The next morning:
Estrella's POV:
(Flash):
"Zachy, I didn't get a chance to ask but what happened?"
"First of all, don't call me that and secondly," He sighs clutching his head. "It's not in my place to say."
"Oh come on, I've been thinking about this all night but no avail. Give me a hint."
"Stella, it's really not in my place to tell you." We walk down the halls and stop at my friend's office. "It's between him and his family."
"But still-"
(Creak)
The door opens and out comes my friend. Holy… Our mouths drops as he comes out with a black T-Shirt and ripped black jeans with a belt. Why is he dressed so causal today?
His mismatched eyes meet mine with an emotionless expression. "Good morning,"
His expression… "Ah," My friend laughs snapping from his shock. "Astral, good morning. I was wondering when you were going to come out."
"Well, now I'm out, Zachary."
(Flash)
This is awkward… My eyes drift to the king and queen who are staring at their son with worried faces. He didn't even say good morning to his parents. That is not like him one bit.
"So," My gold eyed friend glances around the table. "Brother, why are you dressed so casual today?"
"Do you have a problem with what I wear?"
"N-No." She gulps at his emotionless tone. "It's just surprising that's all. You don't dress down often so… and it doesn't really suit you…"
Heads all nod around the table. I agree. Not that it looks bad but he certainly looks better in formal wear. Perhaps it's his body type or something. Or maybe it's because it's a shock for us to see him in something so… unlike his dress style.
"Are you saying I don't look good?"
His sister's eyes widen. "What? Of course you look good. You look great in anything you wear but," Her lips purse at her brother. "What you're wearing isn't really… you… if that makes sense."
He stays silent with a dry chuckle as he plops a piece of food into his mouth. We look at each other as the table grows silent once more. Ah great. Now it's back to being awkward.
"Son," The queen speaks up hesitantly. "How did you rest?"
My friend doesn't reply or even spared a glance at her as he eats his food. Gee… what are we, at a Cold War or something?
"Lucky," My aquamarine haired friend chimes in after a minute. "Didn't you hear mom? She asked you a question."
"Astrana, stop."
"But mom. He ignored you."
"If he doesn't want to talk, don't force him."
"But…"
Whatever happened must've been something for him to react like this. My gaze drift to his impassive features as he calmly sips his water.
"It was fine." He utters in a monotone voice picking up his knife. "I appreciate you taking the time to ask, Your Majesty."
…
This is serious… The Queen purses her lips a bit at his tone. He's referring to his mother by her title of all things.
"Daddy," A little voice calls out from the chair next to him tugging his arm. Please, don't let him ignore his daughter.
My friend cuts a piece of shrimp placing it in his mouth chewing it slowly.
"Daddy?" She repeats looking at him.
He sips his water again smacking his lips clearly in distaste. Is the food not to his liking?
I take a piece of shrimp in my mouth. My brows furrow as I grimace. What on earth is wrong with this?
"What is it?" Finally!
"Are you mad at Grandma?"
Uh-oh… out of all the questions, why must she ask that one? My eyes drift to the queen as she looks down. This is not good. According to his personality, he's probably going to say yes.
"No." Our eyes widen. Eh?! "I'm not mad."
She tilts her head. "Then are you mad at Mommy?"
My friend plops a piece of steak in his mouth. "Why would you say that?"
"Because you're not wearing your ring." She holds up his left hand as our eyes widen. First of all, how did she notice that and most importantly, he taken it off?!
"So what? There's no law that says a guy has to wear a ring when he is married, right?"
His daughter shrugs. "I don't know."
"Astral," My friend with gold eyes speaks up. "Do you know what it means if you take it off?"
"Of course,"
"If you know then why would you take it off?"
He ignores as he focusing on his food as her eyes narrow. "What is wrong with you today?" Oh no… there's going to be a fight.
"Astrana,"
"Dad, stop vouching for him." She exclaims looking at her brother again. "Why are you ignoring us?"
"Tell me, why are you ignoring us? What happened for you to become this way after a day?" My friend shouts in desperation.
"Astrana, stop it." My dark haired friend intervenes. "Just leave him be."
"Lily, seriously? You can't say you actually condone his behavior currently?"
"Please, honey," Her mother begs. "You're only making things worse."
"Making what worse? You three aren't telling me anything about this matter!"
"Ghastly."
Our eyes widen as he throws his utensils down with a piercing clang that silence the room. "Absolutely hideous." Trouble.
What does he mean? The argument or the food? Is the food that bad? He's been nitpicking it all of 45 minutes now.
"I can't even get a peaceful breakfast. Simply unbelievable." He mutters as his sister looks down. "I knew I should've stayed in my office."
"Waltari," His butler walk up to him with a bow.
"Yes, Your Highness?"
His piercing gaze shifts to his butler. "Who are you calling Your Highness?"
Huh…?
His brown eyes blink in confusion. "Um…"
"Just refer to me by my name."
A flabbergasted look appears on his face as we glance at each other. "M-Master-"
"If you refer to me as such again," My friend's eyes darken as I can feel a murderous aura surrounding him. "Don't blame me if a limb or two goes missing from your body."
Yikes… I gulp as the butler kneels. "G-Got it, Your High-"
My friend gives him a glares as his face pales. "M-My Lord, I apologize."
"My Lord?" The girl next to him scrunches her nose. "But You're The Prince."
"Not anymore."
What?!
"Dada, what do you mean?"
A smirk crosses his lips as he glances at his father. "I'll quit this role of Prince."
"Son, I told you that you cannot-"
"Yes, I recall but," A shrill laugh escapes his mouth. "It's my life. I can do whatever I want with it and you can't stop me."
His red and green eyes narrow. "Oh? You think you can just do whatever you want without permission?"
Uh-oh… looks like an argument is going to break out.
"Sweetie," My dark haired friend makes a come hither motion to her child. "Would you mind going to your room and wait till I return?"
She tilts her head scrunching her eyebrows. "Why?"
"Well, didn't you say that you're looking forward to your favorite show on TV?"
"Yeah but yesterday I checked and there are no new episodes."
A smile causes her lips to turn upwards as she strokes her blue hair. "Maybe there are new episodes now. It wouldn't hurt to check, right?"
She blinks and her mother's words as a bright smile flashes on her cute face. "Are you saying I can watch my show all day?"
"Not all day but if there are new episodes, sure why not?"
A pair of hands hug my friend tightly. "Yay!"
Ah, how I wish to be a carefree kid once more.
"Isabella," A maid walks up and curtesy before her. "Take her to the room. Make sure she stays there until I get back."
"As you wish, Your Highness."
"Yes." My friend stares at him with lifeless eyes. "After all, I'm not your son anymore, Eliphas."
