The Weight of Lies
1385 Words
Bianca.
“You’re here to see me. So, let’s go inside,” she insisted, pulling me along.
“Mom, Dad, look who’s here,” she announced, ushering me in. “It’s Bianca.”
“Bianca,” her mother called, rising to her feet. She rushed toward me and enveloped me in a motherly hug. “It’s so good to see you again, dear.” I melted into her embrace.
“How are you doing, ma’am?” I asked, as she smoothed my hair, showing genuine affection, unlike my own mother, who often faked it.
“I’m fine, darling,” she replied, holding my hand and leading me to the sofa, where she gestured for me to sit. She caressed my hand. “We all miss you, darling.”
“Especially me,” her husband cut in. “I miss you so much.” My heart skipped a beat. They showered me with love. Apart from my brother and father, who genuinely loved me, they were the next closest.
“I miss you too. If it weren’t for my mother, I would be coming here every day,” I admitted, and the room fell silent. What was going on? Did Sophia tell her parents what she saw that day?
“You must be suffering a lot, darling,” her mother whispered. “I’m so sorry. We feel useless. We wanted to report it to the king, but your friend stopped us. She said you wouldn’t like that.”
“I apologize for burdening you with my problems,” I began. “Sophia understands me well, and I don’t want the king to hear about this.”
“What about your father?” Mr. Williams asked. He was Sophia’s father. “Does he know about this?”
“No,” I breathed out. “He knows nothing about it.”
“What!” He exclaimed. “What kind of father is he, not to notice this?”
“He’s always busy with work. I don’t blame him.”
He sighed. “You should at least tell him.”
“I dare not.” I smiled weakly. “I’m scared.”
“You need to muster some courage, darling,” Sophia’s mother added, holding my hand. “You need to let him know. We were all terrified when Sophia told us. Terrified of her killing you, with how bloody you were that day.”
“I’m glad she saved me that day,” I stated, looking up and smiling at my friend. “Thank you.”
“Mother, you should let her rest,” Sophia said, pulling me up. “Enough of this. She’s my friend. Let’s go to my room.”
“See you later, girls.” Her mother’s voice trailed as we left.
She opened the door to her room, and I followed her inside before taking a seat on her bed.
“I’m so happy to see you again,” she beamed. “I thought I wouldn’t be able to see you again.”
“Look at you!” I pinched her soft cheek. “I’m here now.”
“Why did you keep it from me?” she inquired. “That she was mistreating you.”
“I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I didn’t want to drag you into my family mess.”
“You are like family to me. My family,” she retorted. “If I were you, I would have told you.”
“I’m sorry,” I pleaded, feeling guilty. Hearing her say she thought of me like family made me hesitate. She was so happy to see me, while I was here on a mission. I couldn’t summon the courage to tell her. We chatted, played, and ate before I told her I needed to leave.
“Can I come to play with you?” she asked, following me out.
“Yes, you can,” I replied. Since she wanted to use her for her plan, she wouldn’t mind her coming to our house.
“Really?”
“Yes, you can,” I mumbled. “I’ll be waiting for you.”
“Okay, I’ll come,” Sophia said with a smile. “Is your brother around?”
“No, he’s not,” I responded, knowing she was in love with him even without telling me. I could tell from how her gaze never left Daniel whenever she visited. I wondered how she would feel when she found out he was my mate.
“Oh,” her smile faded. I tapped her arm.
“He’ll be back soon, baby girl,” I grinned. “You’ll see him at our coming-of-age ceremony.” I knew that day she could meet her mate and move on from him.
“I can’t wait for that day to come,” she answered, blushing.
She departed, leaving me alone again. With a heavy heart, I walked home, passing through the bushes. I passed by the trees, their branches swaying in the wind. The sky was a deep blue, and the stars shone brightly. I felt a sense of peace and calm, as if nature were giving me a farewell gift.
Ha! I gasped as my house came into view. I would be walking inside this lion den again, and I knew what she was going to ask me first. I stood there for a while, pondering my thoughts. Thoughts of lying to her. I gathered courage and walked inside.
“I’m back,” I announced.
“Welcome back, daughter,” she smiled. I was shocked. I had never seen my mother smile like this. It was genuine. Something was wrong. Why was she so happy? “How was it? Did you tell her?”
“Yes, mother, I did.”
“Good,” she uttered. “You make Mama proud.” I was relieved she couldn’t detect my lies. “Your father is back.” My heart raced at her news. “He brought good news.”
I knew it. She must be happy because the king accepted it.
“About?” I prompted, my heart sinking. Everything bad seemed to be happening to me at once.
“What are you doing?” His voice echoed through the sitting room. I looked up to find him descending the stairs. “My dear daughter.”
I looked at him, my eyes devoid of emotion.
“Father,” I called. “You’re back.”
“Yes, I’m back. I’m back with good news, darling,” he declared. “I’m sure you’ll be pleased.”
“I was about to tell her before you interrupted,” she stated.
“My bad, honey.” I stared coldly as they both showed their affection for each other. She loved my father, and she was happy with him. Why couldn’t she allow me to be with someone I love? The thought of her selfishness made my blood boil.
They finally stopped and turned their attention to me. “My dear future queen,” he began. “You’ll get engaged to the prince as soon as he returns.” I didn’t realize I had started crying.
“Are you that happy?” My father asked, wiping my tears. “I’m glad I could make you happy. The king finally accepted you after a long discussion. You have no idea what I went through to make your wish come true.” What a foolish father!
“Thank you, father,” I groaned. “I’m so happy.”
“I know you will be. Your mother told me you’d be very happy to hear the news. She isn’t wrong. Your prince will be back soon.”
“I know,” I responded, trying to hide my sadness. “Thank you.”
“I’ll ask Iris to design your dress,” mother said happily. “I’ll make you beautiful on that day.”
“Please do, honey. I trust you will make her beautiful.”
I was disgusted by her act. I needed to get out of here before I broke down.
“I’ll go to my room. I need to rest.”
“Okay, my darling. I’ll come check on you,” mother asserted.
“You don’t have to bother yourself, mother. Focus on making me beautiful,” I sneered before walking away.
- Writer
