Delicate // Poppy Sweeting

22

Ominis and I met Sebastian on top of the hill, and it was obvious from his expression that he was itching to leave again.

"I'm sorry about my uncle, he's always angry. He's been angry since my parents died." Sebastian says, playing with his hands subconsciously. I could tell from his voice he was still quite upset.

Ominis sighed beside me. "It's alright, all of you are on edge right now."

"He's right, we know it's hard." I gave Sebastian a reassuring smile and he nodded in response.

"I'll show my uncle that he's wrong. This relic has to change everything." Sebastian started, glancing at Ominis warily. "Based on the notes from the book, it should be close by."

Ominis bristled beside me. "You're still going through with this?"

"Of course I am! I already told you, if you don't want to help then leave me be!" Sebastian yelled. Their moods had shifted so quickly I felt like I got whiplash. I opened my mouth to butt in but Ominis beat me to it.

"I am trying to help you from making a grave mistake." He scoffed and ran his hands over his face. "Will you please just forget about the book and return to school?"

"You know very well why I can't do that, Ominis." Sebastian then turned to look at me, and I felt my palms starting to sweat even in the cold. "You're still coming, right?"

I let out a frustrated sigh. "I don't know, Sebastian. I don't think this is a good idea."

Sebastian looked hurt by my response. "You can't honestly be agreeing with him. Not after what you've seen."

"It doesn't matter what I've seen, this is dangerous. For everyone involved. We should stop before it gets worse." I pleaded, hoping that he would realize the consequences if we go through with any more of this. Ominis looked surprised at my words, but he didn't say anything about it.

"Sebastian, please-"

"No, I can't believe the both of you." Sebastian cut off Ominis in the middle of speaking. "I'm still going. Go back to the castle if you want, I am capable of doing it on my own."

Ominis and I tried to object but Sebastian was already turning away. My shoulders slumped in defeat. Ominis ran his fingers through his hair, mumbling under his breath beside me. I couldn't hear him and I'm almost glad, I'm sure it wasn't anything I wanted to hear.

"What do we do now?" I asked him, still keeping my eyes on Sebastian's retreating figure.

Ominis shrugged. "We either follow him, or we leave him to his own ridiculous fate."

I groaned in annoyance. "He won't go in there alone, I think he knows one of us at least will go after him."

"You're right." Ominis clenched his teeth. "I say we wait for him at the house. He'll return soon enough."

I nodded, but as I looked again at Sebastian I felt the want to follow him erupt inside of me. I knew I shouldn't, but I couldn't deny I was curious about this relic he was so obsessed about. After seeing how he was with Anne and her condition, I think I understood why he feels he needs this. What if it's real? What if it does work? I almost wanted to know as much as Sebastian.

"You go ahead. I'll wait here for a bit." I replied, hoping my voice didn't give away how badly I felt for lying. Ominis furrowed his brows but only nodded, then turned away from me. I waited until he was a healthy distance away, and then I hurried to catch up with Sebastian. 

-

He wasn't surprised at all when he saw me jogging to reach him. Sebastian even stopped to wait for me, a triumphant grin on his face. I only rolled my eyes and made him keep walking. He didn't hesitate to start explaining everything to me.