(Click)
The door shuts as a hurt expression flashes on both the king's and queen's faces as they open their mouths only to be interrupted by their son.
"I don't have parents who are cruel enough to erase the woman I loved from my memories."
Erase the woman he loved from his memories? I glance at the king and queen as they look down towards their lap. What does he mean by that?
"Brother! What are you saying? Calling our dad by his first name?! Apologize to-"
He shakes his head as I notice a shimmer of black and dull gold forming in his irises. Black? Huh? Am I seeing things?
"If you know what they did, you wouldn't be vouching for them."
My friend directs his eyes towards his butler "Anyway, what's my schedule like today?"
"Ah," He materializes a mini notebook and flips through it. "My Lord, you have a conference booked at 1pm, another one at 3:30, 5:30 and-"
"Are they important?"
His butler seems taken aback by his question and glances down at the notebook once again. "Well, they are not as important as the ones from earlier this week but-"
"Cancel them."
Brown eyes widen as he looks at his master in disbelief. "P-Pardon?"
My friend sips his water with one leg crossed over the other in a regal manner. "You heard me. Cancel all of them."
"B-But this took a month to schedule." His fingers frantically flip through the pages with a flustered expression. "I-If we change it now, I'm afraid-"
"All the responsibility will be on me." Gold and silver eyes open to meet his. "You have nothing to worry about."
His jaw drops as he interlocks his hands in front of his chest with a bow. "My Lord, please reconsider. These beings are not regular beings. If you reschedule now then-"
"So are you saying that I have to do what some duke and duchess tells me?"
"N-No-"
"Do I not have the freedom to choose what I can and cannot do regarding anything these days?" A slight edge in his voice makes his servant kneel as radioactive green eyes shine.
Uh-oh…
"M-My Lord," He gulps as his figure shakes a bit. "T-That's not what I meant. W-We can reschedule if that's your wish. I'll get on it right away."
My friend's eyes slowly return to his regular color as the domineering aura dispels from the room. Thank goodness. Never have I seen him so angry before. "See?" He lets out a smile offering a hand to his butler. "That wasn't too bad, was it?"
"N-No it wasn't." He gulps as he takes his hand to rise.
My friend tilts his head sideways a bit. "Waltari, am I that scary?"
His eyes widen even bigger than before as he immediately bows. "O-Of course not, My Lord!"
I feel so bad for him right now. Poor Waltari. I glance at my friend who is now sporting a bright smile patting his back. "That's good. You'll listen to anything I say, correct?"
"Yes, My Lord. I'm your devoted servant."
"Then," A flicker shines in his eyes. "What if I want to end my own life?"
Our eyes widen as we look at each other with jaws hanging. Death?! Why would he even consider that?!
"Brother! What are you saying?!" My friend screeches as his gold and silver eyes focuses on her with a small smile. "Why would you even-"
"Calm yourself, Astrana. This is a hypothetical."
Her eye twitches clenching her fist. "I don't like it. Stop saying those things."
He shrugs playing with his fork. "Why?"
"Because it's unlucky and-"
"Afraid I'm going to end my own life?"
"I-"
"You know what I just realized?" She blinks at her brother as he continues. "You're more fit to rule than me."
…
…
…
"What…?" Her complexion pales as she looks at her parents then back towards her brother who is staring towards the window.
"You heard me."
"D-Dad," She stammers looking at her father. "U-Um w-what he said isn't true. T-There's no way I'll think of that spot."
Royal protocols… I gulp as my eyes drift to The King who is sporting a cold expression. I should keep quiet for this whole conversation.
"You are absolutely right, son." His voice echos through the room. "There's no way you can ascend the throne. Not when you are so fragile and mentally weak."
What?!
My friend continues to stare out the window with a blank look as The Queen nudges her husband's arm. "Eliphas, stop it. You're making things-"
"Your sister is better than you'll ever be."
"Eliphas!"
"An older brother being weaker than his sister," A laugh fills the air as my friend doesn't move an inch. "Who has ever heard of such a ridiculous thing as that?"
"If you keep this up," His tone suddenly takes a dip into a whisper. "I'll have no choice but to give my position to your sister."
"Dad!" My friend kneels in front of her father. "I don't deserve this. I know that spot will always be reserved for-"
"Then do it." All eyes widen as his father looks at him in shock. "Give it to her. Let her be The Crown Princess." He utters with his eyes not once leaving the window. "It's not like I wanted your position anyway."
He… doesn't want to be The King…? Am I hearing this correctly?
"Astral…" He rises as everyone at the table stands. A finger points at his son. "Are you trying to make me die an early death?!"
"Honey," The Queen grabs her husband's arm. "Let's just leave him-"
"I'm sick and tired of him acting like a little kid!" He shouts narrowing his eyes. "Remember, you're my son. You are The Crown Prince of this world so act like one."
"I might be The Prince and your son but that doesn't mean you can command me like a pawn." His vacant eyes stare back at his father. "I remember telling you multiple times I didn't want to be The King or ascend the throne but what did you do?" My friend rises to his feet matching his father's glare. "You ignored me and forced me into that position. Do you think just because I'm your son you can force me to do whatever you want?"
"How dare you talk to me that way-"
"Don't you DARE give me that!" A growl escapes his lips as he clenches his fist. His eyes glow a blood red color as a suffocating aura surrounds the entire room making it impossible to breathe. "You accuse me of acting like a little kid yet do you actually understand what I go through every single day in this palace?!"
"The endless amount of pressure I'm put under just because I'm The Prince. Just because I'm your son." He gulps as The King's eyes widen. "The constant comparison that I endured throughout the years, being compared to you at my age knowing I'll never be like you. The anxiety I felt when everyone was waiting for me to mess up and make a mockery of you and The Royal Family. The trauma from assassination attempts still give me nightmares till this day. Do you know how traumatic those events are to a child?" A few tears leak from his eyes as my friends all cover our mouths.
No way…
"I endured it all. The constant comparisons, the mockery, the assassins, the anxiety. The panic attacks, the stress, I have endured it all because at that time I thought this was what it would take. This is what you wanted for me and I wanted to follow your orders." He yells as a strangled cry follows. "But do you know how my life was back then? There was only so much I could handle."
My friend looks up blinking rapidly as The King and Queen shakes their heads in disbelief.
He takes a breath closing his eyes. "Remember when you read the letter and searched everywhere for me?"
His mother's eyes widen. "You don't mean…"
"I lied. That letter wasn't from a friend who wanted to take his own life."
My eyes widen. Don't tell me that letter was a…
"It was written by me." His face reverts to his neutral expression. "That day. I'd planned for a month. Everything was leading up to that day. You two were at a social gathering and didn't return until evening. I had Waltari go to the other side of town to fetch something knowing he wasn't going to be back in time. I dismissed the servants. I even faked your order and declared the physician to have a break, a vacation of sorts. Everything I did was leading up to that night. If I didn't run into her, everything would've gone to plan."
