Pawn to your games

The hall room wasn't something Alexia was comfortable with, not even for once her instinct had been restless.

Everyone whispers and murmurs something to each other as if she was outcast among them. She took a deep breath to calm her nerves, “in a few hours, it will be over.”

Joan's responds? He was the happiest man in the hall, Alexia sighed. She knew all his actions were all fake, not real.

 She stepped forward towards the hall door, her heels were against her legs, walking so fast. She wanted to leave the arena to somewhere silent, instead of a place filled with enemies jestering their fake happiness on her face.

Rita touched her from behind, her voice was amused and calm. “Mummy, why are you in a hurry to leave?

Alexia looked down, “the wedding is over,” she muttered, her hands brushing against her pretty hair. “Come with me.”

They reached the doorway, and moved into the SUV vehicle. It was already dark outside, the air was peaceful, quiet for Alexia to let go the harbored pain in her heart. 

And then came Bruce from behind. 

“Alexia,” he called, moving closer to her direction where she stood with Rita—

“Bruce!” She said, shocked to see him, and then her little child, Rhoda behind him, her arms crossed, and her annoying oval face. “I guess you are happy right now?,”

“Your dream come true ,” he said, his brown eyes gazing to hers with mischief. “All you wanted, wear a beautiful dress, walk through the aisle.”

“Please not in front of the kids,” She hissed, shoving her hands on Rita's hair. “get into the car with Rhoda, I want to talk to him.” and Rita nodded slowly.

“Interesting,” Bruce said, his voice was sarcastic. “Because you know that whatever I say is the truth, and you don't want the other child to hear.”

She couldn't say any word to him, glared at him. “What do you want, Bruce? Or do you also want to spoil the day as well, just like she did?”

“Seeing you in agony is always the highlight of my day, but no. Not today,” he said, stepping closer. “Are you happy, Alexia?”

“I don't understand?” She raised her eyebrows, folded her arms as he leaned closer. “What could be your plans? If I'm not happy, ?”

Bruce's smile grew colder. “Oh, you know Alexia. You are always naive, always dull. Not sure of the next plan to take, whatever he says to you is deeply working on you.”

Joan stepped out of the hall room, darting his eyes to find Alexia, and then he sighed her with someone— Bruce.

“Bruce?,” he muttered before walking in their direction.

Alexia's expression was unreadable. “Talking highly about your ego? Should I say, you are jealous, or drowned in pain?”

She rolled her eyes. “So pathetic.”

“Uhmm. Alexia, you don't want them to come with you,” he replied shortly as he sighted Joan steeping close enough to them. “Watch out.”

Before she could respond, he snapped his fingers, leaving her with no answers.

“Bruce!”

She called, still confused about what message he was trying to send. She turned to see Joan approaching, her expression tight and mean.

“Oh, you are here, Joan,” she said, walking off.

“What now, Joan? What is it going on, “the mysterious puzzle” or are you going to keep acting dumb to cover up some hidden truth about you?”.

Joan ignored her entirely, her brown eyes still fixed on her. “Give me time.”

“That's what you say.” She responded, waving her hands.

“I need to know about you. Why are they warning me against you?”

Joan chuckled, “you have a point, Alexia. But I need to rest.” 

Alexia glared at her, her feelings towards him—-irritated. 

“This isn't a joke, Joan.”

“Don't believe them,” he replied, moving toward the car. “Lately, they have their own plan, but we need to execute our deal to secure Rita and Rhoda's life back to your life.”

Alexia looked at him, “Okay. Alright, I am in whatever your plans. But I've heard enough. Enough of warning”,

Joan's lips grinned, but he said nothing. He took a deep breath, held her hands together. 

“I'm not here to hurt you. Whatever you hear someday, just know that I never planned to hurt you.”

Alexia shrugged, her gaze fixed on Joan. “I am just a pawn in your game.”

Joan immediately stepped closer, his presence drawing an attraction and unyielding to her. “If you think you are just a pawn to my game— we can end this deal, but I can make sure I bring your daughter back to you.”

“She's not your responsibility, Joan.” She informed,

“And you are not a pawn to my game,” Joan shot back at her.

“Oh, for the love of God—” Rita said sadly, “can we go home? and I swear, if you two keep this argument up, I'll lock myself in the room until…” she clutched her hands tightly. 

Both of them fell calm, their gaze fixed on Rita's words and confidence.

“Fine,” Alexia said, smiling at her. “We won't quarrel again. It's a promise,” pulling her eyes as a sign of promise.

Rita's jaw tightened, but she nodded quietly. “Can we go now?” She repeated once more.

Joan bent over to her, “What do you want to make up for this? Crackers, more teddy beers , or a vacation for all three?”

She was busy staring at him, 

“I'm waiting, just tell me,” Joan continued.

“You want a vacation somewhere far away, Rita. I can assure you that,”

“I want the both of you to stop hunting each other with words.” She said, her face— mean

“If not, I will leave you two, and move over to big Uncle Bruce's house, “ she said bluntly.

Alexia smiled at her, “I promise.”

“Good,” She replied. She took both hands, joining them together as they all walked down to the car.

“One family, from today,” She finished, staring at each other before opening the back door of the car.

Alexia moved closer to her, her voice softer, calm. 

“I'm sorry, Rita. I would try to be a good mother onwards.”

She smiled profusely, giving her a beautiful look. “I would love it if you did that, mum. Thank you in advance.” She raised her legs, kissing Alexia's on the lips as the car engine started while they drove down to the estate.