My Mother's Killer - Ch. 8

I often think back about Thomas, about our last couple days together when I was sixteen. Sarah would tell me everyday how beautiful I was becoming and that I would have many suitors. Michael had been promoted and the King had asked him to court this included me as well. "Marie, I have a surprise for you!" Shouted Michael as he entered the room he added for me. "A surprise!" I shrieked with excitement staring at the box he was carrying. "Open it," Michael said handing me the off white box. I carefully pulled off the ribbon and opened it reviling a beautiful light blue ball gown. "Michael it’s beautiful, but I’m still not going to court," I said stubbornly. I didn’t see the point, I wanted nothing to do with suitor or love for that matter.

All that mattered to me was revenge. I was sixteen and I had gotten to the point that I would beat Thomas in sparing, so I was almost ready to leave and find my mother’s killer. "Marie, you have to go please as a favor." Michael begged. Michael had never asked one thing of me so I said I would go. "I’m going to go find Thomas," I said while heading toward the door. "I meet his mother in court, they don’t live to far." Michael said while explaining where his home was. He had said she told him that Thomas would not be able to leave until the following week.

I found that odd, I mean he had meet me every day since we meet, Why was today different? I tried not to think of it that much as I rode Nobel to his mother’s home. I had never seen such a beautiful home in all my life. There where gardens all around the large home; which to me looked like a castle. I knocked on the door and a servant answered. I used my best manners as I asked to visit. The servant then led me up a large staircase to a huge room full of paintings. Thomas was sitting behind an easel painting away. "I didn’t know you painted," I said surprised because I thought I knew everything about him. "My mother wants me to study all the arts so yeah I paint." Thomas said causally. "Well then paint me something beautiful," I teased. "I already have," Thomas said with a devious smile. "What? Really let me see," I begged.

"OK Close your eyes," Thomas whispered as he covered my eyes with his rough hands. "Ok you can look now," Thomas said in a playful voice. "What is this? I questioned staring at a black and white picture of my self. "I said I wanted something beautiful, I was thinking of a beautiful sunset or I don’t know," I said puzzled. "Marie, I’ve never seen anything that could compare to you, don’t you think you’re pretty," Thomas said confused. "I do but you’re my best friend you shouldn’t say things like that." I shrieked. "Marie I care about you I’ve always cared about you." Thomas said reaching for my hand. I was so confused I pulled my hand away. "Thomas, were friends and that’s all, I’m not looking for anything but a friend, don’t you understand that," I said harshly.

"Marie, I know it’s crazy and I never thought I would want you to be more than a friend but life has a funny way of changing your perspective on things, you know?" Thomas said in a sweet voice. I didn’t understand, the only thing I wanted out of this life was revenge; nothing more nothing less, just sweet revenge. I couldn’t look him in the eyes I just ran, I ran away from the only person in the world who knew me better than myself. I was angry, how could he change the way we are. Things were perfect and now everything is different. How could I bee around him knowing that he wanted more.

I rode Nobel as fast as I could; I wanted to be as far away from Thomas as Possible. I returned home to find a stunning Carriage in front of our home. Court, great I would have to see Thomas tonight; he would be at court and I was sure he would ask me to dance. I tried to convince Michael and Sarah that I was sick but they weren’t buying it. Sarah helped me get in my dress and fixed my hair. I had never worn Make-up before that day; it made me feel fake and sticky. "Marie, you look amazing," Michael said with a twinkle in his eye. "Yeah, our little sis isn’t too little any more," Sarah chimed in. "Marie, you look like a princess," John said in his squeaky little voice. "And you look like a handsome prince," I whispered giving John a kiss on his head.

I didn’t say a word the whole ride, my stomach was in knots and it felt like my heart was going to jump right out of my chest. The carriage came to a stop and I peered out the window. I thought Thomas’ house was huge; the castle made his home look like a hut. Michael, Sarah, and John happily strolled up the castle stairs; I slowly walked behind dreading the night to come. When we reached court I lifted my head. Sarah had taught me etiquette and I wanted to make her and Michael look good. Michael introduced me to the King and queen. I did my best to small talk and leave a good first impression. I took my leave and scanned the room for Thomas; maybe he wouldn’t show. That’s when I saw them. Thomas was dancing with a beautiful red head, with piercing blue eyes, and curves I could only dream of. My blood began to boil.

Then I though," Why am I mad, he’s my friend I should be happy for him, I mean now I don’t have to worry about our friendship, right." Wrong, the more I watched them the worse my stomach began to feel. This time it felt like I couldn’t breath and my heart began to feel as if there was nothing left. Just then Thomas saw me out of the corner of his eye. I couldn’t bear to talk to him, I just ran. I ran out of the Castle as fast as I could. I didn’t know what to do I just knew I couldn’t bear to be here anymore, not around Michael, Sarah, John, but especially Thomas. I untied Nobel from the carriage, there were three horses left so I didn’t think Michael would be that mad. I raced to get home, or what I used to call home. I didn’t even tie Nobel down; I wouldn’t be long. I rushed inside packing everything that was mine and grabbed some food for my journey. Then I left a note:

Sarah and Michael,
I really don’t know how to say this, but I can no longer stay here. I just wanted to thank you for everything you have done for me. Words can’t express how much you’ve helped me. Michael, I hope you will not be mad that I’m taking Nobel, but I needed a horse. Sarah, I know you don’t want me to look for the man with the scar; but the thought of finding him has been racing threw my head every day since I’ve been here. I know you said there’s more to life than revenge, but I haven’t found anything I want more. Tell John I love him. And know I love you both very much. I will return from time to time. Don’t worry I will be ok.

Love,
Your little sis Marie.