The Caged Princess

Chapter 2

I stood rooted to the spot for minutes, hours or was it days? It felt like forever before I could muster up the nerve to move. I deserved his hate, didn't I? We were a few missed chances enwrapped in a series of memories that neither of us could forget. Or maybe it was just me. I was the only one who couldn't forget him, and his memories had been with me for the last seven years.

Seven years? Had it really been that long? I had messed up and I knew it. I just didn't have it in me to say it then. That I loved him and I couldn't let him go... to be with someone else. And he hadn't stopped, not once turning back to see how I really felt. For months after he left, I would burst out crying at random moments during the day wondering how I could be so unlovable. I shrugged off the memories and stepped inside the apartment.

In the three years that Keir and I had been together, I had not once visited his home. Mostly because we met in a different city, living together for one of those three years. I entered a foyer with soft muted lights of yellow with a huge mirror at the end. As I got closer, I noticed my face was pale and my eyes looked too bright. I looked on edge and my curly hair seemed to have frizzed because of the weather. My plum lip colour was just a stain and had lost all it's matt sheen which appeared when you first applied it. I flinched at my appearance. In my loose grey linen pants and white sleeveless blouse, I looked like I hadn't eaten in days. I tried to fix my hair by running my hands over it before moving into the open living area.

I gaped at the space - this apartment was huge. I had no idea Keir lived in such a luxurious place. Keir had always had a problem with the way I had spent money on frivolous things when we were together. I remembered him saying that he had grown up in a very modest family with money only for basic needs. I just couldn't understand how he could afford a place like this. I frowned when someone cleared her throat while I was staring up the high ceilings. I turned and met the scrutinising eyes of a woman in her late sixties.

"Mrs. Hawthrone, I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm Tala —"

"I know who you are. While it would be extremely impolite for me to ask what you're doing here, I would still like to know the answer to it. My son has enough on his plate without you adding your silly fantasies of getting back together with him." It took me a second to realise what she has just said because I was busy admiring the perfect beauty she exuded. She was beautiful in a stern and disciplined way with an air of confidence which certainly put my self confidence to shame. Oh well, didn't they say let bygones be bygones or something like that.

"Mrs. Hawthrone, since you're giving me such a warm welcome I would like to return the favour. I have absolutely no intention of getting back with Keir, I came because Dusan and Keir are the two most important people in my life. We are friends first and anything else later. I will not be humiliated for wanting to genuinely grieve with Keir over the loss of his family. I hope I have answered all your questions for now." I took a deep calming breath before turning in the direction of what I assumed to be the guest rooms.

"He hates you, you know. For leaving him all those years ago."

I froze in place as tears sprung to my eyes. I will not let this woman see me cry. She is going to love that. I will in no hell give her that satisfaction.

Without turning around, I spoke in a soft voice hoping she couldn't hear the tremble in my voice, "It was his choice. I did not leave him. I know everyone who knew about us thinks that but I did not leave him." I walked away with my held high hoping to have saved some of my dignity after this conversation. There was a reason I had not met Keir's mother all those years ago. She was controlling and spiteful, always having influenced our relationship even from afar. 

This was not going to be easy. 

Breathe, Tala, Breathe.