Chapter 9 - Elina

Helios began to stay over more frequently, having sleep overs at least twice a week. In that time we had become relatively close friends, with him looking at me favourably for being extremely determined to succeed in all of my studies. He has always been someone who is easily impressed by determination and the like.  Occasionally I would hear of Elina but the moment I would hear her name, I would try to leave the conversation. The fear of death was enough to scare me from associating with her in the slightest. I was afraid of taking the wrong step only to lose all of this comfort I had finally built up. But a celebration for Adelphos and Helios was being held soon and I could no longer avoid her. As Helios' sister she would need to be present and I would likely have to spend time with her, as we were both sisters of the main acts, alongside being of the same age. Further, I doubt Adelphos could pass up the opportunity to see her before he leaves. Until I'm forced to face her, I'd rather forget she exists. Her existence for me is dangerous. I exist in this world as a stepping stone to propel her into absolute stardom as a kind hearted innocent lady, while I fall to the bottom of the pit.

I sat around the table with my family and Helios for lunch. My brother started up a conversation with me. "Persephone." I stopped cutting my food and looked up. 

"Yes?"

"You're aware of our congratulatory party being held before we leave right?"

"Yes. It's next week. Is there a problem?" I ask, genuinely confused.

"I just wanted to share the good news with you. Theodore returned his letter saying he would be attending". I clench my cutlery tightly. "I think it would be worth going over your dancing skills so that you can have a dance with him without any mishaps". He smiles in a manner that looks both awkward and as though he genuinely means well. 

"I don't plan on dancing with Theodore."

"Why not? Didn't you like him before?" He questions out of curiosity but not in a demeaning way.

"That was before I finally knew who he was. Why do I need to chase after someone who doesn't like me, and who doesn't know how to treat humans with basic respect?"

"Did something happen between you two?" Helios interrupts out of concern. 

"It's not a big deal. I was pushed by a girl and he was aware of that, but continued to yell at me. Telling me to get up and stop making people feel bad and so on."

"When was this?" Adelphos asks with his teeth clenched. 

"Just before you came back to join us and heard me arguing with him? Though at the time you reprimanded me and told me to stay in my room and repent." Adelphos went silent out of guilt. "It's not a big deal though, it's easy to make assumptions especially since I was and still am extremely snobby. I did call him a dog and tell him to stop barking. No harm, no foul."

"No- that was... My fault. I'm sorry for not even asking about what happened and blaming you."

"Like I said, water under the bridge". I smile. "I'm not holding it against you."

"Would you rather we revoke the invite?" My father interjects the peaceful atmosphere I painstakingly created, looking equally as enraged as Adelphos had. 

"No... What would that make of our family? People who treat others poorly? If you're doing that because of what he did, be aware that uninviting them would make people think I forced you into doing so. Though I suppose my reputation is already at the bottom", I laugh, "it can hardly get any worse." 

After a moment of silence I clap my hands together, "enough of that talk. I don't want to spoil my mood of the last couple of weeks I have before my brother goes away. Have you finished getting everything you both need for the academy?" I ask with genuine interest. I had never been to a boarding school so it always intrigued me. 

"I'm still missing something", Helios responds.

Adelphos turns to him confused, "what did you forget? Should we go shopping again tomorrow?" 

Helios laughs and shakes his head before placing his elbows on the table and leaning his chin on the backs of his hands. He looks at me. "I'm still missing a congratulatory gift from you," he jokes. 

"Hmm. I don't think I have anything to give you. I mean I doubt it's anything extraordinary if you managed to get in."

I could see Adelphos attempting to suppress the excitement in his eyes at the mention of a celebratory gift. Who am I to say no to that face? "I'll buy something for you both, I'm just unsure of what the two of you are lacking. But don't tell me!" I yell with enthusiasm. "I want to surprise you and decide by myself."

"I look forward to it" says Adelphos, beaming with happiness I couldn't have ever imagined seeing on his face. 

"Me too", Helios says with a gentle smile that seems to be saying more than his mouth, a smile older than him.

We finish our meal with everyone talking together. As I was about to leave the dining room I'm stopped. "Oh and" Helios begins, directing his attention to me.

"Yes?"

"At the upcoming party could you spend some time with Elina? She's still extremely shy and doesn't have many friends. I'm sure she'd love a female friend to play with. Could you stay with her and help her socialise so that she isn't overwhelmed?" He requests. 

I scratch the back of my neck "I don't think I'm the best person for this..." I see his face turn into a frown "it's not that I don't want to help the both of you!" I try to make myself as clear as possible. "But as you're aware I become anxious in many situations and begin struggling to breathe. Being surrounded by many people is one of those situations..." I could see his face change into one of regret as though he felt bad for even making the request. I hate that, pity makes me feel about an inch tall. "But I'll try my best. I'm known for pushing myself to the edge" I laugh. "I'll try to help her out. But if I can't handle it anymore I'll be leaving the party to rest." 

"Yes of course", he responds quickly. "Thank you so much! You don't have to if you don't feel well, but thank you for even considering it! It's just that I feel as though she'd benefit from being around you. What with how well you get along with me. She's also extremely interested in you because of the stories I told her. She wanted to come with me on many occasions to meet you, but she's been unwell for the last week so regrettably she couldn't." 

"Oh I'm sorry to hear that", I say with genuine sympathy. "I'll go and grab something quickly for you to take back to her." 

I go into my room and find a new teddy bear I had bought to decorate my room, alongside a box of some lemon and ginger loose leaf tea I had made. I rush to write a heartfelt letter of hope for her recovery. I run to the front door where Adelphos was bidding Helios goodbye. I hand him the tea container, letter and teddy bear. "Give this to Elina as a get well soon gift. I hope she's perfectly healthy by the time of the party. Don't worry, the teddy bear is new and wasn't used at all, and the tea is something I made myself as a hobby. It should help her throat feel better."

He looks frozen for a second before saying thank you with a confused expression. 

"You're welcome" I smile. "I hope she likes it."

With that he enters the carriage and head back to his residence. I head back to my room to practice dancing in secret, as a surprise to dance with Adelphos. And like that, the rest of my day went peacefully .