Soul Behind The Mask

9. Trigger

I cried that night. I saw how his silhouette was getting smaller as he went towards the city.

The rest of the day went smoothly I guess. Arguments with my family were turning to be more and more often. Both with me and between them. I thought we didn't have problems with finances, and the expenses were being controlled but some contracts ended, it seems. And now they were stressing about it. I decided I would start to give part of my income from my paintings and singing and dancing performances for them until my father would find new clients and better connections for their business.

But I still felt like my whole world was crumbling. And I was stupid.

I was stupid to start relying emotionally on Armand. Something tells me he was hiding something. But I didn't know what. Always acting so cocky, yet he's the same with the rest of ladies I bet. And I'm sure he will find any that would fit his charms best. With that handsome face any would fall surely...

I blushed and shook my head.

Yeah he IS handsome. But what I am to him anyway? Nothing. I shouldn't create useless expectations.

I spent the day helping my mother with house chores, while my brother was learning about my father's business. Deep down, I had to admit I did envy my little brother. I was the older sister, yet I wasn't given opportunities, simply for the fact, that I was a woman. And mother reminded me many times that my job was to marry as soon as possible now that I was of age to do so, and please my husband. I frowned.

Yes, I am a hopeless romantic, I admit. But this doesn't mean I would agree to marry someone simply because I was no longer useful at my own home. Or because it was my social "duty" to do so, as a young lady of the Empire. To be honest, I would love to spend the rest of my life unmarried, and rescuing all stray cats from the streets. The poor things deserve so much care!

Speaking of cats.. Where was Erin? I missed him too.

At night, I cried. I eavesdropped a conversation between my parents. They were thinking about marrying me to that man I met some days ago, James Lung. They mentioned the large fortune he possessed, and how it would greatly benefit me.

Superficial people, what can I say. But at that time, it really got to my heart. I couldn't bear it anymore. Could I ever return to the happy, nice family we once were?....

The moon was shining brighter than usual that night. After some time I couldn't feel my tears anymore, so I just turned around, staring at the ceiling. I raised my arm randomly, and made a brief sharp movement with my hand, as if I was turning a page. Maybe I was hallucinating, maybe it was because of the mental stress and sorrow, but I saw a turquoise spark pop from my fingers. I raised my eyebrows, trying the same movement again.

Nothing.

Well, just pure fantasy I guess.

I turned to my side, ready to close my eyes and go to the world of dreams.

The next morning I was feeling much better, so I decided to come back to the city to enjoy myself. I took my father's horse and galloped towards the city. I closed my eyes and smiled, enjoying the wind pass through my face and hair.

I suddenly saw something moving in the corn field. Normally I wouldn't care. But then I saw red. Lots of it. As if that something was bleeding? There was still some time left for arriving to the city. I sighed and quickly commanded the horse to turn around in the direction of the movement.

"Hello?"

*******

"Please come".