The World Of Sally

Chapter Twenty-Three: Trying to Mend Things

THE NEWS reached Felix's ears. He went straight to the crown prince who’s in his dorm. He knocked and after hearing his permission, he enters.

“Your highness, I heard what happened.”

“Yes. I reported everything to the headmaster and he expelled those students. That serves as a warning for those people who will try to mess with her.” He muttered. Although she said she doesn’t need his help, he can’t attain to watch her in danger. It’s not him to be someone’s hero but there’s this urge to act when it comes to her.

‘Was it because I’m interested in her?’ He wondered.

“Don’t worry, I didn’t tell Ms. Robia’s involvement in the case. I managed to hide it before the headmaster.” He added and turned to face him.

“Thank you, your highness.”

“Felix, you know I value our friendship, right?”

“Yes, your highness.”

“I hope I won’t encounter the same predicament involving her again. I’m afraid I can’t hide things further for her in the second time.”

“I’ll make sure to watch over her, your highness. What can I do to repay you?”

“Raise your head, Felix.” He ordered. Felix did what was told and surprisingly saw something in Helios' eyes. Deep in those golden eyes, sadness was there. “I will distance myself from Ms. Robia until she understands what I told her. It saddens me but she gave me no choice but to do it.”

“I understand, your highness. It’s wise of you to choose such a decision.”

“Yes, I guess this would be better.”

Felix watched him with scrutinizing eyes and asked him.

“Is it about Ms. Esther?”

“She’s a tough one.” He answered. “She always injured yet she doesn’t seem to be weak in front of me.” He laughed shortly as he sits on his chair. He recalls how she looked him through the eyes and spoke calmly despite the pressure of his mana due to his erupting anger. Felix stared at the crown prince and concluded; the crown prince’s interest is deeper than what he thought.

“You’re dismissed, Felix.”

“Yes, your highness.” He left the room with a serious expression on his face. Deep inside him, there’s an unsettling feeling. He needs to talk to Sally but before that, he needs to have a word with Athena.

‘Oh Athena, you reap what you sow.’ He then started walking to the corridor.

---

Athena is pacing in her room. She’s anxious due to the news about the glass greenhouse incident and frightened of what she’ll receive later if she saw the crown prince.

‘Perhaps he doesn’t know. I wasn’t called about it today. Right, let’s calm down.’ She took a seat on her bed and sighed. As she was trying to calm her nerves, someone knocks on the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s me,” Felix answered. Athena opened the door and closed it the moment Felix entered. She calmed herself and face Felix however anxiety fell upon her again seeing his grave expression.

“Brother…”

“I can’t believe you did that, Athena.” He started. Athena closed her mouth. “To think that you took that opportunity to get rid of Ms. Esther. Are you out of your mind? How can you do that to your friend?”

“She is not my friend, brother.”

“Really? As far as I remember, you were the one who said to me that you’re friends.”

“She never thought of me as a friend!”

“But that doesn’t mean that you should push her to death!” He roared making her silent again. “Did you know what kind of consequence you’ll take if Ms. Esther wasn’t saved at that time? Hm? Can your guilt even carry the burden of murder? My God, Athena!” He massages the bridge of his nose and tried to calm down.

“Did she tell you?” She asked frigidly. Felix glared at her with the same intensity she’s giving.

“No one told me! As if she had one person to tell with. I thought you didn’t but I was wrong. Gosh, you disappoint me.” He sighed.

“Why? Why do you keep on pulling her towards us when I don’t like her? Can’t you consider my feelings?”

“What?”

“I am your sister! You should be on my side!” She fumed. Her eyes were teary and her voice cracked. “I am here first before her! Do you not think that this is a little unfair to me?” Her tears fell from her eyes. Felix didn’t say anything. He kept on staring at her. “Yes, I wanted to be friends with her but I don’t want the two of you to toss me aside! Because when she’s with us it’s like I am not there! I was left alone!”

Felix pulled her in his arms.

“No, we are not leaving you alone. No one did.”

“Yes, you did!”