"Astral…" His wife whispers as I hold her shoulder firmly.
"Hah," He throws his arms up. "You know, she saved me multiple times during the course of two years. She saved me from myself that night. She gave me hope. Hope for the future. She was the one who made me understand I can still be happy without being The King and being perfect. She was the one who saved your son yet you crushed her spirit with your words and killed the only being your son needed! She was the only one capable for my happiness yet why? Why are you so cruel to me?!"
My friend pants as tears fall to the ground. His parents jaw hang in horror at his words. He stumbles closer to them blinking rapidly.
"Tell me, why would you do that to your only son?" A horse whispers escapes his lips followed by a cough. "Tell me!"
"S-Son," The King stutters as he backs away from him cautiously.
"What did I do for you to always be so cruel to me?" He gulps clenching his fist as their distance decreases. "Growing up I was always obedient. I have never asked you for anything before that incident. That was the one time I spoke against you yet you-"
"I was not responsible for her passing." His father utters interrupting him.
"Partially responsible." His gold and silver eyes narrow. "If you hadn't said those cruel words, she wouldn't have left. If she didn't leave, how could the Barians have the chance in taking her life?!" His hands shake his father's figure firmly. "I'm the one responsible but you were behind all this, weren't you?"
"W-What?" A hint of fear laces his voice a murderous aura surrounds the room. Uh-oh…
"A-Astral, let go of your father. We can still talk this out-"
"Talk?" He scoffs with a dry chuckle. "Does it look like I'm willing to talk about this?"
"You," My friend focuses on his father gripping his shoulders tightly. "You knew all of that's going to happen, right?"
"N-No-"
"I was wondering how news got out so quickly. How did they know she was there. Who on this world would want her dead." The King winces as my friend's eyes glow a crimson red. "It was you, wasn't it?"
"A-Astral… T-True. I didn't want you to be that close to her b-but it was not my intention to-"
"Lies!" A gasp rings throughout the air. My friend grips his father's collar causing him to choke as our eyes immediately widen.
"Astral, let go of dad right now!"
"Listen to us!"
"Please, you're about to commit treachery!"
He growls at us as we freeze. We're in the firing zone as well.
"No need to worry about me," The King voices with a horse voice. "Look what have become of us."
"What do you mean?"
"Why didn't you tell us any of this?"
He scoffs waving a hand. "What's the use? Knowing you, you would probably say suck it up or it's a part of your mental training to ascend the throne or something."
Green and red eyes widen as he grips his son's hand. "Is that what you think of me? Do you see me as a cold hearted being incapable of love?"
My friend stays quiet looking directly into his father's eyes.
"Son," His gazes at him tenderly. "If you would've told me all of this sooner, I would've never placed so much pressure on you."
He stays silent once more as I can see his grip loosening. "Just look at us." A laugh radiates through the room. "We used to be so close yet here we are. Riddled with misunderstandings and hatred."
"Close?" His eyes glow red once more as I clutch my head with a hiss. What on earth? Why does my head hurt so much? I glance around the room as my friends all grip their heads, wincing. This is definitely not normal. "Close you say?" A maniacal laughter radiates from my friend as The King winces. "How dare you say such a thing, father. Don't you remember how you used to force me to sit in the study for 8 hours everyday when all I wanted was to go outside?" His grip tighten on his throat. "I was only two at the time!"
W-What…
"S-Son…" The King's breathing labors a bit as he a hand grips his. "I…"
"Oh and did you forget the time when I first developed my powers? You told me to 'conceal' it and 'don't feel' or else my powers will unleash. Which was true but then you did what? You isolated me in a room away from society and sealed my powers!" Objects start to float in an eerie red color. "Why couldn't you have taught me how to control it rather than hide it? Why did you isolate me in a room? Where was your compassion and sympathy for your own son? I was only two years old!"
(Crack)
We all duck as all of the palace windows shatter in an instant. Surprised noises from the servants and knights come from outside the room as The Queen waves up an arm surrounding the place with a barrier. Oh my…
"And you dare say we were close?" His eyes narrow even more. His tone grows even colder to the point of beyond recognition. "Don't kid yourself, Eliphas."
"Astral Octavius Zexal," A voice shouts as golden eyes narrow its gaze at him. "You let go of your father this instant young man or else!"
Wait… his middle name is Octavius?
Gold and silver eyes roll as a scoff escapes his lips. "Only if you apologize for my middle name." What's wrong with Octavius? I say it's unique. "Besides, mother." A smirk appears on his lips. "What are you going to do to me? Punish me? We both know you don't have the heart to punish your favorite child."
"Oh. Don't have the heart huh?" Her voice rises with a sharp edge as I gulp. Uh-oh…
"After all," My friend chuckles. "After what happened when I was younger, correct me if I'm wrong but you're parenting out of guilt."
Parenting out of… guilt? What does that mean? Guilt? What for?
Her eyes widen as her face drains of all color. "You… what do you remember?"
"Enough to know what happened when I was seven." His expression changes to an emotionless demeanor. "For the last few years I have been living a lie this whole time. How glorious."
Living a lie?
"S-Son, I…"
"Did you really think erasing my memories of that event will make it so it never happened in the first place?" His left hand forms a fist. "Let me tell you something, every single thing I went through will be etched into my soul forever. It will never be erased."
Tears drip down her cheeks as his eyes glow an ominous red color. His gaze returns to his father. "Do you think I won't kill you, Eliphas?"
"Son-"
His grip tightens on his neck as tears leak from his green and red eyes. "You're a fool you know that?"
"Brother!" The individual next to me screams as I jump. "You're insane! Why would you even-"
"Insane?" A malicious laugh circulates through the room as his eyes open wide. A shiver courses through my veins as I rub my arms. Did the temperature just drop? "Oh trust me, Astrana. If you think this is insane, you've got a lot of things to learn. This," His lips crack a smile at her. "Is just the tip of the iceberg."
"Astral," A raspy voice whispers. Green and red eyes start to tear up as desperation shines through. "I-I'm sorry. I was stuck in my ways. So deeply rooted in tradition that I forgot about loving you."
"Love?" He shuts his eyes for a moment then opens them. "If you truly loved me why would you seal my memories of that event? Of her?" His jaw clenches as he glares at him. "How could you? Do you know how hard I worked to get out of that state? To get my life back on track after I was taken?"
What…? Taken?
"You claim to be my father but you don't know me at all."
"Astral, I didn't mean to-"
"Did you know how hard it was to mend what's broken?" His grip tightens on his father's neck. "Did you know how difficult and taxing it was back then? To live like that. To have these awful memories floating in my head." Tears run down his cheeks with a gulp. "I was finally able to get out of that dark place. A place to where my mind could get a decent rest. A place where I wasn't sure if I was completely sane but that didn't matter."
