Dominion

Nature and Nurture

I sat on the wooden chair at the front balcony of the mansion, enjoying a cup of tea Thomas has prepared for me and the fresh air of the night. I needed this to calm myself after heated discussion earlier today.

"They're cunning when it comes to playing with emotions."

I hate to think that he's playing with me but Gabriel is right. He's a demon and he still can't be trusted. However, it pains me to think that the kindness and restraint to feed he had shown me were all for show.

I stood up and walk towards the railings, leaning over and rested my hand upon it before looking up in the dark sky as I let out a long loud sigh.

He has not come back since he disappeared today. I don't wanna see him after what happened but I couldn't help but wonder where he is and what he's currently doing.

"Young Miss..." Thomas called.

I turn around to face him and smiled as soon as our eyes met.

"Would you mind if I retreat to my room for the night?" He asked courteously.

"Of course not, Thank you." I nod my head, keeping the soft smile.

He bowed in return then turned. But instead, I saw him hesitate before turning around to face me again.

"Young Miss, if I may..." He started which certainly got my attention.

I have always treated Thomas to be my blood relative. He's like an uncle I never had ever since he has grown mature even if I've known him since he was a boy. He managed all my affairs in my absence and had protected my identity as an immortal and a fallen angel.

I may be way older than him but he has wisdom can't even compare to mine. I don't know the difference with humans but they have always acquired wisdom with age. Maybe it due to their feeble bodies, that death is inescapable.  I know wisdom is gained through experience but I have lived over thousands of years, and it seemed to me that they're more mature than I'll ever be.

I sometimes think I'm like a teenager when it comes to handling emotions after reflecting on my actions and the words I chose to speak. Emotions are incredibly hard to handle but as I think deeply of it, I can no longer remember a time when I didn't feel anything when I was still an angel.

There are things that still baffles me when it comes to human behavior and emotions... well, Thomas said that human behaviors cannot really be learned. It varies from person to person and it changes especially after a rough patch through a person's life. 

One of the things he has taught me is that with every man's action or decision, there's a driving force behind it... Man has reasons why he does things which other people may not understand, unless, they're willing to listen.

"Sure. What is it?" I asked and nodded at the same time.

"I've been observing both you and Young Master Jacob. Ever since the little boy came to this house, he had also taken an interest in you." He started.

"Everyone in this house knows that he's a demon yet you've been very kind to him like you always are... You were afraid but you take courage from it and still be kind, but your behavior towards him, especially him, has gotten into my mind.

Don't let his words blind you. Actions always speak louder than words, young miss. He can say all the right things and can make you feel something you've never felt before but his actions will reveal his true desires. He may also speak in a way that would hurt people but his action may say differently. It's complicated but, if you keep your eyes and heart open, you will see. 

However, faith in someone can cause change to that person even if his true nature is evil..." He stated with a softest, calm expression.

"Do you think he can really change? I mean, he's made evil... do you think I can make him change?" I asked. 

"You need to have faith, Young Miss. Faith in Him, and Jacob, and yourself." He answered. 

"But this won't be easy. His true nature is evil. He will hurt you. Physical wounds heal fast, but wounds struck to the heart may take time or in other chances, it wouldn't even heal if left unattended... but remember, second chances are always given and change is constant." He answered calmly.

I'm gonna get hurt if I continue my plan to change hin.

But if he would change in the end, then getting hurt would be worth it.

"Thomas, you know... what he told me earlier really hurt me. I've never been insulted like that my whole life. For the first time, someone has looked down on me, as if I was a speck of dust under his shoes as if I am a mere toy to him he could play anytime he wants." I said as I leaned against the railings, eyes, looking aimlessly at the garden as my hair flows with the soft breeze.

"Your pride and feelings were hurt but he may say the things he didn't mean to say because anger has gotten the best of him or even jealousy... but, didn't you insult him first before Young Master Gabe followed from your lead..."

"Well, he was showing that attitude..." I retorted, getting defensive instantly.

"What do you expect, Miss? That he would suddenly turn to a gentleman and greet the other as a gentleman would? You know he's a demon and change may take too slow for him."

