Partner?!
Upon hearing the word, I shot a dumbfounded look at Edgar. He had a confused expression on his face as he stared at his half-sister Elle.
I can only summarise that Edgar has a partner/girlfriend/fiancee that I don't know of. And since Elle might've known about me being someone's pet, a men's pet at that, she probably thinks Edgar and I were in that kind of relationship. I might be overthinking things, but this is all my brain could process.
...
What did I say about me being around you will bring you trouble? Curse my crow's mouth!
I don't dare to open my mouth. I tend to spit unnecessary things when I'm nervous so I just hold on to my role of a mere invaluable potato sack between the siblings. I'm just an insignificant existence. Ignore me!
(T_T)
To suddenly be a third person in someone's relationship, it's not a good feeling. As Dakota, I've never stood on the side of the homewreckers. I was even more against it after my death. The bitter taste of betrayal still lingers in my mouth.
When Edgar finally regained some clarity, he turned his head to look at me. This eye contact only lasted a few seconds but we somehow manage to exchange some words in silence.
Me: You have a partner?!
Edgar: I have a partner?
That confused look on his face is certainly not fake. I can see Edgar genuinely has no idea of the things spoken by Elle.
"What are you looking at him for?! Stop pretending like you don't know what I'm talking about." Seeing Edgar shifting his gaze on me, Elle immediately yanked my arm. I was pulled so hard I almost lost my balance, causing me to be on the verge of falling from the chair. I was so startled I didn't manage to register her words properly as I tried to rebalance myself.
Ah! Is this the legendary sister who caught the brother's mistress and seek justice for the innocent sister-in-law? But wait...I'm no mistress tho!
This is it. The fall of me. Even just quietly lying down, a stray bullet managed to hit me. I shouldn't worry myself from dragging Edgar into my drama. I should worry about myself instead!
I closed my eyes and braced myself for the oncoming slap but the stinging pain on my cheek never arrived. I was instead pulled into a soft cushion. My nose was then assaulted by a feminine floral scent, commonly found in female perfumes. This feeling is all too familiar to me. I used to do this on Emma back then too.
One of Elle's arms wrapped tightly around my shoulder in a protective embrace as she uses her other arm to pull my head and fixed me in a comfortable position on her chest.
...
I wiggled my head to peek at Edgar between the two mounds. His bewildered expression is priceless. If I wasn't in such a precarious position right now, I might've laughed myself to death. He won't be angry at me, will he?
I'm not the one molesting your sister! She's the one shoving my face into her bosoms. It's me who's being molested so stop looking at me like that!
(ಥ﹏ಥ)
"You know, Ed. I now understand why you rejected the marriage arrangement badly back then. I have nothing to say about your orientation, but you can't treat someone like a toy. Have you forgotten the words Ma's spoken? And stop looking at him like that. Have you not hurt him enough?!" Elle tightens her embrace on me while glaring at Edgar.
Thanks for the help, hun. Edgar really needs to take a chill pill. But, your words...seems a little off?
Elle seems to be speaking in a different language and we just have no means to decipher it. We knew that she has misunderstood something, but it seems to be quite different from our thoughts.
"I knew the Hills would corrupt you one day. But I can't believe you're doing the things they did to Ma. Holding someone hostage like this, don't you find yourself despicable?" Elle's words held a deep contempt.
I'm not sure how many times more do I have to reboot my brain. I'm done analyzing this development. Fuck it!
Just as I finally accepted my fate, Edgar's husky deep voice was heard. "You got me."
It was just three sentences, but Elle and I donned a different expression. Her already furious face darkens even more while my silly dumbfounded face turned dismayed.
What do you mean, Ed? This is not in the script...
Before I could pour more fuel into my burning brain, Edgar opens his mouth again. But this time, his words left me thunderstruck. "Uncle Roland found out about us. You know I was in F country this whole time. It was pure luck that Aaron survived the attack. I rushed back when I saw the news online. You don't have to remind me of my incompetency to protect my lover. I know that too well."
Edgar might have been an actor in his previous life. That downcast and pained expression on his face even managed to gain sympathy from me despite me being in utter shock right now.
I somehow upgraded from Edgar's male mistress to Edgar's male hidden lover...
Elle seems to be shaken by Edgar's act. The hands embracing me trembles upon hearing Roland's name. She shakily utters, "If it's Roland..."
Edgar cuts her off before she could continue, "You know how he deals with things. Since he can't touch me, he hurt those around me. It's only a matter of time before he really put me down."
"You know I'm nothing like the Hills. After all the things they did to Ma, how can I just keep a blind eye? They just got to me first and it's a miscalculation on my side. I even dragged Aaron into this mess..." At this point, Edgar's voice gets smaller and finally stops, giving off a remorseful vibe to the atmosphere.
To tell a perfect lie, one must add some truth to it. So I've heard. I silently applaud Edgar in my heart. But I can't help to be curious about what happened to their Ma. They've been mentioning this a lot...
Elle finally let out her troubled sigh. Her embrace loosens as she slowly let me go. Just as I was about to celebrate my freedom, she cupped my face in her palms and lifted my head to face her.
She softly uttered, "Has my brother hurt you?"
"Ed has been very good to me. I can never repay him in this lifetime." I voiced this out in a firm voice. These are my true feelings. I will forever be in Edgar's debt. I know I can't rely on my acting skill, but this question is too simple, I don't even have to ponder over it.
Upon hearing my resolute reply, she gave me a warm smile and finally let me go. I move my body in an almost rustic robotic movement to sit back properly on the chair. Just a moment ago, it was raining bombs and bullets. I was almost pronounced dead in action. Now that everything has calmed down, I somehow lose control over my limbs. Not knowing where to place my hands and feet.
Edgar stared at my awkward movement with eyes full of "love" and gave me a slight comforting smile. His act is too good that I almost succumb to his doting.
"Sorry, I was being impulsive. I just don't want you to be like those monsters." Elle sincerely apologizes to Edgar.
Edgar, "It's alright. I understand where you're coming from. Now that everything is cleared up, I hope you can keep this between us for now. It's not a good time to, you know..."
Elle nodded, "I know. Don't worry." She pauses before continuing, "Is it okay if I visit more next time? Or maybe I can take Aaron out too. It's not good to always be stuck at home. He might be bored."
I was picking up the glass of water to quench my thirst when I heard the words. I'm a little happy this little lady wants to get close to me. And her protective personality managed to softens my heart. I like good-natured kids. But when I remember my identity in her eyes...
It's awkward and not at the same time. I mean, how hard can it be to pretend to be your bro's girlfriend, right? That's the problem. Instead of a girlfriend, I'm a boyfriend!
(╥_╥)
Edgar, "Come whenever you like. But he's still recuperating from his injuries so he won't be able to go out much for now. Plus, I'd appreciate it if you can leave some space for us too. I haven't seen my lover in a while. I'd like to spend my days off with him too."
At the end of his words, he gave a slight smile in my direction. The water I just poured into my throat got stuck in place, causing me to cough and wheeze, almost drowning me to death. Elle clumsily patted my back while telling Edgar to stop teasing me.
I thought we're done with the act. What are you doing, Edgar?! This is not in the script!