"Astral, stop it! You're-"
"Astrana," A deadly tone radiates from his lips. "This is your final warning. You have no right to judge what I'm doing."
"What do you mean? You are-"
"You have no idea what I've been through."
Her fist curls into a ball. "No idea? Ok then. Tell me! Tell me what you've been through? Tell me why you would-"
(Crash)
"Ah!" My white-haired friend lets out a yelp as we all duck covering our ears. Glass shards shatter among the floor. This is getting really dangerous.
"Open your mouth once more," Lifeless eyes pierce into hers. "Don't say I didn't warn you."
"You're doing this over a girl!" She stresses as I hold her arm. "I get it. They lied to you. You feel hurt and betrayed but that is absolutely no excuse for you to-"
"This isn't all about her!" My friend snaps with a strangled cry. "Do you know what they did? They, our parents, they should've protected me! T-They should've…"
Her gold eyes widen as his figure trembles. Should have protected him? From what?
"I… I… w-was…"
"You were what? Brother, what happened?" Her tone decreases into a whisper.
…
"I…" He clenches his fist tightly. His figure shakes as he takes deep breaths. "I-Its best that you don't know."
"But-"
"Please," His eyes softens. "Don't ask anymore."
For him to react like this… what on Astral World happened?!
"Eliphas," My friend turns back to the king. "Any last words?"
His breathing grows ragged as he shuts his eyes. "If you're so certain about your theory, then do it. Kill me."
"Dad!"
"Astral, listen to me, it was my fault!" The Queen shouts as she places her hands on her chest. "All of it was mine. Not your father's."
"Your Highness," My friends and I all kneel. "Please reconsider!"
If His Majesty dies in the hands of The Prince… if the citizens find out about this… I fear the worse will happen.
The room is dead silent as my dark haired friend lets out a sigh. "Think about it, if you kill your father right now, that wouldn't bring any benefit to you."
Luminous purple eyes meet gold and silvers. "You still would have to ascend the throne since you are The Crown Prince." She pauses for a moment. "Your sister could in theory rule but do you have the heart to burden her with all of the responsibilities and pressures?"
Her feet steps closer to his as they stare at each other. "She wouldn't have wanted this. For you to turn against your father like this."
A hand grips his with a pleading look. "Please, my love, let go of him and you shall be spared. If word gets out about this, your entire life will be ruined. Not just yours but mine and our children as well. Do you want them to know their father killed his father?"
His eyes slowly return back to normal as he winces a bit. The floating objects land back on the ground as the air grows more light and easier to breathe.
A deep breath follow by a cough enters the room as The King grabs his throat panting with a gulp.
"Honey!"
"Dad! Are you alright?"
His wife and his daughter rushes to his side supporting his arms. "Do you need a doctor?"
"I'll be fine. Don't worry."
Thank goodness.
My friend walks back to his chair and sits in it looking towards the window once again sipping his water. The King and the rest of us sit back down. All is quiet as the clock ticks. Now what? There's no way he'll let this go.
"I will accept any punishment you can give me."
The Queen grips her husband's arm as their gazes meet. Her head shakes with a frown. "Whether you believe me or not, I was not the one who leaked her location. I was trying to protect her."
"Protect?" He raises a brow. "If that's your definition of protection, you've got a weird way of showing it."
Green and red eyes shut clutching his forehead with a sigh. "I never hated her-"
"You said she was a mere commoner and useless."
"I said that because you were too close to her!"
"Exactly." My friend glares at his father. "You didn't want your only son to be so close to a commoner."
"That's not the reason." His voice raises a few notches. "If it was a different girl then I would've allowed it to happen but it was her of all beings!"
"I don't get it." His hands rub his temples. "What about her do you dislike?"
"It wasn't because I disliked her. It was because you two couldn't be together."
"And why was that?" A fist slams on the table making the glassware shake. "If it wasn't because her rank, then what was it? Why did you two refuse so coldly? Why were you two so cruel to separate-"
"Astral," His eyes narrow. "I don't think you understand. You could be with anyone except her."
"Why? Why couldn't I-"
"Because she's your-"
"Eliphas!" A voice interrupts him rapidly shaking her head. "You said too much."
The King's eyes widen as he covers his mouth with his hands. Because she's your what?
My friend's eyes narrow as his gaze shifts between his parents. "Because she's my what…?"
The King and Queen visibly trembles with a pale face.
"I'm done with secrets. What are you two hiding from me!"
All is quiet as the door creaks open and in comes a butler. "Your Majesty," He leans close to The King's ear and whispers something which makes his eyes widen.
"Notify the council for an emergency meeting." He whispers as the butler nods and runs out the door.
"Enna, let's go." They rise from the table and was about to walk out the door when a voice stops them.
"What are you hiding from me?"
"Son," The Queen purses her lips glancing at the floor as her husband holds her hand tightly.
"We'll tell you when the time is right."
When the time is right? When will that be? What is up with The Royal Family and all their secrets?
"You have got to be kidding me!" He yells as he picks up a cup.
(Crash)
Tiny glass shards cover the floor as gold and silver eyes close with a breath. A cough escapes his lips as he covers his mouth with his palm. Lifeless eyes stare at his palm for a minute then shakes his head.
His eyes drift to his butler who is still kneeling. "I gave you more than enough time to think. Would you allow me to do that as well?"
Brown eyes blink blankly at his master as his face immediately pales. Beads of sweat trickles down his forehead as he bites his lips.
"My Lord," His head against the ground. "If you do decide to do that," A look of determination shines in his eyes as he lifts his head up to meet my friend. "I'll do everything in my power to prevent that from happening. In the end, if I fail, I'll go with you as well."
Waltari… My hands cover my mouth as my eyes widen. My gosh… he's willing to…
Gold and silver eyes widen as he blinks blankly at the being in front of him.
"Since the day you saved me, my life has been intertwined with yours." A hard gaze shimmers throughout his eyes. "I'll support every decision you make and will do my best to make sure you are happy because your happiness is all that matters."
No way…
He gulps as my friend looks at him in shock. "Master, if one day you decide life isn't worth living anymore," A soft smile appears on his lips. "Or something takes you away, I will gladly be your loyal servant till the end of time."
"Why…" A veil slowly lifts from his eyes revealing surprise. "Why would you go do such a thing when you have your whole life ahead of you? And all because of what? Because of me?"
"Yes."
My friends and I glance at each other them back at the two. Is it me or does this seem like…
"If it's you, I would gladly do anything."
"B-But… why…?"
He looks downwards a bit as my friend rises.
