A Heart's Thoughts

Day 9

A noticeable cold feeling and a sudden lift of weight next to her, is what woke Cecilia up the next day. It was still dark out and she stared at the figure next to her with a blank expression as they tried to wriggle their hand out of hers, seemingly not having noticed her waking up.

"What are you doing?"

The figure jumped up upon hearing her voice and she could hear a deep voice cursing under his breath, immediately recognizing it as Anthony's. She sat up, clasping onto his hand to tease him, "babeee, where are you going? Come back in bed~"

She'd purposely heightened her voice two tones and tugged at his arm as she whined, and she could see the utter disgust appear on Anthony's face as he let out a few coughs.

"I don't know what that was supposed to be, but please stop. It's four AM and you're disgusting me."

Cecilia let out a huff and turned her head away, tightening her grip on his hand.

"I was teasing you but really, don't go. I don't feel like getting out of bed and you told me to stay with you."

She glanced at Anthony, whose ears became red as he also turned his head away, "I wasn't feeling well at that time. I'm fine now so if you could please let me go, I'd really appreciate it."

"Not happening."

Cecilia pulled his hand and Anthony fell onto the bed. She ignored his angry protests as she looked up at the ceiling and interrupted him, "lonely people shouldn't be left alone."

Anthony fell silent at her remark and eventually relaxed into a lying position. Cecilia hummed softly, stroking her thumb over his hand, "I know we're not really dating, but just for these upcoming few days, you can lean on me. I'll stay with you, so don't try to hide what you need."

Anthony remained silent for a few seconds but then whispered, "go to sleep, Cecilia. Sorry for waking you."

A few hours later, she was woken up again by someone gently nudging her, but this time she wasn't so understanding of the situation.

"Oh for fuck's sake, let me sleep! I'm not going to school and neither are you."

"Cecilia don't be ridiculous, we have to go." Anthony muttered from next to her.

Cecilia sat up with a sigh, eyes still closed as she pushed the hair out of her face, "you're in emotional distress and as your girlfriend, I'm staying with you to make sure you don't fall in too deep."

Anthony fell silent, and Cecilia finally opened one eye to look at him.

"Cecilia, I told you already, let's stop. I don't want to rebel anymore. If I stay home today I may not be so lucky to leave that place next time."

"I don't want to stop, though. This isn't the first time they're abusing certain wielders, and I'm seeing too many of my friends being used. They already collect items embedded with certain powers, so why can't they be satisfied with that? It's wrong to abuse and kill people like they do."

"Cecilia! Just because they're wrong isn't a reason to risk your own and other people's lives! I'm a victim myself and I'm backing away, doesn't that tell you anything?"

"Nope."

Cecilia hopped out of bed, turning her back to Anthony, effectively ending their argument.

"You're unbelievable. I'm not doing it. Find yourself some other ally."

She heard him walk away, and he slammed the door shut behind him, making Cecilia flinch and curse under her breath, "damn you, Anthony."

She let out a sigh and her shoulders slumped as she sat back down on her bed, contemplating her own reasons for insisting in opposing the Council. She knew it wasn't necessarily for herself, but she didn't know if a strong sense of justice was the only reason. She closed her eyes and massaged her temples, thinking back on what Anthony had said before he had left. Although his words resonated with his thoughts, his feelings didn't. He didn't feel determined when he told her he wouldn't do it. He felt fear, anger and regret.