Burying the Hatchet (COMPLETED)

Wordsmith

Eli was excited to take a shower because she stinks. When she entered her room she immediately went to the walk in closet to choose a set for a change of clothes. A mixture of muted colors greeted her. Mostly were in shades of grey, black, brown or white. She rarely wears colors with the latter because it could  get soiled easily.

“Open drawer number three,” as she said that the metal drawer hatched open. 

There were a bunch of lingerie that looked like you were barely wearing anything. 

“Sol,” she scowled and threw each one of them out. Looking for her favorite pair of underwear, the normal ones. “Finally, I thought she had thrown you out too.”

Next thing she did was to choose an everyday wear outfit. ”Clothes, pants and shoes options.”

Then an array of it greeted her. Sprawling in front of her eyes. While she stares at each one of them a certain description pops up. Mostly durability, comfort and material information. “Upper wear  U24, bottoms P10 and for footwear S20.”

Everything else drops in a sterilized metal bin, already folded and sorted like you just bought it out of a*****e. This has been up and running ever since the EDEN system was realized. People picking their clothes like buying their favorite drink off a vendo machine. The wardrobe system can even give you a stylist’s opinion, though it would cost you a fortune for the subscription. By that Eli evaded the wallet rip and went for solid and neutral colors. Anything fancy is Sol’s territory.

What she actually picked were: a  black turtleneck crop top with long sleeves and a centimeter thick belt attached on both sides like an appendage. Next one she opted for a black leather pants. Then went with her all time favorite combat shoes in black too. 

She smirks, “You can never go wrong with black, Sol told me so.” Then picked up the bin and went her way to the shower.

When the door glided to the side the first thing she saw was her reflection on the mirror. She dropped what she was holding, the reason she hurt her right foot. 

Don’t let the mirror fool you…

Fray’s words resounded in her head. Something is definitely wrong with her eyes. Yes she looked like a mess but not with blood but with sweat and dirt. Even her wounds from the earlier spar didn’t leave a trace. That couldn’t be her regenerating abilities because she has been to many beat up situations and they didn’t heal that quickly. In fact when she recalls it right, the moment she left Fray from training she felt lighter. She thought maybe a weight was lifted from her shoulder since she’s done with a crash course. Even her blackouts are out of the question too. She can’t possibly faint while staying awake.

“That would not make sense,” she whispered. The injured foot is now throbbing but the rest of her body isn’t.

She didn’t take a shower as planned and stormed her parent’s quarters. While on her way a lot of questions crowded her mind. Though she hopes  it will be answered the moment she sees them.

Frantically pressing her hand on the scanner the door finally opened. Her mother and father were laughing with each other as they sip their afternoon tea. She hates to disturb them but her questions can no longer wait.

“Mom, Dad,” she opens up the conversation as usual but with an awkward smile.

Her mom’s expression changed from a smile into a worried face.  “What’s wrong Eli? you look distressed,” she asks while caressing her face.

Mothers might be powerful psychics though they are unaware of it.

She thought to herself while formulating the next words.

 “Has there ever been a time where I have blackouts even though I’m wide awake?”

Her mother looked at her father with a weary expression. It was her gut telling her that something is off! Though she’d like to think she is wrong at some point.

“Yes.” Her mother burst into tears remembering the days she used to suffer because of it.

“What...are you saying? that can’t be,” she bites a portion of  her knuckle due to nervousness.

Her mother put down her cup of tea and rushed to her side. Rubbing her back gently meant she was about to  tell her something explosive.

“I don’t want you to hear this from me but I guess I’m the best chance you’ve got,” she explains.

Eli’s forehead creased. The anticipation is killing her that’s why she wasn’t able to stop herself from lashing out. “Screw my feelings, you always claim you want to protect me but it’s always for your own selfish benefits!”

She felt a stinging sensation on her right cheek. Even massaged it a little bit. She glared at her mother, stares that could pierce through her and kill her on the spot. “I deserve the truth more this time. That’s the only way I’ll be able to forgive you not for slapping me but for freaking lying to my face. Mom.Dad please, “ she begs suppressing the welling tears in her eyes.

While Sally covers her mouth, in shock too. Still can’t believe that she was able to lay a hand on her youngest, for the first time. When she uncovers it meant she was ready to bare it all. 

“It first happened when you were six. I don’t know if you still remember but you were playing with Sol at the beach. Building sand castles, when suddenly you ran from her. We thought it was normal since she was about to smudge your face with mud. But then you were screaming as if you see things differently.” She rubs her hands against her arms as if trying to warm herself from the cold memory. Then walks closer to Eli. “You blacked out after that. When the doctor asked you...you said you saw Sol’s hand covered in blood instead of mud.”

“I know, you told me yourself that it was due to my mental illness. That I suffer from hallucinations,” her voice cracked.

Her mother shakes her head. “I’m sorry that was not the whole story. Trei was the reason behind it.”

Eli clicks her tongue, “I knew it, anything that involves her is spells trouble. The woman is a walking disaster.” Then she crosses her arms.

This time her mother reaches for her hand and is looking at her intently. “It was her way to hide you from your father. Because he thinks you have died with your mother but she can’t take chances. She told us back then the she should be the one to raise you. But we insisted and she took the villain role to save you. Give her a chance Eli.”

She scoffs, “chance? Where does that leave me? She stole my life from me, trapped in her cursed castle called my brain. If that’s what it means to be family, I will not acknowledge her. Not after what I discovered.” She shakes her head. “Your fake deaths were the worst. I f*ck*ng mourned. I was traumatized but I got no choice but to continue living, so I could avenge you. She better cut the family crap.”

“So you’ve heard. A little bird told me.” Trei enters the scene spineless as always. “I have eyes, ears and mouth everywhere remember? I’m a dictator and a manipulator too. The main villain in your sad story. Bohoo.” She even shows her a fake crying act. “Are you done with your petty sentiments?” She stares at her newly painted nails in black and blows on it. Purposely irritating her niece. “I have a raid to plan.”

Then leaves the room as fast as she arrived.

Eli was about to run after her but her father stopped her. “Give it time, she’ll grow into you. She may act cold on the outside but out of all of us, she cares for you the most. Pouring her blood, sweat and tears for you.”

She gently takes back her left arm and quietly left the place. Looking like the calm before the storm. Seething in her anger. When she came back to her room, she picked up the stuffs she had thrown earlier. Decluttering always puts her mind at ease. Every time she has to think things through she does that. After everything else she felt the exhaustion piled up. Both physically and mentally. The tub winked at her as if inviting her to take a dip and drown out the voices inside her head. She did exactly that.

“Finally taking a long awaited and needed bath, after a sh*tty day. Of all the times, the revelations decided to kick me to the curb a few hours before my first raid.” She then strips her clothes off one by one. “My aunt is indeed a formidable monster. I was her longest living lab rat,” she smiled bitterly and finally stepped into the tub then submerged herself. Leaving only bubbling ripples on top of her.