The Man in My Dreams

CHAPTER 9: The Last Goodbye

Chapter Nine: The Last Goodbye

VAN ANTHONY

I'm here now at the clinic, in the very room where Zarianna sleeps peacefully. I miss her. So much! It's been a week since I last saw her, because Primo instructed me not to. I had planned to visit her in a dream to say goodbye, but I couldn't bear to see her sad, so I changed my plan. Instead, I will talk to her while she sleeps, so I won't have to endure the pain of leaving her.

I recall the night Primo and I spoke. After the celebration marking Zarianna's return, Primo summoned me to his private room.

Flashback:

"I'm happy that my daughter has returned." Primo began as I sat before him. The celebration was over, and the call to speak with me seemed important.

"I'm also glad that she has returned, Primo. I was surprised that Zarianna was your child." I responded with genuine joy. But Primo only smiled at me.

"You are correct. I've been fortunate to have seen and spent time with your child for so long. I never thought she was your daughter, Primo." I added.

"True, you are fortunate, Anthony, but that's not what we're here to discuss." I was taken aback by his tone.

"I'm sorry, Primo." I said, unsure of how to continue the conversation.

"Thank you for watching over my child, Anthony. I intentionally didn't reveal to you that she was my daughter because I didn't want your attention to be solely on her. You have your own life to consider as well. I didn't want you to guard her with fear of punishment." Primo spoke at length, his tone firm.

"Now that my daughter has returned, you are no longer her protector." His words struck me deeply. "You have fulfilled your mission, and congratulations, Anthony." I struggled to smile at his greeting.

"Now you will walk your true path. Your father had a favor to me during the time when there was conflict in the 1st Kingdom. Reason why you and your mom live in my kingdom. But now, I will return you to your real home, the 1st Telluric Kingdom ruled by your father." I was momentarily stunned. I am the child of a king? I couldn't find my voice.

"You have one week to prepare for your return." Primo patted me on the shoulder. A week? What about Zarianna?

"This is my last favor to you, Anthony. I know you've grown close to my daughter, so I forbid you to say goodbye to her."

End of Flashback:

I gently stroked Zarianna's hair, smiling at how deeply she was asleep. But the smile faded as the reality set in that I had to leave her.

I'm sorry, but this is the only way I can say goodbye. I kissed her forehead and then her lips for the last time. I will miss everything about you.

For one last time, I looked at her, and tears began to fall. I turned my back and started walking towards the door.

"Van?" Her voice called my name, and my tears streamed down my cheeks. I'm sorry, baby. I promise I'll come back. Wait for me. Before she could get closer, I made myself disappear.

YORRIS

It has been two months since Van left. His departure has sparked widespread rumors throughout the Telluric Kingdom. To this day, no one knows the real reason behind his departure. I've tried asking Daddy and my brother about it, but they always give excuses when I bring up Van's leaving. Since he left, I feel like a part of me is missing. I've been irritable and rarely talk to anyone, even my brother and Daddy. I don't know if they've noticed. Since Van left without saying goodbye, I've noticed changes in my behavior. My treatment toward others in the Telluric Kingdom has shifted.

"She looks great, and her outfit is so cool." Some students whispered as I dismounted my motorcycle.

"Yeah, it's impressive and, in a way, a bit intimidating." Another added.

"I agree. When she retured, she wasn't intimidating, and her clothing wasn't like this. I wonder why her style has changed."

I was irritated by their gossip. I took off my helmet and glared at them, which made them visibly nervous. I decided to continue walking, putting on my black shades and ignoring the students who bowed as I passed by.

"Good morning, girl in black." Luke greeted me. Yes, the same Luke who accompanied me to the clinic on my first day here. I'm not sure how we became close; it just happened. I remember when he gathered the courage to approach me while I was alone, feeling sad after Van's departure. I had no friends then, and no one dared to speak to me. When Luke came along, he became my friend.

"You're already in a bad mood this early?" He remarked. I stopped and faced him.

"Luke, not now. I'm not in the mood." I continued walking, and he followed, putting his arm around my shoulder.

"Why? What happened?"

"Nothing happened. And can you take your freakin' hand off me? Your arm is heavy." I said, irritated.

"Oh! I'm sorry, bal." I glared at him. I don't know why he calls me 'bal.' When I asked him why, he said he just wanted to. He's weird. When we reached our classroom, we sat together. He continued to be his annoying self.

"Are you ready for the Prom tonight?" I almost forgot about the Prom tonight. We had a half-day to prepare.

"Tsss." All I replied.

"Aren't you excited?"

"No."

"Why? Don't you know there's a special guest tonight?" He said.

"Who?" I asked, showing a bit of interest.

"Nobody knows!" He answered. I rolled my eyes again. He's not very informative.

"Anyway, do you have a partner for tonight? I assume you don't." I looked at him. Honestly, many had approached me to be their partner, but I didn't want anyone who was afraid of me.

"So, no partner? Alright, bal, can you be my partner for tonight's ball?" He extended his hand.

"Tss." Was my only response, and I didn't take his hand. He smiled awkwardly and slowly lowered his hand.

"Anyway, I'll pick you up later, okay?" I continued to look at him in silence.

"Okay." I said, standing up and leaving the room.

"Hey, where are you going?" He asked.

"To the restroom. Why? Wanna come?" His ears turned red.

"N-No. I'm okay here." I smirked at his reaction. He's so timid.

The rest of the half-day was filled with talk about the Prom. I wondered who would be the guests are. But that doesn't excite me. If only Van would come, I would be very excited. I shake my head to what I was thinking.

"That's impossible." I said to myself before entering the cubicle.

-Anniarian