin said with realization hitting her hard.
"How dare he?! To just hit you like that?" Naomi says furious.
"Leave it Naomi." I say coldly turning to her.
She looks at me hurt, and I can understand that. I would too. But right now, I don't need someone reminding me that my father didn't act correctly towards me. I don't want to talk about it. I don't want to talk about the fact that I wasn't able to convince my father to stop this war. I don't want to admit that I failed.
"Naomi, could you give us some time alone?" Cassie says to her with a soft voice.
She scoffs bitterly, "Fine. Suit yourself, I'm going to my room."
Once we're alone, my cousin asks again for me to look at her. This time I do.
"What exactly happened Emsy?" A tone of worry coming from her.
"I got there. He asked where I had spent the night. With whom. Then he said that we Royals are the supreme race. I said if we are so supreme then why did he had to send other people to war to fight for him. He asked where and from whom I had learned that information. Then I offended him and because of that he hit me. I tried to him back but he stopped me, throwing me to the floor. And lastly my mother entered and stopped whatever was going to happen next." By now I was once again looking down at my hands resting on my lap.
"I'm so sorry honey." Cassie says and hugs me tight. People seem to be doing a lot of that lately. I don't dislike it, but I'm not sure I like it either, seeing as the reason why they've been doing it's because in a matter of days, all that I believed in turned into shit.
"I know Cass. I'm sorry too." I say with what should sound like a sad voice, but instead sounds like apathy.
"I think it's best if I go and rest a bit upstairs."
"Of course. Take your time." My cousin says as I get up to leave the room. I climb upstairs quickly and as I enter the room I land on the bed with a loud thud. Fuck. What am I gonna do now? I have to find another way to put sense inside my father's thick head. But right now I need to rest, so I'm gonna take a shower and then take a small nap.
I get up and start looking for towels in some drawer on the room. When I find them, I take my clothes off and make my way to the bathroom, getting in the shower and turning the water on. I relax as I feel the warm water slide through my skin, and I wash my face carefully trying not to touch the spot where he slapped me. I turn the water off while I grab some shampoo and wash my hair.
"Emily." I hear Naomi's voice, and tense up as soon as I remember that I'm very naked and there's only one shower door between us.
"Naomi! What are you doing? I'm naked here!"
"I don't care."
"Oh well, I'm glad to know." I say rolling my eyes at her, even though she can't see me.
"I don't mean it like that." She goes silent but I can still see her frame on the door, although blurry, but viewable.
"I'm sorry I was cold to you." I say with regret, "You didn't deserve it."
"Thank you." She says simply.
"So… Do you intend to stand there?" I try, but I get no answer from her, "I would like to finish my shower, you know." I say with a nervous laugh.
"Ok, I'll be waiting for you in bed." She says and I see her frame is no longer there, so I resume my shower routine, rinsing of my hair and washing the rest of my body. Wait? Did she just say she was waiting for me in bed? What does that mean exactly? Does it mean what I think it means? Oh… Maybe she wants to start from where we left off this morning. It wouldn't be bad any other time, but I'm really not in the mood after today's events.
I finally turn the water off and get out, grabbing the towel on my right and covering me with it.
As I get to the room, Naomi is indeed waiting for me in bed, laying down looking at the ceiling with a blank expression on her face.
I sit on the other side slightly turning my body to look at her, "Naoms…"
She gives me a small smile, but I can see she's sad.
"So, here I am." I say trying to cheer up the mood a little. She shifts and turns on her side, now looking directly at me, and when I see her eyes my chest tightens. They are clear crystal blue, almost white, and they are damp. And they are holding so much sadness in them that I have this urge to quickly lay next to her and hold her to me.
"Hey, what's wrong?" I ask softly while running my fingers through her hair in a soothing way.
She tightens her grip on my waist and rests her head on the crook of my neck, sniffling.
"I was scared, of losing you…" She says and kisses my neck lightly, making my heart pound like crazy.
"I'm here now." I say closing my eyes to the feeling of her lips against me.
I feel her move her head back a little and she kisses my lips so softly that it's as if the World would end if she did.
"I know." She says as we part, looking at me for a few seconds, before she reaches for my cheek and touches it lightly and with fear in her eyes, as if she were to touch fire. When she does it stings a little and I can't help but flinch.
"Does it hurt too badly?" She asks in a soft voice, brushing her thumb carefully against the red mark.
"It stings a bit." I say, trying to contain the pain I'm feeling.
"Close your eyes?" She says gently and I nod. She kisses the tip of my nose, and then my forehead while caressing my cheek with her soft hand. Gradually, I feel the pain starting to go away to a point where it just disappears.
I open my eyes surprised, "How did you do that?"
"It's one of my gifts." She says kissing my previous red stained cheek and moving to whisper in my ear, "It only works well with the ones I cherish."
I feel my face reddening again but this time from embarrassment and she laughs, "Well now you're just ruining my work."
"Shut up, silly!" I smirk shyly at her and she giggles at me.
I look down at her soft and inviting lips and tilt my head to meet them and I am received gladly. Our lips part a little at the same time and I feel her tongue searching for mine, and as I meet hers I feel a rush flowing through my body like I've never felt before. It goes from the tip of my toes to my chest, and I feel a tingling in my sex. A moan comes out of me and I try to hold her closer to me, as I feel her hand descend into the small end of my back. That's when I remember, I'm naked!
I pull away from the kiss too quickly, so quickly that she stares at me confused with her lips still parted slightly.
"What's the matter?" She asks confused but her expression immediately turns to one of worry, "Oh god, it was too much wasn't it? I pressured you, you didn't like it. I'm so, so sorry. I won't do it again, I promi…"
I cut her away with a kiss, lighter than the previous, "Naoms, don't freak out, I liked it ok? Very much." I smirk.
"Oh… Then why did you stop?"
"Because I realized that I'm naked apart from being covered by a small towel." I say as a matter of fact, gesturing to what I'm wearing.
She looks at me up and down, "Oh, that's right. You really are." And starts to move away from me.
"Hey, hey." I say grabbing her by the waist and pulling her close to me again, "I didn't told you to step back."
"Ah but I thought…"
"I just said I was naked because… I don't wanna rush things either, but that doesn't mean we can't cuddle and kiss spectacularly like we did just now."
She gives me a large smile and raises her eyebrows playfully, "It was pretty spectacular indeed."
I laugh at her and we stay like this for a while, kissing and looking into each other's eyes, snuggling closer.
"I want it to be special." She says after our lips part once again.
"What do you mean?"
"Our… First time. I want it to be special." She brushes the tip of her nose on mine, "I want you to feel safe and sure about it."
"I already feel safe…" I whisper and kiss her again. She feels so good against me, I don't know how I would ever feel unsafe with her. She's my shelter, as long as we're together, nothing will break us down. And it was with that thought that I started to drift off and falling asleep, as she did the same.
AN: And we reached the end, of this one of course. As usual your opinions are much valuable so all you have to do is leave a review! Ah it rhymed! (reference to "The Story of a Dying Girl" by writer "TeenAgeRiot99") Go check it out, I promise you'll love it, at least I do :)