The Mask Of The Monster - Chapter 89

(From Ella’s Perspective)

I knew I was being harsh to Dad, but that was the truth. I needed him to know what I truly was feeling. I did not want to give him false hope saying that I could forgive him because I never could.

Forgiving was never something I could do. Perhaps I was a cold-hearted monster that Linda called me. If someone did something bad to me or tried to do, I would take revenge and make them feel what it felt like to be put in that position.

Leandro and Dad knew each other before, but I could not understand how. But one thing was sure- they did not like each other. I wished he would tell me what was going on between them.

I went back to the castle after Leandro wrapped my knee with his handkerchief and threw away the one I used before. He was telling me again and again not to get into much trouble and showed me how to wrap a wound properly though I still did not learn as I was much more focused on his face at that moment.

Jed was furious not only because I was late, but also because I could not bring him chicken. I had to tell him again and again that I forgot after I beat that guy up.

“Then you have to buy me soon,” he said.

“Alright, I will,” I grumbled.

I told him everything about what happened. And he was not surprised to know that Leandro had gotten there because of me.

“He likes you and he thought that your dad might not truly be your dad. So, he went there to check on you,” he said.

“Do you think he’ll get angry that I didn’t tell him this before?” I asked.

“Perhaps no. He wrapped your wound too. I don’t think he’s angry.”

“But he was not talking to me gently. He was being cold again.”

“Honestly saying, I don’t understand this man. He is weird. Just go home and see if he’s angry. Or you’ll never be able to know how he’s feeling.”

“Eh! You called him weird… If he hears you…”

“Are you going to tell him?”

“No, I call him weird too to his face. He doesn’t mind. He shouldn’t. It’s the truth after all. I’m weird too,” I said.

“That’s good,” Jed mumbled. “Anyway, I got something to tell you about Miles and me…”

“What? Did you guys kiss? Did you guys have a heart-to-heart talk? Did you tell him that you like him? Did you touch him not so innocently? Come on, tell me! I’m not a patient person!”

“If you don’t stop talking, how can I tell?”

“Alright, I won’t talk. Now tell me,” I said, putting a finger on my lips.

“I think he kind of likes me too.”

“What? Really? Oh my goodness! I’m so happy for you! Just go for it! I think you guys are moving truly fast, but to be honest, I’m a fast pace lover. So go for it,” I exclaimed excitedly. “Anyway, so how do you know he likes you?”

“He blushed when I touched him. Stop looking at me like that! It was a simple touch, nothing mature. I just touched his hand, and it was part of the comforting thing. I mean, he was upset that his father thinks that he is not doing well enough to earn money and he wants Miles to work in the bakery with him. But he doesn’t like it. So they had a fight. I think his father is forcing things on him. It’s not right.”

“You know, I don’t know which side to take. You know the thing from Miles’s perspective only, but if you want to take a side, you need to know what his father is thinking as well. Miles needs to earn money, but he can’t do so if he keeps on drawing only. If he can’t sell them, he can’t get money. I understand it’s a hobby, but to survive, sometimes we have to put our hobby aside and work, even if it’s a boring job. His family is not rich. He can’t just keep up with his hobby, but forget every other thing. In this case, I think his father is right. But perhaps, Miles has a plan on his own too to earn money. If he doesn’t want to do anything else, but draw, then he can do that, only if he has a plan of earning money by that as well. You know what I mean? Don’t just take his side and comfort him. Tell him what’s important and give him suggestions, not advice. Most people hate when others give them advice, me including. I hate it too, but in case of suggestions, I might spend a second or two thinking about it. Anyway, remember what I said.”

“What if he gets angry that I don’t agree with him?”

“Then he is a jerk, no offense. If he is a true human being, then he will understand what you’re saying, or you can consider him a rat or something.”

“Are you serious?”

“Positive,” I said. “Just give him a piece of your mind too. Let him know that you’re not just a puppet who will do everything the other person says and agree with him all the time. You have a thinking too and you are willing to let him know your thoughts.”

“If it doesn’t work…”

“Then, unfortunately, he is not the right person for you.”

Jed and I spent all afternoon talking about what he should say. While going back, I had to buy him chicken as I said. He was being too naggy. Now I kind of understood what it felt like to deal with me.

As I reached the entrance of the forest, as always I found Leandro waiting there for me. The moment I noticed him, his eyes went down to my knees, perhaps to check if I was truly alright.

The sight of him always managed to warm my heart no matter what the situation was. The urge to wrap my arms around him and bury my face in his chest, take his aroma in was almost undeniable. But I controlled myself.

“Hey,” I muttered. He did not look as gentle as before, rather he had a hard and cold look, just like the first night we met and I felt like I was meeting that person over again.

“Let’s go,” he said and started walking. If I said that it did not hurt, it would be a lie. Did I do something wrong? Why was he behaving like that?

We walked in silent, precisely saying he walked and I had to run every now and then to keep up with his long strides. I could not see his face in the dark, but I could sense some kind of coldness radiating from him.

“Are you angry with me?” I murmured, even though I said it, I was half hoping that he did not hear it.

He did not say anything, rather kept his hard face on. I did not like it at all, this part of him that I did not want to see again. I thought he had become a whole different person. Now it seemed like I was wrong after all. No one could change fully and I was stupid to think that he had.

“Why aren’t you talking? Did I do something wrong? Why are you angry with me? Tell me,” I said, and this time I was loud enough that there was no confusion that he would not hear it.

This time he looked down at me, more like shot a dangerous look at me, and suddenly grabbed me by my arms and pressed me against the nearby tree that my back was pressed against it. He was breathing heavily as he held me tightly, his gaze burning into mine.

“You are asking me what you did wrong? You didn’t bother telling me going to meet another shifter alone?” he asked coldly and calmly that would make anyone’s blood run cold and mine was no exception.

“He is my dad,” I replied, more like a whisper.

“How could you be sure he is your dad? He could be anyone!”

“He wrote me a letter.”

“And you believed it just because of a letter? Anyone could write that letter, Ella. Can’t you understand it? You didn’t even tell me anything about it!”

“It’s not like you tell me everything,” I mumbled, looking into his eyes that were gleaming darkly.

[Who do you think is being childish this time? Ella or Leandro? Ella did not tell him because she thought that he would oppose and won’t let her meet her dad. Since she was sure that it was her dad and he won’t hurt her, she did not bother telling him beforehand. And Leandro was angry because Ella did not tell him about it and went to meet another shifter (Her dad of course, but he still likes to behave like that) without notifying him.. He was worried that something might happen to her. Now it’s up to you to decide who was the wrong one]