“No one left your side, Athena. Even if it’s unfair to Ms. Esther’s side, the crown prince hid your involvement in the case.” He stated. Athena’s eyes trembled. She raised her head and look at Felix. He saw how sad he is. He doesn’t like injustice deeds but for the sake of his only sister, he will do everything he can as well to protect her.

“Really?”

“Yes, however, for the meantime, you shouldn’t approach the crown prince.”

“What? I thought,”

“That’s an order from the crown prince. Don’t ignore it. The crown prince did you a favor.” He uttered and gently push her away. He walks towards the door and was about to get out of the room when she asked him,

“Where are you going?”

He halted and looked at her.

“I’m going to look for Ms. Esther.”

“What?”

“Please understand that I’m being neutral here. Both of you are important to me. I already heard your side of the story, now it’s time to listen to hers.” He said and went out. Athena sits on the chair and covered her face with her palms. The feeling of guilt, anxiety, and sadness were building in her chest that it’s hard for her to breathe.

‘Yes, I need to talk to her too.’ She stood up and went out of her room to chase Felix.

“Brother!” She called. Felix stopped again and turn around to face her. “I, I want to talk to her too.” She said. Felix stared at her.

“I don’t think this is the right time.,”

“No. I want to apologize to her. I want to mend things between us.” She insisted. Felix sighed at her stubbornness and agreed.

“Fine.”

“Thank you, brother.” She said and smiled at him.

---

Sally is in the back of the school, staring at the red and red-orange leaves as they swayed with the cold wind. She pulled her coat even more to warm herself. All of a sudden, someone spoke behind her making her startled.

“Hey.” She turned around and saw Ethan. She didn’t reply and looked at the leaves again. “You know it’s rude to ignore someone who approaches you nicely.” He said. She didn’t answer. “I have something for you.”

“Thank you but I don’t need it.” She replied indifferently.

“Take it. I knew you don’t have anything to wear in the winter ball.”

“How’d you know that I don’t have something to wear on the winter ball?” She asked directly, this time, she’s facing him.

“I happened to know it.” He said. She laughed bitterly at his retort.

“I don’t need it because I’m not going to the ball.”

“Ms. Esther,”

“I DON’T NEED IT.” She repeated. His hazel eyes dilated as she saw her blank eyes staring back at him. Even her smile is empty. “I don’t need that dress and your pity, Mr. Lionel. All of this is enough for me.” She added.

“Ms. Esther, I just want to express my gratitude.”

“Then please leave me alone. That’s the best way to express your gratitude.” Ethan shuts his mouth. Sally sighed and walked past through him but she halted when she saw the Robia siblings watching her with a puzzled look. It’s not like she cares about their reactions anymore.

“Good day, Mr. and Ms. Robia, it is nice to see the both of you however I need to leave. Goodbye.” She said and resumed her walk when Felix opened his mouth.

“Ms. Esther, can we speak?” He asked. Sally had already guess what they want to talk about but she’s not in the mood to listen.

“No, you can’t. I don’t have the time today, I apologize, Mr. Robia.” She answered and turned her back but was stopped again due to Athena’s question.

“Are you running away again?”

“Athena,” Felix called to refrain her from being harsh again but she ignores him.

“I know you’re angry at me and I’m sorry for that, but you can’t just run away from this. Will you please just talk to Felix?”

Sally gazed at her eyes apathetically. She blinked and looked down on the ground, hiding her exhausted expression. She just wants to take a rest but it’s like she can’t have that now. Somehow, Athena has a point. She can’t run away. She needs to fix this mess.

“Alright.” She answered.

“Thank you, Ms. Esther,” Felix said and smiled at her. The two gave Sally and Felix privacy and moved a distance away from them.

“What would you like to talk about?” Sally asked Felix.

“How are you?”

“I’m doing well. Thank you for your concern.” She answered.

“I’m glad to hear that… Ms. Esther, I don’t know how to start, if I’m going to apologize or to thank you… I know this may sound unfair on your side but I am grateful for your silence. Thank you for protecting my sister, and I’m sorry for what she did to you.” He said.

The wind blew gently towards them. Sally stared thoroughly at his blue eyes making him feel awkward. She always feels this type of feeling. The injustice, the humiliation, and the feign hope of friendship. She smiled bitterly, her eyes blank.