"So I was wrong?" I asked

"He is rude because that is his nature. Since you know his true nature, you should have not returned the same rudeness but instead and remained polite." He replied.

Evil begets evil. Now I understand...

"Young Miss, a second chance has been given to you but you'd have to nurture goodness to little William. You could also nurture goodness to Jacob by giving him a second changed and by brushing off his evil behavior with goodness. Don't return a bad attitude with another bad attitude because it will just fuel the fire. What keeps evil at bay is not great power but small good deeds, small acts of kindness and love." He stated and a sweet smile formed on his lips after.

His words had enlightened me.

"When people throw you stones, it's because you are a good tree full of fruits. They see a lot of harvest in you. Don't go down their level by throwing down the stones, but throw them your fruits so the seeds of yourself may inspire them to change their ways."

If my hunch is correct that Jacob isn't a pure demon, then I can touch that better side of him by showing him goodness.

"Why doesn't it apply to me?" I asked, smiling back at the old man.

His brows furrow in confusion before asking, "Pardon?"

"With age comes wisdom..." I chuckled.

"It's because you don't really age miss... I mean your body, that is. But I believe, you know these already because you decided to change him. " He teased.

"Thank you for clearing my mind, Thomas. I'm really glad to have you by my side."

"One is glad to be of service." He said then bowed.

After we bid each other goodnight, I went to Jacob's room to apologize if he's there. I had to lower my pride even if what he told me was really degrading.

I won't be able to change him if I won't initiate the apology. Besides, he almost apologizes to me... I think.

If I hadn't cut him off, he would... right?

I called him and knocked a few times at his door but there was no response.

I opened the door slightly and peeked inside only to find it empty. I went to check at William's room but he still isn't there.

After searching for all the possible places he could be and not find him anywhere, I decided I'll apologize to him first thing in the morning. I'll also have to talk to Gabriel about Jacob.

Morning came and I immediately went to his room, but he still isn't there. But instead of leaving, I entered to walked around to have a  look around.

He hasn't touched anything... except the bed. Everything was as it was when this room was given to him. No clothes in the closet, even shampoo, and soap were left untouched.

Then my gaze turned to his bed and immediately noticed a black ribbon under a pillow.

I lifted the pillow and found the black book he was reading before. The cover is just plain black but it looked very old.

My eyes widened when I flipped it open...

"Oh my God..." I muttered in disbelief.

How could this be in his possession?

Suddenly, I heard William and Nami talking outside. I immediately put the book back where it was and step out of the room in a hurry.

"Ah. What were you doing in Jacob's room?" The little boy asked, catching me closing the door od the room as he looks up to me.

"I was looking for him. Have you seen him?" I asked.

"He was with me last night." He smiles.

"He is?" Nami asked looking confused.

"You were fast asleep, Nami." The boy chuckled cutely.

"Rosé, Jake said that you're angry with him so he'll keep his distance with you. He said that you slapped him really hard... May I ask why?" He tilted his head.

I then crouched to his level and explained, "Well, honey, we said things to each other we didn't mean. Out of anger, I slapped him but I'm sorry about it. That's why I'm looking for him. I need to apologize."

"Is that so?" He asked, furrowing his brows and I nodded in response.

"Anyway, go have your breakfast. I'll join you in a while." I suggested, patting his head before I stood up.

After getting ready since I'm leaving for work, I went my way to the dining area where I heard them chuckling, Willian and Jacob.

He's here.

I immediately turn towards the dining area where I saw William sitting by the kitchen counter and Jacob leaning across him and both were laughing. Thomas and Nami were also chuckling while preparing the table for breakfast.

Jacob turned his head in my direction when he noticed me. When our eyes met, his wide smile disappeared then he turns his gaze back to the boy across him.

"Need to go, buddy. I'll see you later." He muttered then vanished instantly.

Few days passed with him vanishing immediately whenever he sees me. He's clearly avoiding me. I felt like I was chasing a mouse and it's actually starting to get on my nerves.

I'm the one who got insulted yet I feel like he's the one who got hurt the most.

