Chapter 18

Her eyes hold a fury that tells me that she isn't too pleased with what she's seeing. What is she seeing really?. I try to calm my beating heart and look at the picture from her point of view.

She sees her son, the one who had just disappointed her, the one who had tricked her and her husband into giving thier assent for all thier properties to hold the names of thier son and his affianced, just because the betrayal of a girl required it from him. Now the same son has another girl in his room, a girl who looks young and beautiful, who was hiding in the bathroom like she was being chased by something.

And here said son is, half dressed while I am still in the nightgown I now realise is probably a little bit thin and silky to be considered modest. What must she be thinking of me right now, of us?. I almost speak up impulsively so I can attempt to clear my name from whatever sort of scandal is running through her head.

She doesn't give me the chance to, as she looks to her son and her lower lip begins trembling "Is she the one you talked about, or are you just playing me again?". The reference to his former betrayal hits Adrian hard, as he winces unconsciously like every word was a blade being hurled at him. Again, I feel I should do something about the situation but Adrian's voice stops me "I'm not lying mum, I'm truly sorry for what happened and I've promised I'd try to fix it. I'm serious about this. I know I've disappointed you and father but I promise I'll try to fix things".

His words hold pain and regret. The type that i suddenly think feels familiar. How long have I been disappointed in myself for not dying with my parents?. It might seem like a lousy thing to refer to but the plain fact is that it's true. I always seemed to regret that fact, like it's a mistake that I made and shouldn't be forgiven for. I see that same pain I've felt reflect in Adrain now. His mother looks at him with a wierd look in her eyes like she was silently pleading with him, pleading with him to please not betray her trust again.

I can see the look of assurance Adrain tries to give his mum back but she refuses it, like the pain from his first blow is still fresh. Adrain looks hurt and she looks resigned in her decision to keep it that way. "Your father will be around for lunch and so will the rest of the family. You can introduce her to us then but be warned, I'll show no signs of defending you or even pleading your cause. Everything is up to you now".

Adrian looks at the floor and I can see his hands faking the action of scratching an itch as he cleans back a tear. He raises his head up and nods as his mother turns to go out. "What's her name?" She asks and I find myself answering before I can stop that particular impulse "My name is Aderyn ma'am".