A Wager Of The Heart

48. Hope over happiness

:::Charity:::

I was waiting when I heard the door open. I wasn't watching, I couldn't. Despite Kent's reassurance, a small part of me still believed she would hate me for making her worry. I stood looking out of the window, admiring the way the bright afternoon sun made the colors of the summer seem all the more vibrant.

I heard her walk toward me but I still could not turn and face her. "Oh Chicken," Bastion said directly behind me. I turned and almost instantly melted into his arms, my sobs wracking my body and sapping all the strength I had. He didn't hesitate to sweep me into his arms and sit down heavily behind him. He rubbed my back and kissed the top of my head as I continued to cry as if I were made for nothing else.

I do not know why I cried exactly except that being held in his embrace made me feel safe enough to feel weak. Like somehow his love could hold everything else at bay. "Where's Geri?" I asked when I was finally able to speak. The sound was watery at best and accompanied by a great many sniffles, but I managed nonetheless.

"Right here," She said squeezing the hand she already held. I untucked my head from Bastion's chest and looked at her. She had dark circles under her beautiful blue eyes and she looked worn, her hair a fuzzy mess upon her head. Her eyes were tear rimmed and her nose red. I smiled and our father pulled her into our embrace. 

We were quiet for some time, content in each other's company. Bastion laughed, drawing both of our attention and we sat up to look at him. "As much as it pleases me to hold you both as we used to when you were children, will one of you explain what's going on?"

Without question both sets of eyes turned on me expectantly. I chuckled nervously as I untangled myself from their arms. I settled on a chair facing them and took a deep breath. "Before I tell you what happened I want your word on something."

"Anything." Bastion said with conviction and Geri nodded.

I smiled sadly, knowing that by the end of this conversation they would be angry that I secured their promise beforehand. "I want to go to the house party, no matter what." Bastion raised his brow, apparently he hadn't been informed that I was invited, and nodded his head. Geri, on the other hand, looked uncertain and almost angry. "Trust me." After several long moments she nodded as well, her look was still clouded. She trusted me, it was her family she didn't trust. I squeezed her knee to reassure her. If I didn't have her support this plan would never work.

I took a deep breath and looked down at my hands. I could feel their love and support grow as the slow seconds ticked on. Finally I found the right words, and the courage, and began my tale. I told both of them every detail about what punishments and chores I was expected to perform and endure. I told my father how I was worked to exhaustion every afternoon and evening.

When I reached the end of what Geri knew, I looked up and met her eyes. She had tears streaming down her face and she watched me uncertainly, as if I would walk away from her and never return. I sighed again, knowing that the truths I shared next would be even more painful. I reached over and instantly her hand locked on mine. My eyes wandered to Bastion, whose expression was a mixture of pain and anger.

"What was done?" He asked, forcing his voice to remain calm even as his eyes burned in rage.

I implored my sister to explain further because I couldn't make him see any better. Geri cleared her throat and smiled when Bastion looked at her. She was a little unsure of herself as she started. "When it was revealed what happened, Kent handled it in his father's absence."

"By doing what?"

His question confused me until I realized that in my effort to keep my feelings to myself I had almost completely neglected my handsome devil's role in what happened. I almost smiled until I realized they were both watching me closely. I cleared my throat and smiled at them, a smile that was for them, not the handsome devil that would haunt my heart.