102.2- Mourning

102.2- Mourning
I woke up and saw Garnet sleeping. I moved and sat back. I rubbed my temples and looked at her. 

An involuntary smile crept upon my lips as I stood up. I inhaled deeply and felt like after crying my heart out, some weight had been lifted from my chest. 

I slid my arms around Garnet and picked her up, placing her on the bed. 

I kissed her forehead and mumbled, "Thanks for being by my side." 

I pulled away and went to the bathroom. I took a warm to freshen myself. I wore my clothes but didn't dry my hair. I walked out and saw Lucien and Mother talking to Erica. I smiled and walked to them.

"Brother Roy. You okay?" She asked, concerned.

"Yeah.. somehow." I said.

"Where's Nut?" She asked.

"She is sleeping." I told her. 

"But, it's night and we have to go home." She said timidly.

"You can stay here. We would be very happy to have you." Mother said with a smile.

"But, I haven't stayed at someone's place before."

"It's okay. Don't worry." I said, patting her head.

"Are you sure? I don’t want to disturb you." She asked nervously. I nodded.

"What disturb, Dear? We would love to have you over. I will serve dinner." Mother said. I nodded.

"You seemed better." Lucien mumbled. I hummed looking at the floor.

"It will all pass, Brother." Eri smiled. I also smiled, she saw us too and left. 

When we were alone, I looked up at Lucien, I never understood him. What he was thinking, what he was planning, nothing.

“Why did Father ask you to forgive Mother?” I asked sternly, demanding an answer from Lucien. I knew we were mourning but I needed to know.

“Look at our mansion, Roy.” Lucien ignored and held his hand out to our enormous place.

“What are you trying to say?”

“Prodigious places hold countless secrets- some that one shouldn’t know.” He sighed, averting his gaze with a sorrowful look.

“But I believe I deserve to know.” I demanded, frowning at him.

He glanced at me with his serious and menacing look for a second which hitched my breath to wonder what took over him. He rose from his seat and rested his hand in his pocket.

“Lucien…?”

He stared at my face for the next few seconds and whispered in my ears.

“Father was just like you, emotionally vulnerable. He loved Mother too much to the point he forgave her for cheating. He could never bring himself to throw her out.” 

My heart skipped a beat as my eyes widened, “Mother.. Cheated?”

“Yes. But he never stopped taunting her about her deed. It was just a punishment.” He chuckled darkly, shaking his head in disappointment while I remained stunned, unsure to react.

“Then-”

“But, here is the catch, My Brother. You should know I am not kind.” He paused, taking a step back with a dark smirk.

“One of them is the truth- Either Father loved her or she cheated. One of the statements I said is the truth and I leave you to believe whichever you want.” He waved his hand at me and left.

I was staggered, not sure and as per I saw, I doubt Father loved her but Mother can’t cheat. I stood up and went to see Mother. 

I leaned on the column and saw her. My Mother cannot be a cheater. Garnet was right, I have to be strong for her. 

I was about to come closer but Lucien came and talked to her about something and kissed her knuckles which made her sob and embraced him immediately.

My mouth gaped, but it was their talk as I  walked and hugged her from the other side as well.

"Ah, Roy." Mother smiled and cupped my cheeks, tears shining in her eyes. I closed my eyes and remained like this.

"Erica is truly an adorable kid. It's been a while since we had a kid at home. She can stay, right?" She asked expectantly, wiping her tears and pulling away from Lucien a little and turning to me.

"I know and of course she can." 

“I agree.” Lucien hummed. 

We remained like that, I didn’t let her go, holding all my faith in her as I mumbled.

"I love you, Mother."

"I love you too, My Sons." She turned to me and kissed mine and Lucien’s forehead, having a lull providing time to comfort each other.