The Things We Want

CHAPTER 9 "NO TROUBLE TO ME"

"W-Where-" Ava began to mutter, "Where am I- E-Eugene? Wh-"

"Shush, my child. It's alright, he is here," Sophia said in a calming tone.

"W-Who are you?" Ava asked, gazing up at the woman beside her. Her hair was a silvery-white, crinkled and curly. Her eyes once vibrant blue looked a light grey.

"I am Sophia, I used to work in the castle gardens. You are safe, in my home. Eugene brought you here," Her motherly tone remained as she moved away from Ava to the counter.

Ava shifted, comfortably propping herself up on her elbows. She looked around and spotted Eugene, his forehead dripping with sweat, his face flushed.

"H-Hey Ava," He said with a weak smile.

"Eugene! Wh-What happened to you?" Ava pushed herself up, getting to her feet for what felt like the first time in days. She felt astonished that she accomplished this, but paid it no mind.

"He was poisoned, but we are working on a remedy. How are you feeling Ava?" Sophia said as Ava made her way to Eugene's chair. Without a response, Ava grabbed her stomach, doubling over, her eyes clenched tight.

"Ava!" Eugene exclaimed, catching her fall, "You need rest, w-what are you doing?" he said sitting on the floor with her in his arms, his eyes full of concern as he brushed a strand of hair behind her ear. His fingertips grazed her skin, each touch leaving electricity in its wake.

"I-" Ava was at a loss for words, but managed to collect herself, "I needed to, you're not okay because of m-"

"No. No, this is not your fault. Don't say that please," Eugene said strongly, holding her tightly. Sophia continued silently working on Eugene's medicine as they spoke. A small grin grew on her face, a soft twinkle in her eye.

"But... I can't have you running around sticking your neck out for me all the time..." Ava placed a hand on his cheek, silently wishing to never get up. But she slowly pushed him away, ignoring her hearts pleas, "You need rest, sorry for causing trouble yet again," She said as Eugene helped her to her feet.

"It's no trouble to me, princess," Eugene blushed, his face bright pink, eyes drooping.

"Wow, you're very loopy," Ava said with a grunt as she got back on the table. Eugene stood in front of her, and suddenly embraced her, "Woah there, hey it's okay!" She gently wrapped her arms around him, and they held each other for a bit until he pulled away.

"S-Sorry... I care about you so much, Ava-"

"N-No... Eugene," Ava took both of his hands, preventing them from reaching her face. She looked down at them, a seemingly ashamed expression flashing in her eyes.

Suddenly, Eugene collapsed, his head barely missing the table. He trembled as if he was freezing.

"S-Sophia? Sophia he-"

"Lola will be back in time," she stated calmly. She turned from the counter and walked slowly to a corner in the room which had a pile of pillows. She took one and came back to where Eugene laid on the ground, gently lifting his head and placing the pillow below it, "For now, we must wait. Dear child, you must lay down," Sophia scolded, gently smacking Ava's shoulder.

Ava glanced down at Eugene one last time, then laid back down as per instructed. But her eyes never closed.