Anne
POV Sebastian
It had been a couple of days since we had sent the letters to Anne. But we still didn’t hear from her. I went down for breakfast and was expecting to find Ominis there, but he wasn’t.
So I sat down with Valerian and Cassandra. When I had almost finished my breakfast, I heard the doors slam wide open. It was Ominis. And he was running towards me showing me something he was holding in his left hand. It looked like … a letter. Could it finally be it ?
- « Sebastian… Anne has finally responded ! » he said out of breath with a huge smile
I suddenly stoop up, looking at the envelope. And I was terrified of what would be in
it. Will she finally agree to see me ?
Everyone looked confused. Of course they had no idea who Ann was.
- « Read it to us, upstairs ! » he barked.
I dropped the bread I was eating throwing it on the table to follow Ominis back to our doorms without thinking twice.
As we arrived in the living room, Ominis handed me the letter.
I held it in my hands for a minute, not moving.
- « What ever her decision, I’m here for you, my friend. » he said encouragingly.
I smiled, and I quickly opened the envelope and unfolded the parchement as if it would disappear. I then started reading aloud.
Dear Ominis
I thank you for your letter.
I am sorry to hear about Natsai. I know you two had become friends. Though I am sure you will keep in touch.
I have read your letter several times. You are as eloquent as ever. You always know how to find the right words. I also read my brother’s letter after debating wether I should or not. And I have taken the time to think about your proposal and come to a decision. You believe he has changed. Though I trust you completely, I need to see it in order to believe it. But if I agree to see my brother again, I will have a condition.
He must promise to stop looking for a cure. He won’t even mention anyways of saving me. If he wants to see me again, then he must let me go.
If he agrees to these terms, he may accompany you on your next visit, which I hope will be soon. Nathara can’t wait to see you.
I’m sure Sebastian will be the one reading this letter so you won’t have to break the news to him.
See you soon.
Love Anne
I realised as I was reading the letter, tears were running down my cheek. But they were tears of relief. Because despite her condition, she was willing to see me again.
- « That’s great news ! That is if you can hold your promise » he exclaimed.
I new it was now too late to find a cure. I had to let it go. This was my only chance to see her before she died. I couldn’t refuse her terms.
- « I… I will, I swear » I promised.
- « Good, then we should be able to see her this weekend … » he started.
- « This weekend ? She might be dead by then ! No I want to see her now ! It’s been too long since I have seen my sister » I argued.
- « We’ve got classes in case you have forgotten » he observed.
- « Anne is more important right now » I urged.
- « Sebastian, I understand, truly, but we could get expelled ! » he argued.
- « Then I’ll take the blame. Please Ominis, I’m begging you … » I pled.
- « … ok fine. I’ll take you to her » he replied giving in. « Hold my hand » he ordered.
And I gave him my hand. He apparated us in what looked like a hospital. But is was very quiet. And it was not st Mungo’s hospital.
- « Follow me » he orated.
And I did. The corridors were old, there wasn’t much light. I could see through the small windows a garden outside. Ominis then knocked on a door. I heard a familiar voice asking us to enter. It was her. I couldn’t believe it. I was finally her, after all this time, I was finally going to see my sister again. She sounded so weak.
Ominis entered first, leaving the door half open. He sat by the side of her bed and gave her a huge hug. And she embraced him back as best as she could still lying down.
- « You’re here ! I wasn’t expecting you ! » She said happily. « Nathara, look who’s here ! »
Nathara was Ominis’ snake. He had rescued her from a wizard that was using her for her venom extracting it to sell it. Since he had saved her, she chose to stay by his side. She wasn’t a pet, but she would always do what Ominis asked of her. She was clever. Ominis could talk Parseltongue to her.
Nathara slithered onto his leg going up to his shoulders, caressing him on his cheek.
He was now talking to her in Parseltongue. No doubt saying kind words to her.
He had left Nathara with Anne, so she wouldn’t be alone. This thought warmed my heart.
- « Is … is HE there with you? » she asked.