"Master, without you, there would be no me of today. If you hadn't rescued me, trained me into an elite fighter, put all your time and effort into me, I would've died on the streets alone."
"I…" My friend kneels in front of him on one knee as he looks up. "F-Forgive me for overstepping the boundaries of master and servant but I…"
"You what?" He whispers as I hold breath.
Don't tell me…
"I…" He gulps with a tint of pinkness in his cheeks.
Is he…
"I…" He takes a deep breath as my heart beats rapidly. "L-Love you."
A confession?!
…
…
…
"What?!" We all scream as the being in front of him gapes.
"Waltari… are you gay?!"
"N-No!" He flails his hands in front of his chest as his face turns beet red. "Lord Derek! How could you say such a thing?" His brows furrow with a dark glare. "Our relationship is purely master and servant and you dare taint it?"
"Woah," He pushes his chair back placing his hands in front defensively. "Calm yourself. I was just saying."
Woah… first ever time I saw him get all angry.
He turns to my dark haired friend who is blinking at him. "Princess Consort, p-please don't misunderstand."
"You…" A whisper rings through the room as we direct our eyes back to my friend who is frozen. "Love… me…?"
"M-Master," He sputters looking down in to the ground. "I-I mean I love you in family way. N-Not romantically."
Family? Oh yeah… if he rescued him, he must've been an orphan.
"L-Like I view you as a fatherly figure in addition to being my master." He stammers clearly trying to salvage the situation. "I s-swear, I'm not trying to steal your heart or anything-Mph!" His eyes widen as he covers his mouth. "W-What I mean is you already have two women dominating your heart, I can't-er… I mean-"
A hand slaps over his face as he lets out a shaky breath. "What am I saying right now?" He mutters as I stifle back giggles. What are you saying indeed?
"M-Master, what I'm trying to say is-"
A laugh rings through the air as my friend hunches over grabbing his stomach. His eyes water with tears as his chest rapidly expands and constricts with each uneven breath. He's… actually laughing…
"Master?"
My friend tries to compose himself with a cough as he take deep breaths. "You… hahahahahahahahahaha!"
"M-Master!"
"I-I apologize but… hahahahahaha!"
He starts to hyperventilate as he gulps shutting his eyes for a few seconds and reopening them. "My apologies, Waltari, but aren't I a bit young to be a father of a 17 year old?"
Young is an understatement, my friend.
His cheeks turn crimson as he sputters. "W-Well u-um… I-I apologize. It looks like I haven't t-thought things out c-clearly…"
A hand lands on his shoulder as my friend offers him a minuscule smile. "I mean, I could be your 'father' if you want me to but that wouldn't be ideal since we are one year apart."
"M-Master, I can't ask you to d-do such a thing. I was just saying that I-"
"Hm, since being your 'father' is out of the equation… how about your older brother?"
His eyes look like they are about to pop out of his sockets as he kneels placing his head against the ground. "M-Master, I-I deserve death! I shouldn't have made such a suggestion. I-"
"Are you saying I'm not suitable to be your older brother?" He frowns a bit crossing his arms. "That hurts, you know?"
"F-Forgive me. I-I mean that I am not suitable to be your brother. I am just a mere commoner. H-How can I ask you to-"
"I determine who is suitable and who is not." His face defaults to a neutral expression. "And," A hand lands on his shoulder. "You are suitable. Who cares about your status and rank?" He subtly rolls his eyes before turning back to his servant. "I certainly don't."
"M-Master…"
"Thank you for everything that you've done for me up to this point, Waltari."
Astrana's POV:
10 minutes later in my room:
I stand from the couch staring at my parents in disbelief. How on Astral World could they do such a thing?
"How. Could. You?"
"Especially without his consent. How could you do that to him?" My voice rises. "I mean, sealing his memories of Astraea? Seriously?"
My parents look down ashamed as I slide my hand down my face. "No wonder he's acting that way." It all makes sense now. He's hurting inside. His parents betrayed him.
"Mom, Dad, I'm seriously disappointed right now." A sigh escapes my lips. "I cannot believe that you sealed his memories without his permission." I cannot tell you how wrong that is. Ugh! A person's memories are a valuable thing that you should never mess with.
"We didn't have a choice in the matter."
My eyes widen. Didn't have a choice?! Oh, you have got to be kidding. "Dad, you had choices. You didn't have to place the seal. That was completely unnecessary!" If these two aren't my parents, I will probably rebel. This is utterly ridiculous.
"You weren't there in that situation. It was a last resort."
"Ok. Then explain. Explain it to me. Explain why out of all the choices, you chose the worst one? Why didn't you bother to support him during that time? You're his parents!"
"You think we didn't try to?" My mom's voice trembles. "Every attempt was shot down. He started to isolate himself. Not eating or drinking for days on end. At one point, we decided enough was enough and broke down the door." Tears drip onto her lap as my dad holds her hand tightly. "B-But to our horror, he collapsed and was on the verge of d-death."
My eyes widen. "What?! What happened?" Did starvation kick in? Malnutrition?
"He tried to kill himself."
My blood runs cold at that sentence. What? My perfect older brother… tried to… "You're lying." I force out a laugh. "He would never do such a thing."
"Astrana-"
"He isn't that weak to welcome death because of a being."
"I used to think the same as well." My dad sighs clutching his head. "But when he slit his wrist with a glass shard." He shakes his head. "We had to take drastic measures."
I collapse on the couch as my legs tremble. He was suicidal? "So, you decided to seal her away?"
"Yes,"
"I know what we did was wrong but what other choice did we have?" My mom dabs her tears with a tissue with a sniffle. "You should've seen him. He looked as if death has consumed his spirit."
A sob escapes her lips as I hop over to her side holding my mom's hand. "After we lost you, I didn't want to lose your brother as well."
Mom…
"Ok," I embrace her patting her back. "Mom, I'm sorry for yelling. I shouldn't have shouted without knowing the whole story."
She sniffles. "It's not your fault, honey. What we did was because of our selfishness. Anyone who heard that who react like you."
I guess but can you really blame them? "I'm just hoping that he can forgive us." My dad chimes in as I bite the inside of my cheek.
Um… I don't know… with the way he was acting earlier… "Only time will tell."
Astral's POV:
Where on earth am I going?
My feet drifts aimlessly across the sidewalk as idle chatter fills the streets. It's not like I have anywhere to go.
The skies darken as the scent of musk fills the air. Little droplets rains from above soaking my clothes making my shirt cling on to my body. Great. Even the weather matches my mood.
"Hurry up, honey,"
"It's raining!"
"You're going to catch a cold."
All of the beings who were outside mere moments ago rushed inside and slam their doors as a crack of lightning strikes the steeple of the church. What lovely weather.
"If you keep walking like this, don't blame me for you getting ill."
