Illuminated By The Darkness

chapter 23

(Extra long chapter)

Tiara:

I woke up from the most uncomfortable sleep I had in a while. My body felt sore and my head throbbed. Pushing myself I got out of the bed I noticed Marcus' sweater on the floor.

Huh? How is that possible?

I was wearing it to bed and now it is on the floor. What happened? My headache intensified and I sat back down on the bed clutching my head. Maybe I had a nightmare and I removed it because I felt uneasy? I hope that is what happened.

'Wake up Princess' a muffled voice echoed in my mind.

Did I really have a nightmare? That did not make sense because I get nightmares of Chris or the Hernandez' and none of them called me a Princess. But Eugene did.

He is the only person who called me Princess.

Was he  back? My stomach did a somersault at the thought of seeing him again.

Wait? Does that mean he was in my room last night? Ugh.. Why can't I remember anything? I don't think he was in my room. I mean why would he be? Getting up from the bed once again I stretched my muscles to help the soreness.

I was walking towards the kitchen when I saw Arton. Oh no! What will he say? He has not said a word about yesterday. I stood there fidgeting as he approached me.

"Good morning" I said awkwardly.

"You girls did a good job brainwashing my mother to be on your side." he said gruffly.

"I-I" I stumbled on my words.

"Don't worry about it. And if you were wondering as to why we let that boy of yours go, it was because of the way he stood up for you"

"Huh?" What was he trying to say?

"The guy had a vague idea of what we could do yet he stood up for you. He tried to protect you. So don't stress over it, as long as he is good to you he is safe." Why was he telling me this?

'He is just looking out for you Tiara. Why can't you accept that and be thankful for that?' I told myself.

"Thanks" I said.

"Arton" Stella nodded at Arton as she walked by us without even sparing me a look.

If she was here so would Eugene.

"Is Eugene back?" I asked Arton and watched Stella stop and turn immediately. She looked so annoyed.

"Look kid, I told you once and I'm telling you this again. Do not mention him by his name. He doesn't like it. It is for your own benefit." She warned.

Kid? Why does she call me that?

"She wasn't talking to you Stella" Arton said.

"But I'm talking to her." she said and turned to me "And you stop behaving as if you are someone of importance"

"I didn't do anything" I said.

"Tia you don't have to say anything" Arton said to me.

"Why? I believe she has the ability to speak and I'm sure she can do it without any help"

"Stella mind your own business and get your frustrated self somewhere else" Arton said in a deadly tone.

"It's alright Arton" I said "What do you want Stella?"

"You can give me nothing kid, just stop calling our boss by his name." she said.

"She can" a voice was heard from behind me making me alert.