Ominis just turned his head towards me saying nothing, but smiling.
I pushed the door hesitantly, fearing her reaction, dreading the way she might look at me. I didn’t enter yet, I just stayed there holding the door nob, waiting for her approval to enter.
She just looked at me and remained silent . She looked so weak, so fragile. And she was so pale.
- « H … hey » I said with a broken shaky voice.
She let out a sigh. « Hello Sebastian » she replied in a monotone voice. I couldn’t figure out what she was feeling at that moment.
- « May I come in? » I asked my whole body quivering.
- « … You may » she said calmly.
So I entered, not closing the door as I feared she might ask me to leave at any moment.
- « Why don’t I leave you two sort things out, I’ll take Nathara out to the gardens » said Ominis giving me a wink. « I want to see you both in one piece when I come back » he said joking.
And he and Nathara left the room. I looked at my sister, but I was speechless. I felt so ashamed, I could feel that hate and self disgust raging inside of me.
She kept quiet.
So I sat on the chair not far from her bed.
- « If you are here, I assume you have agreed to my terms » she said bluntly.
- « I have » I replied.
- « Do you promise ? » she asked.
- « I know my word means nothing to you now, but I swear, and I also swore it to Ominis » I promised.
There was a silence, one of many to come I thought.
- « So, you have read my letter? » I asked as my heart was beating so fast.
- « I have » she replied with a monotone voice.
In my letter, I had asked for her forgiveness for killing our uncle and for everything else that I had done.
- « I’m so sorry Anne, so, so sorry. » I said as I started to cry.
She just looked at the ceiling. I could see a tear in her eye.
- « I went over what happened over and over again, trying to understand why you killed our uncle. I know you were desperate to save me. But you went to far. You let anger get the best of you. You just couldn’t accept the fact that nothing would cure me » she said angrily.
Her words were crushing my heart.
- « I couldn’t. You’re right. Only because I love you. And not only was I losing you to death, I was also losing you to our uncle. He was keeping us appart, he wouldn’t even let me see you ! » I yelled.
- «That’s no reason to kill him » she replied furious, then she closed her eyes, probably in pain. She then took a deep breath.
- « I know » I said sobbing. « I know I’m a monster, I know I disgust you, I know you hate me. Know that I hate myself even more. I was out of control. I just wanted you to live, I … just … » I was crying so much that I couldn’t finish my sentence. I fell on my knees by her bed, my face into my hands. This moment I had been dreading for years. How could I justify what I had done?
She just looked at me, her face was full of anger and sadness.
I lowered my hands, looking down at the floor. I was too ashamed to look at her.
- « I’m so sorry Ann, I know I am past redemption, and I know you will never forgive me. I can’t undo what I have done though I really wish I could. But I hope you will let me be there for you, until the end, because I love you » I pleaded miserably.
She struggled to raise her body as she sat down on the edge of her bed, one hand against her stomach, the other trying to hold her body steady. I could hear her sniffing. She was crying.
- « I have hated you Sebastian, I have cursed your names countless of times, I have wished
that I had died sooner so that none of this would have happened, so that you wouldn’t have ruined your life and killed Uncle Solomon» she accused. « I know that I am the cause of your suffering. And despite your shameless actions … I have never stopped loving you. And I have hated myself for still loving you. I just couldn’t understand why after everything you had done. But I know now. It’s because everything you did, you did in the name of love, for me. You have always been there for me, when our parents died, when I was cursed. And you came back to confront your fears, your actions, your shame, all this once more for me. »
She then took my hand, she was shaking. I rose my free hand to her cheek, tears still flowing down mine. I wiped her tears with my thumb.
- « I have missed you so much Anne. I’m so sorry. You deserved a better brother. » I
whispered as my voice was totally gone by that point.
- « No other brother would have dedicated his life to save me the way you have tried. No other brother would have loved me more » she said smoothly.