Oh yay. Him again. "I don't care anymore." I mutter as water drips from my hair.
"Seriously? Look, I'm you. So if you get sick, I get sick."
"It's just like you to only care about yourself." My eyes roll. "And who said that I will get sick?"
"Are you mad? It's pouring!"
A chuckles escapes me as I step into a puddle looking at the reflection below. "Well, if I do end up catching a cold, it will be least of my worries."
"Hey!" He shouts. "Do you understand what I'm saying? You're going to catch a cold if you stay here any longer."
"And as I said, I don't particularly care whether or not I catch a cold or become ill. I'm already riddled with a curse so what if there's another one?"
"Ugh! This Astral is even more annoying than your usual self." He groans. "Listen to me and find shelter or else we're going to fall victim to this storm."
I glance back at my reflection in the puddle as I squat to the ground. Pathetic. Absolutely pathetic. "Look at yourself Astral," I mutter as the drops of rain fills the air. "You really are pathetic huh? You trusted the wrong people. You let your parents pull the wool over your eyes and kept this secret from you for two whole years."
"Are you listening to me?"
I point my index finger at the reflection. "You. It's all your fault. She died in front of your eyes." My eyes narrow as I rise glaring at the puddle. "She died and you couldn't do a damn thing about it! Tell me, is this not all your fault?"
"It's not your fault." He said after a minute. "You did the best-"
"It is so my fault!" I scream as I stomp on the puddle making the water splash over my body. "If she hadn't met me, this wouldn't have happened. She was just a commoner that got dragged into this mess." A lump forms in my throat. "She wouldn't have died that day."
My vision blurs as I blink. Great. Now I'm crying? Hahaha… I don't deserve to shed tears. I caused her death. I caused an innocent to die because of me.
"Astral-"
"Go away." I sniffle as I let my tears drip. "Go away and just leave me alone."
If we never met, would things turn out differently? Perhaps, she would've met someone more suited and lived a long fulfilling life. A chuckle escapes my mouth as I throw my head back directing my gaze upwards. "Why? Because of me, she had to lose her life. Why must you do that to me?"
Thunder booms across the skies as more rain pours on my being. Am I bad luck? Is that it? "Why?"
(Ring)(Ring)(Ring)
(Ring)(Ring)(Ring)
(Ring)(Ring)(Ring)
What is it this time? I look at the caller as it keeps ringing and ringing. Should I even pick up? What good will it do anyway?
(Ring)(Ring)(Ring)
My fingers accept the call holding it to my ear. "Hello?"
"Your Highness?" A masculine voice rings on the other end with a hint of shock. "Is that you?"
"Who else did you think would have possession of this phone?"
He laughs sheepishly. "Sorry, it's just… your voice sounds odd that's all."
Great. Got to make an excuse. I force a cough and clear my throat. "I have a bit of a cough. Anyways, why did you call me?"
"Oh, about that, you said to phone you if her condition changes, right?"
"Yes."
"Well, the good news is that she woke up a bit earlier and is now taking a stroll in the garden as we speak."
That was quick. "I'm assuming she's in good health?"
"Yes, she and her son, both of them are in perfect condition."
What a relief. My eyes widen as a though clicks in my brain. Wait a minute… "Didn't you say she's blind? How can she take a stroll in the gardens?"
"With the help of our nurses of course." Oh yeah. "Also, she said that she wanted to thank you for saving her and her son's life that day."
"Tell her it's not a problem." I said after a moment. "Anyone would've saved her if put in that situation."
"Will do." A pause comes from the other end. "Your Highness, would it be possible if I request something?"
A request? "It depends on what it is."
"Is it possible that you can visit her?"
"Why should I? You and the nurses are taking great care of her and the baby, right?"
"Of course but what I mean is…" He trails off thinking through his sentence. "She has a disability and there's only so much that we can do for her…"
I blink. "So you want me to help her get back on her two feet and support her?" I ask a bit confused at his request. Haven't I helped her enough?
"Yes, after all, she has a baby to take care of and it's a hard thing to do when a person is blind."
"But isn't that what the nurses are for?"
"You're correct but we're understaffed." He sighs. "We can't really be around her 24/7." I guess he has a point.
"Okay," I said after a minute shivering a bit from the rain. "I'm on my way."
"If it's too much trouble, you don't-"
"It's fine. It's not like I have anything to do today anyway." I mutter as the line disconnects. Maybe this can be a change of pace.
"Achoo!" I sniffle as freezing rain drops fall on me. Oh god. Why is my immune system so weak?
"See?" He chimes in. "This is what I was saying. You caught a cold."
"I'm not sick." My eyes roll as he scoffs. "It was just a sneeze."
"This is how all colds start out. If you keep standing here, you'll make it more severe."
"I'm heading to the hospital anyway." My feet trudges along the path as water douses my being.
"Your wife must be highly worried about you." He states after a few minutes of silence.
"Her worried about me?" A hollow chuckle escape my lips. "What a surprise."
"Are you slow? Do you not notice your phone buzzing every 2 minutes with a text message and a few missed calls?"
"Just when I thought I saw her true colors, she throws me a curve ball and lied to me for 2 whole years." My chest aches bit as I continue to walk. "And to think that I was fooled by her sweet and loving demeanor."
Darn it. I can't believe I fell for that. "Ok, I can see where you're getting at, but don't you think she did that for a reason?"
"A reason? I would really like to know what reason would be good enough to hide this from me for 2 years." I tell you what the reason is. It's because she's selfish.
"Also, why are you defending her? Weren't you the one who told me that-"
"I know what I said but still, it's not totally her fault."
True…
Liliana's POV:
In the evening:
(Flash):
"What are you planning on doing?"
A sigh escape my lips. "Brandon, I don't know."
"You anticipated this happening, right?"
My fingers clutch the phone. "Yes but I never would've thought that he would remember her this soon."
"Don't worry," He said after a minute of silence. "Just give him some time to process this."
"Yeah, that's what I'm planning. I already told our friends to not interfere with this and let him be for now."
"It's for the best but what I'm really concerned about is you." His voice softens as my eyes widen.
"Me? What's there to be concerned about?"
"You're his wife. To see him think about another woman… are you sure you can handle it?"
My chest constricts at his words. Can I handle it? I honestly don't know… "Of course I can," I lied forcing out a laugh. "Have you met me? There's not a challenge out there that I can't handle."
"Really?" His tone radiates worry as a lump forms in my throat. "Because according to our friends, things weren't looking too hot this morning."
"Oh? Who told you that?"
"Star and Zach." Of course they would tell him.
"I'm serious. I can handle it."
My friend stays silent. "Lily,"
"Brandon, don't worry too much. Has there been a challenge I can't overcome before?"
"No but this is different than the rest."
"Still, you don't need to worry so much about my family."
