The Remnant of the Past (GXG)

Chapter 10: The Past

"What does any of these have to do with my mother?" I defensively said. 

Chantel showed me the same pity on her face. I crossed my arms and let her finish what she was saying. 

"We both know that your mother is dead, but there's something that they didn't tell you." 

Am I supposed to trust this woman now after she just enlisted my name to the kill list later at midnight? I have so many questions right now that I am scared to ask because I might not be ready to face the answers.

"Analise died here and it was your father who left her here."

My arms dropped and I stared blankly at Chantel's face. There were words I would like to say out loud but I chose to remain silent and absorb what Chantel has said. It seems like I can't trust anyone anymore, even Chantel.

I abruptly stood up from the chair and stared down at Chantel. "If you will kill me, do it now."

All this time, it was my father who sent my mother to the Remnants. I always believed that my father buried her himself at our cemetery and that she died a hero for serving the council once. I grew up giving my father the respect he deserved, but hearing what Chantel has said made me doubt him being my father.

"That's just for the show, you won't be punished with anything." Chantel stood up.

"Very well, I will just do it myself." I bravely said and ran straight to where the tall windows are. It was already open and I can easily escape from here. 

"Angelie! Stop!" 

Before I could even jump, a strong hand was gripping my wrist. I repeatedly told Chantel to let go but she won't budge and will only intensely gaze directly into my eyes. She forcibly pulled me back inside that caused me to fall to the ground.

"I have been waiting for you for a long time, Angelie, and I can't just let you die. I...we need you more than ever because you possess such an antidote, the pendant your mother has given you."

"Well, I don't have it anymore, I am already useless." 

Chantel sighed and made her way back to the chair. "Trust me, you are not useless."

Her comment made me avoid her eyes. I looked outside the window and saw the people having the freedom to do what they want without being watched by countless guards. Maybe my mother was happier here.

"How did she die?" I asked with my back still turned to her.

"Before my reign, all the crops and products we consume are not enough for everyone. A lot have died of hunger and were too weak to walk, your mother is one of the few people who died because of that."

With a heavy heart, I sat down on the chair next to Chantel. I was resisting myself from bursting into tears but Chantel holding my hands with hers made a tear slip out of my eye. 

"All the people here look up at your mother. She even gave her food to the children just to keep them out from hunger, but in turn, it was her who received the fate of the few." Chantel continued that made me even let my feelings out.

"I-I haven't even seen her face, or heard her voice..." I sobbed out. Chantel suddenly gently took my head to rest it against her chest. I leaned my body against her as I cried for my mother. 

"If this will make you feel better, you got most of your mother's features. She has a voice that makes every kid here feel like they are at home with their parents." Chantel softly said that made me relax a bit.

I suddenly became curious about how Chantel grew up here because she talked like she has lost a parent too, and as if she has read my mind she started to talk about her parents.

"I lost my parents when I was still young. My memories are a little bit rusty, but I could remember the ship we are in being attacked. My parents got captured and were killed right in front of me. I got away...with the help of your mother. She carried me as I cried, telling me that I won't be alone. The next thing I knew, I woke up in this part of the world."

I curled my eyebrows in curiousness because I felt that there was also something she hasn't said, but of course, I won't pry as it seems like a sensitive topic.

"I wasn't supposed to be the only one who your mother carried away from the attack, I was supposed to be with my big sister, Chelsea. I always believed that my sister was also killed, but your mother revealed to me when I was old enough that my sister got captured and was brought to one of your laboratories."

My eyes widened at the mention of our laboratories. They kept that room away from us for a reason, and that reason might be to keep us away from discovering what they do to the Remnants they took.

"I am so sorry..." I whispered but Chantel silenced me.

"None of it was your fault. You were also a kid like me, Angelie."

I sighed and went back to rest my head against her chest. "I wish that I could bring your sister back."