Chapter 21

Opening my eyes they stung and grew watery almost instantly at the lighting I was confronted with. Giving myself time to adjust to the lighting I began opening my eyes slowly with small blinks, I lay in a room that did not belong to me, one that I did not recognize at all in fact. Unable to raise myself from the bed I allowed my eyes to gloss over the room, unable to take in much of it and just turned my head slightly to the left where I began to hear mumbled voices while I slowly regained my senses, soon my mother was directly beside me but did not speak a single word she just caressed my face as a single tear fell from her eyes and a small smile paired with a sorry expression on her face. I had no desire to speak as that just brought me to a state of confusion. I was awake but had no understanding of what I was awakening from. My attention shifted back to the bed, the sheets and the bedding were oh so soft and they had this smell that was so familiar, so comforting I had just allowed myself to melt into the bed when my brief moment of peace was cut short.

" Helena we were worried sick ! "

My sister came wandering into the room in what looked like tears being clearly distraught by whatever had taken place before hand that resulted in me being in the position I was currently in. I just looked over at my mother even more confused than I had been before and judging by the expression on her face my mother two was a bit confused by my sisters outburst. Before anyone could respond or react to my sister everyone soon followed into the room after her. First one in after my sister was James whom had rushed to be at my other side where my mother had not been, his mother and father following short after.

" Helena, how are you feeling ? "

James eyes filled with so much concern but he still remained at a respectful distance at my side. His precence was comforting, I always viewed him as the brother I never had. The love between us two platonic and truly felt like one two siblings share amongst one and other. I shared a look with him that put his worrisome gaze at ease, he pulled up a chair at my bedside and took a seat. Before I could enjoy the moment of what felt like bonding between us two or even attempt to speak again his two brothers came in, one frantic like my sister had enetered not too long before and the other remained in the doorway silently.

" Helena, you are alright ? "

Theo rushed to my side, the side that James happened to be on. Pushing James out of the way to take his spot keeping his eyes on me the entire time. Reaching to pull my hand into his he sat in the place of james and brought his other hand to move a single hair out of my face, I slightly shifted from his touch but just enough for he and I to notice. He did not allow it to affect him at all as he held eye contact with me still awaiting me to respond. This all felt like a show...

" please just tell me you are all right "

His eyes held a genuine emotion, but it was not one of love. I could not muster up any words or any thoughts for that matter, laying in this bed was the only peace I have experienced in days, weeks possibly. What an odd feeling. Looking away from Theo I bring my attention back to the ceiling, wishing that everyone around me would just dissapear. Closing my eyes doing my best to tune out everyone and everything around me...

" Helena please, give me anything- "

theo..

" Oh brother would you quit it you are overwhelming her- "

james..

" Step off James, Know your place ! "

" Alright boys I think it is just time we take Helena home "

father..

" Mr.- "

" you will not speak another word, either of you. she does not want to speak so she is not going to, now out of my room so she does not feel so crowded as she readys herself to leave back home where she could rest her ears and her mind from your nonsense "

My eyes shot open and directly into his direction, his eyes not meeting my once as they were too busy shooting daggers at theo whom still had his hand in mine. The room was completely silent and filled with shock, Charles remained in the doorway and his voice was loud enough but still remained calm... I felt theo pull from my hand slowly and I felt his eyes on me as he slowly walked from the bedside but I could not physically pull my eyes away from Charles, whom had finally looked in my direction causing our eyes to meet instantly and then I blinked...

***He began to make his make his way closer to me, we were the only two in the room. As he was closing the distance between us I naturally sat up from the bed awaiting his touch, yearning for his touch. His eyes never leaving mine causing my body to burn with every second that had passed that I wasnt feeling him immediatly infront of me. It was like time all around us was moving in slow motion there was nothign I could do to skip to the part where I felt him in the long awaited embrace. I just wanted to be in his arms, feel his hands on my face, feel his presence was just for me. His entire creation, his entire being, just for me.. His lips.. His eys, his beautiful eyes full of so much soul so much promise, so much trust. All felt right, his hand slowly raising to caress my face as I melted into his touch. We were perfect, we are perfect. Taking one more look into his eyes to get lost once more, I blinked...

*********

" Helena ? Darling "

My eyes shot open to see my mother standing infront of me with a confused look on her face, looking immediately in his direction...he was gone. I let out a breath I had not even realized I was holding and look back to my mother, having no clue what happened once more I did what I knew to do and took one last deep breath. I took my time raising myself from the bed to stand before turning to my family. With one nod I was making my way to the door with Braelia and my family following suit. Assuming they had a carriage ready I made my way to the stair case and as i stood at the top I looked below to see the Sinclairs awaiting us all. Our eyes met once more... I cleared my throat silently and adjusted my posture before proceeding down the staircase. Bidding my goodbyes with a courtsey and head bow to the family nefor making my way to the main entrance of the home where he just so happened to stand right by...Walking by him I galnced so slightly over my shoulder and closed my eyes to embrace to closeness I felt with him being beside me before making my way out and to our carriage where the rest of my family piled in shorlty after.