Chapter 44

Chapter 44
Cara laid back against the bunk bed staring at the ceiling. She had never felt so helpless like she did when she watched Queen Jasmine cry. She knew Jasmine to always be happy. Jasmine had claimed one time to be a “happy soul". She had claimed that nothing could put off her smile completely. Even if they tried, she would fight back and retain her smile.

That was then. It was now in the past. Nothing was ever going to feel and be the same anymore. Cara had always hoped that there'd be a 360 turn for the better. She had hoped that there'd be a change eventually. A change for the betterment of everyone but with the way things were going in the palace, she soon gave up such hope.

Such realities only exist in fairy tales, she thought as she looked away resigning.

Cara really wished she could do something about Queen Jasmine's current situation but there was nothing she could do to help.

Cara tried thinking of possible solutions and she came up with something. Cara was aware of one place where people could go to, to get solutions.

“The Tree Park”, she muttered before realizing herself. She checked her side to know if her roommate had heard her. She turned to find her room mate fast asleep and was at peace.

Cara kept thinking of what to do to help elevate Queen Jasmine's mood. She thought of reaching out to the guards to request that they no longer allow Jasmine's step- mother access into the palace. Cara jumped at this thought knowing that she knew people. She was acquainted with most of the guards and they'd happily oblige her request but… Cara shuddered at the thought of what her punishment would be if she was later snitched on by any of those guards. Not even Queen Jasmine would be able to save her then, Cara thought.

Giving the Tree Park a rethink, she thought it to be a good idea but shook her head as soon as she remembered the conspiracy. Anything to keep us off that place is definitely a much better idea.

Cara knew she had to inform the Queen about her findings. She just needs to find the right time and lately, she hasn't been seeing it.

****
“Really Melvin?!” Karl questioned Melvin who was now standing face to face with his elder brother daringly.

“What is wrong with what I did? Melvin asked, staring at his brother, hands akimbo.

“Oh, so we should just sit there and watch the many insults our mother has to take because of us?” He was now walking about, gesticulating with his hands and acting out the words dramatically.

Benny just stared on watching these two exchange words. It was not the first time they were on to each other. It can be so tiring having to watch them banter all day. Sometimes, Benny wondered why he was the only one that didn't like to argue but today, he wondered what the end result of his room would be like.

Atleast, they won't get to hear them, he thought, staring at the door. It's a good thing that they now know how to work out the sound issue.

“It is not in our place to react or defend mom” Karl said angrily, interrupting Benny's chain of thoughts. He was already getting fed up with his brother's nonchalant attitude and adamant nature. What has he not said to convince Melvin to do otherwise?

“Wow! Just wow! Melvin said, rubbing his chin and pacing about.
“Now, I know just how heartless you are. I was suspecting initially but now I'm more than certain!”. He said looking intensely at Karl awaiting some sort of response.

Karl flinched, obviously upset by Melvin's choice of words but rather than retaliate, he only glared at him and turned his face to Benny.

Karl didn't like how Melvin could be so insensitive sometimes. How could he possibly call him heartless while all he is trying to do is protect them all. What does Melvin really think of him? He wondered if his brothers thought he was okay with the kind of embarrassment their mother had to go through for their sake. He shook his head in pity. If only his brothers knew the kind of danger they'd put everyone into, including their mother, they'd be working alongside him to safeguard their little secret.

Karl was of the opinion that Melvin was going to get them into trouble and he was trying to avoid that because it was not yet time for them to show themselves but Melvin was trying to do otherwise.
Right now, they don't need any attention to themselves. They just needed to be on the low until the right time.

Karl was trying his best to explain all this to his brother and was really beginning to lose it. The more heated the conversation became, the more their eyes sparkled in anger. Benny had been observing and knew he had to put a stop to these shenanigans.

“Okay bros, let's stop right there” He said moving into the middle.

Gesticulating with his hands like a referee, he called out. “Time out!”.

Karl and Melvin only looked at each other and then back to Benny. Karl felt embarrassed, everytime it had to be their younger brother that would separate their fights and arguments. He wasn't giving off the right example and he knew it but with Melvin around, it was difficult for any sane person to keep his cool and retain his sanity.

Karl was really trying to bring everyone together but Melvin kept making it difficult. Oftentimes he wondered why he had to keep up with Melvin this long but then remembers that they both need each other's help and they all need to learn to build cooperation among themselves.

“You really should think some things through before trying to act irrational” Karl warned.

On hearing this, Benny knew it'd all
take a different turn for the worse. One thing that Melvin hated the most was being warned, bullied or ordered to carry out a task. Benny looked from one brother to the other wondering what their reactions would be. He definitely wasn't in the mood to separate or settle a fight and this is because their fights were usually disastrous. They'd scatter and destroy things. Most of the things they had destroyed had been replaced, all thanks to Karl, he was the one who taught them how to replace and mend broken items.

“You know what Karl, I'm tired of you bossing me around. I would take whatever decision I need to and I wouldn't need to explain myself to anyone and that is final!” Melvin said, storming out of the room to his own room. He has had enough of all this. What's even with the secretion? To what extent? He wondered if it was until their mother was lying dead from the weight of all this before they got a chance to defend her.