Updated on 2/12/17:

Author's Note: So I finally have time to revise to chapter since it didn't make sense to many readers. There wasn't suppose to be any bad characters in my story to begin with so I had to rephrase the important parts in this chapter so you can understand each character's intention. I hope this super new, super late update help you get a better view of what my characters are trying to portray.

Mind Games

Chapter 16

-Meeting Once Again-

"I'm free," I said out loud breathlessly. I turn to my butler and stare at him in shock."Did you hear what Tamaki had said to me?"

Sebastian nods his head. He smiled in amusement at my surprise reaction. We were both walking out of the schools' campus after that. My eyes drifting up at the sky and still haven't snapped back to reality. The snow has finally stopped falling and has filled the sidewalk like clouds. I shivered every few seconds as bits of flakes sneaks into my shoes, and soaking my socks.

I'm… free.

(*)(*)(*)

Sebastian drove us back to my manor as my mind still wandering about the event earlier. A blissful smile had formed upon my lips as I took in Tamaki's words, and then frown as I felt that same aching within my heart of some loss. It felt strange, this familiar feeling which leaves me in bewilderment.

Am I feeling guilty? I thought.

"We've arrived Master," Sebastian announce as he opens the door for me. I step out and took in the view of my home I've been staying for the past months. I'm beginning to adapt to this new place ever since I came to Japan.

"Oh, I almost forgot to let you meet someone," I said suddenly as I turn to face my butler. He looked quizzical when he tilts his head to one side and with confuse like stare. I snicker at how adorable it looked while admitting it in my head at the same time. He must have noticed my reaction as he smirks in amusement in return.

I quickly added, "C'mon, I want to introduce you to her."

"Yes, my Lord."

I quickly walked up the stairs and open the front doors before Sebastian could get to it. Him already calling me "master" is enough; I wouldn't want him to open anything for me anymore, even though he is my butler. The foyer was lit brightly as usual from the chandler hanging above my head, the curtains were drawn back, but none of my workers were in site.

"Welcome back, honey!" My mother shouts suddenly from the west wing and ran straight at me. She slams into me so hard, that I stumble back and hit the front doors, and closing it with a loud bang. I gasp out breathlessly, and it's not from the pain of the door, but the suffocating bear hug she was giving me.

"Mother, you're suffocating me!" I choke out.

"Oops." She said cheekily, as she backs away while giving me enough room to breathe again.

I cough out and suck in oxygen as much as I can, while rubbing my throat. I glare at Emily as she smiled apologetically. Her eyes finally notice that someone is right behind me the whole time. It was quick, but I thought I saw her body went stiff.

Emily's eyes slightly widen as if she's in shock. I'm used to seeing this type of reaction when everyone first met Sebastian since he's so young as a butler and also have the tendency to attract the eyes of onlookers. So it's nothing new to why Emily would look so surprised.

Maybe Emily thinks Sebastian is very attractive? I question myself while I hide a hidden smile. It seems to be the case, and I couldn't come up with any other conclusion.

"Who's this, Alex?" My mother asks me. She looks at my butler as if she was clueless. Oblivious of the outfit he is wearing, and how he had driven me to my house with my car.

"Mother, this is Sebastian Augustine." I introduce Emily to my butler."Sebastian, this is my mother, Emily Mila Pectoris."

Sebastian bowed respectably at her, with his right hand over his heart."It is a pleasure to me you."

Emily nods her head in return with a light smile form on her lips. "Same goes for you."

"Welcome home, my lord!" Ann said as she rushes through the kitchen door and stands few feet away from me. She curtsy, and smile. "I set your evening clothes on your bed, and your bath is ready for you."

I smile gratefully. "What would I do without you, Ann."

"You couldn't if you tried," Ann said teasingly while giving me a playful wink. "I'm touched by your words…but that's not going to get you out doing your homework."

I pouted, and shrug my shoulders to feign innocent, "Hey, I tired."

Ann giggles before leading way. Before I follow her I turn towards my mother.

"Hey, mother." I said as I give her a gentle smile, "Why don't you and Sebastian get to know each other a little more when I go change."

I didn't wait for her answer as I walk away with Ann to my room and out of their sight. I smile at the thought of my mother approving Sebastian's loyalty of serving under me, and taking care of me through these hard times. I could imagine Sebastian getting along with my mother, as they laugh at some random joke, and enjoying themselves. The could become great friends if they try to get to know each other more, and I would be pleased with that.

There is no way anything could go wrong. Or so I thought.

(*)(*)(*)

Slap!

The sound echoes around the foyer like cries of pain. My palm is throbbing with pain, and tears were wells up at the corner of my eyes. I stare him down with all the frustration I could muster, and the pain I had given him when I slap him across the face. A painful handprint had formed across the side of his right cheek. His eyes didn't leave mine, as he touches the side of his face that had been hit, but he didn't wince in pain. He and I knew that it is hurting, painfully, and excruciating as my palm is now.

