Lost

Lucian choked on his coffee, spilling it as he coughed and left his cup to attempt to swallow and breathe. Alicia smiled in feign sympathy. She sort of guessed she could have given him a little bit more warning, but hey, it wouldn't be the first time one of them almost drowned, right? And she did ask him if he was ready, didn't she?
Naturally, because she was such a good sister, she began wiping the wet and stained table with a handkerchief she managed retrieved from his pockets, all the while, patting his back with the tips of her fingers in an attempt to relieve him. Rocky finally straightened up and pushed her hand away, frowning at his now stained designer handkerchief.

"That's not funny." He says, after a long while, his voice still hoarse from the coughing.

"Never said it was." Alicia replied plainly as she looked for a hand towel to toss to him, fumbling by the sink.

"Licia, you're not making this up," he asked "Are you? Please look at me and tell me you're not making this up."

Alicia straightened up and looked him in the eyes. 

"I'm not making this up."

But she could still see his skepticism written on his face like a painting on a canvas. He probably thought she was crazy; she had been in hospital for a little bit after she had returned home from her first stay in Alfairia after all.

"So he tells you you're the queen. Why?"

"Why? Because it's part of some stupid old prophecy. I haven't read the whole thing or anything but there's a part that goes,

"From the waves she comes, a gift from the gods, to rule and to reign.""

"Gee, Alicia," Rocky said in amusement, "you're literally gods' gift to mankind."

Alicia smiled, but it didn't reach her eyes.

"I guess I am. But honestly, it could have been anyone. I don't know why they chose me, why it chose me. Maybe no one did the choosing because there was no choosing to do. Maybe someone made the whole thing up, but the people of Alfairia insist and they believe. Who am I to take that all away?" She said mildly sarcastic.

"But that doesn't explain why you're sneaking out." said he replied with a pout.

"Patience brother. I'm getting to that. So for the next few days after wards, I was ushered to the palace, orientated and lectured on the history of the kingdom, it's traditions and politics. That was not fun at all, if you're wondering."

"So that's what happened to you for the three weeks you were missing and we were stressed." he replied as it dawned on him.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you. You see, what was three weeks for you, was only seven days for me. Time works differently there."

"B-b-but how?!" he spluttered in disbelief.

"That's the thing, Rocky. It's magic. Every single thing in Alfairia is magical. I don't know how to explain it. But I've got a few theories. Sometimes, a week here is a day there but most days....weeks, whatever, it's vise-versa."

Lucian remained silent for a really long time. Finally, he shook his head in disbelief.

"That's crazy sis. That's crazy. Alfairia," he said, testing it out in his tongue. ", was it beautiful?"

"It is." Alicia agreed.

"Is?"

"Is."

"How do you know? Anything could have happened to it by now."

"Remember how I told you about magic? Yeah, every single day or once a week at the very least, I fade. Literally. I disappear here and I appear at Alfairia, well at least that's how it was. Glittery portals are the new thing nowadays. But that's where I go everytime I disappear. When I cut class, when my bed looks too neat to have been slept in, when I jump in through windows, when I miss your soccer games and parties. That's where I am and that's where I have to be. With my people."

Rocky stood up dramatically.

"You know what? I need to think. I need to decide whether my sister is a head case or not and clearly, lack of sleep and hangover aren't a good combo for deep reflection and contemplation."

"Luc--"

"-- Look. I'm not saying I don't believe you. I just don't know what to believe right now. All I know is that I'm a little upset and I need some sleep. But Licia,"

She looked at him stonily. If he couldn't face the truth, he should have not asked.

"Thanks for telling me. I appreciate it." Rocky said before he retrieved his dishes and cutlery, discarding them in the dishwasher before heading up the stairs to his bedroom.

Look, Alicia wouldn't have minded if someone else did not believe her; it was quite a crazy story anyway. But from her twin, from someone who knew her almost she knew herself, she had expected so much more.

With Lucian, she minded...a lot. Maybe she had said too much.

~~~~

Like 5 updates in one day. It's a record. Thoughts, questions and suggestions?
Thanks for reading.
X