WMMAP - [S1] Shelter You - (愛)してる

Chapter 19: Announcement

"Did I make the right decision last night..." 

Lilian walked out of her room, heading toward Athanasia's. Being by her side since she was an infant, it was the first time in a while that she was in such grief.

It was undeniable that the boy had feelings for Athanasia. For that sole reason, it was enough to persuade Lilian that he wouldn't do anything or cause any harm to her.

Knocking on the door, she went inside the room. "Athy... How are you feeling?" Even though she was already awake, her godmother's voice did not reach her. She was busy twirling a blue gemstone in her fingers with a smile.

"Aren't you especially in a good mood this morning? Did something good happen?"

Athanasia put away the jewel and sat up, looking flustered. "EH?! SINCE WHEN DID YOU GET HERE?" 

"A while now."Lilian giggled and sat down beside her. "And that is a very lovely ornament. When did you get that?." 

"......I got it.... Last night."

"Let me guess. You two finally made up?"

"Something like that..."

"Mind telling me what happened?"

That question triggered flashbacks. Athanasia unknowingly touched her lips. When it finally hit her, she plopped back into bed and lined the blanket over her head.

"Athy?"

"NOT THING HAPPENED! NOT A THING!"

"Clearly there was something. Something interesting happened."

"nOtHiNg hAPpeNeD!! I swear!"

"Okay okay... I'm not going to force you to tell me. I will go make you some breakfast okay?"  

"Lily?"

"Yes?"

"I think... Lucas is downstairs... Sleeping on the sofa... So maybe you can make some breakfast for him too?"

"Of course. But, he didn't go home?"

"I think he was too tired. I checked on him last night and—"

"And?" Athanasia lingered silently under the sheet for a while. "Why did you suddenly go quiet?"

"Let me rest a while longer Lily. I will go downstairs when I'm set." 

"Of course." 

After Lilian left, she quickly unfolded her cover. She wasn't sure if it was the blanket that was causing the heat on her face or something else. 

It's okay, Athy... Nothing happened. Breathe. Act normal. She reminded herself while walking down the stairs, stealing a glance at the living room. Slow and steady, she cautiously peeked over the so far, greeted with nothingness. 

She started to have a second thoughts, believing that whatever happened last night was merely a dream. But the gold necklace hanging around her neck suggested that it wasn't.

"Are you looking for Lucas?" Lilian's voice startled her a little but she hummed and nodded in agreement. "He is in the backyard with Raven."

"What is he doing over there?"

"I am not sure. He was already there when I got here. Why don't you go and him come back inside? Breakfast is almost ready."

"Yes, Lily."

She could hear her dog's bark from the backyard from the very early morning since she woke up, but she assumed that it was Lilian who was playing with him. One subtle push was all she needed to get to where the two were.