The Destined Queen

Chapter 8

*Ashten* 

I was engrossed in sports when she walked down the stairs, her blank tank top and white shorts seemed sparkling under the sun. Or I maybe thinking like that. But everything suited her, mostly black. It brings out her eyes and her beautiful grey hair, which Our Maw always complimented her about. It was easy. She complimented me about my smart and kind nature, Rose about her perfect bakery skills and Winter, about her hair. She didn't distinguish between us. We were all her grandchildren. She saw us equally. She complimented us about our physical, personality and talents, and always told to stay together because without each other we are nothing. She said that. But I beg to differ. I think Winter will always thrive in her life, even without Rose and I. I practically begged Rose to take me to Winter. I was apart from her for too long. I had to come see her. Especially now that Maw is gone. It seems strange to even say this sentence. She is gone. Our strength. Our light. All gone. We have only got each other. But I don't know about Winter and I. I love her. I love her a lot. I always have. She is kind, beautiful, talented and so much more. The moment I saw her when she and Rose were playing together, I fell for her. Deep. We are childhood friends but I shifted to their neighborhood after a while. I didn't know it was love, obviously. And when I knew, I couldn't tell her. How could I? It risked my friendship with her. She walked straight to Rose and Aunt Annie. She didn't even glance at me. One day, I put up my courage and confessed to her. Surprisingly, she accepted my proposal. And we dated. But then I had dreams and responsibility. We had too many debts to clear. They don't know about this. I had to do something to financially support my family. So, I went away. To work. We had to break up. My family shifted to our old run down house when I went to work overseas. But everyone including my best friends know that they went away with me. Though never showed up. I had to work and fulfill my dreams too. So, I worked there as waiter, bartender, carpenter, painter, decorator. Anything. To support my family. Then, One day when where I work, there the sons of the owner of the house were playing games. Run Thrive Survive. I loved that game. Fortunately, I am an athlete and a gamer. Though I always wanted to have my own gaming business, I never thought I could accomplish it. But gods above helped me and blessed me. The owner's friend had a business of his own. A gaming business. When he saw how passionate I was about game, he asked me what I wanted to do with my life. So, I told him. And he gave me his card and told me to meet him at his office the next day. He was a fine man. The next day, I was given a job. To be his assistant. He had no family because he was too busy earning. When he saw what I was capable of, he gave me his company, and told me one thing when he was on his death bed. "Don't be afraid to Love, Son. Love is more precious than money. " He was an experienced old man. So, I listened. But I already have someone whom I love deeply. I know Winter doesn't have that feeling anymore for me. She never loved me. She liked me enough to be with me. I told her that I don't want anything from her. But I do want her back. Now, that I have everything, money, apartments, my family is happy, I just want one more thing. Winter's love. Maw knew she is afraid to love. That's why, although she was friendly, only Rose and I were are only and best of friends. She didn't had a boyfriend other than me. She IS afraid to love but she doesn't know that. Maw knew that's why she told her to always love and love. She always told her that. I think Winter is trying to live and love. Because with Maw gone, I though she will be a wreck. And here she is, living her life. She is apparently happy. I love that she is happy. I am glad that she is happy. I didn't know what would I have done if she would have been miserable. But I can see thought the fact that Maw is gone, she is trying to live. She is trying her best. She is not locked up in her room, crying her eyes out. She isn't in any trouble. She loves her job and I am glad that she is alright. I also am afraid that she has found someone else that's why she is happy but I will do everything to win her back. EVERYTHING. I will give my everything to win her back. To make her fall in love with me. " Lunch is ready. " Aunt Annie shouted from the table. Uncle Gerald stood from the sofa and patted my back. " Come on, Ash. " He said and went off to the table. He as usual kissed his wife on her cheek and thanked her for the food. Kissed his daughter kn the cheek and thanked her for the food, and kissed Winter on her cheek, just because he loves her more than us. I am not jealous but why don't I get a kiss? Ew. No, I don't want a kiss. Maybe a pat in the back. " Ashten baby. " Winter sang from her chair. I glared at her but smiled a bit. It was a nickname given by her to me. She pisses me off with this name. Well, at least she thinks so. I love this name. And when it comes out of her mouth, it does some things to my body. I won't say that because I would sound like a p*****t then. Which I am not. I have only been with Winter. Not anyone else. No one is for me. Except her. I stood from my place and walked to the chair between Winter and Uncle Gerald. I wish my parents were here. But they intended to stay in their luxurious home. I hope my father is not gambling again. Yes. That is what I am afraid of. My father gambles. That's how we lost our home and were in debt when I finished high school. My mother stays away from my father however she can. Recently she has been seen dating a guy. I confronted her about her mistakes but she didn't regret it. She said she is in love with him. So, I left them in their luxurious house and came here. I asked them to come but my father was far too comfortable and my mother had her boyfriend to be with. They are fine without me, it seems. They are more like careless parents. Not like Uncle Gerald and Aunt Annie. Not like Maw. I have been blessed in every way. This is my family. And wherever they are, is my home. I sometimes don't care if my father gambles because I have enough money to waste and then some. People call me The rising Mount Everest. Because according to them I am rising beyond everything.And I am not going to stop. Well, I won't truly. And with Winter on my side. Everything will seem less torturous and more fun. More loving.  

