GLIMMER AND DECAY [COMPLETED]

CHAPTER 20

RAPUNZEL'S P.O.V.

"AREN'T YOU EXCITED, PASCAL?" I asked as I jumped out of my bed.

A week from now and it will be my 18th birthday. And it was that time of my life when I will ask mother a special request: to see the floating lights!

Pascal only stared at me as I went to my closet. I smiled at him. "I know you're excited, too, Pascal. You don't have to hide it from me."

Pascal couldn't talk anymore, but that's okay. The most important thing for me was him being around. After changing my clothes, I went back to my bed. I needed to keep Pascal safe in his tiny box.

"Stay here for a while. Mother's still here, so try to behave. I'll let you know once I've told mother about my request."

It was 7:00 AM when I headed out of my room. My hair scattered all over the place as I started my chores.

This always happens every day, but mother still refused to cut it short. As an alternative solution, I would hang my hair on the wooden pillars and ceiling of the tower to get my golden locks off the floor.

I swept the floor, and polished it with wax. Then I did the laundry, and mopped the floor again. I wanted to impress mother, so she would accept my request.

After the cleaning, I went on with preparing our breakfast. I made her favorite toast and egg, and her cup of tea. I set aside her meal on the table. Mother's still asleep, and she hates it when someone wakes her up.

"I'll continue with my chores, and wait for mother. I don't want to ruin her day," I mumbled to myself as I removed the apron around my purple dress.

I was in the midst of doing the fourth round of sweeping and mopping on the floor when the door to mother's room opened.

"Where's breakfast, flower?" She asked as she went to the kitchen.

"It's on the table, mother," I chirped.

I placed the mop back in the small storage room beside the bathroom and washed my hands.

Mother was preparing the plates on the table when I got back in the kitchen. And even before she told me so, I took the seat in front of her. I smiled when she raised an eyebrow at me.

"How's your sleep, mother?" I asked as if to divert her attention.

But I'm probably acting too giddy for her liking.

"It was good. I dreamt of a peaceful place," she answered as she settled on the seat in front of me.

"That's a nice dream," I reckoned.

She glanced at me again, this time, I could see the suspiciousness in her eyes. I should just tell her, right? If Pascal was beside me, he'd definitely encourage me to say it.

It was when she started with her meal when I spoke again. "Mother," I called her, trying to sound as calm as I could.

I watched as she slowly turned her head to look at me. "What is it, flower?"

I swallowed hard. Now I'm feeling a little nervous. I could feel my hands sweating. It probably took a little while before I answered and mother started frowning.

Here goes nothing.

"Mother, you know how every year we celebrate our birthdays, right?" I started. I held my breath as I watched how the features on her face shift. "So, a week from now will be my birthday," I finally added when I noticed the questioning look on her face.

Mother stared at me for a few seconds. And I was surprised when she burst out laughing. Did I say something funny?

"Oh, dear. You just celebrated your birthday last year."

I tried to force out a laugh at her words. "That's the funny thing about birthdays, mother. You get to celebrate it once every year."

I was even nervous when she sighed and rolled her eyes at me, as if she was not impressed with the way I answered her. "Just spill it, Rapunzel. What is it?"

Oh, my. Here it is! "I want to go outside and see the floating lights." I didn't notice how fast I said those words.

The wrinkles on her forehead deepened. It seemed that she didn't understand what I just said.

I exhaled softly, placing my hands on the table. "Mother," I paused for a second. "I'm turning 18 a week from now, and I want to go outside just for once to see the floating lights," I continued, saying every word in a slow and hopeful tone.

But the worst thing had come as mother understood what I wanted for my birthday. She slammed her hand on the table and stood on her feet.

"We've talked about this, Rapunzel," she said coldly.

"But mother. . . I'm becoming a grown up now." I bit my inner cheek as I watched her stand in the middle of the kitchen.

I suddenly regretted saying the words I just said when mother slowly turned around to face me. She was glaring at me, her dark eyes filled with anger.

"Do you think you'll be able to handle the outside world?" She asked, emphasizing each word that came out of her mouth. And she cackled again. "Oh, Rapunzel, dear. You're making me laugh with your jokes today."

My hands formed me into small fists. I feel suffocated hearing her speak this way to me. I stood up and went closer to her, trying to make an appeal to her.

"But mother, I know how to take care of myself. Besides, I'll only go once. Just once."

"Rapunzel, my dear, I know everything. And for sure, you'll regret going outside. The outside world is a dark, cold, and scary place. You won't survive there even for a second. The people outside will eat you alive, and nothing will be left for you once they break you."

I couldn't understand what to feel. I know she only wanted to protect me, but this is leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

The anger in her eyes seemed to have subsided as she held my hands. "Just stay with mommy here, Rapunzel. This is the safest place for you, where no one could hurt and take advantage of you. Mommy will protect you here." Her voice sounded like a gentle breeze hypnotizing me.

And I couldn't refute any of her words, knowing that it would anger her even more.

"I understand, mother," I said in defeat.

"Good. Don't ever bring this up again, Rapunzel." Mother smiled at me as she pulled me into a tight hug.

I tried to carve her words in my heart, but I didn't have the strength to let go of this wish of mine. Mother went out to the market with the promise of giving me the best gift ever. And I took this chance to prepare my plan for tonight.

"Pascal," I called him as I took him out of the box and placed him on my pillow. "Mother didn't allow me to go outside, but don't worry. I have a plan, so we can both see the floating lights." I gave his thin body a gentle pat.

I know he's been dying to see the floating lights like me. And I wouldn't miss this one chance to see them. After that, I'll completely forget about the outside world.

I took the small, leather sling bag that mother gave to me on my 12th birthday. I only needed a spare dress, and my journal book so I can draw the floating lights in a closer view.

"I hope mother won't hate me for disobeying her," I whispered to myself as I hid the sling bag underneath my bed.