Chapter 10

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Flame

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 Her question stunned me. She had a lot to lose. She had her brother, her life, her friends. Yet, she was willing to give that all up to overthrow the king? To overthrow my father?

 "You know. I never thought we have a heart to heart talk again. I thought you said you never wanted to see me again, baby Flamie. I still have the mark to prove it."

 Her face broke into a smirk. Her words taunted me. That confirmed her identity straight to the target. I hadn't been so sure before, but now, it was clear as day.

 "What the-, why did you bring that up? Of all things to bring up, that's the one you pick?"

 "Don't cry baby Flamie. It's okay."

 She was doing it on purpose, now. I don't know why, but I could feel it in my bones.

 "Annoying brat, you better stop."

 The words echoing from the past, similar to the ones said before. Her face softened, her nose scrunched up. As if recalling something painful. The memory ran through my mind as well. The horrible night where everything went downhill. If only I could turn back time. She paused.

 "Do you still think I killed your mom?"

 The question stunned me as it streamed out of her mouth. I hesitated. Of all questions she had to ask it was this one. It was the last question I expected to flow from her mouth. It's been many years since I thought about mom. I have always just pushed her to the corners of my mind. Her, and her last words. I didn't want to think about it. I didn't want to recall it. I didn't want to feel the pain.

 "I'm sorry. I never meant to. If only I could turn back time. I would give my life instead. She was a great woman. A second mom. I loved her too."

 I didn't want to reply. I didn't want to think about it. Her eyes grew sadder.

 "Do you notice the extra tulip on grave every year? Every anniversary? That's from me. I don't mean to intrude, but I miss her too. That was her favorite flower right? She like the pink ones right? Do you think she is watching us from heaven?"

 Stop it. Stop talking at all. You are faking it now. Stop pretending to care. You just want me to soften towards you again. You are just trying to take advantage of me and this situation. Her gaze fell to the floor. I should just get the duct tape. Why did I want to talk to her? I don't remember the reason anymore.

 "It was all my fault, I get it, but you didn't have to take away my parents. Why didn't you just take me? Why?"

 She had stopped painting by now. Her hand limp by her side. The paint brush loose in her hands. What do I do? Aw, don't start to cry. I hate people who cry, they make me feel so- so useless. Thoughts of all kinds ran through my mind, replaying the words just spoken. Firstly, I didn't take her parents, my dad did. Well, under my influence. Secondly, her words are just a strategy. To get me to soften and baby her again. I hardened my voice, determined not to give in to her sob story.

 "Just stop. Stop your little sob story, it's not working now and it won't work ever. Just keep working on the stupid mess you have made."

 She didn't lift her head. What if, what if she said was true?

 "Sure." She whispered in a tone I could barely hear.

 Her eyes were downcast and glimmering with unshed tears. I felt torn. This isn't fair. At all.