Hey my sweets! (•◡•) /

I'm so sorry that this chapter is so late... I'm still sick. I haven't been able to really get out of my bed for the past week much less write, but I'd still like to apologize. I'm finally feeling better but I'm still under the weather so please excuse my writing for this chapter if it seems a bit... off.(╥﹏╥)

My brain is only halfway functioning... and only off of caffeine at this point.(ㆆ_ㆆ)

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Everything continued to stay the same, Theo, the promise of tomorrow, and even the way Mrs. Glen said goodbye.

It was reassuring to know that nothing outside my expectations would happen but I felt a sense of helpless agitation. Everything flowed perfectly as it had done before, and here I sat in the carriage waiting to arrive home...

or my death bed depending how I looked at it.

My poor attempt at dark humor did nothing to calm my tense nerves. I could only wait to see what was to come.

I leaned against the window of the carriage exhausted. I couldn't do anything until the time comes, so It would do no good to stress until then. I ran my hand over my face lazily, as if trying to wipe away my nervousness.

I closed my eyes trying to enjoy the calm before the storm.

Sleep was quick to take me away as I listened to the pattering of the horses hooves and the creaking of the swaying carriage.

*

*

*

"Miss, please wake up your home." I awoke to Chrysta politely trying to wake me.

I must have not of woken up even when the carriage stopped for Chrysta having to enter the carriage to wake me. I drowsily stepped off the carriage, and prepared to continue this mind-numbing repetitive day. However, I stop in my tracks faced with a irregularity of this never changing day.

"Ethan."

A barely audible whisper, but I knew he heard it since his eyes flashed in acknowledgement of my suddenly emotional appearance.

My heart bloomed with warmth for many different reasons. Here he stood not only as my brother but as proof that this day would change. I felt a bit embarrassed remembering my mental breakdown last night, but I instinctively know he does not judge me.

"Alina."

I was snapped from my thoughts by his deep voice calling me with concern in his eyes.

A pang hit my heart.

I am not this man's sister, nor does he know who I really am. I know and understand his misunderstanding...

He thinks I'm... no his sister is dying.

I can tell by the look in his eye. I'm now certain that father has told him of my condition.

This condition...

I look at my hands.

Thin.

Frail.

Pail.

These are the first things that come to mind... these are not the hands of a sick person. This condition is not something I fear, it is not the thing invading my my senses with crippling fear.

No, it's the cold blade that I know will try to slit my throat tonight.

I cannot and will not fix him of his misunderstanding. I doubt if I told him everything of me coming into this body and that I know there are people who I don't know who want to kill me that he would believe me. He'd probably lock me in my room until they could get a doctor to check my mental well being.

A bitter chuckle fell from my lips unknowingly, but soon it turn into full blown laughter.

"Alina, What's wrong?" Ethan once again spoke.

I realized I hadn't answered, but at this point I could stop laughing at my situation. It was unbelievable and silly.

Yes, that's what it was.

Silly.

And to think I prefer this place over where I'm familiar with is even sillier, but it was the truth.

Ethan quickly grabbed my hand and worriedly kept checking me. And soon my laughter died down with his serious attitude.

"I'm sorry I suddenly was in a good mood and thought of something funny." I said while smiling.

"...Alright."

Even though he gave into my excuse he did not let go of my hand and escorted me to my room. It was silent in the hallways, only our footsteps echoed in the hall way. The silence was tense, but not in an uncomfortable way, I could just tell that Ethan wanted to say something but was holding back.

"I'm sure father has told you of my condition."

He tensed at my sudden sentence.

"...Yes."

"Mmm, I see." I nodded calmly as I expected his answer.

"...You will be fine." He hesitated awhile before saying. It would have been a lot more believable if it didn't sound like he was trying to convince himself.

I didn't respond, I only looked at him and smiled. I knew that this disease wouldn't be the end of me but the same couldn't be said for other things.

As if he could sense the deeper meaning behind my smile his eyes darkened.

"You will be fine, I'll make sure of it." His grip on my hand tightened, but not too tight.

"Mmm." I hummed in acknowledgement before we settled back into silence, but unlike before this was a comfortable silence.

Before I knew it we arrived in front of my room.

"See you at dinner."

He only nodded in response before heading back down the hall. I did not waste any time and quickly entered my room.

I had to prepare for to night.