Help from the OtherSide

21. Slight Turbulence

Yumiko's POV

From the rustling bushes, four herculean Pegasi promenaded amongst us. I was totally in awe of these majestic beasts. Never in my life had I expected to see a mythical creature that we read in books. Then again, people don't usually get thrown into another realm. I can proudly say that I did spend good amount of time with animals.
 Growing up I had a reddish cream coloured fennec fox named Kuu, who lived a jolly complete life before passing away when I just completed high school.
If my life was made any better, it was because of her.

She was given to me as a present for my fourth birthday when my parents weren't there to celebrate it with me. Some party with influential investors they said. I'm not boasting, but my parents are the CEO's of our family company, founded by my grandfather in the nineteen fifties. Because of their position and economic status, they would devote most of their time and energy for the company.
Maybe this is why I can relate with the sort of neglect Liam went through. Cause this is what rich parents do, substitute their parental love with materialistic happiness; like those two would ever be the same.

I spent a fair share of my teenage years being thrusted into the spotlight. Being the only grandchild of my family, all eyes were on me.
I had to maintain a prim proper and elegant persona for the cameras and mostly for my family.

 Tardiness and being unorganized is a sin next to manslaughter for my mother.
 This was proven when one weekend, I was a little late at getting home from my class due to the heavy rains that day. Thankfully I only got drenched; because those rains had caused a flood in many parts of the city. On getting home, first thing mother asked was why I dirtied my uniform. 

Father scolded her for not checking on my wellbeing first. When it was declared in the news that some unfortunate people had lost their lives, only then did the gravity of the situation hit her.

Violin was pushed on me because it was considered to be an refined woman's instrument. Even if it were forced, thanks to them I can play something.

The rival companies, investors and any high profile associate of my parents naturally assumed me to be a virtuoso in this field. My parents used to tell me to go along with their assumptions. Eight hours a day, every week for a year tends to make a kid look like a prodigy.

I'm not complaining. I do count my blessing everyday; there are a lot of things I got at young  compared to other children of my age.

My parents may be stringent in their believes and way of life, but whatever they have done for me so far, I can at least hope to be half as good as them.

I mounted my lush brown Pegasus and sat on his soft back. Amelia didn't hesitate to climb behind me. Before Deccan could even ask Grant a ride, Liam hopped behind and apologized for cutting the line.
Being his kind self, he let it slide.  

"No problem. That means I get a horse all for myself." He found a bright side to his situation, only for it to be diffused by Dora. She informed him about a partner and before he could ask who it was, the man who raised his hands on us; stepped behind him.

 Deccan rubbed his face and groaned at his partner. His shoulders slackened at the thought of sharing the ride with his assailant. 
I pitied him and offered a change of place. But his assailant seemed more eager to sit with me. I wouldn't have cared if it weren't for his loathsome smile.
Deccan saw it too and denied the exchange.

His ability to get stuck in such situations is mind blowing, almost like trouble followed him.
They continued to squabble even on the horse. It was entertaining to be an audience to their war of dialogues. Regrettably Dora cut in between.