But my chance came a week after. He had nowhere to go. He can no longer teleport because he's starving. And I'm glad that he's keeping his word on not drinking fresh blood directly from humans.

I woke up late that night because I was feeling thirsty so I went to the kitchen to drink.

It was dark but since I know my way to the kitchen, I didn't bother to switch on the lights. Then, I saw lights emanating from the blood fridge and as I approach it, I saw him crouching down in front of it.

I stealthily walked towards him, tiptoeing with every step. I crouched down to his level and found out he was struggling to open one blood bag with both his hands trembling

"Hungry, are we?" I whispered to his ear.

His shoulders jumped in surprise, dropping the bag on the floor before turning immediately and look up to me.

"I didn't know demons could get scared." I chuckled at his reaction.

"I wasn't scared. I was just surprised." He scoffs.

I stood up while he picked up the bag and returned it to the fridge before closing it completely.

"Where are you going? I thought you're going to-"

"Getting out of your sight." He said, cutting me off before he stood then walk passed me. 

What is he, a five-year-old? He literally took what I said seriously?

For a demon, he's pretty sensitive which I think is cute of him.

I then grabbed his wrist, stopping him, "Jacob..." I called out, pulling his hand gently but he didn't even turn to face me.

"I'm sorry." I finally said. He turned with his brows furrowed and a half-smirk on his lips.

"Why are you apologizing?" He asked as his expression changes to confusion.

"It's because I started it. If I hadn't insulted you, you wouldn't get angry." I answered calmly.

"You mean when you said I got a stick shoved deep in my ass? You call that an insult?" He scoffs as he asked, eyes even squinting as kept that teasing grin.

"Jacob..." I whined softly, wanting to let him know how serious I am but it just came out as a whine and my foot even stomped.

He then laughs as he looks at me before patting my head, "I didn't mind it tho... I'm so--...." he trailed off. I looked up at him, waiting for him to say the words I think he's having a hard time to say.

"S-ssor..." He stammers. I chuckled by the sight of him struggling to say that simple yet powerful word that would make me feel better.

"Ss-sor...ry..." he whispered, finally saying it which made me smile widely, instantly.

"Do you know how hard it was to find you, Jacob?" I walked towards the switch and turn on the lights.

"What happened to Jake?" He asked with a chuckle

"I thought you hated being called Jake?" I retorted as I got him a glass. I went to the fridge and get a few blood bags to prepare for him.

"I think I've gotten used to it." He replied as he sat by the counter.

I poured the blood in the glass and I can immediately see the glint of hunger in his eyes and at the same time, his Adam's apple moved while gulping his own saliva as he stares at the blood being poured.

"Do you really have to starve yourself?" I asked and slid the glass towards him before staring to open another bag since I knew he would gulp it down in seconds.

"Pride is a deadly sin." He answered before gulping down the contents of the glass then slid it back to me across the counter.

"These are all yours. No one in the house drinks blood. Jake, even if we fight, you can take these anytime. Don't starve yourself." I replied.

"Even if you're blazing in anger to the point of wrath and resentment?" He asked, squinting his eyes in scrutiny.

"Yes, but I don't think I'll be angry at that point," I answered, smiling at him.

"And still let me stay in the house?"

"Mhmm." I nodded.

"Why?" He asked in total confusion.

"I just told you... no one in the house drinks blo-"

"No... Why would you still be kind and feed me and give me shelter even when you resent me?" He asked, tilting his head with brows all furrowed.

"Why do humans do that? I mean, what would you get in return if you house someone you hate?" He continued with his questions. "Won't you just get a bad mood if you see the person you hate every day inside your own house?"

"It's because of love," I answered

"That isn't convincing." He rolled his eyes with a scoff before I slid the glass back to him full of his drink.

"You'll be surprised by what it can do if you learn how to love," I replied.

"I doubt I'll ever learn that." He retorted before drinking the glass full of blood with just a few gulps.

"Then why did you apologize?" I asked which made him stop then put the glass down.

"I..." he started

"You?" I pouted, waiting for his answer.

"I... I hate tears." He answered quickly before averting his gaze from me.

Did he hate tears... my tears?