I couldn’t help but pulling my arms around her, hugging her. And I was hoping she wouldn’t push me away. I had to take that risk. I needed to know this was real. But she didn’t push me away. She even gave me a hug back. We stayed like this for quite some time, not letting go. Then she pulled back, as she needed to lie down. I helped her down onto the bed. Then I sat by her side, hoping we could talk some more once she had rested.
- « You probably don’t know this, but Ominis has sent me another letter after the ones you had sent me. He detailed everything you have been up to these past years, including the part with Ominis’ dreadful brother and how you refused his proposal. Thank you » she said softly.
I just gazed down looking sorrowful.
- « So, you’ve traveled the world ? Tell me about the places you’ve seen, please ? » she
asked.
I was happy to. I dried up my tears and told her about my journeys, leaving the research part out. And so we continued speaking about it for a while. And I resumed by telling her about our first few weeks at school, detailing everything, telling her about our classmates … and it was so nice to feel like we could talk almost normaly again.
We then heard a knock on the door. It was Ominis and Nathara.
- « Are you both still alive ? » he asked teasing us.
- « You’re hilarious » I answered sarcastically.
We both laughed.
- « So, I hope you two are on speaking terms again? » he demanded.
I didn’t say anything because it was not up to me to decide.
- « You’ll be pleased to know that we are » Anne stipulated.
Her words brought me back to reality, like I had been stuck in a nightmare for so long. So I was relieved to hear her say that.
- « So … Ominis » Anne started as she was about to taunt him. I could recognise this tone of voice anytime.
- « why am I only hearing about a certain Valerian just now?! »
His face turned red. Anne and I looked at each other and laughed as we both remembered how much we loved teasing Ominis.
- « What ? She’s not … I mean … who told you about her? Sebastian ?! » he chocked.
- « It doesn’t matter from whom I heard it, why didn’t YOU tell me about her? » she demanded.
- « There’s not much to say … really» he said embarrassed.
- « Oh, there’s plenty to say, and I don’t even know all the details yet » I emplied rising twice my eyebrows to Anne.
She giggled.
Nathara was still on Ominis’ shoulders, now looking at him. He said something to her only he could understand. But it looked like he was trying to justify himself. So we smiled.
- « I want to meet her » exclaimed Ann.
- « No » Ominis replied bluntly.
- « Why not? » my sister asked.
- « Because … because she isn’t … my girlfriend ! » he scolded as he blushed.
- « So ? You like her. It’s a nice way of showing her that you care to introduce her to your friends » I said trying to help him as I promised myself I would.
- « Ominis, I’m dying, you can’t deny my last wishes » she commented.
- « You always say that for everything. That’s not fair ! » he remarked.
- « I know » she said as she grinned. « So, will you bring her next time please? » she asked impatiently.
Ominis let out a sigh.
- « Fine, but only if she’s free. I can’t believe you both ! You always get me to do things I never intended to do ! » he chuckled.
We all laughed.
I wanted to ask her if she would let me come again but feared her answer.
- « Will you … let … me … come too? » I asked fearfully.
- « Yes. I need you to help me get these two together. » she said amused.
And I was ecstatic. Not only did she agree to see me again, but we had a mission to accomplish together, just like old times. So I couldn’t help but smile.
- « You two are just impossible » complained Ominis.
We soon left after that as Anne was feeling tired. She needed to rest. We said our goodbyes. Ominis hugged her and I didn’t dare, so I just said my farewells. Ominis said goodbye to
Nathara leaving her with Anne.
It was now the afternoon when we apparated back into the living room.
- « Ominis, thank you. All this was possible because of you. I can’t even begin to tell you how much this means to me, how much our friendship means to me » I revealed.
- « We’ll, you’re my best friend, someone’s got to keep an eye on you » he teased.
- « I hope Ann doesn’t get too lonely » I wondered.
- « That’s why I leave Nathara with her. She keeps her company » he replied.
I nodded. But of course he couldn’t see it, so I thanked him one more time.
- « There you are boys ! »
It was Valerian and Cassandra.
- « What happened to you guys? » asked Valerian worried.
- « Oh, long story » I replied.
