We were at the First Village and disorder followed us. The villagers were more uncooperative and more resistant making the Protectors use extreme force on them. Faces were beaten with the blunt handle of the Protector’s firearm; some knelt on their knees defeated while others tried to fight back as they raged on. This time Captain Furlong ordered the Protectors to round up everybody to the village square. Women and children cried, terrified of their fate, as they were taken against their will while some were dragged away. Captain Furlong and I stood at the center of the square while the frightened villagers encircled us guarded by the Protectors. The angry ones grew restless and agitated, and spoke their objections on the situation, then an officer who was not far from where we stood, took out his handgun and aimed it above then fired one shot in the air. The loud noise finally silenced the crowd.
“You all know why you are here,” Captain Furlong shouted with his loud strong voice, “Harboring traitors is treason and is against the law punishable by death,” he continued while staring at the crowd with his cold face, “But if you give them up, his Grace the Duke will show leniency to you and your family,” he added.
The crowd stood still in silence while the Captain continued to stare with his silent threats and I saw he grew impatient. He took a deep breath and let out a sigh then shouted, “Your silence will be the end of you.”
There was a sudden stir among the crowd then voices of cries and protest were heard when Protectors shoved to make way for villagers that they dragged towards the center, then they were lined up in front of the crowd and the sixth and last villager to be brought forward was a familiar face, and it was Mr. James Conolly. His face remained strong but his eyes showed fear. He was then brought to the middle away from the others. I suddenly felt very uneasy especially since I was not made aware what was going to happen. Mr. Conolly briefly glanced at me but I stood there silently.
“You see these people here?” the Captain spoke, “If you give us the Defiers, then no harm will come to them,” he declared in a menacing voice. The crowd protested while some pleaded for the lives of the villagers who were in front.
“Please Captain,” Mr. Conolly pleaded, “These people are innocent.”
Captain Furlong ignored his plea while he continued to stand with a forbidding appearance as the skies grew dark. Then I saw Mrs. Conolly and Hannah amongst the crowd crying and pleading for him.
I was troubled and the feeling grew increasingly that I couldn’t stand here and just watch so I calmly suggested to the Captain, “Perhaps Captain if we could take them now to the shuttles, prison will surely change their minds,” I said trying to make sure that my voice didn’t hint of any signs of concern hoping that he would concede and this ordeal will be over with.
The Captain briefly looked at me and responded in a low voice, “Perhaps my Lord,” but he continued to stand there without any intention of moving.
“Once again! Tell us where the Defiers are and His Grace will be lenient to you,” the Captain repeated in a more grave voice.
The crowd shouted louder and Mr. Conolly pleaded again, “Mercy for us Captain! My Lord!” as he became more terrified. The Captain stood still and silent and his indifference remained that it was difficult to read what he was thinking. He was a hard military man and that was probably why he was Captain and rose to the ranks of the Alphas. He finally stirred then walked towards Mr. Conolly and he stood there studying him closely then he coldly said, “Mercy it is,” in a blink of an eye he took out his hand gun from his side buckle then aimed it at Mr. Conolly’s temple then pulled the trigger. The crowd was mortified with horror then chilling screams filled the air as Mr. Conolly’s blood splattered and he fell on the ground lifeless. There was havoc as I stood there frozen staring down at his motionless body.
CHAPTER 13: Homeward
ELAINE
The house became dismal of late. The hallways were empty and had a dispirited aura. The weather grew gloomy as a shadow spread over the land and more Protectors who were heavily armed patrolled these areas. Curtis grew more distant by the day and I tried to comfort him as he blames himself for everything. The loss of Mr. Conolly deeply affected him and it was hard to soothe away his pain when I myself felt disheartened as him. It was the first time I saw him like this and the way he was hurting was slowly destroying me. When I heard what happened to Mr. Conolly, my heart broke for his mate and daughter, the loss of a loved one was the hardest thing to bear.
I was on my way to Curtis’ private office hoping that I would catch him there and see if he was feeling better. I knew he preferred to be alone, and I gave him the space if it meant it would help him overcome the loss but I would check on him from time to time in case he needed someone to talk to. I arrived at his office and the door was wide opened. He looked up from his desk when I shut the door and approached him. I could see dark circles around his eyes and he looked tired but he did his best to smile when he saw me.
“Ellie! Glad you’re here, I was about to go looking for you,” he said enthusiastically.
I took a seat in front of him and smiled then asked sweetly, “Do you need anything?”
He shook his head then responded, “Before I tell you, I want to apologize first for not being myself lately, I was in a difficult place….” his voice trailed off.
“It’s okay Curtis, you don’t need to explain anything to me. I just want to be there for you,” I tenderly reassured him.
He smiled then stood and walked over to the chair beside me and sat there then he gently held my hands, “Thank you Ellie,” then he softly planted a kiss on my hand.
Then his mood changed to a more cheerful note, “I have good news for you,” he declared.
“Oh? That would be the first,” I jested smiling.
