Daddy issues

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO: "Please don't disappear, I need you"

*Annabella's POV*

I carried myself with elegance and poise as I descended the stairs of the Manor and walked through the halls to breakfast. I kept my shoulders back with a straight posture and my chin up. I oozed confidence and authority and I loved it.

"Good morning, Bella!" I heard Draco's voice greet me as I entered the dining room. There was nothing I wanted to do more than run into his arms. Run into his arms and let it all out, the pain, the sorrow, the love I felt for him, the guilt that had recently begun to consume me. Everything. But I couldn't. I promised myself that I wouldn't allow myself to get hurt again; I promised myself I wouldn't let Draco get hurt again and the same for Narcissa.

"It's Annabella... And good morning to you too." I stated coldly, hating my every inch for being such an arsehole. But it had to be done. I had to start acting like the Lady I am supposed to be, that meant focusing on school and appearances, not concerning myself with such trivial things as a slight infatuation for Draco.

"Um, okay..." He seemed rather confused and I didn't doubt why. Narcissa had also perked up at my words, giving me a look of pity which I despised.

"Will you all stop looking at me like that! I do not need pity. What I need is a plate so that I can eat!" I joked as I took my place at the table, trying not to lose some of my personality and avoiding everyone's bemused glares. I watched Draco and Narcissa glance at eachother seemingly having a whole conversation with their eyes and watched Lucius guiltily look down into his lap deciding not to eat. He rose from the table, neatly tucking in his chair and picking up his cane.

"I am heading to the library, if anyone needs me at any point I will most likely be there. If not then we will rendezvous at 4pm to prepare to apparate to the stadium. Enjoy your breakfast." He bid his farewell and walked away in the direction of the library. I thought about going after him, I needed to talk to him. I didn't know what I would say exactly so I decided it best to just eat my toasted bagels with cream cheese and smoked salmon. They were my favourite I can't deny it.

After we had finished up breakfast, having participated in casual small talk here and there, I excused myself from the table and headed towards the room of books in order to hopefully get some answers out of Lucius. Answers that I needed, badly. I was strutting through the sun room when I felt a cold hand wrap around my wrist, tugging me backwards into a tight embrace. I tried to pry myself away from the figure that held me captive in their arms but it was of no use. Draco held onto me, I could feel his ragged breaths as he stroked my head gently, I could tell he was crying.

I looked up at him, "I don't need your comforting. I am fine. Please let go of me and leave me alone, Draco. I have a job to do." I put it quite plainly yet he didn't understand as he held onto me tighter that ever. I made a dramatic gasping sound and he loosened his grip slightly.

"Shut up! Please. I need you, Bella. And I know you are a strong girl but you need me too. Bella, please don't disappear, I need you." He begged as the hands that once held onto my waist, rose to cup both my cheeks.

"Stop calling me Bella! I have a job to do. Please just let me go! And you are wrong, I don't need you... Now stop being so pathetic!" I pushed his hands away and carried on walking toward the library.

Slowly I opened the door, it creaking slightly, and stepped inside quietly.

"You don't have to be quiet, darling. I know it's you. I heard you shouting at Draco. He's only trying to help you, you know....." Lucius trailed on from behind one of the many floor-to-ceiling length shelves of books.

"I don't need his help. Plus, I would like to have a talk with you, Lucius." I sighed as I walked up to him. He was sitting at a desk in the far corner of the room by a window that overlooked the view of the lake and gardens. It was lovely outside, though I had a feeling it would rain at some point.