Cinderella's Ghost

Chapter 17: Embrace

Chapter 17

I forced myself to look ahead as I walked Bill and Barok, both on their leash. Jarell was quiet beside me, and I wondered if he knew how I felt at the moment, that whatever he had mentioned had made it extremely difficult for me to accept Becca's sudden news. I didn't know how I would have reacted if Jarell hadn't mentioned about him not being around anymore, but the reaction I gave earlier in front of Becca had made her face fall. A lot. Which was unexpected. The look Becca gave me in response to it made me want to cry all of a sudden. She immediately told me to take the two dogs out for a walk, even asking if I needed her company, which I immediately declined, making me feel worse than ever.

"Ellyn..."

"I don't want to talk to you," I mumbled.

I focused on the backs of the dogs, and I wondered how much I would miss them. I was right before. I should have made sure never to let myself get close to any off the dogs in the shelter. It would just break my heart when they leave. Weren't there quotes on friendship? That if they were meant to be in your life, then they'll stay? They won't leave no matter what? This didn't apply. Stupid, useless wisdom that consumed my thoughts midway, telling me that I should be enjoying the process of building a friendship instead of worrying when it would end. And now I was paying the price. I thought I had improved a lot, that maybe I wouldn't feel the pain, but I was wrong.

And what of Jarell, the real Jarell I had come to like so much? I realised my feelings just when I thought how much I enjoyed my bickerings with him, how much I didn't ever want him to leave. And if he died, how was I going to fare on my own? That thought scared me. Up until now, he had yet to scare Lilla and Lina with his powers, and time was running out. If this went on, how would I avoid getting hurt? Who would be there for me when I needed company?

Finally, we all turned in to a vast grass field. It was empty apart from a few birds scattered here and there. I felt myself calm a little by the serene sight in front of me.

I released Bill and Barok from their leashes, then threw two balls, one for each of them. They bounded after them with glee.

"I'm sorry."

I remained mute as Bill and Barok ran back to me. I threw the balls again.

"If I knew this would happen, I wouldn't have spoken about it."

I scoffed. "Ridiculous excuse."

He came to stand beside me. I walked forward a few steps, away from him.

"I'm sorry."

When the dogs came back, I threw the balls again, but only Bill went after his ball. Barok sat looking up at me, before looking past me, and I presumed, at Jarell. He stood up, walked towards him, and started showing curiosity, a bit of his teeth bared into a soft growl.

"Woah, there. Easy, Barok."

I turned to see Jarell moving backwards. Barok wasn't relenting.

I grinned evilly. "Barok, you're such a good boy! Please continue scaring him. I'll give you some treats when we get back." Barok looked at me, tilted his head, then continued walking towards Jarell.

"Ellyn," Jarell said, both with fear and anger.

I took the ball from Bill, then strolled towards the centre of the field. He followed after me eagerly, and I suddenly felt a small prickle at the back of my eyes. I immediately went on my knees and hugged him tightly. When Barok suddenly appeared beside me, I hugged him too. The three of us stayed like that for a moment, until Barok started whining like crazy.

"Are you going to miss me too?" I rubbed his head. "What about you, Bill?" He just panted, restless.

I sniffled and sighed, then stood up.