Wistcoástia (On Hiatus)

Chapter 12: Home

Reena: I am sore all over. I can easily tell. I also know that I’m lying down on a bed in the school clinic.

I’m already awake but I still don’t open my eyes. I’m sure that Mariella is watching me by my bedside like she did before. I owe her a lot more now but I’ll make sure to return the favor.

“Hey, it’s no use pretending. I know you are already awake.”

I snap my eyes open. That is not Mariella’s voice. I hear someone laughing then turn towards the voice.

He is wearing the military school uniform. His face is brightened by a big smile on his lips and his black hair is ruffled as ever.

“It’s good to see you finally awake, sis.”

“Big brother!” I exclaim, sitting up but he stops me half-way.

“Relax. I’m not going anywhere.” He says while fixing and smoothing my blanket. “You should stay still.”

“Your brother’s right, Reena.” Mariella says from my other side. “How are you feeling? I warned you didn’t I?” she gave a long sigh.

“Don’t remind me.” I say, annoyed at the memory. “I’m fine but my whole body is sore. How long have I been here anyway?”

“Don’t worry just a couple of hours. The doctor said that you can go tomorrow morning.” Mariella said.

I nod. I turn to my brother. “What are you doing here, Sean?”

“Well, I haven’t seen you since you came back and I thought of surprising you. But when I inquired, I found out about your duel and that you are currently here. You made me worried, you know!”

“I’m sorry…” I say.

Sean is my favorite and third elder brother. He is three years older than me and my closest confidante. He always visits me in Lidora during school breaks and has always been my playmate when I was a child. He is currently studying in military school along with my second brother, Matthew.  Our oldest brother, Derrick has already joined our father fighting in the field.

“Reena, why don’t you come home with me in Aros?” Sean says excitedly. “It’s the weekend anyway.”

“You should be able to rest properly there and you will be able to see your family.” Mariella encouraged. “But be sure not to be late on Monday.”

I chuckled then look at my brother. “All right, Sean. I also love to see mother.”

“This is great! She’ll be surprised for sure!”

One of the things that I love about Sean is his positive personality and warm smile. He always knows when I’m depressed or feeling down about something too. He knows what I’m feeling now that’s why he offered me to go home with him. Mariella hasn’t known me for long to know how angry and disappointed I am about my duel with Anisse. I keep a composed expression on the surface to not let her see, but Sean can see everything underneath.

The region of Aros is three hours away from Vierra by car. Our family has been governing it for a thousand of years already passing it from generation to generation.

My father has already his hands full in the army so my mother decided to stand in his place in protecting the region. I adore my mother because of her strength. Being a soldier’s wife is difficult just to imagine because you can never be assured if your husband will always come home alive. My mother bears all of it very well. She doesn’t show any weakness and is very strict to us especially me. She was the one who decided to send me to Lidora during the war because she said that I’m still too young to protect myself. I was afraid of being separated from my family but she insisted because I know that she cares about me. She understands that she can’t protect me while protecting all of Aros at the same time. She chose her duty over me. I was hurt at first but I came to understand her actions as I grew up. At an early age, her decision taught me to be strong and independent and I owe that to her because I was able to stand on my own.