- « Well professor Radagor wasn’t pleased that you missed her lesson this morning » said Cassandra.
- « We tried covering for you guys making them believe you were both sick, but of course she didn’t believe us » explained Valerian.
- « Oh merlin ! I told you we would get in trouble ! » said Ominis anxious.
- « But wasn’t it worth it ? Honestly ? » I asked calmly.
Ominis didn’t reply immediately.
- « You’re right. It was worth it » he admitted.
- « Don’t worry I’ll go and see the professor and explain everything to her. She’ll understand. Trust me » I reassured him.
-« I’m coming with you. I also agreed to skip class. And now, I must face the consequences of my decision » he said trying to sound brave.
I laughed.
- « Thanks for trying to cover for us girls » I shouted as Ominis and I left.
We were now heading to Professor Radagor’s office. I could tell Ominis was tensed. I think he was more afraid of what his family might say more than the sanction itself.
I will take full responsibility it the need arised. I’ll always protect my best friend.
POV Ominis
I thought we would be expelled after skipping class. But Professor Radagor let us go with a warning, as we explained the situation with Anne. And Sebastian said he hadn’t seen her in years so he couldn’t miss his chance. Fortunately the professor was very understanding, but she couldn’t just let us get away with skipping class. I felt relieved. I couldn’t be expelled, that would mean I would have failed and my family would be right. They didn’t want me to become an auror, they wanted me to work for the ministry of magic. But being an auror is working for the ministry of magic. It’s just not how they wanted me to work for them. My father works at the ministry. And he is good friends with the minister. That’s how my family gets away with everything. So once again they were disappointed with my choices. Usually, they would make enquiries to place me somewhere, like at Hogwarts. But this time, I got in without their help. That is something I was proud of. Though if I got in it’s probably thanks to my name along with my grades of course. My family came around, thinking that being an auror would allow me to look the other way as they accomplished their mischief and cover up their actions. I kept telling them that I wouldn’t do that, that’s not why I wanted to become an auror. And they just kept going on about how I’m such a disgrace to this family, that I am not committed to our cause, that sacrifice in the name of our family was more important, that I should be more like my brother. Everything I do is a disappointment to them anyway. But for some reason, I still think that one day maybe, things would change. But deep down I knew I was in denial.
We finished our day with our last lessons and training afterwards as I skipped my morning routine to go and see Anne. I always went for a run, then did a few push-ups and worked on my abs in the mornings. But I had to do it after classes today. I then went for a shower before dinner. As I left my room, I was thinking about Valerian. I don’t know how I would ask her to come to the hospital with me to meet Anne. How would I explain that?
As I was going down, I bumped into Sebastian in the living room. He was reading a book.
- « Ominis ! Come here ! » he demanded joyfully.
I wondered what he wanted.
- « Look who’s over there ! » he exclaimed.
- « Sebastian may I remind you that I can’t see ! » I replied though I knew exactly who was sitting by the fire.
-« Please, I know you Ominis, no need to play that game with me ! Why don’t you ask her out ? » he inquired.
- « It’s… I … don’t know … how to … » I tried to say but I got all confused again. I hate it when I do that.
- « Merlin it’s not that hard, walk up to her and ask her if she’d like to go on a date with you » he replied.
-« It’s not … that … easy » I said hesitantly.
- « Come on Ominis, don’t you want to spend some time with her? Alone ? Get to know her better ? Maybe even kiss her ? » he urged.
I could feel my face scorching.
- « Talk to me. What’s really going on ? » he asked.
I let out a sigh.
- « Ok, you know I have never asked a girl out before, and I have never liked anyone before her. I am clueless as to how to do these things, so how could I even kiss her? I’m so pathetic ! » I declared freaking out.
- « Calm down Ominis. It’s only natural to be clueless about these things when we have no experience » he reassured me.
- « It’s different for me. You guys see others kissing, which gives you a better idea on how to do it. Or you can even read about it ! I can’t. I can’t even picture it in my mind » I continued feeling unsettled.
