It Hurts

As I ran up the stairs, I could hear Vincent calling my name me, but I couldn't stop my steps. I felt upset... scared... embarrassed... and angry; I couldn't stop even if I tried. Finally, I burst into my room and slammed the door shut behind me. I placed my back against the door and slowly slid down to sit on the floor, hugging my knees. I stared at the room lit up by the sunlight and watched as it went dark when a cloud passed by. I couldn't help but rethink what happened and worry about what will happen.

What does he think of me now? Am I disgusting to him? Will he push me away now? Will he kick me out? I didn't know what to do, and everything was killing me. I finally laid my head on my knees and sobbed. It was more like whimpering; I was afraid someone would hear me if I cried too loudly. It was hard; my heart was aching in pain. I felt like I have shattered it into pieces. Is this normal? Is this what love is? Is it happiness or a disease? If love is so wonderful, why does it hurt? Maybe... Am I not in love with him? I was so sure I was... and... still am...

I squeezed the cloth of my pants tighter, trying to hold in louder cries, but I gave up and let it all flow out. I knew crying was the only way to feel better. Moments passed, and I heard a knock on the door, which made me stop instantly. The sun soon lit up the room again once the cloud left. I listened to a soft yet deep voice outside the door. "Sky? Are you crying..?" Vincent asked. I froze; what was I supposed to do? I couldn't let him see me like this! I need to respond! "N..no o-of course not," I choked on some of my words but tried to make it all seem natural. "I-I'm just tired.." I added. Vincent replied, "I see; get some good rest. Don't forget to eat dinner at 9 pm with me" he walked off without another word. Was he serious? Does he want to eat dinner with me after what I did?

I took a deep breath and let it out while putting one hand on my chest. I should have known he would reject me... After the way he has been living for all these years... He probably doesn't even understand... Just like when we were younger...

~7 years ago~

I finally found the toy I had been looking for this entire time. I ran into Vincent's room and showed him the toy. "I found it!" I shouted. Vincent smiled happily. "Yay! Where was it?" he asked. I pointed to his door. "It was out there by my room," I explained. He took the toy and placed it down by the castle. It was a toy horse. Vincent looked over at me quickly like he just remembered something. "Ah! Tomorrow's your birthday, huh? How old will you be now?" he said, sounding very excited. I smiled. "I'll be 10! Soon I'll catch up with you" Vincent shook his head. "There is no way. I am way older than you. I keep telling you you will never catch up to me" I sighed at his comment. "I think you're just tricking me. You are shorter than me now and look like you're still 8. How are you over 100 years old?"

I asked while crossing my arms. Vincent went quiet. "I don't want to talk about it," he stood up and walked to his closet. "Let's forget about me and Focus on you. I want you to wear your 10th birthday outfit!" he smiled at me. I couldn't help but smile back; his beautiful smile kept my heart beating. I got up and walked to his closet. "Why do all your clothes look so much different from what I normally wear?" I asked. Vincent shrugged. "I don't know. People wear these types of clothes all the time where I'm from," he replied.

He pulled out an outfit. "This one!" he purposely ensured I couldn't see it. "You'll be able to see it tomorrow, so no peeking~."

I chuckled. "All right, whatever you say" I wanted to know how Vincent was over 100, I wanted to learn more about his parents, and I also wanted to know why he dresses the way he does. There is only one place I know where I can get info from. I looked at Vincent and hugged him tightly in my arms. "I'm going to go read now. I'll return to play castle with you," I promised him. Vincent had a slight blush that appeared on his pale white skin. He nodded in agreement. "I-I'll see you then," he said in a soft and timid voice. I left the room quickly and ran downstairs to the library.

I didn't know how to read, but it was pretty good. Vincent taught me how to read every day and taught me words I never knew existed. I picked out a bunch of books and sat at a table, starting to read. The library was so huge that it could take years to find the info I wanted. Suddenly I heard the door open and shut and turned to see Carlton walk in with a duster. He looked at me and walked over. "Not playing with the young master?" he asked. I shook my head. "No, but I promised him I would later. I need to find something, " I told him. He sat down across the table from me. "And what is it that Mr. Sky needs to find?" he questioned.

I didn't know if I should tell him or not. What if he said Vincent, and Vincent would get mad at me? "U-um..? You promise you won't tell Vincent?" I asked. He placed his hand on his chest. "I cross my heart," he replied. "W.. well... I want to know more about Vincent. Why is he so much older than me? Why does he dress the way he does? I want to know more about his parents," I let out. Carlton gave a small sigh. "I knew one day you would be curious about these things. I'll explain it to you," he said as he got more comfortable in his seat before continuing.

"The young master had a mother and father, both amazing and talented. Their talents made them become the richest people back then. They made this whole mansion with their ideas of an idle home. After their hard work, all the money they earned, the house they created, and the maids and butlers they had, they were still not truly happy. The young master's mother wanted a child; she thought that would make them happy. His father disagreed, saying nothing would make them as happy as they wanted. His mother begged every day until the man finally gave in. They soon had a baby boy. His mother and father were not as happy as they wanted to be until he was born. They loved him more than anything else in the world. They cared for him every day, but as he got older, he looked much different from the other children.. with his red eyes and white hair. It worried his parents he had some disease..."