A Murderer's Son: A Zelink Story

Chapter 14

"Wake up, sleepyhead," Zelda murmured, gently stroking my hair. Upon opening my eyes, I smiled as I saw her crouching down next to the bed, draped in golden sunshine, fully dressed and grinning from pointed ear to pointed ear. "I've got nothing to do today. We can spend the whole day together!" She remarked, standing up and clasping her hands together, pacing round the room, excitement radiating every footstep.

I say up, my knees at my chest. "Zelda..."

"Oh, it's going to be so much fun, and what with such gorgeous weather!" She put both hands on the foor of the bed, beginning to brainstorm ideas. "We can go horseriding, go exploring-"

"Zelda."

"Oh, we can go swimming!" She exclaimed. "You're always talking about how much you miss the ocean, remember?"

I chuckled, wrapping my arms round my knees and resting my chin on top. She reached down to shift my hair out of my eyeline. "You should get ready." She murmured, still smiling. "It's almost eleven, so we haven't got long."

"Zelda..." I sighed, closing my eyes and shaking my head. "I can't."

Her smile softly faded, concern sweeping across her face. "What? Why?"

Her hand was still on my jaw, so I took it and held it to my lips. "Because I have to go."

Her expression dropped. Her mouth hung open, vaguely displaying her bewilderment and anger. "Wha- no you don't?"

"Yes, I do." I solemnly nodded. "Today."

The morbid expression lingered on her face a little longer, before she sighed. "But-" Her voice wavered. "But what about swimming? We were-"

I gently shook my head, my eyebrows arching as I gave her a remorseful smile. "I'm sorry." I felt my guilt flare up as her eyes glistened momentarily, before she swallowed back the bewildered tears. I knew I couldn't tell her yet, so I began lying. "It's just...my dad. I have to get home, because...he's not very well. I have to take care of him. Plus, your father thinks-"

"My father?!" She began, her voice noteably more ambient with vexation. "He has something to do with this?!"

"No, no-" I assured, suddenly aware of my mistake. "It's just...procedure. You wouldn't get it. I have to go home for various reasons. I'm sorry."

"Why are you talking to me as though you're keeping something from me?" 

I could hear more upset peeking through her voice as it quivered. I didn't want to look at her out of fear that her upcoming tears might change my mind. "I'm not, truly."

"You never told me your father was sick. You're such a liar."

"I didn't think it was very important," I bargained, my shoulders briefly raising in surrender. 

"Of course it's important!" Zelda snatched her hand back, crossing her arms. "I mean, you're leaving because of it! What is wrong with you, why do you always do this to me?!"

"Oh, well, you know what-" I snapped, looking at her expression of sudden shock at my anger. "It's not that easy, Zelda. It's not as simple as just 'keeping things from you', alright? It's harder than that!"

"Oh, harder how?!"

"Goddess-" I scoffed, getting out of bed and gathering my things. "I can't sit here and explain everything to you, alright? You don't know everything, Zelda, but I wish you'd just trust that what I hide and what I don't hide are for a reason. I'm always doing what's best for you, but you can never just trust me."

I advanced towards the balcony, Zelda chasing after me. 

"Well...fine, then! If that's how you feel!"