-« Ok. You’re right. But so does Valerian. She must struggle just as much as you are, she can’t read about it either, nor see others kiss” he said.
- « Maybe you’re right. But she probably has already experienced kissing before. I mean she’s so stunning and all the boys were probably waiting in line to kiss her » I argued.
-« That’s something you’ll have to ask her, not me » he uttered.
And I knew he was right. If I were to kiss her, I wanted her to enjoy it, I wanted it to be special, but if she had already experienced kissing, how could it be special with me?
- « Sebastian, I need you to teach me how to kiss » I exclaimed.
-« How do you want me to teach you that ? » he stated.
- « I don’t know, you’re the expert after all » I replied. I didn’t mean it to sound harsh, I genuinely knew he was the best person to ask as he had experience with girls.
-« Ok, I’ll teach you how to kiss if you go and ask her out » he declared.
I didn’t reply straight away.
- « Does asking her to meet Ann at the hospital count? » I inquired.
He let out a sigh of disbelief. « We’ll I guess it’s a start. » he said sounding desperate. « But you will do it now, while she’s there » he ordered.
- « Ok, fine » I scolded.
So I walked up to Valerian. Thank Merlin she was alone so I wouldn’t end up looking like a fool in front of everyone. And the closer I got to her, the more I could feel the increasing heartbeats in my chest.
- « V… Valerian? » I said as I could barely pronounce her name I was so anxious.
- « Oh Ominis. I was just thinking about you » she said graciously.
She was thinking about me ? I couldn’t help wondering if I was often on her mind like she was on mine. And the thought of it overwhelmed me.
I was so lost in my thoughts that I forgot to speak.
She giggled.
- « Was there something you needed? » she demanded.
And suddenly I was pulled out of my thoughts, adjusting to reality.
- « Euh.. yes… I’m not quite sure how to say this » I admitted as I deeply swallowed.
- « Ominis, just think about what you want to tell me, not how you must tell me. Did you want to ask me something ? » she said nicely trying to be helpful.
-« … yes … but first, I need to tell you about Anne » I managed to say.
- « Anne ? That’s the name you shouted this morning. You said you had a letter from her. One that you were clearly eagerly awaiting » she said.
The way she said that last sentence made me believe that she might have been a little jealous. Was she really jealous though ? Or was it all in my head ?
- « Anne, yes » I said as I was trying to focus. Knowing that she might be jealous kind of made me feel more relaxed. Though I have no clue why.
- « She’s Sebastian’s sister, twin sister to be more precise. We have known each other for years. We were inseparable » I said smiling. « But a few years ago, Anne was cursed, by dark magic. Sebastian has gone out of his way to help her, desperately trying to find a cure. But the truth is, there is no cure. And the curse has spread too far. And she only has a few days left to live ». As I said these words, I realised how heartbroken I truly was. Even my voice was shaky.
- « Ominis, I’m so sorry, it must be so hard for you and Sebastian » she said thoughtfully as she reached for my hand, holding it in both her hands after she had put down her wand.
I loved that she took my hand. It helped me deal with the pain better, knowing that she was there, listening, trying to soothe me.
- « The reason I’m telling you this is because … she would … like to meet you” the words finally came out of my mouth.
- « Me ? How does she even know I exist ? » she asked surprised.
Oh boy. Now was the hard part. What was I going to tell her ?
- « Oh … I … well … » as I was trying to find my words, the room suddenly felt boiling hot.
- « You might … have come up … in … our … conversations » I told her as I could hear myself panting.
- « Really ? You’re so adorable. I’d love to meet her » she said with her seductive voice all the while holding my hand.
I’m so adorable ? She also said before that I was sweet. Could she really like me in return ? Or was she just playing with me? I felt I was losing my mind again. I had to calm myself quickly, because I knew what would come next if I didn’t.
- « So, … as she hasn’t got much time left sadly, would you be free this weekend to go and see her? » I asked.
- « Sure. Just let me know when » she replied.
- « Ok … that’s great » I said estatic but still panting madly. I had sweat so much I felt like I would have to have another shower.
