The atmosphere around the table changed immediately after that incident. No one spoke at all. They could only excuse themselves to escape.
" There are still some guests to meet so I will excuse myself." Neil said as he stood up to leave holding his wife's hand. " Just don't take what she said to heart. Though it's true that she is now our aunt, that shouldn't make you feel smaller. See ya later."
Only Troy and Jade were the only ones left again.
" Take me home. I have marked my presence and that's enough."
Feeling around, Jade moved his wheelchair closer as he helped himself onto it.
Troy had sent over a text to Neil to inform their grandfather. The two brothers left after sorting out everything. Along the way as they neared the entrance, hushed whispers could be head and relying on his hearing, Jade was able to pick up what they were saying.
They were mocking him. Their voices were filled with disgust, hatred and despise. He pretended not to hear and ignore them for there was nothing he could do about it. That only added oil to the fire as the whispers intensified.
" Those who worshipped him like a god have all left him. I assume he is gonna die alone without a partner." A woman's low voice sounded.
" Of course, who would marry a blind person. Isn't that the same as tying a tree to your waist. He would have to rely on you. Nah, I wouldn't do that. I still want my own freedom."
" But I heard from my cousin who works at the city hospital that he could see again but I assume that his surgeries failed and who would want someone who is gonna remain blind till he dies."
" I think that is the reason why his girlfriend left him and married his uncle. Now he calls her aunt. And have you noticed, he was playing around with a hand fitting plush toy, do you think he might have damaged his brain as well."
" It's possible you know. Hehe, who knew the great Dragon would one day fall to his knees. And I heard that after his accident, his grandfather wanted to find him a wife to marry so she could take care of him. But guess what, all the families backed out, saying their daughters are already engaged. The life of the rich is surely complicated."
" Complicated indeed, am starving. Let's grab something to eat."
The voices were becoming more hushed and finally couldn't be heard anymore.
_ 'does everyone think that am an idiot just because of this toy?'_
_' am I a burden, is that why no one wants to be with me?'_
_' what is better than dying, no that will make my enemies delighted.'_
They arrived where their car was parked with these thoughts clouding his mind. Troy unlocked and opened the door as he helped Jade inside. He closed the door and went to the driver's seat. Buckling his seat belt, he turned on the car radio.
Nice, slow jamz filled the entire car. The singer's voice was soothing though it was kind of squicky.
At this moment he thought of Phoenix's jolly voice and wished he could be confident as she was.
_' only if I have the confidence like she does.'_
Jade applied pressure on the plush toy as he immediately found himself thinking about the few hours they interacted during the therapy. Though she didn't go to a big reputable school, Jade had to admit that she knew and loved what she was doing.
A thought suddenly popped in his mind, _' if she doesn't mind I can make her my friend.'_
Suddenly he deflated like a balloon, _' am sure she wouldn't want to be friends with me. Maybe those jokes and everything was part of her job.'_
*********
## In the other side of the city. ##
"Mom, don't iron those just put them on the bed, it's my day off tomorrow so I won't be needing those." Shouted Phoenix as she was showering.
" I can just iron these and hang them nicely for you. Why do you like last minute things. You have to do things and get done with them then move on and do something else. That way you won't forget and leave some unattended." Her mother reprimanded.
" But I won't be needing those Ma."
" You may not need them tomorrow but you will need them the day after tomorrow right. I say get your brain checked before it totally shrinks."
Saying those, Jane was already ironing the clothes as she hummed an old musical tune.