NOVEL NEXT Chapter 18: Most evil aunt
Anezka's Pov
The word "beguile" is a beautiful term that means deception. I encountered it in one of Aunt Alora's captivating books.
I've always been the curious one, I often find myself lost in the pages of stories that spark my imagination, always eager to uncover something new. Little did I know that I would find a personal connection to such a profound word.
At this moment, I retreat to my room, seeking solace after a day of feeling unwell—both physically and mentally. The effects of sacred imber weigh heavily on my body, leaving me drained and weary.
Mentally, I am still reeling from an unwelcome comment made by a lady whose sharp words cut deeper than I expected. Just as I barely settle into my space, Rhea's voice breaks through the haze, revealing that the lady who troubled my thoughts is, in fact, my eldest aunt nesryn.
I turned my gaze toward Rhea, who stood by the wardrobe door, a playful smirk dancing on her lips. "Eldest Aunt, wow, that really suits her!" I thought, but a shiver of unease rippled through me.
I could almost feel it in my bones: she would do anything to undermine me. In that moment, I couldn't help but label her my most devious aunt. "I've concluded that she's my most evil aunt",
Perhaps I was being too hasty in my judgment, yet her remarks had a biting edge that lingered in the air.
Rhea caught my small, rude comment and burst into laughter, the sound light and infectious. "If you think she's your most evil aunt, then only Holy Gaia knows how you're going to feel about the rest of your family!" Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she added a layer of humor to the tension, reminding me that there were many more relatives to consider in this tangled web.
As the weight of Rhea's statement settled in, I buried my face into the plush pillows, letting out a frustrated groan. "Ahhh, how am I going to embark on this new journey feeling like this?"
My thoughts swirled in a chaotic dance, a tempest of uncertainty. Noticing my distress, Rhea slid onto the bed beside me, her comforting presence radiating warmth. She tenderly ran her fingers through my hair, her touch both soothing and gentle.
"There, there. I know it's going to be incredibly tough, but this is a part of your life now—" Her voice was like a soft melody, calming yet filled with the gravity of reality. Suddenly, a gentle knock interrupted us.
"May I come in?" With a quick burst of energy, I adjusted myself, sitting up straighter, while Rhea rose gracefully to open the door. As she swung it open, an adorable figure with wide, curious eyes stood there—my 8-year-old brother, Adrian. His face lit up with a bright smile, and I felt a wave of gratitude wash over me.
I was thankful that our mother had introduced me to everyone's names, so I immediately recognized the spirited little boy standing before me.
"I wanted to have a conversation with you," he said, his tone gentle and polite. "Of course you can," I replied, a warm smile spreading across my face.
The thought of having a sibling made my heart race with excitement—a partner in crime to share countless adventures with. I've always been captivated by the idea of fun-loving siblings, their laughter echoing through the halls and the mischief they conjured together.
As I reminisced about my time living with Aunt Alora, I could picture the quiet, lonely days. In that house, I was surrounded by silence, the only child in a world that felt too big.
School felt like a lonely battlefield with no friends by my side. My longing for a sibling became a soft ache in my heart, one that led me to create my own little universe.
I had a cute brown dog plushie, worn and fuzzy, whom I treated as my imaginary brother. I would sit for hours, weaving elaborate stories and adventures, pretending he was right there beside me.
Just as I lost myself in those cherished memories, Adrian's curious voice broke through my thoughts, bright and eager. "Are you my long-awaited gift?"
His innocent question caught me off guard, a blend of confusion and warmth washing over me. Just then, I noticed Rhea slipping out of the room, her quiet presence fading away as she granted us a moment of privacy.
I turned to Adrian, curiosity etched on my face, and asked, "Long-awaited gift? Who told you this, Adrian?" He settled beside me, his bright, big eyes sparkling with excitement—a delightful sight that made my heart flutter.
"I've always wanted a big sister," he confessed, a hint of longing in his voice. "Just like Aiden has Aella as his big sister. When I shared this dream with Mum, she smiled and said I already have a big sister. But I'll only get her if I stop my mischief and become a good, polite boy. Then, as a reward, she'll come back to me."
His words stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me, and I fought to hold back the tears that threatened to spill over. "Yes, Adrian," I replied, my voice soft but steady, "I am your long-awaited gift. I've waited for you too, more than you know. But now, sitting here with you, I feel a deep happiness that we've finally found each other."
His gaze held a mix of surprise and hope. "Really? You were waiting as well? I was so angry at you for making me endure that long wait," he admitted, his brow furrowing in thought. "But you..." He paused, his expression softening as he took in my features.
"You are breathtaking, even more beautiful than that foolish Aella. I'm actually considering forgiving you." He nodded, as if assuming the role of a sage adult who was weighing the gravity of a monumental mistake, trying to balance the scales of his emotions with a newfound understanding.
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"This is what I want: I want to grab my brother's hand and run back through time, losing years like coats falling from our shoulder."
- By Jandy Nelson