Life Goes On

Chapter 37: New Year's Eve

Readers, please be advised: This chapter contains descriptions of sexual abuse and physical injuries. Read at your own discretion.

***

As we went about the house that morning, getting things ready for the party, I found myself thinking about all the events from this year. It was hard to believe that another year had come and gone. Last year, Sebastian, Ominis and I spent the holidays here at great aunt Cleo's house. Our relationship was so different, but even back then, we knew we could count on each other, come whatever may.

Now, we were even closer than we were before, and yet, for some reason, I couldn't help but feel that something was amiss. I really hated the feeling, and I couldn't help but look over my shoulder, waiting for something, someone, to strike.

"Hey darling, are you excited for tonight!?" Auntie Cleo was humming and whistling as she went about the house decorating, making sure things were set up, checking that nothing was missing.

"I am auntie," I said trying to sound happy.

"What's wrong my girl?" She asked with her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

"Nothing auntie, why do you ask?" I tried to busy my hands with one of the flower arrangements Helga had brought in this morning for the party.

Great aunt Cleo closed the space between us and put her hand on my cheek, "my darling girl, must I explain why I can read you like a book again? Tell me what's bothering you."

I let out a sigh, "how come you wanted to throw this party this year? Most of the people in town have always had some thing or another to judge us about. I guess I just don't understand why you want to host everyone, even those who've been less than kind towards our family. Towards you..."

"Towards your mom...?" She asked.

"Yes, towards my mom. No one here even addresses me by Opaleye, even though I've expressed my preference before." I looked away from auntie Cleo's eyes as I felt tears stinging my eyes.

"My dear girl, you're graduating in just a few months, you're a brilliant girl. You and Ominis hold the highest ranking student positions at your school! You're beautiful and talented! I want to rub it on everyone's faces!" I burst into laughter at her confession. "Oh honey," she cupped my cheek again, "I'm no fool, I can see how in love the three of you are, Sebastian, Ominis and you. How much you all compliment each other, and how happy you are together. I know you won't be coming back to live here, and I know the days I have left to spend with you in this life time are numbered."

"Auntie..." I had tears pouring down my face now.

"It's ok darling, I'm not upset about it, I'm happy. I'm happy you've found two incredible young men who love you as much as you love them, who will protect you and support you. I want to celebrate you, and I want the world to see what an amazing woman your mother and father made. Despite it all, you've flowered into an amazing person." Great aunt Cleo was tearing up now too.

"Auntie... You've also played into that, I am the way that I am now, thanks to you as well. And I could never show you how grateful I am to you for the wonderful love you've given me, for all the support, even when I've gone against the norms."

Great aunt Cleo smiled at me and looked over my shoulder, I turned to see Sebastian and Ominis standing by the doorway, both of them smiling.

"Well, go on my girl, go get yourself a bath, and get ready for the night!" She hurried me off and Ominis and Sebastian gave me a kiss on each cheek as I walked by and headed to my room.

***

I'd decided on wearing the kimono great aunt Cleo had given me for Christmas to the party. I would be showing off all of me tonight, specially the side of me my mother had given me. I had to teach Sebastian how to tie an Obi, luckily, with his strength, he managed to tie it fairly well.