He laughed and continued, “I finally secured us a passage to Coastal City.”
At first I was not sure what he was saying or what he meant. He must have noticed my confusion when he added excitedly, “We’re going to visit your home Ellie!”
I was dumbstruck and didn’t respond immediately, “But how did you manage it?” I stuttered.
He laughed at my stunned face then he explained, “Well I made an excuse to Andrew that we needed help if we’re going to catch the Defiers and we had connections at Coastal City so I told him I should go and bring you along with me. I told him that all that was happening with the Defiers and all were taking its toll on you and you needed to unwind. Of course he did not agree at first but then I told him that maybe you will give a good word to the Prince about him in return for this favor, and it seemed to work,” he grinned.
I was ecstatic of the thought of going back home again that it felt unreal. Never in my wildest dreams would I have thought to return there after what happened to me and Andrew. I finally could go back where I truly belonged and see mom and dad again. I was so grateful for Curtis for this wonderful gift, that he made me so happy. I became excited then asked him, “So when are we leaving?”
The sun was high on the clear sky, and the ocean was calm as the heat of the day engulfed the breeze. I heard the waves lazily hit the shores of the beach and the sound of seagulls as they were flying freely. I smelled the salt in the tame wind while I stood on the balcony. This was home, although I have never been on this part of the city but it was all too familiar as well. We stayed at the other side of the city where the Elites’ ravishing apartments on the beach were and each more magnificent. It was owned by Curtis’ family and one of the largest and the most elegant in the area. The turquoise blue stone walls and white marbles played well together in the hallway. Unlike the manor where art paintings and portraits were everywhere but in here there was no need for one because the large windows and balcony had the breathtaking view of the wide vast ocean, and everything was subtle and peaceful. Curtis joined on the balcony and stood beside me enjoying the breeze.
“The most beautiful view in the house,” Curtis softly declared.
“It is,” I agreed grinning but whe
n I turned to him, he was lovingly gazing at me and not the view. He was beaming and I awkwardly laughed then we continued standing there in silence. His mood changed for the better ever since we arrived, and I could see he was happy and was slowly returning to his old self again that it gave me joy sharing this experience with him.
“I could imagine a day here would be that I would stare at the ocean and think of its wonderful mysteries beneath, or how the weather brightens the mood. The people around have their own stories to tell but it will remain an intriguing mystery and the structures has its own history and are all connected despite its size or origin. And all these splendid beauty around us deserved to be marveled as it should be…. And you Ellie are a part of it,” he sincerely declared.
I gazed at him smiling and I suddenly felt embarrassed but his words felt so good, “That’s a bit dramatic isn’t it?” I teased trying to change the mood.
He laughed hard then finally admitted, “Well it’s the truth,” he shrugged.
It felt good feeling this way, away from Pinewood, away from the pain and suffering we had to endure back there. I felt so free and I think he felt the same way too. He was leaning on the concrete railing of the balcony and stared at the ocean when I gazed at him. Sometimes I could see the pain in his eyes whenever he was deep in thought and I wanted to help him with that.
“We’ve been talking mostly about me. I think it’s time that we talked about you,” I said tenderly and I gently placed my hand over his that he laid on the railing.
He softly smiled, “What do you want to know?”
“Everything.”
I could barely contain my excitement when we were on our way to my house; it even kept me awake all night. Curtis who was with me couldn’t help but looked thrilled too. I felt sorry for him though that he lost both his parents but I was glad when we finally had the chance to talk about them. He shared about his disappointments with his father, his love for his mother and his resentments towards Andrew. I think he needed someone to talk to, and his face showed that he was contented to have finally spoken about it. When we got closer, everything in the neighborhood remained the same and familiar. We eventually parked outside my house and the people nearby started noticing the expensive car then I glanced without meaning to at the bakery from across the street and I didn’t know why I did that. Did I hope to see him there? But I’m with Curtis now I told myself.
“Are you ready?” Curtis asked interrupting my thoughts.
I nodded excitedly then we proceeded to get out from the car. A little crowd started to form around us, Curtis went out first and then I followed, and when I stood at the sidewalk I heard gasp from the neighbors who were looking and I could hear them say my name in hushed voice to the person beside them. Some stared at Curtis and others at me which felt very uncomfortable. We went towards the door and before we could knock I saw mom open it ecstatic with tears to see me. She immediately gave me a hug and dad was behind her beaming almost in tears. We entered the house and my tears started to form in my eyes as well.
“Oh my Ellie! Look how beautiful you are, being a Lady suits you, and your dress….” Mom happily declared while staring at what I wore. It was a short pastel blue dress that flowed freely and white heels, and she was not used to me wearing clothes like this but this was not a Lady’s dress though, this dress actually broke protocol but I never did cared and I didn’t see the point on sticking out in this neighborhood wearing such extravagant clothing. Curtis was kind enough too to dress comfortably and not on Lord’s clothes.
