Let Tomorrow Come (final)

Chapter 4.

CHRISTINA.

I try to open my eyes, but my eyelids are so heavy. However, someone picked me up. I'm still thirsty and hungry, and I try to speak as loudly as possible, but nothing comes out. I hope they heard me. But somebody immediately answers me in a whisper that he will bring it. I give up trying to cheer myself up and just rely on the mercy of the one who carries me back to bed. Before laying me down, the man squeezes me a little tighter and a little longer than necessary. Then he lays me down and covers me with a blanket. But he doesn't leave. I feel like he's looking at me. And then I hear him say in a whisper:

"You are so stupid".

I'm starting to shake nervously. But I try not to show it. He doesn't linger and leaves quickly. I jump up, the sleep has vanished.

"Why him? This is definitely not fate. I don't believe in fate. And in general, why is he here, at home? He's almost never at home."

Questions remain, but Aela soon appears.

"Baby, I brought you some water. There was no need to get up. Do you want to eat something?"

I nod my head. She always understands me. Soon she brings me hot toast with ham and cheese. This seems to be exactly what I need.

"Where do gladioli come from?" I ask.

She looks surprised and says:

"I don't know. I didn't bring it. And in general I see them for the first time. Maybe your dad brought..."

"Sorry, Aela," I remind her, "but this is a sore subject. Don't call him that. I understand that he did a lot for me. He loves me, I have no doubt. But why didn't anyone tell me about this? After all, he and John were the closest people to me, because I believed that we were of the same blood. And now my world has turned upside down. I'm trying to come to my senses, but for some reason I can't."

Her face lights up with a kind, snow-white smile, and her freckles dance on her face.

"Everyone needs different time to realize and accept certain things. You probably need more of it. Now it's time to rest."

"Wait," I'm lightly pulling her skirt.

She looks at me questioningly.

"Why is John here? He's rarely at home."

"Who knows..." she says thoughtfully, and leaves me alone.

***

A week later, I finally feel relatively healthy and can afford to go out to the pond near my house and read another book. There is a light breeze in the shade of the trees, and the pages shake a little. I haven't seen John since he carried me sick back to bed. He probably hates me. We're not even family. Now he can openly say whatever he wants, and I won't even be able to object. Not only because I care about him and I'm ready to endure everything, but also because it's justified. I am nobody, and someday he will get all this. So, when I graduate, I need to find myself a good job, thank the people dear to me, and all the inhabitants of this house are dear to me, and go my own way. Without violating anyone's personal space. Starting from scratch is always hard, but I will have the opportunities that Jack and the late Jane gave me. It is thanks to them that I am what I am.

"It takes you a long time to read the page."

I flinch and the book falls out of my hands.

"Well, here we go again... Just as clumsy as always."

John picks up the book and places it on the bench next to me. He seems to be in a good mood today.

"I wanted to say that I'm leaving."