THE WARD

Eventually, between hiccups and sobs, she falls asleep. It wouldn't be the first time Laira and I have shared a bed but it would be the first time when I see her heart break right in front of me. It is something I can relate to, but I am still at odds with the fact that the quiet, cautious girl snuggled into my side has a vicious streak. When pushed to our limits, I guess we all do after all.

While she rests, I quietly put together a meal for us, for when she wakes up. And most likely, she won't be in a talkative mood, so that will have to wait. It seems that for her is a sensitive subject so probably not the best time to broach.

While the food is slowly simmering on the stove, I tidy up my desk, which is littered with heaps of papers with various notes on my business plan and the house I'm looking to purchase.

A sharp tap on the window disrupts the seamless workflow I've so carefully created, to keep myself from unravelling along with Laira on that bed. Heartbreak is never easy. Is it worth it? In my opinion, it is.

Tiptoeing, I glide under the window and catch a glimpse of Mason who is sitting right at the edge of the window gazing up in the distance.

Another one that doesn't know when to quit. It would be a lie to say that I'm indifferent to his presence. My heart is doing all sorts of acrobatics in my chest at his mere presence.

It never gets old. This kind of love is ageless. And I know that anything that comes after will not compare.

Steeling myself, I slowly open the window quietly crawl up the roof, and settle myself on the other side of the window.

" It's not a good moment, Mase," I say while he hums in return still looking out. What he is seeing, only he knows. He has a habit of doing that, and I've grown accustomed to it. Don't even bother to question it anymore.

" I know," He says eventually," I've been waiting since this morning," Oh, so he was here when Laira and David were arguing.

" What is it ?" Unfortunately, he and I still have one thing that ties us together, well two, if you count the damn spell that will bind us for only God knows how long.

" Is Enid alright?" I don't think he'd bother to come all this way for anyone else.

" She is fine. We need to talk, " He says sharply, a tinge of anger in his voice. So at odds with his calm expression.

" We have nothing to talk about Mason. I've said my peace yesterday. I asked you for time, and you will give it to me," He nods and takes a deep breath.

" We both know that you don't need time. You've already made up your mind," Sometimes, I'm disappointed in myself. I don't even know why I bother to lie to him when I already know that he can tell.

" True," I reply simply.

" Lily," He says pleadingly, " This is ridiculous. This feud between us. I would never hurt you. I can't believe that after all that we have been through you still doubt me," Slowly, he turns and locks eyes with me, and the sudden urge to give in sweeps through me like the summer sea breeze.

" I wonder why?" I reply mockingly with a frazzled smile trying my best to conceal the sudden surge of emotions.

Heaving a sigh, he fumbles in his pocket and brings out the ring I've left on the vanity in the bathroom," It is yours," He extends to me," And yours alone. When I made this, I made with it you in mind. A million colourful stars to my darkened sky. That's what you are to me. My one and only. There will be no other," He says woefully, and I can feel the walls crack a little more. His aim is true, and it hits the weakest points," Don't do this out of spite. I know you feel the same. We've survived so far; don't throw what we have away," He swallows, and I follow that motion, entranced. I don't think I've ever seen a sexier neck in my entire life.

" You lied to me, Mason. What else are you keeping from me? How many more lies are between us? " I have to ask because I need to know even if this is the end of us.

" None," He replies promptly, " That was it. And as much as it pains me to say this, I lied to you for both our sakes," He leans over the window and grabs my hand, placing the ring in the palm of my hand, and closing my fingers around it," I'm so sorry, but I don't regret it. It kept you alive, and I'll never apologise for that, even if you hate me," I don't hate him. I never could, even if I tried. And I did try.

" Mason," My resolve is wavering, and that is all I can say as he slowly lets go of my hand and stands up.

" Think about Lily, before you decide that it is over between us," He says as he shoves his hands in his pockets and stands. I tilt my head to look up at him; from this point of view, he looks majestic, prideful, and invincible.

" I will," I say as I open the window and slink back inside. With one last look over my shoulder, I see him bound towards the edge of the roof and out of sight.

Laira stirs in her sleep but doesn't wake, and I find that I'm too tired to deal with everything and anything at all.

Plopping myself in the chair at my desk, I hold the ring of promise and watch as it catches the light. The little gems sprinkled on it wink at me, and all the memories and emotions I've buried deep down begin rising to the surface.

I'm not a gambler by trade, but I've gambled against the odds, testing fate a lot over the years. I didn't do it alone, though. Mason, Enid, T'aethi, Laira, and David have all been there in one way or another, shaping the future along with me. It would be foolish on my part not to recognise their input. They've had a hand in shaping who I am today.

I may not be the most outstanding citizen, the best person alive, or the kindest, but I try every day to become a better version of myself. At the end of the day, that is all we can do.

Silent tears roll down my cheek, and I let them, for once, I don't try to suppress that part of me, and I don't swallow my feelings because I've learned the hard way they will come and bite me in the ass. Instead, I mourn all that I've lost.