Yes, this is the kind of relationship that exists between them. The woman she called mother stared at her the same way the masses glowered at a convicted murderer. Even with eyes closed, the sickened expression on Helena Aragon was easy to visualize. Her hatred could easily be felt by her mere breathing and Care had to live with that fact everyday.
It hurts, she wanted to cry out. Although she is confused what part of her ached greater. Was it her heart yearning for mother's love or her cheek swollen from the slap given by the same woman she begged affection for?
"All those years, you put up a good act. So WHAT!? If you assumed that earned your place, better wake up, child. You must keep up with the standards or else!" Ena threatened.
She smirked.
"Momma, you must kill me first to kick me out." she told her with her head high then directed her somber eyes to the eavesdropping house helpers, "Hear that, folks! If I drop dead tomorrow, it'll be Momma's fault."
"Bitch!" Ena cussed, about to strike again.
Watching her raised hand draw closer, Care shuts her eyes close bracing herself for a harsher beating. Her static body instated her decision to accept the slap as well as the emotional pain that comes with it. To her utter surprise, it did not come so she opened her eyes only to be shocked more.
Teddy, in the rush of conscience, actually caught the wrist of his lady boss. On the other hand, Harris stood in front of Care shielding her but still enough for her to peek at what was happening.
"How dare you! I rule this mansion, its people and even that wretch!" Ena screamed, losing poise for a brief moment, "Happy, child? You now have diehard empathizers you'd dragged down eventually. At any cost, beg for pardon tomorrow. Grovel if you must!"
She marched straight out of the front door whereas Care stayed immobilized on her position. After minutes of contemplating what just transpired, she faced her bodyguards. They remain unfazed despite standing up against her mother earlier.
"Momma's right, you know." she told them instead of a thank you which was undoubtedly much appropriate.
They shrugged almost at the same time and Teddy argued, "We're hired to protect you."
"Though, what's problematic is your reaction. You acted like today's incident is normal." Harris added in a serious tone.
It sure is, she thought of replying but stopped herself. Good people like Harris and Teddy are better kept in the dark about these things. Their kindness will put them in unnecessary trouble for saving ill-fated ones, her for example.
They reached the door of her room. She entered inside and waved her hand a little to bid them goodbye. She also smiled a tiny teeny bit because she might cry if she forced a more defined smile. Right after she closed her door, she dropped on her knees. Without intending to, her eyes fell on a rectangular picture frame on her night table.
"Never look closely for you will see the cracks of a picture-perfect." a male voice in deep bravado spoke too familiar for her not to recognize.
One press at the lampshade and she immediately found Gallus sitting at the edge of her king size bed. Their eyes were transfixed on the same portrait, her family picture. For today, the Fae's hair is dyed black matching his sleek black suit complemented by a navy blue tie. His gloomy expression vibed well with her.
What are the chances of them having the exact mood!
"Humans are always more than what the eyes perceive. Isn't that why we are the greatest creation?" she said in ambiguity to steer away their conversation from what he wanted to pinpoint.
The melancholy in her voice prompted him to look at her. He only endured looking for a moment because something within him was stirred. It's probably pity, he believes. Such emotions are dangerous for it opens the possibility of prying in someone's business. He won't give her more special treatment like what he did the first time he saw her desperately begging to live.
"If you're really the greatest, then why still covet?" he asked.
"Why, indeed?" she threw the question back.
I must say her wits are impeccable, he conceded inwardly. He stomped his feet in annoyance realizing he must not offer her praises. This was the woman who slapped him! Plus, their auras combined created a depressing atmosphere. Together, they might rule the dark side, LOL!
"UGH! Sweetheart, you ain't helping lighten the mood! That's it, I ain't staying for long! I'm simply here to remind you AGAIN! Get to work. Six days left and there you are causing havoc elsewhere. Shouldn't you prioritize finding the one?"
She walked towards her bed brushing him off in the process.
"Yucks, cheesy! I'm tired. Nag tomorrow."
"I see, you're taking the pact lightly. News flash, your world is crumbling, sweetheart. And if you'd lose that pretty face a week less a day from now, you have nothing to rebuild. Good luck!" And off, he vanished exactly as she anticipated.