~The Heartfelt and Hurtful Words~

[Valerie]

“What are you doing here?” I ask a little too sharply than I should have when I see Viola sitting on the couch. She glances up from her phone and uncrosses her leg, making space for me to walk to the other single couch. I feel drained out, humiliated and just… miserable. I want to cry in peace, but it seems like it would have to wait. I plop down on the couch.

“You did well," Viola murmurs softly. I chuckle at those words. I lean back on the couch. “Really now? How should I take this? As a compliment? Encouragement? Or sarcasm?”

Viola shakes her head. “None. I was worried about you. The Elders wanted you to lose control. Or they were expecting something like that.”

“Then good thing, Ruelle backed out and left me to shoulder the embarrassment,” I mutter and stand up, hoping she will get the memo.

“So, you plan to rely on her in the future?” Something in her tone provokes me. I glare at her.

“Shut up. She is a part of me…” I counter.

“And? So you will just leave her