Short Stories By Moss.

Mother Child

Ais didn't knew *when* was everything had gone wrong.

Was it by the time that he was left alone in that cold mansion?

Was it when his mother finally passed away?

Or perhaps, when Ais finally had a gut to take a look into his own reflections on mirror, just to see a shadow of his late mother's face?

"I think.... I had to cut a bit of my hair."

It was low, almost like a murmur. Ais didn't dare to say it directly as his hair are being done by the one of the older maid who were stopped her hand for a moment.

It was the usual evening, were Ais being prepared by the servant for another event that he need to attend along side his father. The usual time that always happen. Where again, he never had any chance to choose anything for himself, not even what to wear or how he will look on the event later.

*His choices are uneeded. All matter was he was there. Standing still beside his father like a statue.*

The old maid sighed. Placing the comb on the table near her, as Ais shoulder tense up just from the atsmophere change.

*Ah.... I made wrong move.*

Ais clenched his trembling hands on his pants. His head look down, avoiding any possible eye contact as the maid placing her hand on his shoulder, stroking them a bit, in sickeningly gentle touch.

"Young master Nevalis." her voice was deep but full of amusement, in a sense like a grandma when knowing one of her grand child had done something bad. It is only natural to correct them. "Your face is perfect. There is nothing wrong letting a boy with long hair these days. Don't be afraid to show them your true self."

"I am sure, Master will say the same thing, my dear."

"But—"

"A small trim at your bang will do, just enough for your beautiful hair not hindering your eyes. Is that good, master Nevalis?" The old maid gazing him in the eyes, cold as ever despite her polite smile seem so warmth.

"Madam likes it when your hair long, Young master. Please understand."

Ais bite his protest down. Eyes looking down to his kness, Not uttering another word as he nod obidiently.

*This is for her.*

The sound of cutting reach his ear. It happen very quick, as there was no need for barber to come if just a bit cutting. Just another second to take and all Ais could see was a younger face trying to replicating an image of death person.

A son trying to use his mother face.

And just like that, all Ais knew he was already attending the party.

His lips curved a bit, A hollow smile he always praticed every morning, perfoming a polite expression that everyone find it pleasing. Eyes dulled of lack any interest but maybe that stillness was a thing that keep people enchanted.

He didn't need do anything special just to be a center of attention.

People will come naturally, flocking around him with an knowing smile and a pair of drink glass as they trying to get his attention to their chatty blablering.

Most of time, it was done out of formalities, A polite or simple exchange between guest as to not making himself look like a loner.

In one moment, there is always that one person who did try to drag him into a hidden corner of the room, away of any eyes watching, under the pre-text of having more private conversation.

A smooth excuses were made so sweetly as it made him hard figuring out a way to rejecting it. Hand got placed on his shoulder at that time. And despite only ever touching his clothes, Ais doesnt knew why he always feeling uncanny about it.

Other time, it was his eyes that meet theirs.

A mere second that enough made Ais flinch just to knew their eyes were full of glaze.

Everytime that happen, Ais was quick to returning into his father side. Ensuring no one would say anything weird.

Even then, it just change from obivious remark to more polite 'praises' from the grown up people.

"How stunning. Looking at your reminded me of old days with Alicia... Oh, how time passed so fast..."

"Dear me, how gorgeous are you. I wish she had a daugther too."

"My girl just crying about it all night. But i am sure, young master Nevalis didn't any harm. After all, it's simply a fate for her unable to compete."

No one say anything bad.

It wasn't his fault if other lady cries all over nor the fact the young master didn't spare a glance to them, just like it wasn't their fault to wishing him a hope that never could be realized, a twisted nature of Future that shouldn't be happen.

Therefore, he simply take his glass of juice to celebrate. Smiling a twiked hollow for them never care.

Ais is fine.

He did try to be fine.

After all, This—sickeningly beautiful—look of his were the only things she ever left for him are the only thing people loves.

*God, maybe it was easier if i had born as a girl instead.*

Note:

Plot Froren sebenarnya Thriller psikologi, cuma dibungkus bumbu fantasi biar.... Moss nulisnya gak ngerasa bersalah amat.

Memang bau-bau ke arah sana, karena intinya emang bahas soal sisi gelap dari hubungan dan persepsi diantara manusia.

Cuma ya, Moss aja yang lagi writer Block alur nya jadinya terpaksa hiatus :')

Greget nya tuh punya ide keren tapi nulisnya gak bisa....