The Mistress Who Took Everything

ch5: The fall

Lily flipped through her sketchbook for a few more seconds, then closed it and set it aside on the nightstand. Without a word, she tucked herself under the blanket, Alina reached over gently pulling the blanket up around her shoulders.

She stood up about to leave, but stopped midway. “Lily…” she said softly.

Lily look up. “Hmm?”

Alina hesitated. “…Nothing,” she said.

She turned off the light beside the bed. “Get some rest,” she murmured.

“Okay. Goodnight, Mom.” Lily whispered, already sounding drowsy.

“Goodnight.”

Alina stepped out of the room and closed the door gently behind her. The hallway was dim. She stood there for a second, her hand still resting on the doorknob.

The next morning, Alina stood in the kitchen staring at a cup of tea that had long gone cold. Lily appeared, still in her pajamas, her hair slightly messy from sleep. She hesitated at the entrance like she wasn’t sure if she was allowed to come in.

"Morning, baby. Did you sleep well? Alina said gently, turning to face her. Lily nodded.

Alina walked closer, crouching slightly so they were at eye level. “About last night…” she began. Lily’s gaze dropped instantly. Alina exhaled softly. “…you didn’t do anything wrong,” she said. Lily looked up. “I just…” Alina hesitated, choosing her words. “I want you to come to me too.”

Then she reached out and fixed a loose strand of Lily’s hair. She smile at her, quickly changing the topic.

"Breakfast?" She asked.

Lily gives a small nod.

By late afternoon, the rain started. It was soft at first then steady. It was the kind of rain that made the house feel even cozier, almost like a snug little cocoon. Alina stood in the kitchen, preparing Lily’s favorite soup. The aroma filled the air. It was a routine she cherished, something she could still hold onto amidst the chaos.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps from the hallway. They were quick and uneven.

“Mom…”

Alina turned around right away. Lily stood at the entrance, her eyes a bit puffy, her voice smaller than usual.

Alina’s expression softened instantly. “What happened?”

Lily hesitated then walked in slowly. “I fell while I was practicing to dance,” she admitted, lifting her arm slightly to reveal a small scrape. "I tripped over the chair."

Alina stepped forward, reaching out gently. “Come here. Let me see.”

Lily moved closer and for a moment, It was just the two of them. Alina guided her to sit, already reaching for the first aid kit. “You should have called me,” she said softly.

Lily looked down at her hand. “...you looked busy, I didn’t want to bother you.”

The words made Alina pause for a second. “You never bother me. Not ever, do you hear me?” she reassured her.

Lily nodded but didn’t say anything back.

Alina cleaned the wound gently. “Does it hurt?”

“A little.”

Alina leaned closer, blowing softly over the scrape. “It’ll be fine.”

Lily watched her quiet and still. And then, footsteps.

Serena appeared at the doorway, her expression immediately changing to concern. “Oh no,” she said softly, stepping in. “What happened?”

Lily looked up at her.

“She fell,” Alina answered before Lily could say anything.

Serena moved closer, crouching down beside Lily. “That must have hurt,” she murmured, her voice warm and soothing.

Lily nodded slightly.

Alina’s hand stilled for a second. "She’s fine,” Alina reassured Selena.

Serena smiled gently. “I know. I just want to make sure.”

She reached out, lightly brushing Lily’s hair away from her face. It was a small gesture, but Lily leaned into it instinctively. Alina saw it but said nothing. “I can stay with her,” Serena offered. “You look busy.”

Alina didn’t look at her. “I’m not.”

There was a brief silence, and then Serena’s voice softened even more. “I thought… maybe she’d feel more comfortable resting.”

Lily shifted slightly. “I’m okay,” she said, but her eyes flickered between them. Alina closed the first aid kit and then stood. “You should rest in your room,” she told Lily.

Lily nodded but didn’t move right away. Serena smiled. “I’ll walk you.”

“I’ll take her,” Alina said at the same time, their eyes locking.

“Can Serena come too?” Lily asked. Everything stilled. Alina looked at her. Lily hesitated. “I … want her to.”

It was simple, honest and devastating.

Alina’s chest tightened but her face remained calm. “You don’t need both of us,” she said.

Lily’s fingers curled slightly against her dress. “But I want...”

“Lily.”

The room went still. Serena didn’t say a word. Lily’s eyes almost filled with tears. “...I want her to come,” she whispered.

Alina stepped back. “Fine.”

Lily’s face lit up. Serena stood slowly. “I’ll be gentle,” she said softly. Alina didn’t respond.

Upstairs, Lily lay on the bed, her arm resting at her side, while Serena sat beside her. Alina stood near the door watching them

“Does it still hurt?” Serena inquired softly.

“A little,” came the reply.

Serena smiled gently. “Would you like me to tell you a story?”

Lily eyes lit up and nodded eagerly. “Yes.”