I can't say I do without you

Decision

Blythe was standing in the doorway, a glass of water in hand after the call I had with Mishelley. "What are you doing standing out there?"

"Can I come in?" she queried.

"Sure, Blythe, you may come into my room whenever you want," I replied. I made space for her in my bed so she could sit close to me. "Do you have any schoolwork, projects, or anything I can help you with?"

She made a shaky movement with her head. "I missed my room and our old house. What is the point of living here if our old house is still okay?"

"I-It's not okay anymore, Blythe. O-our house is too old. There is dust, insects everywhere, so mama and I decided to move." I know it's a lame reason, but I'm at a loss for words with her. I can't say that our house was taken by the bank.

"But our old house holds many memories of us. What if our brother comes home and we aren't there?" Blythe fretted.

"Kuya Samuel is going to be OK, Blythe. Someone will help him in getting here. You're too young to worry about such a problem." I messed up her hair. "Pay attention to your studies, Blythe, and don't worry about anything else, okay?"

"All right," she said, nodding. "Will Kuya Abel still drop us off at school tomorrow?"

"It depends on him," I replied. "Why, do you want Abel to send you again?"

"No, he was babbling while driving. I can't concentrate on what I'm reading," Blythe grumbled.

I burst out laughing.

"Mr. Aron should not have resigned..." she added. "Ate, can you send us to our school since your school is close to Allerick and mine, but you don't have a driver's license, but that's alright, let's just take a taxi,"

My heart ached to see Blythe was excited that I would take her to school, but I couldn't. One of King Lucien's drivers will pick me up before dawn tomorrow. I chose that time because I didn't want them to see me go.

"Can I just drop you off at school when I get back? Meanwhile, Abel will be the one to drive you. He'll get you to school faster. You will not be late." I turned her face to mine. "Ate won't be able to take you since we have a school... school trip. But this is just for officers. Ate Mishe and Kuya Abel are not included."

"Will it take a while till you return?"

"I'm not sure, maybe." I shrugged my shoulders.

Blythe sighed with frustration. "Papa is on a business trip, and you are on a school trip as well. What is it about you that you always leave?" She whimpered.

"You'll know when you go to high school or become a businessman like papa,"

"Nah, I hate papa's job; it is too complicated; I want to be a musician like mama." When she mentioned her dream, her mood changed.

"Really?" I couldn't help but hug her since I was so happy to know we had the same dream. "I, too, aspire to be a musician, like my mama, who is a talented violinist. Do you love playing the violin as well?"

"No, I enjoy cello since that is what our teacher teaches us. You should hear my teacher play; he's good, but mama's better," she bragged. "Once I know much more about the cello, I'll apply to Juilliard University. Someday, I'll be a famous cellist..."

Blythe knew what she wanted at the age of thirteen, and she didn't even think about what else she desired. Blythe instantly considered applying to Julliard. I have never thought about applying before. She, who was still in grade school, knew her dream right away.

"Will you also apply to Juilliard?" she asked.

"Hmm... I'm not sure. Going to Juilliard is not a top priority at the moment. But when it's all done, I'll try to get us both into Juilliard." Blythe continued to chat till she fell asleep in my room. "Good night, Blythe," I whispered as I wrapped my blanket over her.

I had to leave her for a moment to go to Allerick's room. Instead of sleeping, I caught him playing. "Hey, kid, it's late; you should go to bed now. If Mama finds you playing, I'm sure you'll get a scolding." I threatened.

"It's fine," he said sadly.

"Are you sad?"

He gave a nod. "Don't you love me?"

"Of course I do." I walked towards Allerick. "Why would you think I don't? I love mama, papa, Blythe, Kuya Samuel, and you." I kissed him on the cheek.

"Can I sleep in your bed like Blythe?" When Allerick got out of bed, the sadness on his face faded and was replaced with excitement. "Please??" he begged. Here he goes again, showing his wide eyes as he pleaded.

"Okay, fine, let's go." I took his hand in mine and led him back to bed.

I couldn't sleep since I had been watching them sleep on my bed that night. Fortunately, I haven't started unpacking yet. I won't have any trouble leaving later than dawn. When it was time to go, I looked at the clock on the nightstand, slowly touched my lips to their forehead. "Forgive me; I'll be back soon. Please don't be upset with your ate. I just have to take papa home." I whispered.

I tried to slip down the stairs unnoticed, carefully reaching for the door before anybody noticed.

Mr. Osiris walked up to me with a smile on his face. "Good morning, Ms. Gemma," he said as he greeted me. "Shall we?" After opening the door for me, the royal guard took my baggage and placed it in the trunk.

Before leaving, I took one last look at the house, the image flashing before my eyes, and I took a few deep breaths.

Dear Mama,

Please accept my apologies for leaving without even saying goodbye. I can't stand seeing you, Allerick, Blythe cry because I'm going, and I don't want you to stop me, mama. Sorry for defying you; I have to do it for you because I want to help; I don't want us to rely on others. King's offer is our only hope, mama. Please understand... Since papa gave his life for us, I can do it too. All of his friends had abandoned him. Nobody helped us, so when I saw King Lucien, I believed he might help us. It's difficult for me not to be with you or see you, but it's the only way to get everything back on track. I love you. Please take care of yourself, don't forget to take your medication, don't let your depression eat you up again.

Love, Gemma