Chapter 45

Sapphire's point of view:

We both looked at her, scared and confused. I was thinking about a lie, but I couldn't tell what was going on in Leo's mind. He seemed more relaxed, holding onto his bag of chips and still eating them even though she looked so angry.

But why was she angry? It wasn't the first time Loe and I were alone in my room, and plus, I was an adult now; I had the right to make decisions for myself.

“Good morning, Luna,” Loe greeted casually, smiling at her while still munching on his chips. ‘Bastard’ I muttered to his hearing, and he chuckled; we both chuckled.

Mum looked at us fiercely, anger and fear mixed in her eyes as she glanced from me to Leo and back at me again.

"Baby, are you okay?” She asked me while still standing at the door, somewhat fidgeting.

I looked at her and then back at Leo. It seemed like she was scared of him, like he was a threat or something that could harm me.

“Baby?”

"Yes, mom, I'm fine,” I said.

“Okay. Leo, can I see you? Outside?” She asked. Leo looked at me, seeking consent. I was lost, very confused on what to do, so instead of replying to him, I turned to my mom instead.

“What for mom?" I asked, folding my arms across my chest. She looked surprised, and I could tell she was having so many thoughts running through her mind. Leo furrowed his brows, looked at me, then locked eyes with my mom and then scoffed before taking in another chip. He was really enjoying those and making me want them.

Mum just stood there. She was about to speak but was lost for words, so she closed her mouth again. Then spoke.

“It's something personal, baby, just for me and Leo.” She said it coldly.

Leo was about to stand up, but I held him down. “Wait.” I said and faced Mom again.

“Why don't you talk here too? After all, you're my mother, and he is my best friend, so I don't think you are supposed to be hiding anything from me.” She was speechless.

“And plus, you both are supposed to be the closest people to me, am I wrong? C'mon, mother, best friend, start talking.”

Mum was dumbfounded. Louis and I had our eyes concentrated on her to hear what she had to say. I was really anxious to hear; maybe she was trying to sway Louis to lie to me too?

“I totally agree with her Luna. I don't think we have anything to hide from her, or do we?” Loe asked her.

I felt my heart break. It was a slow pain, one that pierced like a nail dipping into your skin, slowly but steadily. Hurting you so much, but you can't remove it because doing that would make it worse. I smiled, trying to hide the pain that crept into my skin and started making me hate her—hate my own mother.

She stood by the door, leaning on the doorpost for support. She seemed weak, extra evidence that yesterday wasn't just a dream. I felt like running to her and holding her, walking her to my bed, and tucking her in to get the rest she deserved as a mother who saved her child's life, but I couldn't because I wasn't supposed to know apparently.

I got thinking while she stood there. Why did she and dad save me? I must be very useful to them then, but for what? What exactly were they trying to hide from me? This was the point where I hated myself for not reading that page till the end. All the truths I needed would have been found, but I instead broke down and cried for people who, for all I knew, could dump me anytime, anyday.

“Uhmmm, the silence is getting awkward.” Leo brought me to reality. My mum still stood there, like a statue, staring at us and looking at Leo in particular, like she was trying to give him a signal he didn't want to understand.

“Okay, I'll leave you two.” A part of me shattered because her statement proved me right; she was indeed hiding something. As she left, Leo pulled me in and gave me a hug; he could always read my mind.

“It's okay,” he whispered to me and wiped my eyes. Till he did that, I hadn't even noticed that I was crying.

“Thank you,” I wiped my eyes dry and sat up. It was his turn for answers.

“I'd like to ask you some questions, and I want very honest answers.” I started.

He looked confused for two seconds and then shrugged like he saw it coming.

"Sure, best friend.”

I cupped his hand with mine.

“Firstly, do you know what my mom was about to talk about?” He looked natural, almost expressionless.

“Yes.” I was deadpan.

“Next question?” He asked when I had remained quiet for about two minutes.

“Yeah, sure. Were you here yesterday?” I asked; a part of me was praying his answer would be no, while the other half was praying for a loud yes. He looked at me and removed his hand from mine slowly.

“Yes. I know that you are an elemental, and I know that they are not your parents.”

“Shhh” I hushed him immediately, putting my hand in his mouth to shut it.

“They don't know that I remember,” you whispered.

He laughed, not for long. Just a short laugh he gave anytime I acted awkward and weirdly towards him.

“What?” I asked, tilting my head like a primary school child whose candy was taken from her.

"Well, Sapphire, I already know,” he let out. My feelings went flat, like I was numb and couldn't speak, but I had so much to say.

“Is this why she wanted to speak to you?” I asked slowly.

He nodded, “Yes. She wanted to convince me not to tell you that it was real. She tried earlier, but I wouldn't betray your trust for anything.”

I hugged him so tightly that I could press life out of him. He was a true friend, very genuine and pure.

“And they don't completely believe you don't remember. They're playing low because they have bigger plans. And Jason is involved.”

At the mention of Jason's name I froze.