Chapter 20 Chapter 19

Chapter 20 Chapter 19
CHAPTER 19

AILA

The morning transitions into afternoon and I felt like all the years we have lost is being recovered. However slow the process might be, I am just thankful that my mother is now here and safe with me.

It wasn’t long until Molly have decided to call it a day for she has something that came up – something to do with the orders for their potted sunflowers that the both of them shall slave the day tomorrow and hopefully finish the seedlings just in time for delivery on Monday morning. Emily whines and begs Molly to let her stay the night with us – Molly did not blink an eye as she literally dragged my mother off her feet and in a few minutes, they were gone.

I felt quite sad as I stared at them, taking their leave, my heart suffering from witnessing my mother go; hoping that someday, given the chance, I’d get to follow them so I would know where my mother lives.

“Ready to go?” Caelon carefully said as he picks up the picnic basket and offered me his hand. I gave him half a smile as I take his hand. The Manor appeared almost instantly, surrounding us with its grandeur as it stood in front of us, the wind battering our coats.

“Don’t be sad. There will be a next time,” I just nodded, not having the energy to respond. I stand from where I am sitting upon the grass and was surprised when Emyr screams from inside the house, “ Aila! Caelon!”

I looked around in alarm, my heart hammering in my chest for I am afraid that Hades has finally found us only to see Emyr rushing – his immaculate blonde hair now ruffled as though he had been running his hands on it for hours.

I notice that he is carrying something in his hands, a black book so slim that it resembles the black box Caelon uses. I chance a glance to see Caelon’s expression resembling mine as he held on tight on the basket, his stance defensive.

Emyr shakes his head as he stands in front of us, looking as though he couldn’t find the words he shall say.

“What is it, Emyr?”

“Forget about my plans for tonight. There is something that I wanted you both to see,” He thrust the box at my hand and I asked, “What-?”

“Look! Read it, Aila. Now.”

I scanned my eyes down on the words, frowning : Wounded man found by the River Seine!

Parisians were shocked to find an unconscious odd man, floating by the river, sighted at half past five in the evening. Spectators have confessed that the man has floated to the surface, his blood spilling copiously as though he has just fallen from a great height. Some had even stated that the man has wings but it is unlikely considering the lack of evidence and is probably a trick of the eye!

The said man is currently recovering in a hospital that has chosen not to disclose any information. The man has no identity and was therefore dubbed as “Newman,” since Parisians claimed that he had been born anew for surviving such injury.

I scrolled but the article ends there. “So?” I raised an eyebrow, not getting his point, “How is this important or helpful in any other way, Emyr?”

“No.”

“What then?”

“It’s about Newman.” I frown at his answer, “And? What about Newman, Emyr?”

“It’s him. He is your dad. The one whom Hades pertains to – it was him all along!” I couldn’t listen anymore as I watched Emyr dance around, expression wild as he quoted and exclaimed, “Same face with a different name; as good as new as a banished man should do,”

Emyr smiled, his hands tightly clasp together and the both of us stand there, watching him as he jumped and released a cry before making his way back to the house, his robes billowing from behind.

“There’s only one way to confirm all this,” Caelon concluded as he puts the basket down on the grass and chased after Emyr who is still whooping. Emyr turns just in time as Caelon flicked his hand and in a moment, Rouen Manor appeared before us.

With a purpose, Emyr followed Caelon as he pushed open the door, startling Newman who had just sensed our presence – he stands next to the door, sleep still lingering in his eyes with his buttons halfway done.

“I’m sorry, my lord. With no such notice, I haven’t had the chance to open the door for you.” Newman bowed his head low as Caelon pulled me by the threshold, his tight grip bruising my arm.

“It’s alright, Newman.”

“Would you like some tea, my lord? Perhaps some, biscuits? I made ’em after ye drop something off for me ter pick.” Newman did not wait for our answers as he dashes off to the kitchens and returned after a few minutes, his arms lathered with biscuits and teacups. I worriedly glanced at him as he tried the balance them all on the tray and lay it down on the table.

But as he begin distributing the teacups, Emyr waves his hand as he draws near, standing in front of a surprised Newman. Emyr brandished a knife at Newman who flinches and began stuttering, “My Lord! I haven’t done any wrong, why must you punish me? I don’t understand.”

“Hold out your arm,” Newman quickly followed the order, adjusting his sleeve so high that it allows more access to the glinting dagger. I can see the question and uncertainty in Newman’s eyes but he chose not to inquire about why he is suddenly asked to offer himself to be wounded.

Emyr pressed the dagger and ran it down on the inside of Newman’s arm, doing the same process just like a while ago. He drawn out the blood and put it in the vial. He need not to tell me what I should do next as I offered him my arm, not waiting for his instructions. He waves his hand over Newman’s wound and turned to me.

The action was quick and with a sigh, I listen to Emyr as he chanted under his breath, focusing his gaze at the floating vial.

My hands are sweaty as I watched – why is it taking twice as long as it did before?

I looked at Emyr with a questioning gaze while he chanted louder, fingers tightly clasped, his eyes now closed. It doesn’t take long before the vial shimmered gold and I shielded my eyes.

But what amazes me more is when the vial twirls and settled in front of Newman. Suddenly, Newman’s face shifted and now I can see the similarities between the two of us.

I gawked while Newman remains shocked, his face comical.

“Dad?” I asked out loud before I lunge myself at him. “Dad!”

Newman was so shocked that he remains as stiff as a board while I tightened my arms around him, rejoicing. “I knew it. The moment I saw you, I have a suspicion. I thought your concern is only a part of coincidence but my instincts remain correct. I am happy that I found you, Dad.” I pulled away and looked up at him, my cheeks stained with tears.

We stood there, staring at each other; Newman remains as stoic and shocked as he did and it quite wound me a bit to see this expression.

Caelon pulled me away from Newman and out of the living room and inside the kitchen, “Aila, there’s something that I want you to know.”

“What is it?”

“Newman is called Newman for a reason. He is a changed man , he is not the same. He won’t be like your mum,” Caelon sighs as he stands in front of me, bowing his head and awkwardly shifting on his feet, his lips moving – open and close as though he cannot find the right words to say. I bowed my head down, unable to say anything to contradict with him.

“Newman’s heart has been broken when he was vanished. He remains to be emotionally detached – another side effect of Erosians once they got rid of you. He will not give you the loving that you expect.”

I squared up my shoulders and gritted out, “I don’t care.” I cross my arms over my chest and huffed, “I don’t care if he won’t love me back because he has forgotten how to, what matters to me now is that I have them both.”

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