“Can I give my little girl a hug?” dad cheerfully asked then we hug so tight that my tears started to flow.
“I’m so happy to see you dad,” I happily declared crying.
“There Ellie, your home now,” he said in a soothing voice then he asked, “Well aren’t you going to introduce us to your Lord?”
Dad was smiling and mom was beaming when I introduced them to Curtis who was pleasantly gracious enough to shake their hands. We were at the kitchen eating our lunch and nothing had change in the house, it was still cozy just like the day I left it. We were enjoying each other’s company and talked mostly what mom and dad had been doing since I left. I found out that I became popular around here and some were proud that a Beta turned Elite was their neighbor, and mom claimed that people were much friendly to her since then. Both of them expressed their happiness that I’m doing well at Pinewood and gave their gratitude to Curtis for taking good care of me. I also told them how we met the Crowned Prince and they were amazed and in awe especially mom who kept asking a lot of questions. Then we laughed some more and I glanced at Curtis who was clearly enjoying this too, and I have never saw him this happy before. We spent the afternoon together in the house. Dad and Curtis talked about politics while mom was at the kitchen. I looked out the window in front of the house and I saw people were going through their usual business. Then for a while I saw him across the street but then I realized it was a different man sweeping outside the bakery. It was then that I knew that he was gone, probably matched with another Omega. I felt relief that he was not there actually but some parts of me misses him. He belonged to my past and that life was long gone.
I continued to spend my days here in Coastal City, I cherished every moment of it knowing that I might leave again someday. Curtis didn’t mentioned though how long we were staying and I didn’t dare asked. He was very generous when he offered that I stayed with my parents and he at the apartment but he drops by everyday to spend some time with me. I didn’t know where he goes and when I asked he would just answer that he had some business he had to attend to, and besides there were times when I was glad that he wasn’t around the house because mom blurts out embarrassing topics like when she asked about grandchildren and I would answer her that we haven’t talked about it and I wanted her to drop the subject but she was persistent.
“What’s there to talk about? They just draw both of your blood at the clinic then you wait for five months for the fetus to fully develop,” she explained.
“Well we’re just not yet ready for that kind of responsibility,” I defended.
Those were my usual days with mom when she was not at work but when I spend my time with dad, it was a whole different conversation. I brought him back to the apartment so that we can spend our day together at the beach. It was his first time there since nobody was ever allowed except for the Elites because beaches were very valuable property that only the Elites could afford to stay. Dad was in awe when he arrived; he always thought he would never step foot in a place like this. It felt strange how quickly our lives changed when I became an Elite. We walked along the shores just the two of us holding our shoes feeling the waves between our toes.
“So how’s your life Ellie?” he asked.
“I’m good dad,” I answered.
“I am so glad to hear that. Your mom and I were very worried when we left you at the ceremony.”
“It was hard but I managed.”
He chuckled, “You always do.”
We continued to walk in silence.
“I didn’t want to talk about this in front of your mother but I heard the news about the explosion in Pinewood,” he stated worriedly.
“We’re fine dad,” I reassured giving a soft laugh to convince him that it was nothing to worry about but he suddenly stopped walking and I did the same then he turned to face me.
“Ellie, you’re an Elite now. People there might see you differently and would try to hurt you. They will see you as one of them. I just want you safe. You’re always welcome at home if ever trouble comes for you,” he said sincerely with a worried look.
I gave him my warmest smile then hugged him and said, “Thank you dad.”
I was in our living room reminiscing with mom and dad that night when there was a soft knock on our door. Dad opened it and Curtis appeared then he was asked to come in which he willingly did.
“Can I get you anything my Lord? Coffee or tea?” mom pleasantly offered.
>
“As much as I would like to take you up on that offer Mrs. Gertrude but sadly I couldn’t stay long,” Curtis regretfully apologized, “I came here to ask if I could have a word with Ellie privately if it’s alright?” he added.
“Of course my Lord. Ellie don’t keep him waiting,” mom urged.
“We can talk in my room,” I offered.
It felt awkward bringing Curtis up here. It was far beyond the size of our chambers back in Pinewood. It had a single bed, a little one door closet and a small table where a mirror was and a chair. It barely fit the two of us inside but I saw Curtis was not bothered of the size as he took a seat on the chair while I sat on the bed.
“I am sorry I interrupted your night with your parents but I had to tell you something that couldn’t wait,” he stated with some urgency.
“It’s fine, they won’t mind,” I assured him.
There was hesitation and a look of concern on his face before he proceeded.
“I’m leaving for Gelhem tomorrow,” he finally said.
I was confused, “What’s in Gelhem?”
“Just more business that’s why I need you to stay with your parents for a while.”
I would love nothing more but to stay here, but I couldn’t help feeling that he was hiding something.
“You’re going to Gelhem…. and leaving me here… but you told Andrew that you’re staying here with me…. something does not add up,” I said trying to put the pieces together.
The Premortals (The Premortals Series Book 1) Page 18