* * * * *
It's been years since I came close to home.
Home.
It feels so foreign to call this place that. How do I just walk into their perfect lives like this with no explanation? I became Deaon Rexon because I wasn't perfect. I'm not even one of them anymore. I need to inform them about my arrival. I haven't been in touch for ten years now. So much has changed in these surroundings and I don't know how much has changed inside. The small neighborhood with more vegetation than houses has been replaced with lavishly elegant structures. This is no area for the common man. Only the elites.
" If you ever have to come here, inform Usoro two days ahead " they had said. Usoro, the family's butler for years is the only form of communication I'm to have with the family. But I can't inform him now. I was taken unawares by the attack so showing up abruptly is exactly what I will do. Not like I have a choice anyway.
I still can't remember how I escaped from that house but I'm glad I brought my car along. I couldn't have made it without it. The keys had been in the car already. I guess my recklessness paid off this time.
I can see Montica now. That's what the family mansion is called. I pull into the long driveway, gathering my courage before I get to the gates. Ten years. Yes, a lot has changed in that time. The once golden gates are now taller crystal like gates, with intricate designs on it. The only part of Montica I can see is the roof of her main house towering up above.
You would think they would want something more modern and classy but my family, if I can call them that, have always loved the peace and quiet they get from this simply elegant structure. Besides, it has been in the family for years but I can't say if it's still the way it looked years ago now.
My heart thumping, I step out of the car and make to shut the door behind me but the pain in my arm is so excruciating that I clutch my jaw together to stop myself from groaning out loud. I didn't even remember the gun wound. With an effort, I shut the car and lean on it. I can't move afterwards, I just lean on the car. I know I look a mess and I'm feeling a bit weak from the bleeding bullet wound and driving all night and half the day. I was looking for a better place, a better life and then I messed up. Big time.
I don't know how long I've been leaning out here, but now I can hear horns blaring behind me. I wipe my wet face and brush back the hair tumbling into my eyes. I hadn't even noticed I was crying. I feel so guilty for everything. For Ivin.
Ignoring the burning pain in my arm, I look up to see who it is. It's a black Baymach and I walk up to it. Slowly, the tinted window of the back seat rolls down and I'm face to face with him.
My complete opposite.
He is in a well tailored suit and he looks even cuter and neater than I remember. There are some things ten years can't change though. Like how different we are. He doesn't smile at me and I bring up my most scornful look.
"Mr Deaon Rex. What a surprise. " He says stressing on ' Deaon. '
I say nothing, only stare at him. I can't let any emotions show if I need help from these people. They're my family, I mean 'were' my family but also my foes.
" I want to get in. "
" You haven't changed have you? It doesn't work that way. I thought ten years would have.... "
" When did I ever care how things work? "
I'm furious now. Why would they even treat me like a piece of trash?
" Let me get in now. It's urgent. "
He gives me a downgrading look and then the window is rolled back up. With a new surge of strength in my bones, I bounce back to my car and get in. I know he's aware that I'm in trouble but he just decided to ignore that. He must have known beforehand that I was here. Same way she knows about my arrival. Keeping quiet about something was never his style. He's grown wiser in the space of ten years. Wiser and younger.
In minutes, the gates lift and I speed in, my car making noisy arrival sounds and I screech to a halt just before the parking lot. After the whole attack incident, I had almost forgotten I had altered my car's exhaust just so it'll give me that bloody noise they're hearing now. No please, don't preach to me. Coming here like a meek repentant child wouldn't have worked anyway so I prefer being myself. Don't get me wrong, I don't like being rebellious. In fact, I have rules. No, I mean a rule, that is, never give me rules if you don't want them broken. Rules are meant to be broken aren't they?
I step out of my car to meet him staring angrily at me.
" Would you stop those bloody pranks and grow up? Mother won't tolerate this!"
I just ignore him and walk gingerly towards the front door praying my hurting arm will just calm down a little. I need to appear untouched by all this happenings. I see beautiful flower designs and little sculptures at different angles all over the quarters surrounding the main building. I know what those are.
" Spying huh? "
He says nothing. Just sighs heavily and walks away. I follow him into the main building, locking out the memories that come with each step I take. This isn't time to get emotional. I need to be strong. Wow, it's quite elegant inside. Very elegant.
Everything speaks perfection. Just like them. From the white walls decorated with artifacts, to the large crystal chandelier hanging in the middle of the hall downstairs, everything was made in utter perfection and remained that way.
Two guards stood at either side of the door while the others stayed out. Perfection has always been the family passcode.
And I'm odd. That is not perfect.
" Wait here, I'll announce your arrival. " he says with an opposing smirk.
" What a show off. We both know she already knows. "
He ignores me and gives short chuckles as he mounts the stairs.
I should sit. Or should I stand? Oh boy, don't mess this up Aeon. I stand for what seems to me like hours and I can feel my legs burning. Damn! I'll sit. Why is it so boring here? Oh I forgot. This hall is for formal parties and gathering. That happened more often ten years ago, but I can't tell if it's still the same now.
I look up the long spiralling staircase as I hear lazing footsteps echoing through the hall. As I watch, she comes into view and I can't help but ask why she hasn't changed. I know her choice of entrance was intentional. Suspense was always her thing, making people tense with anticipation. And she loved the solemn ring of her shoes on the floor. Especially when it involves me.
For a 73 year old, mother wears her age gracefully. Her hair a golden grey that glows in the light, her structure fit and a little stooped around the shoulder. There is still the absence of a smile on her less wrinkled face. Gianna Karson Elrod walks steadily towards me, her eyes deep green oceans that can drown anyone. Haunting, intimidating.
Her face betrays no emotion, not even that of recognition. I had forgotten how standing before her felt and now, I'm bracing up for war. I can feel cold sweat dripping down my neck but no, I must face her strong aura with an even fiercer one.
" Deaon Rexon " she says as she stands before me, stroking back her long hair, her movement as graceful as that of a mantis. I didn't even realize I was standing in the middle of the hall.
She walks past me and sits on the large white and gold one person settee behind me. She doesn't invite me into the main grounds of the house. I notice that now.
When I turn to face her, there's a glass of whiskey in her grip and she's staring intently at me.
" I have news."
" No, you got in trouble. And you got Ivin killed."
" I see you know already. I need to get out of here. To anywhere until I can figure out a way to get rid of this mess. "
" How is that the Elrods' concern?"
"Mother, you have demons. We all do but you can help."
" Deaon..... "
" Aeon Bakar. My name is Aeon Bakar Elrod!"
" You're no longer one of us."
" Ivin never stopped calling me that. "
I'm angry. So angry my blood can cook up my veins.
" You know, then, you got me confused. So confused I didn't know who I was anymore. But no, not now. You want Deaon Rexon? Why not drain my blood and pump in another that isn't yours? I don't get it! Why are you always so cold hearted ? Ivin was the only one who cared. "
" And what did she get? You killed her for it!"
Those words hurt more than the bullet wound in my arm. No, I must not allow her break me.
" You know what? I have no time for this. You can all sit on your perfect asses here in your haven. I don't care but you must help! "
Damn! The witch. She's right, the only reward Ivin got for ever caring was death. I killed her. My heart aches so bad I'm trembling slightly from the effort of keeping a strong front.
Mother remains silent, looking at me.
" Mr Deaon, I can see this conversation won't be fruitful. It doesn't work this way. You don't just show up on our doorstep and expect us to help you after everything you've done. Including getting Ivin killed. "
She gets up and walks pass me. I know she'll stop just beside me with her face to the other side and she does just that.
" Goodbye Deaon, I hope we never see you again. "
Now I know. I just know.
I've won.