Days were long at the Winsten mansion. Adena was staying all day in her mother's bedroom - which was formerly  the guest room - wanting to keep her company so she wouldn't feel lonely, also analyzing her health evolution as best as she could. She would usually stay quiet or chat a little and sometimes she would read for her with the many books she had. The worry she had felt for the first days of holidays had erased anything else to the point that she had completely forgotten Noah's birthday party.

The boy visited her the evening of his birthday, wondering where she was since she was supposed to be with him and the others, and the brunette instantly felt guilty for forgetting about him.

"I'm really sorry, my mother has fallen sick and I didn't think of anything else for the past days."

"It's okay. I hope it's not serious though... but can you come?" he asked hesitantly.

"I'm not sure..." answered the girl, uneasy. She didn't want to decline but she didn't want to leave her mother.

"Go. Mum said you should," said the voice of her sister from behind them.

"Is that okay?"

"Of course, it is," said the voice of her father. He was stepping out of the fireplace, done with work for the day. "I'd rather want you to be with your friends than closed up here," rejoined the man. 

Adena was a little unsure until her sister added, "Mum said you should think about something else, that's your chance." While wearing a small smile, she placed a hand on her shoulder. This was the kindest Candace had ever been in a while, but they had to get along as best as they could in those hard times after all. And so, she prepared her stuff, and after saying goodbye to her father and visiting her mother with Noah one last time, they decided to leave.

Once at Noah's house, she explained the situation to the others, but adding that they shouldn't worry. Jacob suggested they should pay her mother a visit one day, and Adena agreed, saying she was barely seeing anyone anymore and that she must feel lonely. Once the explanations were finished, the small party celebrating Noah's eighteen's birthday started.

The brunette tried to have fun as well, but it was rather hard. Her mind would constantly go back to her sick mother whose health could get worse anytime. Even when she was home, it could happen too. Her mother has become so fragile, maybe life in general was that fragile. Anything could happen anytime to her loved ones and she couldn't shake this thought out of her head. Life was so fragile... life could be replaced by death so easily... But the contrary was impossible. Fear of death was suddenly overwhelming. Fate could work in the worst possible way and make everything disappear in one second. Her mother would never be the same, Adena had understood that. But she hated that she now had to preserve and protect her in order to avoid her passing. Life wasn't easy, you could never be completely free. Adena would never be completely free, the worry for her mother and anyone would never leave her. Adena who just wanted a peaceful life where she would do what she wanted, was now submerged with worry and anxiety regarding the future. She just wished she could be back to her innocent and reckless self from years ago. Why growing up was so difficult, why life was so harsh. But as she thought that the brunette looked up at her friends having fun. 'I wanna be like them,' thought the girl. But she was instantly back to reality, at least to her reality. Maybe it was just fate, fate had decided to give her difficulties, whether it was in life or with her emotions. People had a tragic destiny sometimes, and maybe Adena was just one of them.

The next day, Adena apologized again to Noah for her gloomy mood at his birthday party but he totally understood. He was so kind and empathic, always doing his best to comfort others in hard times, she was thankful to have him at that moment.

She felt a wave of reassurance once she was back in her familiar home. All the anxiety building up in her had faded away. She quickly rushed upstairs to greet her mother who was happily the same as she left her. And her routine was back to normal. No day without leaving her mother, taking care of her, offering up company, letting her rest. She had barely thought about Regulus in the meantime, and her mother had reminded her of that.

"Have you been talking to your boyfriend these days? Don't neglect him..." had said Juliet in her now weaken voice.

"Right. I'm sorry, I should talk to him."

"Don't apologize to me, but to him."

It was now that she realized how much she was missing him. She had the urge to see him again, to be back in his embrace, to be able to feel his silky curls through her fingers or his soft lips on her. Her whole body was screaming for affection from him, she just needed to be with him again for her heart to be content and fulfilled with happiness.

'Dear Regulus,

I apologize for not reaching out to you these days.

I have been missing you a lot, I just wish I could be with you as I am writing this. The past days have been long without your presence, and I am aware we have been separated for longer times, but I have been in need of your love and comfort.

I hope you are taking good care of yourself. I cannot wait to hear more of you.

With all my affection,

Adena'

After sending this letter, Adena was aware she had to wait a little more to be with Regulus again. She felt so impatient to hear about him. The past days have been so strange for Adena, not thinking about her boyfriend, but now the only thing in her mind was him and only him. Without realizing, she even started talking about Regulus to her mother once she went back to her.

"I've sent a letter. I really hope he'll answer quickly. He usually answers quickly so I have no doubt. I hope he didn't forget about me the way I did. It's already been three weeks without giving each other any news..."

"Adena," interrupted her mother. When Adena looked at her, she had a kind pleased smile on her face, and her emerald eyes were twinkling in joy. For a moment, she was her mother again.

"Yes... sorry I'm talking too much," blurted out Adena, feeling a little embarrassed.

"You look happy whenever you talk about him. I wish you could have talked more about Regulus but you're so secretive. And don't worry, he has definitely not forgotten about you."

"Oh... how can you be sure..." She couldn't think of another answer, her mind was still filled with her mother's previous words about how happy she looked, and her wanting to hear more about Regulus.

"I can see it. He really loves you."

"You sound like Grandma..."

"Well, it's my mother after all. You'll be like me when you'll grow old."

"I'm not sure..." And that answer made Juliet chuckle. Adena was beaming with joy, her mother looked better at the moment.

Like she had expected, Regulus' answer came quickly. Later that day, she already had his letter in her hands.

'Dear Adena,

My days without you have been very lonely so I am glad to finally hear about you. I believe our feelings are similar. I really wish I could be with you as well, but I have decided not to visit your house randomly by now. So instead, I have been wondering if we could plan a meeting. A party has been organized on the first day of August by my family, it would be a pleasure to have your company that night.

I will be waiting for your answer. Take good care of you while I am not with you. I love you dearly.

                                                                                                                                                                               Yours truly, 

Regulus'

How much she wanted to see her boyfriend after reading this. Adena felt happy regarding this upcoming meeting. Except that she had to leave her mother again.

"Darling, have your received Regulus' answer yet?" asked her mother as Adena entered her room to say good night.

"Yeah..." she said almost sounding sad.

"Well, did he say anything interesting? You'll meet him soon?"

"Mum... Actually, he asked to meet at one of his family's gathering..."

"That's great, go then. Make friends among his acquaintances, meet new people."

"Are you sure..?"

"Yeah. I want you to enjoy yourself. You've worked hard this year, so you should relax now."

"Okay. Thanks Mum. Have a good night."

Yes, her mother's approbation was much needed at the moment, but she felt worried about leaving her side. She really hoped Regulus would make her feel better, he always had the right words and actions, she trusted him, and she knew she could completely relay on him.

author's note: hi, a few things to say!

first of all, i've planned a little something as to celebrate the hundredth chapter coming out next time, hope you'll like it hehe!! and then regarding the next update, it won't be so soon as i'm (very) busy with work and i'll be travelling to germany in a few days, so i'll be off wattpad. it's my first time going on holidays, i can't wait hehe