Rebellion

Chapter Seven

Chapter seven~

Betrayal. That was what came to mind first. He knew. Everyone knew. Did Briss not understand the importance of this? What it meant for my family. A wave of anger and hatred washed over me and I had to look away from everyone. How could they? Out of all of them, Briss's betrayed sting the most. I trusted him more out of all them all, and he couldn't at least tell me himself? It just goes to show how people cannot be trusted, and how truly alone I am.

I glanced at my mother as she groaned.

Grandmother knelt beside me and a put a hand on mother's forehead.

"How is she fairing?" I whispered, blocking out everyone else.

I saw tears form in her eyes and she shook her head. No, no, no, no, no, no!! She can't...

"She has been poisoned child," she told me softly.

I closed my eyes, blocking any tears from falling. I would I not show my weakness in front of these betrayers.

Grandmother put a hand on my shoulder and pulled me towards her, embracing me. She understood exactly how I felt, only her. She was the only true family I had left. Delst would rather be with this stupid girl then protect his family.

"I will take care of her, do not worry yourself. Go now, your fate is changing it's course," she whispered in my ear.

She pulled away from me then tended to mother, pretending as if she said nothing. I looked at her curiously, not exactly understanding what she had said. But I understood one thing. She was allowing me to leave the house without worry of mother. Determination in my expression and fury in my eyes, I stood up and headed to my bedroom, to the open window. I don't know why I chose this way to exit, I could've just left through the front door, but this seemed more familiar, and it told me subconsciously that I was about to do something dangerous. As I crawled out my window, I felt something grab my hand. I whipped around to face it. Amelia stood before me. I was about to turn away and continue climbing, but her grip tightened.

"Please, before you go, I just want to say something," she said.

"Trust me, you've said enough," I said viciously.

I tugged to set myself free, and turned to go, but her grip only tightened more.

"Please," she begged.

I sighed and glared at her. She was determined and strong, I'll give her that.

"Look, your brother, he cares for you, he really does. I know that you may think differently since he's engaged and leaving, but what you think is going to happen isn't. He's not leaving. Both my patens are dead Neera, Briss and I were going to move in with your family. we only needed your mother's approval." she paused and let go of my wrist, rubbing her temples. "I can understand that you might be upset, but consider your mother's condition right now. She and your brother need you now more than ever,"

I glanced downwards, taking in everything she had said. So my brother wasn't planning to leave us. I looked at Amelia. "I'm glad that he is engaged to you. You seem very intelligent an kind. You'll be good for him. Just make sure he stays out of danger," I paused slightly, choosing my next words, "And please tell him that I am sorry I never listened,"

And with that, I slipped out of my window, and climbed down the vines, Amelia didn't try to stop me, and I was happy she didn't. She seemed to understand my confusion, especially after all that she had told me. It was a lot to take in. Why didn't I listen? God, I could be so foolish!

I stared at the ground, not caring where my feet took me. Somehow though, they seemed to lead me back to the forest. I almost stopped myself from continuing, but somehow I pressed on, my body ignoring the logic in my brain. My feet suddenly decided to stop working altogether, and I fell to the ground. I was so ashamed, so alone, so scared. Mother was poisoned, and really, it was my fault. She never would have gotten bit if I hadn't decided to run off. And yet here I am again, running away from the problem at hand. Is that all I've ever done? Run away from things? That's what it appears to be, and it makes me look like a fool. I need to be stronger, and stand up for myself instead of running off. From now on, running is not an option.

I stood up, and turned in the direction of home. I walked back with a new found pride, and determination. As I was walking, I saw a figure running towards me. As it got closer, I realized it was Briss. I lifted my chin in defiance of him, and continued walking forward. He reached me in no time at all.

"Neera, come on, it's your mother," He told me.

I didn't even glance at him, I took off in a sprint towards my home, not even thinking about being tired from running. I needed to get to Mother. I burst through the door and went into the kitchen, crouching down next to Mother. Her eyes were open, but they were distant and foggy. I knew what was coming next. I collapsed on her and let my tears fall. I sat up and stroked her cheek, tears streaming down my face.

"Mother...I am so so sorry. I was so foolish..," I trailed off as her gaze caught mine. Her lips moved as if she was saying something, but no words were formed. "Mother. Please, stay with me. I still need you,"

Her gaze continued to wander, and she let out a puff of air, her eyelids drooping. "NO!" I exclaimed. "Mother, look at me, please, please...please" Once again her gaze drifted to my face. "Mother, I love you,"

I collapsed against her again and let my emotions flow. I felt someone put a hand on my shoulder, and as I glanced up, I saw it was Mother's hand. That only made my tears fall harder. She could hear me, and not only that, she understood.

I suddenly felt her hand fall from my shoulder, and when I looked up, her eyes were closed, and her breathing had ceased. I tucked a peice of hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead. "Goodbye Mother. I love you. Tell Dad I miss him,"