Beautiful Pain

ℂ𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕥𝕖𝕣 8

"Rias, Felix!" The Emperor calls over us as we secretly slide into the hall. "Where did you guys run off to?"

I was hoping that we could blend in & go unoticed, considering that we left without a word.

"I'm sorry, father." Rias speaks with a poutful look. "Felix was just looking for the perfect present for Rumia!"

Rias had time to fix her composure so she looks presentable. Her hair was all over the place & her dress was crooked after she got into her scary persona at the shop.

"Okay well...if that's the case..." The Emperor sighs. "At least you're here now to greet the guests in time."

And with that, The Emperor sees someone he must greet. "Now, if you'll excuse me."

I let out a huge breath as soon as he leaves. Why was I terrified as if I was hiding something?

"Phew. I don't think he noticed." Rias gives me a thumbs up.

I suppose the stunt she pulled at the shop is not lady-like but Rias sounded nervous talking to him. Perhaps she got scolded once already for acting such a way. At least, that's the assumption I got.

"I wonder where Rumia is." I ask, glancing around.

Rias holds onto my hand gently. "Knowing her, she's probably on the balcony up front." She then grins. "Go get her."

What does she mean by 'go get her'?

I just nod & walk away, confused. I head towards the balcony & Rias was right. Rumia is standing there, with half a glass of Champagne in her hand, looking up at the night sky.

"Rumia."

She gets startled until she realizes it was just me.
"Jeez. You scared me."

Her voice came out in slurs.

"Sorry." I respond. "But what are you doing out here all sad & lonely?"

I look over her shoulder. Her eyes appear red. "Isn't it your birthday?"

She swirls around, almost tumbling over & that's when I catch her just in time, with my arm around her waist. "Woah, easy there!"

She's cold to the touch. "Come on Rumia, let's get you back inside."

As I go to reach for her hand, she smacks it away.
"No!...you don't even care about me so why should I care for your touch?"

I almost fall backwards but hold my composure just in time.
"What do you mean I don't care about you?" I ask. "What has gotten into you?"

Damn this girl is so moody but I can't complain. I actually really do care about her.

I glance over to the table behind us & spot a whole tray of emptied glasses. I take a small wiff & just as I expected. It's liquor.

"Are you drunk?!"

She looks up at me & grins. "So what if I am?"

Walking as she stumbles in her path, I pull her back. I can't let the Emperor or these guests see her like this.

"Let me go!" She shouts & I cover her mouth.
If people hear her, they will grow suspicious.

I stand close to her in hopes that she would just calm down.
"Is there a reason that you're acting like this?...if so...please tell me."

My eyes filled with sorrow, I whisper "I can't bare to see you like this...so please tell me what's wrong."

Tears had begun forming into her delicate eye balls. The wind breeze blows gently through her hair. I keep my hands around her waist to keep her from falling over. Her cheeks are now a cherry shade of red along with the tip of her nose.
"The p-party started an h-hour ago..." She mumbles to herself.