Chapter 71

Like us, humans, does animal feel the anger, sadness, guilt, pain... all these emotions? I don't think there life is as complicated like mine is. I think they are the carefree souls who are blessed to have a wonderful life even if they don't have any owner. Watching Arion running in the fields freely; I couldn't help myself asking all these questions. I think they do feel some emotions but surely they have a simple life where they just eat, sleep, run or play with their babies. I really wish I could have that life but as I said in the beginning, we can just wish or hope for that we never know what hold next in our destiny.

It's been two days since that incident and I have successfully avoided Orlando and few of my brothers. I guess they all are trying to give me space as well, which I'm glad for. I need time to collect my thoughts and emotions. I know I can't avoid them forever at some point I have to face them, especially the person that I once called my best friend. The morning sky is doing its job in helping me to think clear today. Never in my life I thought I will be in such a spot where I have to think about forgiving Orlando. As kids even though we were dealing with our own devils, our life was simple.

I felt something tugging my arm. Looking at my left I saw Arion looking at me. I patted his jowl and said, "how about we both go for a run? What you say? I think we both need one." With that I hopped onto him and we both set our run into the morning trail. The path was bumpy but we both didn't care about it. Arion's coat is already shinny but the morning sun rays were giving him an extra shine which I couldn't ignored. The cold morning breeze kissed my hair and face and the Birds were chirping somewhere in the woods. I closed my eyes leaned forward to hug Arion's crest tightly. Soon we both reached at the end of the trail and I should not be surprised to see huge walls to mark the boundaries. We both started walking nearby the wall in silence for quite few minutes but I broke the silence because technically it's actually me who can speak.

"You know Orlando is here, he is back, well I thought he died but in actual he didn't; it was a lie. Few days when I knew about the truth I was devastated. It still hurts to think that he lied to me for so long and I don't think he would have any intention of telling me about it all. It was just a coincidence that he was adopted by this family and I found out about it. Had it been any other family I would've still been in this misery about loosing my best friend. Do you think he ever thought about me after taking this decision? I believe he didn't, he just moved on with his life but I, I was still stuck there for soo long."

Turning around I patted his muzzle lightly and in return Arion nodded his head. I think he wants me to continue talking so that's what I did.

"I don't know what to do now? I know one thing for sure that I won't be able to forgive him. Maybe some day in the future but not now. Even looking at his face for just once I think I'll loose myself, I won't be able to control tornado of emotions that I'm suppressing inside me. I'm done playing nice. He have to pay for what he did to me. If he doesn't give a fuck about me so why should I? I know that I cannot hide forever, it's better that I talk to someone about it I'm sure they'll respect my decision. What you think Arion?" And in response he again nodded his head.

"Well then let's go back and find someone who can listen to what I have in my mind." So with that I hopped onto him again and we made our way back to the mansion. I took him back to his to his stable and gave him some water to drink and spent few more minutes before saying goodbye and promised to come see him again. Making my way inside, I searched for the person that I'm looking for. it took me a while but I did found him sitting in his room reading some papers. I knocked the door to gain his attention, looking up, when he saw me a smile appeared on his face.

"Can I come in Nonno?"

"You don't have to ask for that cara, Come in" He said while putting the papers on the side and patted on the bed besides him. "What can I help you with?" He asked looking into my eyes with a curiosity.

"Well, you know about the situation between him and I. A lot have been going on my mind since then. I want to...... I don't know.... I just feel like I'm going to explode. I want to take my mind off from all of it. I know that considering our position in this country it won't be possible for me to go alone. So, I was thinking that I could move to the guest house that you prepared for me a while ago, just for few days or till the time he's here. I..... I know that it's very sudden but I'm just asking for few days then I'll be back." I huffed out after ranting it out. Nonno kept looking at me for few seconds. Then he creased my head with his hand and said.

"I know my child that you are hurting and none of our family members want to see you upset. But I'm disappointed in one thing Hazel."

When he said that I just stared at him while holding my breath. I'm now starting to get frantic with worry..... I know that his next words will somehow will throw me into a pit of my corporeality. Looking at me for few moments he continues.

"I didn't knew that my Hazel have become such a yellow-belly that now she runs away from stumbling blocks. I always thought that you will fight your own battles no matter what the circumstances are. My little girl let me ask you something" I couldn't form a word out of my mouth because of this sudden slap of reality that Nonno gave me. So, I just nodded my head to tell him to continue. He held my hands in his rough one and spoke,

"I know that Orlando made a tremendous mistake and that you've been feeling blue since then. We all can empathize with you about what you are going through cara but to overcome that pain you are the one who have to sew your own wounds. This world is very cruel and you know it. I'm not saying this to hurt you or telling you to look in your past; no cara. I want you to acknowledge those wounds so they heal properly, though these wounds will leave some ugly scars on you. However, it's on you how you want to carry on these scares for the rest of your life. Also, remember that everyone comes alone in this world and goes alone too. But the minute you are born a lot of people will get attached with a named relationship with you, it could be mother, father, brother, uncle, aunt, friends, husband you name it. I've heard mostly people say that life is short live it to your fullest. Yet, I think that if you have all these relationships in your life it is happy and short but when you are alone without these relationships or happiness your life becomes immensely long. So, cherish everything that life give you because we never know that the family with whom we are having joyous moments now will become a memory in next moments that we will deprive for the rest of our lives. We never know that when the nightmares will turn into a horrible reality but my sweet child if we back down from them they will haunt you more. The more you run from them the more they will make your life miserable. So, to accept them as a part of your life and keep fighting with them is what a brave one can do. However, while fighting with them don't forget that your loved ones will be there with as long as they are alive. They will support you no matter what. I hope you are understanding what I'm trying to say." He said while wiping my cheeks. Within seconds I felt cold air hut my cheeks, I touched them to found myself crying.

"Now let me answer the question that you asked me when you came here. No, I won't send you out of my sight and I'll make sure you stay within my eye range till the day I'm alive. In spite of that I can surely give you some suggestions to get your revenge on him. But I knew you are capable enough to handle all your dumb brothers." I laughed at his last comment and hugged him tightly and he reciprocated it. We stayed like that for few minutes before I spoke again.

"Thank you Nonno for everything. I'm glad I decided to talk to you first before taking any dumbest decision. But don't forget your promise you have to help me if I want one."

"Whenever you want principessa, just call me."

LET'S SEE HOW YOU WILL HIDE FROM ME NOW MR. ORLANDO..........