Kingdoms United Academy [DRAFT ONE]

30. Matrophobia

Author's Note: For any who may be concerned, no, Cinder is not mirroring my family situation. In fact, Criss and Crispy are more likely to be the ones based off of my life. Cinder is a self-insert because she has the same illnesses as me and the same personality, to a large extent.

     Cinder glanced out the window for a mere moment. She witnessed as the white car pulled into the parking lot. At that moment, she knew. Her mother was here to get it over with.

      "I'll help you, if you need it." Linnea murmured as she stood up.

      Cinder hung her head. "Thank you."

     Criss was wrapping their hands in sports tape. "I'm coming to kick your mom's ass."

     "Wha--" Cinder started.

     "It's not matricide if the child doesn't commit it." Criss smirked as they said this. They threw their leather jacket to the side. Their tank top underneath revealed their sculpted arms, clearly strong from years of work.

      "And we'll be rooting for you from here!" Laia chirped. "We've already seen who we needed to, and I don't want to be a burden on you."

     At that, the trio left. 

    Just like old times, it was the three of them again.

     "Hello, mother." Cinder's head was hung low, barely high enough to meet her mother's eyes, however short her mother was. 

      "I see you've been doing well," her mother breathed. She turned around, ready to leave.

     Linnea grabbed Cinder's mother's sleeve. "Hold on, you can't just leave like that. You're her mother."

     "I've done my duty. Cinder is safe here." 

     About that... 

    Cinder decided not to say anything. 

     Cinder's mother turned around for a moment and glanced at Linnea, Cinder, and Criss in turn. Her eyes widened when they landed upon the two royals, but she said nothing.

      "Haha, yeah." Criss crossed their arms.

     "No. Cinder's not well." Linnea narrowed her eyes.

     Cinder shot Linnea a look, but it was too late.

     Cinder's mother started to say something, but Cinder smiled and interrupted. "Well, I'd love to stay and chat, but I've gotta study for exams." She strained herself to add more to it. "Love you, Mom."

     Cinder turned around to leave. A small hand tugged at her sleeve, and Cinder whipped her head around.

     Her mother's big brown eyes, barely peeking through long, straight, crimson hair, stared back at her.

     "I came to apologize... I realized as the days went by that I treated you unfairly. Dev wouldn't have wanted that."

      Cinder was stunned. Her fingers went numb. Her legs were sealed in place. The tip of her tail felt ice cold.

     "I understand why you wouldn't forgive me. I just wanted you to know... I got help, and I want you to do what's best for you."

     Cinder nodded. "Thank you. Bye."

     Cinder and the group made their way back inside.

     Cinder sighed and slumped against the door when she got back inside Crispy's dorm. 

     Laia looked up from her book. "How'd it go?"

     "Went well. That's one problem down. May never have to see her again," Cinder recounted.

     Crispy wiped off a die he was cleaning with a tissue and then set it down. He threw the tissue in his trash can. 

     Harris shrugged. "So, okay, then." 

     "Awkward as hell," Criss sighed.

     "I lived, though," Cinder added lightheartedly.

     Crispy glanced out the window for a moment. A slight trace of panic entered his vision before he checked his calendar and relaxed slightly.

     "What is it?" Linnea asked.

     "i forgOt wHat daY iT was fOR a mOMent..." 

      "Crispy, what are you hiding?" Criss asked.

      Crispy froze. "i-- mAybE sOmeday i'LL be stRong enOugh to Say."

     He said nothing else, despite Criss's cold gaze.