Noah

The day to face my aunt has arrived. Thinking about her sends shivers down my spine. If it wasn’t for familial obligation, I would’ve refused to entertain her presence.

It's just one day, she isn’t going to be here for long. After she’s gone, you’ll be able to breathe free again. Don’t freak out, it’s only your aunt and not the entire family. You’ll get through this, Noah.

“Noah?”

Amel stares at me with a worried look. I must’ve been standing in front of the mirror for a concerning amount of time. My expression’s crystal clear in the mirror. No good, anyone would be able to see through my masquerade. I have to mask myself better. Smile. Don’t overdo it though, make it seem natural.

“Yeah?” I hope my tone conceals my emotions.

“Are you gonna be okay? You seem out of it.” 

I have to improve my pretense, “I’m fine, really.” Laugh it off, no big deal. “I have to go now. My aunt loathes waiting.” There’s still an hour left for her arrival though. But it’s true that my aunt detests people who waste her time.

Tick Tock Tick Tock

Every movement around me feels intensified. The clock’s ticking and tocking makes me irascible. I can hear a bee’s incessant buzzing, a blast of wind stirs the windows, the Dorm Master’s voice can be heard, the rhythmic sound of my feet tapping on the floor amplifies with each thump. A heavy footfall approaches the bleak, brown door. The door creaks and a tall lady in a fine, black corset dress stands. My eyes fall on her onyx hair illuminated by the light, then darts to her face and her body – sharp, angular visage and gaunt arms. The woman’s none other than my aunt.

“Hello, Noah. It’s good to see you again.” She tilts her head and her signature smile comes upon her face, curved at the edges and her dimples apparent.

“It’s good to see you too, Aunt Kandrela,”I extend my arm for a handshake. She grips my hand firm and I fail to return her shake with the same vigor. “Please, have a seat.”  She sits on the sofa, crosses her legs and serves herself to the tea and biscuits which have been kept on the table in front of her.

I can feel her piercing eyes on me. My throat is coarse, I’ve become acutely aware of every movement I make. It’s hard to breathe with the knowledge that I’m being observed. The wait for my aunt to finish a sip of her tea is perpetual, the dreadful silence heightens my discomfort.

“So Noah,” she shifts in her seat, “How’s life at the boarding school?”

I have to sound firm in my reply, no cracks suggesting any weakness, “I’m getting used to the dorm life. Not as terrible as I thought.”

“Is that so?” A rhetorical question, answering it would invoke her displeasure. She takes another sip, “Have you been on any mission?” She pauses. “Oh, what am I even saying? It’s been two months since you came here, you must’ve gone in five missions at least.” She glares at me, “Am I right?” She saw through me.

“It’s two, Aunt Kandrela.” The blood rushes to my face and I lower my head.

“Only two?” She raises her voice, “What have you been doing all this time? I’m disappointed, your parents will be disappointed, Froyr would be disappointed.”

‘Froyr’ a name I haven’t heard for months, the name belonging to my cousin brother – Froyr Cessus Eumen.

“Speaking of Froyr, did you know that he’s already gone on eleven missions and even slayed a Bestial Griffin all by himself? I’m so proud of him.” She places her teacup on the table, “You, on the other hand...”

I have no excuses. Coming up with one would exacerbate her dismay. I remain quiet and await her next barrage of harsh words.

“Let’s forget about Froyr for now. I want to know more about what you’ve been up to. After all, we don’t know when we’ll get to talk again. I’m a busy person.” She leans forward, “Are you living with a roommate?”

I knew she’d ask this question at some point but my heart sinks despite my foresight, “Yes, his name’s Amel.”

“Oh,” her brows raise, “What’s he like?”

“He’s a decent person.” I think of more to say without revealing much, “The same age as I am. He’s from Eirenaius East.” When the words ‘Eirenaius East’ roll off my tongue, regret immediately wells up in me.

“Eirenaius East, hmm” she folds her arms, “ Is he a half-breed by any chance?”

Even if I deny, she’ll see right through my facade. Before I could come up with an appropriate response, she remarks, “So he is a half-breed.”

“Yes.”

“Noah,” her voice is authoritative, “You’re not associating with those impure people, are you?” A lump forms in my throat.

“Oh, you share a room with them so I guess you can’t avoid interaction completely,” she clicks her fingernails, “But I hope you haven’t started to change your mind about them, have you?”

“No, they’re as despicable as ever.” A sharp sting of remorse overwhelms me as I say this.

“That’s good.” She sneers, “Speaking of half-breeds, do you remember that half-breed boy in your class when you were twelve?”

No, no, no! The memories are all creeping up.

“So you do remember. Of course, you’ll remember him. It hasn’t even been that long and you weren’t too little,” she sips her tea while I hang my head down. “Stop being rude and look at me when I speak, Noah!”

“Yes,” I slowly turn my head to look at her.

“That’s better,” she flips her hair, “Remember how the entire class would treat him, including you and Froyr? I hope you haven’t forgotten.”

“No, I haven’t.” The memory’s all too clear in my mind to forget about it.

“Good,”  she takes a bite of her cookie from the tray, “Your parents were so proud of you for being an obedient kid. I hope that obedience has seeped we’ll into adulthood. Oh, but you’re still a helpless, fragile kid in our eyes. A child who needs the guidance of his parents and relatives. Don’t forget that. And you do know what will happen if you go against our wishes, right?”

My body quivers. “Yes, Aunt Kandrela. I’m we’ll aware of the consequences.”

When is she leaving? I can’t handle her presence anymore.

“Oh, it’s already 3:00 p.m. I should get going now,” she stands up,” Would you see your aunt off?”

“Yes,” I follow her to her Mana-car and we catch sight of Amel as he waters the flowers. He waves at me but I ignore it. My aunt grimaces but morphs it into a smile when he looks at her. The chauffeur holds the door open.

Before Aunt Kandrela enters the vehicle, she leans toward me and whispers into my ear, “Remember the consequences, No-ah.”

Her words leave me immobilized and my body quivers uncontrollably.

**********