CH.8 Butterfly
729 Words
As they all sat at the dinner table with Braelynn still glowing about her acceptance, Wyn wondered deeply about her. It was unusual, to say the least for her to be so thrilled about something he didn't understand, how could he?
Wyn watched as the food was placed on the table, the aroma filling his nose quickly which made his stomach growl loudly.
Yet, In his stomach there was a swooping feeling, he was listening and watching as Braelynn showed him how to assemble his taco but couldn't help but feel the darkness in his heart.
"This is wonderful, thank you so much for inviting us tonight."
At his mother's thanking he questioned if she felt the same darkness, smiling dismissively at his feelings.
"Yes, thank you so much Mr and Mrs...umm.."
Lucy, Braelynn's mum, chuckled.
"It's Winters dear, and please don't thank us it's the least we can do for you."
Their kindness was powerful, it made Wyn clench his taco a little too much.
Before he knew it the words were flying out of his mouth,
"You're not upset we're from Claw? Or do you pity us?"
Eyes widened around the table, his own after taking a few breaths. He stood from the table and walked out of the room clumsily, leaving behind the barely touched food.
Wyn found himself on a balcony, watching as the sun began to set leaving a golden cast on everything in sight.
"Stupid..."
He muttered furiously to himself while slapping his forehead, footsteps slowly making their way to him.
"Wyn?"
It was the first time he heard her say his name but it made everything feel better, meeting Braelynn's eyes.
"I'm...I'm so sorry about that I just..."
"You don't need to apologise."
Braelynn stood beside him on the balcony and leaned against the railing with her back, smiling.
"You have nothing to apologise for because my parents are...a lot. But they're not upset you're from Claw and they probably do pity you. Because Claw is not that good of a place and they don't want you to suffer..."
Wyn listened but didn't meet her eyes, focusing on the buildings before him, counting the bricks as he spoke.
"I didn't mean to get mad I just...was envious. You go to a school, you got accepted into a super classy court thing and you have a lovely home with great food and no worries..."
She scoffed,
"Who says I have no worries?"
Both of them paused for a moment before Braelynn turned around and leaned on the railing with her arms, closing her eyes.
"We don't have the same worries. I worry about my work, my studies and everything I love fading before I can even grasp onto it. You,"
Her eyes opened and landed on his, with the smallest smile.
"You worry about making it through another day, you worry about food and how you'll survive and when you will finally live."
For a second he was taken back before hanging his head, mumbling.
"How do you reckon that?"
"I'm going to Butterfly Writing Court, you don't think I had to study about the other Gates? Only the top students with above A's get in, meaning you gotta know everything possible."
Wyn smiled a bit, seeming to relax.
"So you're super smart basically?"
"Pretty much yeah."
Laughter bounced between them before he rubbed his head anxiously, looking back towards the door.
"I should really apologise to your parents, they were only trying to be nice."
As he took a step back there was a tug at his hand, Braelynn was looking away but her hand was on his. Even though there was a buzzing feeling from the contact he tilted his head at her,
"Brae...?"
"Watch the sunset with me, please? I want to show you something."
Wyn nodded though she didn't see it, in their minds, there was a race of thoughts. She wondered if she was overstepping but also felt warm, though their eyes didn't meet both watched the sun lower until there was a flutter.
"Wha...?"
There was a moment of serenity as thousands of wings fluttered by, the sky is filled with a parade of butterflies with the most beautiful patterned wings.
As they crossed the sky Wyn felt Brae clasp his hand lightly, a smile playing on his lips as their spirits lifted.
"Welcome to Butterfly, Carwyn."
- Writer
