Wage War *Obi x OC* (COMPLETE)

Going Home

Why is this my life? Why is it just one bad thing after another after another? I feel like this past month has been a nonstop blur of bad luck. Part of me wants to blame Obi's return to my life, but some of the happiest times have come from him being back. Things finally settle from dealing with Reim and Eiro, and I find out my father is dying. I haven't seen him since I was sixteen. After the failed interview with the prince, they tried to set me up with Marilus Ramfern, a boy who called me hideously ugly and worthless, but he wanted my dowry so he accepted it. I don't think I can exactly go home after being gone that long and say, 'surprise Father, I'm home, don't give your money to that dusty old hag'. I run a hand through my hair and sigh before finally thanking her for telling me, though it only comes out a whisper.

There's too much going on in my head to make words form. All I can do is stare at the table top and run a hand through my hair. I can't return home. I'm a criminal. My Father is dying. My family's worth will fall into the hands of that woman. Father probably thinks I'm dead. He probably hates me for disappearing. If I come back and my Father somehow forgives me and leaves the name and estate to me instead, I'd become a Lady again. I'd have to deal with a life of having status again. I'd have to deal with Opalia arguing with me... but I'd get the pleasure of kicking her out of the house. If Father dies, I'll be an orphan. Grandmother passed on last year, so I'll literally be the last remaining Tora... I don't know what to do. I missed seeing Grandmother before she passed, I don't want to skip seeing Father one last time since we at one time were so close.

"Hey, you need to breathe."

I look up from the table as I feel Obi gently rubbing my back. Kitty must have left at some point during my mental tirade. My chest hurts and my hands are shaking. That's fantastic.

"I'm fine... I just need to smoke."

To my surprise, Obi leaves my side and returns with my cigarette pouch. I light one with a little difficulty and attempt to pick at the bowl of fruit Obi brought me. It's not exactly the breakfast I'd been hopeful for, but my stomach definitely wouldn't have been able to handle it. As I told him before, I don't think I'm meant to have breakfast again.

"I think you should go see him." He says quietly.

"I can't, Obi. I'm not part of that life anymore."

"That's still your father. You don't even go by your true name so how would he know of what you have done since you left?"

"But still. I can't-"

"Look, I can tell by the look on your face that you will regret it for the rest of your life if you don't go to see him. You don't have to stay, take on the family name again, or anything like that. Just go be with your father. If you want, I'll escort you there, then wait nearby until you're ready to leave. You don't even have to stay long if you want."

"I suppose I can go, just for a few minutes anyway..."

I take the time to brush my hair out and find the only outfit I took from home. I look less like Arowen now but not quite the Molliene I used to be. I don't know why I want to look like the old me for this. I haven't been that person in so long. I guess maybe I just hope Father will still see me as his little girl after all these years. The little girl he stopped being close to when Mum died... when Opalia came into the picture.

"Arowen, are you ready to go?" Obi hesitantly calls through the door.

"As I'll ever be..." I whisper under my breath as I grab my cigarettes and head toward the door.

I feel the pit of dread in my stomach growing more the closer we get, but Obi seems to notice my unease and takes my hand. I'm not sure I could have gotten myself to come if not for him.

"Thank you for convincing me to go."

"No problem, Darling. I just don't want you to regret not seeing him."

"Obi, what is the story with your family? You never mentioned them."

"I uh-" He stutters before sighing. "Well there's not really much to say about them... My father let before my sister was born and shortly after that our mother got hooked on opium and tried to sell my sister so I took her from the home and here I am today."

"I'm so sorry... What happened to your sister?"

"I have no idea. I had to leave her in the care of an elderly couple so she'd be safe but they passed away and she disappeared."

"I'm sure she's safe and happy wherever she is."

"What's the situation with your parents? I know you ran away but what were they like?"

"Mum killed herself when I was five. Father was wonderful up until shortly after that... Our bond crumbled. He met Opalia when I was seven and they married rather quickly. Father grew more distant and allowed Opalia to torture and beat me."

"She sounds terrible. Can I kill her?"

"Maybe someday." I chuckle.

"You know, if you want to stay and inherit the estate, that's fine. I'll support you in whatever you want to do in your life, no matter what."

"Thank you, but that's not going to happen. The target on my head is too much to allow that to happen even if I wanted it- O-oh... We're here." I feel my heart drop as I look up at my old home.