- « Shall we go down for dinner ? » she inquired.
- « Ok … » I replied not capable of making actual sentences in my state.
As we were having dinner together, I heard Sebastian whisper to me :
- « See, it wasn’t so hard after all » he teased.
I only sighted in response.
The rest of the week had gone by quickly. I had let Valerian know that we would visit Anne on Saturday. I was feeling so apprehensive. I was hoping that Anne would like her, and that she wouldn’t embarass me.
It was now Saturday.
We assembled in the living room.
- « Ready to meet my sister? » Sebastian asked Valerian.
-« Absolutely » she replied enthusiastically.
- « If we are going to apparate to the hospital, then we need to hold hands » said Sebastian as he was kicking me right in my ribs with his elbow. I just rolled my eyes.
- « Who’s hands am I to hold ? » she demanded.
- « You should hold Ominis’ hand, he’s the one aparating us there » said Sebastian insistently thinking he was helpful.
- « Ok » she replied softly.
Apparating for me was different. At Hogwarts, we were taught that you needed to visualise the place where you wished to apparate, but for me that wasn’t possible. It took me a long time to figure out how to make it work. I had to think of people that were in these places, for instance if I wanted to apparate to my so called home, I had to think of my mother. Of course the problem was if she wasn’t at home, I apparated where ever she was. And it happened to me once, I apparated to by brother’s house, as she was having tea there.
Valerian was now looking for my hand. I found hers first. But I wasn’t holding her hand like I was holding Sebastian’s. We had run our fingers closing them together as if to link them. Her small hand was now in mine. And the feel of it was divine. Now I had to remember to apparate. And when we arrived, I didn’t want to let go of her hand. She didn’t let go either which I was delighted about.
Sebastian was urging us to follow him down the corridor. So I turned my head to where she was standing, still holding her hand.
- « Shall we? » I asked.
- « Be my guide » she replied.
So I took a first step pulling her hand so she would follow my lead. We walked down the corridor never letting go of each other. How I enjoyed that. It felt exquisite. We then arrived to Anne ´s bedroom, Sebastian was already inside. I paused for a moment wondering if I should let go of her hand. I didn’t want to. But I let go of it anyway as I entered to embrace Anne.
- « Ominis. Thanks for coming » she said.
- « I wouldn’t miss it » I replied. « Anne, this is Valerian » I said as I turned to face her.
- « Migh, you are beautiful ! no wonder Ominis likes you ! » she exclaimed.
At that moment I felt SO embarrassed. My cheeks were blazing and I put my hand in front of my face trying to hide.
- « Oh, is that so? » she replied giggling. « It’s lovely to meet you Anne, thank you for inviting me » she added.
Suddenly I could feel Nathara sliding up my leg to my shoulders.
- « Hello Nathara » I said in Parseltongue.
- « Is that a snake I hear? » asked Valerian worried.
- « Yeah, it’s Nathara » said Anne relaxed.
- « Wait, you have a snake in your room, that you have named ?! » She said spooked.
- « Actually it’s Ominis’ snake » informed Sebastian.
- « You have a pet snake? » she asked slightly shocked.
Though it was not really a question, it was more a demand for confirmation.
I could feel in her voice she was uneasy, maybe frightened.
- « Yes, but don’t worry she’s very nice » I said trying to reassure her.
She didn’t reply. I couldn’t see her face so I had no clue how she felt at that moment.
- « do you fear snakes ? » asked Anne to Valerian.
- « We’ll, it’s just … I have never interacted with a snake before. We are told they are dangerous amongst muggles » she explained.
- « Nathara isn’t dangerous. She’s kind, and gentle » said Anne as if it were obvious.
If valerian was uneasy around snakes, what would she think of me capable of speaking Parseltongue ? Would she think I’m a freak ? And now I feared her reaction.
- « Why dont you two go for a walk, that way you could explain all the details to her » told Sebastian.
- « … Sure, I guess … , Valerian? » I asked waiting for her approval as she wasn’t moving.
