Hate To Love You

11

~ 🌹Elora🌹~

I tore through the steps faster than I'd done in a while, taking them two at a time, excitement coursing through me at the thought of spending time outside the house with other people, potential friends.

I was heading to the living room, the most likely place Sophia was going to be, so I could let her know I was heading out.
My eyes scanned the place, even checking the kitchen but there wasn't a single strand of hair of hers in sight.

Ignoring the maids, with a resigned sigh, I climbed back up the stairs heading to their room.

The door was cracked slightly open and they were both discussing in hushed voices, voices that drew my attention and sent my brain signals that prevented me from knocking to make my presence known. I had a chance of finding out just what they were hiding from me and I was going to take it. I wouldn't find out any other way, that I was sure of.

My footsteps slowed, transitioning into a tiptoe as I got closer, a rapidly beating heart and accelerated blood flow keeping me company as I got closer.

At first, I couldn't pick up their conversation but once I settled close to the door in a way I wouldn't be spotted, the rushing sound in my ears stilled and I was able to pick up bits and pieces of the ongoing discussion.

"We have to tell her. It's already been confirmed. All papers have been signed."

"Do we have to tell her? We could just move on with our lives. She doesn't have to know a thing."

I heard River say in response to Sophia's earlier statement and I felt my heart drop before my heartbeat considerably slowed down compared to earlier.

What were they talking about? It definitely had something to do with me. I was the 'she' they were referring to I was strongly convinced, but what papers have been signed? And moving on with their lives? What were they planning to do with me?

Amidst my rollercoaster of emotions and lost in my earlier thoughts, I'd missed some things they'd said but it really didn't matter once the following words reached my ears.

"River I can't do this anymore. We need to move on with our lives. If you're not going to do it, I'm telling her and getting this over with." I heard Sophia's voice say.

Unwilling to listen anymore, my body acted, leaving my brain two steps behind. I raised my hand, knocking on the door to call their attention and bring the conversation to a halt.

The effect was instantaneous as both heads snapped in my direction. Now I had their attention but what was I going to say?

Everything was chaotic. My thoughts, feelings and primarily everything. I saw flashing red, warning bells ringing incessantly, my brain only presenting me with two options.

Fight. Confront them and find out what in heaven's name was happening or...

Flight. Protect my feelings. Run, hide, like I've always done.

Flight.

Flight.

Fight.

Flight.

I chose the safer option. "I'm heading out to see some friends. We're going to see a movie and maybe catch dinner while we're out," I said not giving myself time to rethink those words or use the lesser-known option of those three words. Fight, flight, or freeze.

Both eyes locked onto my every possible move, trying to decipher anything from my actions and expressions that could suggest I'd overheard their conversation. One where they'd been so eager to carry on their lives, possibly without me.