"Why wouldn't I worry? You two are my closest friends."
A sigh escape my lips yet again. "It's not like I haven't prepared for this." I just wish that it didn't happen so soon.
A beat of silence passes through the phone. "There's this one thing that I've been wondering for a while now."
"And that is?"
"Why didn't you confess to him when you were 13? Why wait until she came into his life and took him away?"
My fist clenched as a stab in my chest makes my vision blur. "Must you ask that question?"
"I'm sorry but I've been trying to find an answer to that ever since I found out that you liked him." He sighs. "I mean, you were literally by his side every day if not every other day. He got asked out numerous of occasions but rejected every single one of them. Even if you weren't sure how you felt, that would have been more than enough time to realize. So why did you let her take him away from you?"
I… I gulp as a lump forms in my throat. "Can you not ask that question, Brandon?" I choke out holding back a sob.
"Of course. Has he returned yet?"
Thank goodness!
"Not yet."
"Really?" He exclaims in a flabbergast tone. "The sky is like exploding right now."
"Tell me about it." My eyes direct towards the blue bolt of light flashing continuously across the skies. "What a change in weather." Calm down. Calm yourself. Just be calm.
How peculiar though. This storm is somewhat unexpected. "Son," A masculine voice calls out from his side.
"Okay!" My friend hollers as he sighs. He must be busy.
"Lily-"
"Don't worry about it. You've already helped me enough."
"If I get the chance, I'll definitely come visit and hopefully snap some sense into him." He said after a moment as my lips curve upwards.
"Thanks Brandon. I appreciate it."
"Oh come on, you know me. Whenever there's trouble, I'll be there to save the day."
A giggle escapes my lips. "Yes, that's totally you."
(Flash)
Why did I wait to confess my feelings? My teeth clenched as I grip my fingers tightly. When he's with her… they seem so perfect. So perfect in fact that I couldn't… interfere even if I wanted to.
"Your Highness,"
A feminine voice calls out as I snap my head towards her. "Athena, what are you doing here?"
She rises giving me a small smile. "Are you alright? You've been staring into space for the last 10 minutes now."
"I'm fine." I respond as another streak of blue flashes across the sky. My fingers grip each other as every muscle inside me trembles. Calm down, Lily. It's just thunder. It will not harm you. Just breathe…
"Are you sure?" A concerned look flashes across her face as my lips curve upwards.
"Yeah, I'm fine." I'm totally fine.
"Oh, and have you seen His Highness anywhere?"
I raise an eyebrow. "Why do you ask?"
"There was a meeting today with the council members but he cancelled it at the last minute."
My eyes widen. "What?" There was a meeting? And he canceled it?
"Yeah," She places a hand on her chin. "That surprised me as well because he never canceled such a meeting in the past. I wonder why?"
Well… "He's… preoccupied with certain issues right now." I begin after a moment as her eyes slightly widen. "Was that meeting important?"
"Oh heavens no," She waves her hand with a giggle. "I was just concerned that's all."
"Mommy," My daughter walk up to me rubbing her stomach with a frown.
The woman in front of me curtsey. "Young Princess."
My daughter blinks with a head tilt. "You can rise." Her purple eyes focuses on me with a pleading look.
"Mommy, I'm hungry."
Ah, so that's why… My lips curve upwards. "Don't worry. I'll make you some food."
Her eyes brighten. "Yay! I want salmon."
My fingers card through her beautiful locks adjusting her clip. "Anything you want."
"Athena," I meet her gaze. "I'm sorry but I'm afraid I have to cut this talk short."
"No no, not at all, Your Highness." Her eyes drifts down to my daughter. "I know how kids can be. Can't keep them waiting for long."
A laugh escapes my lips. "Got that right."
Astral's POV:
How is this possible?
My feet stands across from her as a woman with mid-length blue wavy hair and pink eyes sits on a bench looking into the distance.
(Flash):
"Are you alright, miss?"
I offer her my hand to help her up as my eyes widen. Wavy blue hair, fair skin, and those pink sapphire eyes…
Her stunning eyes bore into mine as a peaceful silence envelopes us. How is it possible for a lady to have such gorgeous eyes?
"I-I'm fine." She stammers as our hands make contact to help her stand.
What am I feeling right now? "It isn't safe for a lady such as yourself to be out here alone at night." I begin after a moment as she looks down. Her pink shirt is ripped in multiple spots revealing her chest as I promptly avert my eyes.
"S-Sorry." My face grows hot as I take off my jacket and hand it to her. "Here, wear this for now."
"You can look now." I hear the shuffling of fabric behind my shut eyes as I cautiously open them.
"T-Thank you for getting rid of those guys." Her eyes wander around the area not meeting my gaze.
"Don't worry about it but that begs the question, why are you here all alone at night?"
"I…" Her voice barely a whisper as she looks down once more. "I work here."
What? I blink at her then look up at the sign above. This is a bar though… can a person as young as her work here?
"How old are you?"
Her eyes widen with a frightened expression. "E-Eighteen."
My eyes narrow at her figure. She can't be more than 14 or 15. "You do know that lying about your age when applying to a job is an offense, right?"
"P-Please, don't turn me in." She gulps as her hands tremble. "I-I really need this job."
"Why this job in particular?" I ask with a soft sigh. "Do you know how dangerous it is out here? A lady as young as you shouldn't work as a bartender serving drinks like this."
Do they not do age checks anymore? "P-Please." Her eyes shine in desperation. "Don't turn me in. I really need this job."
"What I don't get is why do you need this job? There are plenty of other jobs out there-"
"My sister is ill." Tears drip from her eyes as my eyes widen. "I have to get money to support her."
Oh… "Please,"
My fingers rub the bridge of my nose. Oh god. "What's your name?"
She blinks confused. "S-Sorry?"
"You heard me, what's your name?"
"A-Astraea."
I nod. "Alright Astraea, I won't tell anyone about your real age."
Her eyes light up. "Really? Oh thank you sir! Thank you so much!"
"However, I have a condition."
"And that is?"
"You have to stop working here." I gesture to the bar as her eyes widen.
"But-"
"It isn't safe for a 14 year old to serve guests alcohol." I state with my arms crossed. "Do you want what almost happened a few moments ago to happen again?"
She bites her lip. "But… my sister…"
"Then find another way for your source of income. I'm pretty sure that if your sister found out, she wouldn't be so thrilled, would she?"
(Flash)
She's… I step closer as she turns her head towards me with a startled look on her face. "Who's there?"
Huh? Is she… I wave a hand in front of her face as I cautiously approach her. It's like she can't even see me…
(Flash):
"Is there anything you can do for her at this point?" I ask after a moment as he shakes his head once more.