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know if I should be happy or be angry.” She tried her best to remain calm in front of him. Felix’s eyes are quivering at the sight of her expression. He tried to approach her but she steps back and shook her head telling him not to come any closer. She took a deep breath.

“Either way, it doesn’t matter.”

“Ms. Esther,”

“I think, my debt has been paid by my silence.”

“No, it’s not like that. I’m sorry.”

“You need not say sorry nor to thank me. I have done my part and it’s time for me to exit.” She muttered. “Goodbye, Mr. Robia.” She started walking but stopped when he started talking again.

“Can we remain friends?” He asked. She didn’t answer nor look at him, she resumed walking as if she didn’t hear anything.

Felix’s hands' clench and his eyes were shaking pathetically. He felt that he lost something important. Someone pat his shoulder. He snapped and looked at Athena.

“It seems, that she turned cold towards us.” He muttered with a sad tone. Athena embraced him tightly.

“I’m sorry, brother. It’s my fault.” She uttered painfully. She didn’t want to see her brother hurt and sad. She didn’t like Sally but she can’t ignore Felix’s feelings.

“I wonder if Ms. Esther will attend the winter ball. She doesn’t have anything to wear in that event.” Ethan abruptly said. The two looked at him and he stared at them as well. “Why don’t you give her a gift?” He suggested. Athena’s eyes brighten.

“You’re right, thank you, Ethan. You’re a great help.” She expressed. Ethan smiled at her. He felt a little relief that she can now smile in front of him.

“Don’t mention. It’s not even a good suggestion, I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s a great suggestion. I’ll contact the best tailor in the capital.” Athena said and excused herself. Ethan and Felix remained alone together.

“It’s nice to see her smile,” Ethan said watching Athena’s back.

“Yes, though I don’t like the process of gaining that smile again.” He answered. He glanced at him and notice the crestfallen look in his eyes. Ethan didn’t say anything in return, after all, there’s an answer amidst the absence of sound.

---

Sally entered her room. The same darkness and silence welcome her. She removes her scarf and threw it on the chair near her bed. She lay down on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

‘It’s suffocating, I don’t like it.’ She thought and curled on the bed. She covered her face with her hand.

“It’s hard to breathe here and I have nowhere to go. I’m so pathetic.”

She fell asleep while overthinking and woke up by the series of knocks on the door. She blinked and got confused. Who would visit her? The knock became louder and stronger that if she won’t open the door, it’ll break. She went out of the bed and open the door slowly. Her eyes widen as she saw the person behind the door. She regretted opening the door.

“Y-Your Highness, how did you,”

“… So this is your room. Why is it so dark?” He asked and tried to enter but Sally blocked him.

“Y-Your Highness, why are you here? You shouldn’t be here.”

“Why should I not be here? Is there something you’re hiding?” He asked. Sally felt goosebumps at his low voice. She sighed and answered him with equanimity.

“Your highness, it will not be good if you enter a woman’s chamber. If your highness wants to talk to me, we can talk somewhere else.” She explained. Helios scrutinizes her appearance in front of him.

“Are you crying?”

“No, your highness. I’m not crying.” She denied and forced a smile in front of him.

“Liar. I can see through you. Are you upset about the investigation?” He asked her directly. She didn’t reply and looked away. He touched her cheek and made her stared at his eyes again. She held her breath as they stared at each other.

“I know you’re sad. Tell me, what can I do to console your heart?” He asked.

“You don’t have to your highness. There’s no need for that.” She responded.

“No, I felt like there’s something I should do for you. Tell me.”

“There’s nothing.” She answered again.

“Then? What should I do?” He asked further.

‘I want you to leave me alone, that you don’t show your face in front of me, that you’ll ignore me.’ She thought but she didn't have the guts to say those words to him. She can’t add more trouble to her life. Her silence gave him an indirect answer.

“Tomorrow, meet me at that forest behind the campus.” He uttered before stepping away. Sally gazed at him.

“Yes, your highness.” She answered.

“Goodbye and rest well, Ms. Esther.” He said.

“Goodbye, your highness, rest well too.” She replied and then he left.

***