I will myself to stare coldly at boy front of me. I muster whatever strength I have left to make my voice be filled deep with rage and displeasure. I must do everything in my power for the sake of...

"Sebastian..." I said softly. My voice so low, cold, and harsh. I will myself to turn my back towards him. Sebastian was silent, but he understood my intentions without having me to say more. His eyes soften apologetically like how I had remembered before. Those same eyes that are filled with unspoken sadness as he bows his head to hide his tear filled cobalt eyes. Seeing his broken expression my resolve starts tfalterer.

I can't do this afterall. I thought.

"Please Sebastian..." I whisper to him. My voice becoming softer this time. My body started to tremble as I look down at my hands before clenching them together.

"Madam-"

"Don't." I cut him off, as I close my eyes. I took a long deep breath to calm myself down. "You can't be here. Please don't do this to yourself. Please don't this to her..."

"Mrs. Pectoris..." Sebastian said cautiously but I held my hand up for him to stop speaking.

Finally, I turn my full attention to him as he stared at me with the same eyes that make my heart ache. I up to Sebastian and gently place my hand on his shoulder before saying, "Please Sebastian. Take a hold of yourself. I've already told you to not take this upon yourself. You've suffered enough so please don't get more involved more than you need be."

"I cannot." Sebastian said quickly." I can't just brush this off. Every night I dream about that night as I try to run away from my past. I know I'm a coward to everyone involve even though everything has been settled, but that night still haunts me. I just can't let it go, not yet. Not until I tell her the truth."

Sebastian softly laughs out as if to mock himself. His eyes wander to the side before meeting mine again before adding, "Am I correct to assume that you haven't told her the whole story...?"

I bit my lip but didn't say anything. I couldn't and that's because he himself doesn't know the true story. Before I know it, I felt a tear drip down the side of my face, as I turn away from him to wipe them away. My trembling hands brush the strands of hair away from my face.

"I think now is the time Alex knows the truth," Sebastian said as he goes down on one knee. His hand place over his heart as he looks up at me. "The reason why I'm here, next to her, serving her, protecting her, and..."

"Sebastian no-"

"Please," Sebastian's voice made my heart tremble as I look down on the floor. His hand over his heart tightly clench his uniform. Sebastian's voice continues, "I beg of you...please...please let me tell your daughter the truth."

(*)(*)(*)

Refresh as ever, every time I get off the shower always put me into a good mood. Even better, I had finished my works at school within thirty minutes. I quickly dry myself off, slip in the essentials, my jeans, and button my white collar sleeve shirt. No longer do I need my elastic wrap to cover my one place that would reveal who I am, and I walk out of my room with a brush in hand.

"What's for dinner?" I call out to the chef as I walk up to the kitchen counter. He smile in return as he expertly slice and dice the meats into bite size. At a very young age of thirty-one, Benny is an awesome French chef. He always exceed in my expectations, and his food taste so delicious!

"My signature dish, Filet de Boeuf a la Parisienne." He spoke in his French accent.

I giggle at his exaggeration. " Sautéed beef in mushroom and cream sauce, and are you serving it with white rice?"

Benny nod, and smiled. "Exactly."

Dinner came within five minutes, as everyone seated themselves across the table. It had become a routine to them now that I've been requesting everyone to join with me at the dinner table. My mother was to my left, Ann to my right; Sebastian was standing beside me because he decided that he isn't hungry. The rest of the house hold members sat across from us.

Benny was right about his food being a signature dish when I took the first bite. It was creamy, with a light tasting sauce when you eat it with rice. I guess I was starving when I notice that I was the first one to finish.

"Oops," I said sheepishly."Where are my manners?"

"It's alright, my lord." Ann said."You just had a long day."

A long day indeed. I thought to myself.

"Excuse me." I said, as I stood up from my chair. "I think I'll be heading to bed earlier tonight."

I excuse myself from the table, and left without another word. I should have noticed the silent treatment Emily was giving off earlier, because I'm noticing it now when she follows me down the hall after excusing herself as well, and walk silently beside me.

"Are you alright?" I ask.

My mother merely nodded her head.

"Is anything on your mind?"

Emily stop short from her tracks, and I look back at her in confusion. Her eyes stare down at the tile floor, and then it shot up to meet mine.

"Let's go somewhere tomorrow since it's a Saturday." Emily said, and I notice how she struggle to lift up a smile.

I have a wary look upon my face."Alright and where would you like to go?"

"How about the town festival this being held this weekend?" Emily suggested.

I nodded again. "Okay, sure."

"Let's also invite Ann," She said. I notice a hint of sadness hidden in her eyes when she added, "And also, let's invite Sebastian to come with us too."