Chapter 13: Alexandria: (10) Mother

–Alexandria–

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Lia is such an angel that she helped me to my room, which was far from the dining hall. It has a double door, fancy wood. Then, when it opened, my eyes widened. At first, there’s a living room-like area in red and black. Yes, like a presidential hotel. Then, another entrance for the actual bedroom.

I sat down by the sofa and watched as Ophelia showed me my library, which is now bigger than the one I originally had back home, with fancy decor, more books in the genre I love, and their own fancy collectibles that were originally from the books.

I know that it costs thousands, and I was over the moon.

I never had such a room or lavish things.

“Papá had collections here of rare gemstones for years just for you.”

“What?”

I stood and limped, not trying to force my left foot.

Lia helped me and showed me the jewelry collection in another room. A showroom. I gaped. There were shelves of it. Lights over it, as it reflected on each gemstone. No, most of it looks very old or vintage, but with beautiful designs.

“Where would I wear those?”

“Party, silly.” She giggled. She thought like an adult but acted like a child. She showed me further to where the clothes are. All sorted out from sleepwear, to everyday wear, and to party dresses. “How about this? It’s soft inside.”

I touched the silk, and it’s indeed soft inside.

I just agreed with Lia. She’s good at choosing and fashion. She even showed me the skincare sets and told me that it’s better than my cheap ones. I managed to put it by myself while Ophelia let me settle.

She came back shortly in her adorable pajamas, holding an ice packet. I lay on the bed, watching her take care of me. It’s just adorable to watch this little girl take care of me like an adult.

She even put an ice pack on my ankle. Then, we snuggled up in bed and watched on the big screen.

“It’s beautiful,” I murmured. “The room. It’s wider than my room back home. It has a TV too.”

“You don’t have a TV?”

“None.” I smile. “But I have books, and I’m contented.”

I caressed the same curls as mine. She’s five but has thick, long hair. Rustic red just like mine. The same curls, too. Her eyes… were hazel tri-color just like her dad.

“I want to sleep with you every single night.”

I smiled and nodded.

“Fine with me.”

“But Papá wanted to sleep with you.”

“Ohhh,” my eyes widened. How could this girl say something like that?

“Then, don’t let me go.” I hugged her, and somewhat my heart felt like I’m in love with her. Not in a romantic way… like I wanted her with me always… a motherly love perhaps? “I don’t want to sleep with your Dad. He’s scary.”

She giggled and nodded.

I curled my fingers in her hair as we watched that movie. Somehow, Lia became my shield. If I stayed with her around, I think Mr. Veyron would keep away from me. Right?

“So, this movie,” I muttered.

“It was a director’s cut.” She said. “Papá always wanted the best. He’s the best dad ever!” She giggled.

“Really? So, you are his real daughter by blood?”

“Yes,” She smiled up at me.

“How about your mom?”

“Mom died days after giving birth to me.”

I froze at what she said. She was a newborn when she lost her mom. And I know that her mother loves her so much. Unlike me. I have my mother around. But I never felt like I had one.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” I caressed her hair.

“Why are you apologizing?” She smiled up at me. She’s like sunshine. “My mother protected us, sacrificed for us.” She looked up at me and hugged me. “You are my mom now, right?”

“I don’t know about that, but I can be a friend.” I pointed at her nose. “A friend. Even with a mother, a friend is one of the best, too.”

“I never had friends… besides Papá and my siblings. Well, the staff here are my friends.”

“How about outside the castle? School?”

“None.”

“Are you not allowed to make friends outside?”

“Hmm, not really. I just don’t want to go out. Unless,” She stopped as I caressed her cheeks.

“Unless, what?”

“Unless dad told me to. Or he would take me around the world. Our last family trip was to Disney. But I wanted to go back there, but with you now, Mamá.”

I twirl my fingers in her hair.

“Well, maybe we can go there after the COVID? When all is clear?”

She nodded and hugged me more.

“Your Papá, did he even consider marrying someone else twenty years ago. Or years ago,”

“Yes,” She smiled. “But he’s always too late.”

“Oh, so I’m not the first bride?”

“You are the bride,” she said, placing her small hand on my cheek, and that felt warm. I looked down at her, like looking down at my baby. But it’s weird since I never had a baby before. “I already love you.”

I giggled and hugged him.

“I already love you too!”

It’s just so weird, I already love her.