I suppose I won't have the opportunity to try and figure out how I came to even exist in this world with my mother's former status as Master Commander and such. I could always think about that later. Though right now my biggest priority was...
The pretty black-haired, golden-eyed girl with her head in my lap sobbing her eyes out. Mother had abandoned me in such a situation, knowing she could probably do nothing to help. She had always only been good at comforting me, never other people.
Other than me or her parents, who knew Ophelia's temperament well enough to comfort her?
Although I hadn't done it much, the motions were seemingly engraved into my being. Gently moving my hand to her head, I slowly rubbed her head feeling the messy hair relax under my experienced palm. I said nothing, as I knew saying anything at this stage would only make her more upset.
I did not increase the pressure in my hand nor stop it, only continuing to gently pat her head and run my fingers through her hair to get any knots out. Slowly, Ophelia's sobs quieted into sniffles and whimpers. Now was the time to let her talk rather then talk myself.
Ophelia's head slowly rose up from my lap, various wet spots left behind on the sheets that covered me. When I saw her face I couldn't help but worry. Her eyes were red and watery, tear tracks trailing down her cheeks that had lost color. There was even snot coming out of her nose. But I could not say anything yet. This was her time to cry, to speak, and to become okay.
My hand stalled in its motions and rested on her head without moving. Just gentle pressure. An assurance that I was there.
I smiled at Ophelia, still not moving otherwise. She began to tremble and more tears came out of her eyes. Did I truly look that pitiful? I was going for the strong, silent smile. Guess it didn't work.
One of her pale hands, which I noticed had seemed to get thinner and possess nails longer than Ophelia usually liked, shook like a leaf as it reached out to me and finally rested on the bandaged part of my head.
"D-does it hurt?" Ophelia's usually calm and confident voice held a tremor in it, one of the many things that showed her worry. At least, that's what I think it was. Always worrying about other people before herself, what a silly girl.
I'm glad I helped raise such a good girl.
I shook my head slightly, already feeling quite dizzy from the sudden movement. "No, it doesn't hurt. I just get a bit dizzy when I move too fast."
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
"What are you apologizing for? You didn't knock me out."
"B-b-but if I hadn't-" Ophelia began to stutter, another crying fit sure to happen. I gently shushed her, pressing our foreheads together lightly and looking into her eyes. Gold met pink, chaos met calm, and for some reason I felt as if everything in the world was right.
"But nothing. You were not in control of that silly Earl, nor his behavior. If you had done something, I fear it would be you stuck in a hospital bed. Not knowing if you'd be dead or alive everyday would tear me to pieces." My voice was soft and gentle as I spoke to Ophelia, moving my other hand to her cheek leaving the other on her head.
Tears began to run down Ophelia's face again. "I'd always take your place if it meant you'd be alright."
"I know. Ophie cares for me so much, but she should care for herself too." I cooed, stroking her cheek. "Otherwise, I'll get mad."
Ophelia didn't say anything for awhile before finally mumbling something under her breath that I couldn't hear.
"Hm? Did you say something- mmh!"
My inquiry was cut short by the familiar feeling of Ophelia's lips meeting mine. The kiss was slow and soft, more focused on contact. All of this practice must've really helped. I pray for the soul of anyone who ever gets to kiss this girl.
This kiss lasted for maybe two minutes before I pulled away. Mostly because I couldn't breathe, but also because I can't let Ophelia get addicted to such a thing. Unless she already had. Then I just needed to ease her off of it.
Perhaps I was the one getting addicted. Just kidding.
"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry."
"What did I tell you about apologizing for things you didn't do?" I chided, beginning to pet her head again.
Ophelia pursed her lips and avoided any possible eye contact with me. "But I did do something this time..."
Ah. My suspicions were correct, weren't they? "What did you do?"
Ophelia began to speak but her voice got so quiet that I couldn't hear a single thing she said. "Ladies always speak proudly so others can hear."
"I framed Carole because I wanted to just teach her a lesson but I didn't think it would go this far and I started improvising and then you got hurt and I felt so terrible and then you didn't wake up and everyone said you were gonna die and I'm so, so, so sorry!" Ophelia got it all out in one breath before starting to cry again, resting her head against my shoulder and hugging me tightly.
"... So you hurt yourself in a way that got you into the hospital for days just so you could teach Miss Millstone a lesson?"
"Yes..."
It was at that moment that I gave her a bonk on the head.
"Ow!" Ophelia let out a yelp and moved away from me, placing her hands over her head like a shield. "What was that for?"
I gave her a menacing smile. "For putting yourself at risk for petty reasons. If you really wanted to teach her a lesson, there were so many other ways to go about it."
"I know but-"
"Don't interrupt people when they're speaking."
That made Ophelia go quiet and I let out a sigh.
"I'm not mad that you framed Miss Millstone," I could hear my own exhaustion, despite having literally done nothing. "I'm mad that you did it at your own expense. I thought you were smarter than that."
The black-haired girl blinked at me in confusion before speaking again. "You're... Not mad that I framed her?"
"Of course not. Just don't let anyone else find out or you'll be in more trouble than the situation is worth."
Then, she just stared at me. Her golden eyes were staring at me as if I had grown two other heads. It was making me a bit uncomfortable. Finally, she spoke again.
"Ava, are you a saint?" She asked with such blank faced sincerity that I burst out laughing. It was so silly, asking me if I was a Saint.
While I'm definitely not a saint, I don't believe that I'm a sinner either. I might be morally gray. Or at least only a bit of a sinner.
"I'm being serious, stop laughing!" Ophelia whined, pouting as if she had been wronged.
This only caused me to laugh harder. The prim and proper lady I helped raise pouting like she was a child again. It was nostalgic, but mainly beyond hilarious for whatever reason. I just couldn't stop.
"You're so mean!"
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. You're just reminding me you're still a child." I was finally able to breathe again, though little giggles still broke through.
"I am not a child."
"You're younger than me, which makes you a child."
"Does not."
"You're even arguing like a child!"
"I am not!"
Seeing Ophie get all flustered and pouty at my teasing was quite fun. Is this why older siblings would tease their younger siblings? I finally understand where they're coming from.
"Well, since you're not a kid, I have request for you. From one adult to another."
"What is it?"
I grinned, a teasing tone still in my voice.
"Get me some booze and a book or two on the families of this kingdom from your father. The booze takes priority."
[ \^·^/ ]
[ I just wanted a good, happy chapter. Fluffy chapter. Take good care of it. ]