- « Yes, I’m coming » she replied.
I closed the door behind us. We were now walking through the corridors. I was heading for the gardens. I thought smelling the flowers would relax her.
Nathara hissed.
- « Nathara asked me to tell you that you have nothing to fear » I confided.
- « You mean to say that she can talk ? » asked Valerian surprised.
- « Only to me. Or a Gaunt. In my family, we have the ability to speak to snakes. It’s called the Parseltongue language. And only heirs to Salazar Slytherin can do so. » I paused. « I hope that I don’t scare you » I asked worried.
I really hoped it wouldn’t put her off, if I could even say that.
- « I’m sorry I had no idea. That’s quite a unique ability, and it’s quite impressive really » she replied.
- « Do you really believe that? » I asked sincerely.
- « I do. Like I said before, you’re different, but I like different. And having a pet snake and speaking snake language is definitely unique » she said joking.
I couldn’t help but blush. We had now arrived in the gardens.
- « So what is it like, to speak snake? I mean how does one speak Parseltongue ? » she demanded.
- « Well , would you like me to show you? » I interrogated.
- « Yes, why don’t you tell me something in Parseltongue ? » she probed.
I approached my head to her ear, and murmured her a sentence. Nathara was also listening carefully. Then I only pulled back slightly my head so I could stay close to her.
- « I didn’t think it would be… such a whispered language. What is it that you said ? »
- « I said… you’re ... the most dazzling woman … I’ve ever met » I confessed blushing once more.
- « Oh, Ominis » she said seductively, too seductively. I sounded more like a plead. I could feel a warm flood invading my entire body. How I wanted her to say my name in that way again.
Nathara started talking, breaking the moment.
- « Ok. I will ask her. Nathara would like to know if you would pet her. » I demanded.
- « Oh, well, I guess, why not. You promise it’s safe? »
- « I Will never put you in any kinds of danger, ever Valerian. You will always be safe with me. You have my word » I promised her determined.
- « Ok. I trust you » she added with a smile.
She then raised her hand, not sure where to put it. So I grabbed her hand, helping her find Nathara’s head. Valerian let out a surprised sound.
- « Are you alright? » I exclaimed.
- « Yes … I didn’t know a snake’s skin was that hard. » she admitted.
Nathara was now moving around Valerian’s arm heading for her shoulders.
I could feel valerian’s body tense through her hand.
- « Don’t worry, she only wants to say hello » I assured her.
She didn’t move. Nathara reached her shoulders and started cuddling her cheeks.
- « Oh, what is she doing? » she asked, but she didn’t sound afraid anymore.
- « That’s her way of showing her affection. She likes you » I said.
- « Well, if her master likes me, no wonder she likes me too » she said taunting me.
My jaw just dropped. She was using Anne’s words against me. And she knew the effect it would have on me as she laughed.
- « Well Nathara is very sweet indeed » she said humbly.
Nathara then slithered up a tree, resting on a branch.
- « I’m glad you like her. I rescued her from an awful wizard that was using her venom and made a buisness out of it. She has suffered a lot » I added trying to impress her deep down.
- « Oh no, poor Nathara. I’m glad she has found a home with you. You truely are special Ominis » she said tenderly.
I’m special ? I always felt different my entire life, not fitting in anywhere because I was blind and because I was not « Gaunt » enough for my family. So I guess I was always special in a bad way. But for the first time ever, I was special to someone in a good way. And it felt nice.
- « So could I ask you a personal question ? » she demanded.
- « Of course »
- « Has there ever been anything between you and Anne ? »
I alsmost chocked. With Anne ? Why would she think that ? I ever saw Anne only as a sister. Was she jealous of her ?
- « No ! Absolutely not. Anne is like a sister to me » I exclaimed. « Why would you think that? »
- « You are always there for her, physically and emotionally. And I can see how much you care for her. So I just wondered » she explained.
- « No. We're just friends. That’s how every girls see me. Just as a friend. » I wasn’t quite sure why I said that.
- « So you’ve never had … a girlfriend before? » she asked.