Aunt Annie jerked me by my shoulders and that pulled me out of deep thoughts. " Ashten, stop thinking about your business and start eating. " Aunt Annie scolded me. I chuckled and scratched the back of my head. She is a mother figure for me. I am blessed. I smiled and started eating the lasagna, which is our favorite.  

*Winter* 

After I emptied the plate, I helped Auntie Annie and Rose with the dishes. I don't know why Emerson is angry at me. What did I do? We just met, so, It can't be jealousy. " What are you thinking about, Winter? " Aunt Annie asked. " Nothing. " I smiled. " Is is about a boy? " She wiggled her brows and smiled. " No. " I chuckled. " Is it Ashten? " She gasped. " No, Aunt Annie. I'm thinking about my new perfume. " I lied. It is about a boy, but not  Ashten. He is not in my mind. "What is the concept of the perfume? " She asked. " Rainbow. " And as expected her brows went up high touching her Hairline. " Woah. " Was all she said. I laughed and Rose just smiled.  

We sat together talking about our past. How better those days were. We laughed and laughed and laughed. The time flew by and light went too. The moon shining at the sky. " Tomorrow let's go to shopping. " Rose suggested. " What? Why? I have clothes. " I whined. Don't get me wrong. But Shopping is a hassle. I only buy clothes when I need it. " You are the only girl that says that. " Ashten laughed. I nudged him with me elbow. He laughed more. Jerk face. " Then what do you want to do? " Rose pouted. " Let's go today. For fancy dinner after a movie. " I suggested. " Then, Let's watch that zombie movie. It's Korean with English subtitles, obviously. Let's watch it at home and then we will go for a fancy dinner. " Rose said, her eyes sparkling with delight. " Sounds good to me. #Alive it is then. " I smiled. Ashten nodded his head to support Our idea.  

Popcorn, Juices, blankets, lights, movie, everything was ready. We were so pumped up. Myself included. We all gathered together, Uncle, Aunt and Rose sat side by side. I sat beside Rose and Ashten beside me. The lights dimmed and I started the movie. Rose, Ashten and I loved watching these movies. It started and Rose and I shouted. " Woooooohhhh. " Ashten covered his ears.  

Park shin hye was in the movie. I love her. She is such an amazing actress.  

While, the movie played, I sensed someone watching me. It was Emerson. I watching a zombie movie and A damned soul was in my house. Funny. He nodded his head towards my room. I raised my brow at him. " Go to your room." He shouted. My eyes widened. I glanced at them. No one heard him. " They can't hear me. I don't want them to hear me. That's why. " He was now in my front of me. I drew in a sharp breath. Him so close to me is not good. He knelt in front of me. " I want to talk to you in private. " He said, his eyes pleading, no trace of anger. I dipped my chin to show him that I understand. He walked to my room. He Walked. Why? He can just disappear. Stop looking at his back, Winter. I shook my head. " I want to go to the bathroom. " I muttered and went to my room. I felt Ashten's stare on me the whole time I walked the stairs. I shrugged it and entered my room.  

Emerson was standing by the window, leaning on the window sill. " What? " I asked, shutting the door, crossing my hands, and raising my brows. " I love the view from here. Though U have seen everything, It still seems beautiful. " He said, his back still at me. He didn't turn around. " What do you want to say to me, Emerson? " I asked, with enough coldness in my voice and face. He turned around, and I saw the sadness in his eyes. " I am sorry. I overreacted. " He said. " It's okay. I'm sure you are facing some problems back home. " I said. " Home. " He humorlessly chuckled. " I don't have home, Winter. " His voice laced with grief and anger. " But you have been staying there for centuries. " I said. " And I have friends there. That doesn't mean that is my home. " He said, sitting on my bed. "How can you sit on my bed when you can't touch stuffs? " I asked. " Jacob's courtesy. He found a loophole in the law governing our realm. One of the law is no damned souls can touch anything non loving or living when it goes to other realms. But Jacob spared me because I am his best friend. " The word "It" felt like a needle to my heart, piercing through the veins and blood pouring out of it. " Jacob can do that? " " Yes. But he cannot bend all of the rules. He just found a loophole to do that for me. I don't know how. " He shrugged. I nodded my head and sat beside him. His knee touched, no grazed and passed through my knee and a shiver ran through me. " I am sorry. " He said. " It's okay. " I smiled. I would have hugged him but he is a damned soul. A damned soul can not touch anyone or anything. Except sitting and standing on the floor. Thanks to Jacob. Because if he wouldn't have done that for him, I wouldn't have gotten a friend like him. A bit over reactive, but a friend nonetheless. 

The door opened, And Ashten entered. " Who are you talking to? " He asked, scanning the room. I forgot to lock the door.