"Unfortunately, the only thing we can do is wait for her to wake up then start from there. I already checked her eyes and it seems likes she was blind from birth."
(Flash)
Blind from birth… so she's not… My hands clench tightly. But if she's not her then why? How do you explain the resemblance?
"Who are you?"
How should I approach this? "Miss, don't be alarmed." I said after a moment stepping back a bit. "I was just checking on your condition. You look significantly better than when I first brought you in here."
Her eyes widen with a gasp. "So you're the guy that saved me?"
"I wouldn't say saved." I step a bit closer to sit next to her on the bench. "Anyone would've done the same thing in that situation. I just happened to be there when you were in trouble, that's all."
Her head turns to me with a smile. "Stop being so humble, sir. If you weren't there, I could've died."
"Well," My fingers run through my hair as a smirk cross my lips. "When you put it that way, I guess it was a pretty big deal."
An angelic laughter fills the air as my chest aches. That laugh… there's no way that she's not her. It's just too similar. I reach out to touch her cheek but stopped myself in the nick of time. No. What am I doing? She's not Astraea.
"Miss, may I ask you for your name?" I ask after a moment of silence as the sound of rain pours from outside the garden.
"My name is Astrid."
Just as I thought. She's not her. But how can two people have an identical face?
"Sir?" I snap from my thoughts at her voice. "Are you still here?"
"Oh yea," A chuckle escapes my lips. "Sorry. Got lost in my thoughts for a moment."
"No worries." Her lips curve upwards a bit. "Sir, if you don't mind… I have a request to ask you…"
A request? "And that is?"
"May I know your name?"
I blink as she looks down fidgeting with her fingers nervously. That's the request? Seriously?
"My name is Astral."
…
…
…
"Astral?" She whispers after a minute in disbelief. I gulp as my heart thumps faster in my chest. Does my name resonate with her?
"You… are the prince?"
Ah, of course. My heart sinks a bit with a frown. It's always that reaction when people hear my name. Why would they react any differently?
"So what if I am the prince?"
Her eyes widen. "I-I didn't mean it like that. I'm just surprised that the one who saved me was you that's all."
My head shakes a bit with a sigh. "Astrid, relax will you? No need to be so nervous around me."
A sheepish laughter escapes her lips. "Sorry, Your Highness. It's not everyday a common person like me gets to meet such a powerful figure."
I snort with an eye roll. "Powerful?" Right. I can't even save the person that I loved. Tell me, what's the point of having power when you can't protect a being?
"You disagree?"
"I find your notion to be untrue." I start to say as she stares at me. "What's the point of having power if you can't do anything with it?"
"Huh?"
"Never mind." I shake my head with a smile. It's not like she will get it anyway.
Liliana's POV:
Does he like it?
I gulp as my husband eyes the plate carefully. What does he have to have such a neutral facade all the time?
His fingers pick up the utensils as I grip the edge of the table staring at his every move. Come on, give me a reaction. Anything is better than that blank stare!
…
…
…
Gold and silver eyes shut as he places his fork down wiping his lips with a napkin.
"Did the cooks change without my notice?"
"Why? What's wrong with it?" I ask as he sighs. Uh-oh… was it not good? I knew I should've taken cooking lessons from my mother when I had the chance!
"Yes. There is something very wrong with it."
My eyes blink rapidly as I grip the edge of the table tighter. "And that is?" It's horrible. I knew it! Is it bland? I should've used more seasoning.
His luminous eyes meet mine. "It's delicious."
I blink as he sips his cup of water. "Compared to what I had this morning, the difference is night and day. The salmon is immaculate, perfectly seasoned and plated."
"You have outdone yourself yet again, Liliana." My husband placed his cup down with a clink as my eyes widen.
"How did you know it was me?"
"Since you stepped into my office, I knew that you made this. Your body language gave it away."
Of course he would notice. My lips curve upwards. "Nothing gets past you, huh?"
"I would like to think so, yes."
An awkward silence passes between us as the clock ticks on the wall. What am I supposed to say now?
"It's getting really late." I bite my lip. "Are you… returning to the room?" Was that too forward?
The man in front of me stays silent letting out a sigh as his mismatched eyes bore into mine.
"I…" No. This won't do. "Our daughter misses you."
…
…
…
"Tell her I'm busy." My husband finally responds sipping another cup of water. "That should appease her curiosity for some time."
My chest tightens at his words as I grip my hands. I expected this response but why does it hurt so much when I hear it from his mouth?
"Ok." I blink back the tears straining a smile.
"Goodnight." I whisper as I turn my head to walk out the door. It hurts…
"Liliana,"
"Hm?"
…
…
…
Why isn't he saying anything?
I snap my head towards him to meet his back facing towards me. His eyes stare at the glass window. My eyes drift towards his left hand as a surge of sadness hits me square in the chest. He took off his wedding ring…
"Baby?"
"Answer me this one question. Why did you hide this from me?"
I…
I grip my fingers together staring at his figure. Why did I hide this from you? Would you hate me more if you knew the answer? Should I even say it?
"I've been mulling this for hours yet…" His left hand clenches tightly by his side. "I'm giving you another chance to explain." A deep sigh escapes his lips. "Why?"
"Don't you already have an answer in mind?" My voice trembles as I gulp blinking a bit. "Why ask me for clarification?"
…
…
…
His eyes glance back at me then at the window as he unclenches his hand. "Is that your final answer?"
Knots form in my stomach as my mouth grows dry. I bite the inside of my cheek. "Yes."
No! Lily, what are you doing?! Why are you not explaining to him the reason?! Why am I like this?
An awkward silence fills the room as my stomach lurches. Keep it together. Don't cry. I don't deserve to shed tears.
My husband shakes his head slowly not sparing me a glance. "Have a good rest." His sharp icy tone shoots through my chest as I wince.
"You too, my dear husband."
I shut the door with a click as tears blur my vision. No. Stop crying! It's not like he ignored you or anything. He just needs some time to process this.
My parents, along with the rest of my family and friends, all sigh with their heads shaking. Why are they here?
"Are you…"
"I'm fine, Star." I sniffle as I glance back at the door. I'm fine.
Her green eyes drift between me and the door with a grim look. "Lily…"
"I'm honestly fine. I mean, it could be worse." A laugh escape my lips. It could be totally worse.
"But…"
I forced a yawn stretching a bit. "You know what? I'm tired. It's been a long day so I'm heading to bed, ok?"
"Honey," A hand grips mine as I chew on my lip not meeting her blue orbs.
"I'm fine, Mother."
She stays silent at my answer as I gently pull my hand away from hers. I… why didn't I say anything? Couldn't I have offered him an explanation? Tears fall from my eyes as I clench my teeth. Who am I kidding? I was hoping he wouldn't remember her. Because… if he remembers her… what would become of me?