No Rest for the Wicked

Pale as a Ghost (music included)

I woke up to see Aiko awake on her phone. "Morning," She smiled, kissing my forehead. I was about to mumble a reply when all of the memories of last night came back to me.

She probably hates me now. I'm so pathetic.

I slowly sat up and took my eyepatch from my nightstand. Just sitting there, staring at it soullessly.

Aiko seemed to notice this, as she turned my chin to face her. "Hey.. what's wrong?"

Sighing, I buried my face in my hands, not wanting to speak.

"Come on! You know you can tell me anything, right?"

"I'm.. embarrassed," I shakily breathed out. "y-you've never seen me in such a weak state before... and I'm afraid you think less of me-" My hands gripping my hair in frustration.

Aiko was immediately taken aback. "How could I ever think less of you? Ossana- you're the strongest person I've ever met. You've been through hell and back. And you're obviously still damaged because of the past. Sometimes.. it's good to just let it out." She took hold of my shoulder as I slowly met her eyes.

I shook my head and cleared my throat, standing up. "Anything on my schedule today?"

"..you have a meeting with Mr. Suzuki at ten. Better get ready." Aiko sighed.

~~~

I took my wig off it's hook and stood in front on the mirror. Just standing there and examining myself.

It feels strange to see myself like this. Standing tall and fearless. I've come a long way from who I was back then. Other than my physical appearance of course— hence the several battle scars littering my body.
I just feel that after all these years, I'm still not myself, if that makes any sense.

I would've never imagined myself going down this road. But that all changed the night of my eighteenth birthday...