- « We’ll … I … no » I answered feeling embarrassed because I was so unexperienced.
- « Being blind is a burden for most people ». I added.
- « I can relate to that. » she said with a sad voice.
- « Does that mean that you… have …never had a boyfriend ? » I seased the opportunity to find out.
- « No. never » she replied. « But who knows, maybe I’ll find the perfect boyfriend this year » she tempted.
She was hoping to find a boyfriend ? I started imagining her with other boys. There was Samuel in our class. His ego was far too big for her ! Then there’s Benjamin, he thinks he is better than everyone else and couldn’t care less about others. Then there’s Sebastian. Oh Merlin no. No ! Not him. I won’t let him have her. He will just use her to have his way and won’t even consider her feelings. She deserves better than that. She deserves someone that understands her, that would never hurt her, that would treat her with respect and love. And with Sebastian, she would just get hurt. I won’t let that happen. But how could I stop it ? I didn’t even have the courage to ask her out.
- « I was hoping to see more of you today » she confessed.
- « Oh.. ok … yes. What would you like to see? » I started painting in anticipation.
She paused as she was thinking.
- « How about your hair? » she said.
- « … ok … » I replied surprised.
She then raised her hands very high and reached above my head, then she brought them down so she would know where to begin. The she ran her delicate perfect fingers across my hair, pulling it back gently. I couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of pleasure. Her touch was divine. She was touching the tip of my hair to grasp the length of it. Then she brought her hands down.
- « You have … lovely hair » she said.
I blushed.
- « Thanks » I replied.
- « Your turn » She said.
So I raised my hands but stopped half way.
- « May I ? » I asked making sure she was ok with it.
- « Yes, you may » she replied irresistibly.
I then touched the top of her head. Though I had already had a peak not so long ago, this time I didn’t have to hold back. And this time she was standing. So I could now feel the height difference between the both of us. The top of her head arrived to my chin level. I started bringing my hands down, running my fingers down her beautiful long hair, as if I were brushing them. When I had almost reached the ends, I grabbed it gently, and I lowered my head slightly, bringing the tip of hrt hair close to my face so I could inhale her amazing ginger sent. I felt hazed by it.
- « I love your ginger sent Valerian, it’s so … addicting » I told her.
And I realised I was addicted to her. There wasn’t a day, maybe even an hour when I wouldn’t be thinking about her. That thought made me desire her just more. My instinct was telling me to kiss her. It craved to explore her mouth. I was afraid that I wouldn’t do it properly, I might even embarrass myself by missing her lips and end up kissing her jaws or her cheeks. No. I had to wait for Sebastian’s advice. It was for the best. But pulling away was demanding as my body was in contradiction with my mind. So to make things slightly easier, I started speaking.
I realised during the entire time she didn’t even flinch, letting me discover her.
- « Shall we head back? » I questioned.
- « Sure » she replied sounding almost disappointed.
I knew I needed to ask for Sebastian’s help as soon as possible. Valerian and I were just getting closer everyday. And if I didn’t want Sebastian to have her first, I needed to act fast.
Nathara climbed onto my shoulders and we headed back to Anne’s room. As I knocked, I heard them laugh. It warmed my heart to hear them spending some time together. I then entered the room, followed by Valerian.
- « You’re back. I Hope your time together was … fruitful » said Anne teasing.
I knew she was looking at me so I gave her my big eyes serious look.
She just laughed.
- « I managed to pet Nathara. And you were right. She is amazing » she announced.
- « We’ll I’m glad. She’s very important to Ominis. » she added.
- « I can see why » she answered warmly.
But she wasn’t talking about the snake. I could feel she was looking in my direction.
- « Valerian, come and sit next to me so we can chat » demanded Anne.
Sebastian stood up, moving his arms towards the bed being a gentleman as he said « My lady ». Of course as men we were raised to be gentlemen, especially towards ladies. But I still deplored his action. He didn’t have to firt with her.
« You’d better tell me everything later » he whispered to my ear taunting me.
I just smiled.