Chapter 71 So many things unsaid
Chapter 71: So Many Things Unsaid
Golden was confused when she got Octavia's call.
She had not spoken to Octavia since the dance battle so she was quite surprised when she said she was at the kio pond.
“What do you mean by you are at the kio pond?” Golden asked.
“Just come okay. I have something for you” Octavia said without giving anything away.
Golden who was on her way to her room changed directions and headed towards the pond.
Since Octavia said she had something for her, she might as well go see what it is.
Golden got to the kio pond and saw Octavia playing with the fishes and called out to her.
“Tavia what are you doing here?” Golden asked with a smile as she hugged Octavia.
“I came to bring you something. These fishes are colorful. Can I feed them?” Octavia asked with a spark in her eyes.
Golden reached to the side and took out a pack of fish food from a small shelve that held potted plants and handed it over to Octavia.
She then told her the quantity she should throw into the pond for the fishes.
Octavia followed Golden's directions and watched enthralled as the fishes scrambled for the food she had thrown into the pond.
After a little while, she turned to Golden and said
“Thank's for the gift you and your brother gave us. It means a lot to all of us.
You know I've never had a room to myself before. I've always had to share with my brothers.
Now I have a whole room with a canopy bed and an amazing bathroom that has a bathtub and a shower.
Once I'm in the tub I don't wanna come out.
My room is decorated in soft pink, not the annoying kind of pink. It has a vanity table and a nice fluffy chair.
I have a study table with a cool computer and a new iPad. I can now upload my dance videos easily.
And my closet! Golden I have these really nice dresses. I didn't think I was the princessy type but I have some really nice dresses that don't make me feel offended.
In fact it feels nice to be a princess.” Octavia said with sparkles in her eyes.
Golden listened quietly to all Octavia had to say and she felt warm in her heart.
She was happy they were able to something special for Florence and her family.
And hearing Octavia talk about her new world made her feel a sense of fulfillment.
While they were talking, they had gradually moved to the lounge not far from the pond.
“Thank you Golden. Since I was born, this is the first time I've ever seen my mum at peace.
She has a light in her eyes I didn't even know existed.
And Rema! I've always felt I cheated him in the womb. I felt responsible for his condition
So I've been trying to make it up to him. I've looked after him ever since we were kids even though I was equally a kid.
Now Rema dares to dream. He wants to be a developer and although he is still sick,
he knows that even if he has to go to the doctor, mum doesn't have to worry so much anymore.
I chose dancing as a form of liberation and release. It was an escape from my troubling world.
Now that Rema can dream without holding back, I feel truly free to enjoy what I love.
I do not know Mr Varney, I don't even know if I can stand before him so I am thanking you instead.”
Octavia's voice was shaky by the time she was done.
Golden couldn't help but pull her in for a hug. She felt a rush of emotions and a certain heaviness from hearing a 12 year talk with so much depth.
“Thank you for telling me all these Tavia. I speak for myself and my brother when I say it is an honor to be a catalyst of change.”
“So about my gift,” Octavia looked behind Golden who turned slowly to follow her gaze.
“please Golden, don't leave. I ask for just 5 minutes.
I don't know what's going on and I promise not to pry, but 5 minutes is all I ask.”
Octavia looked pleadingly at Golden, then she stood up and went back to the kio pond.
Allan had been waiting in the shadows for Octavia's signal.
He had asked Octavia to accompany him to the estate because he wasn't sure that Golden would agree to see him.
He didn't have the confidence to approach her alone so he asked Octavia to call her.
Listening to everything that Octavia told Golden moved him to tears.
At 12 his whole life changed, and at 12, his sister has had to carry her own burden.
When he got her signal, he quickly cleaned his eyes and adjusted his emotions.
Octavia had bought him 5 minutes and he was going to use it well.
Golden hadn't noticed Allan's presence earlier, she was engrossed in what Octavia was saying.
When she followed Octavia's gaze and saw Allan, her heart skipped a beat.
There were many things unsaid between them. Questions not asked, and feelings not defined.
She wasn't sure if she was ready, but Octavia's pleading gaze kept her rooted in her seat.
“Hi Gi— Golden.” Allan said stuttering. He was about to call her Gigi but stopped because only family and friends called her that and he wasn't sure he was any of that.
He took a deep breathe and released it in a bid to relieve some of the tension he was feeling.
“How have you been?” He asked trying for a conversation starter.
Golden didn't respond because she couldn't control her racing heart.
Having him so close was doing something to her and she didn't want to risk making a fool of herself so she kept quiet and let him speak.
Seeing that she didn't react, Allan continued
“I wouldn't take too much of your time. I came here to give you a gift I prepared for you.
I know it is nothing much and doesn't cost anything, I want you to know it comes from my heart.
You've given us so much, so this is a little token that I hope you like.”
Allan dragged a big gift bag Golden hadn't noticed earlier. “Merry Christmas Golden”