Part 2
After this morning’s events with my father, I
decided to stay as far away from the palace as I possibly could. I stole myself into a grove of chestnut trees on the east
side of the gardens. The canopy
allowed a small amount of light to reach the dirt floor as I trace through the
well-worn path. It always amazed to
walk through the silent giants. Also
how enormous these patient lives could become.
Mayle had explained to me one day how a tiny seed grew into these great
trees that loom over our heads. After
time and a bit of luck even the smallest of seed could grow up majestic and
strong.
I
reach a clearing amid the dense trees. I
always come to this spot when I want to be alone.
Only minimal light reaches the clearing giving it an eerie, almost
forbidden effect. After scurrying
up a fallen tree, I snap off a straight branch and head back down to the ground. Wielding the branch like a sword I imitate the fighters from
the old television programs that I watch when no one is paying attention.
I face off against my invisible opponent, blocking every attack and
advancing quickly.
“Nice
parry.” The shock from the
intruding voice causes my body to go ridged and I drop the branch.
“Your father would rupture his spleen if he knew what you were
doing.”
‘You
won’t tell him, will you Mayle?”
“I
don’t think I could ever do that to you Master Milliardo.”
She delicately takes a seat on the ground, careful so as not to dirty her
uniform, and then gently pats the ground next to her.
I take her invitation and set myself down at her side.
“You know your father is a really wonderful man.
He’s done so much for everyone here.
I’m sure that you’ll grow up to be a strong leader just like him.”
I
ponder her words for a moment before responding, “What is father doing?”
“Why
he’s creating peace young master.”
“But
the man this morning said we’re going to be attacked!”
“It’s
none of my business what was said this morning.
We can only have faith that your father knows what he is doing.”
We
sit in silence as endless minutes tick by.
Although it should have been, the void of talking was not awkward.
Mayle and I always had a connection ever since I could remember. I only see father during our daily breakfast meetings.
And now ever since Relena was born, my mother has been so entranced by
the girl I never see her anymore. Mayle
is the only who will stay with me. With
her soft blue eyes and flowing bronze hair, she always has a sort of peace that
surrounds just her. Her half smiles
meant only for me always spark a giggle to escape my lips.
We had our secrets too. She
was sure to always keep from my father my actions that would surely warrant a
severe punishment, like my pretend sword fighting today.
I
also knew about some of Mayle’s past, of which she never told anyone.
She was a refugee from a space colony before the military took control,
back when she was only thirteen. She
lost her entire family during that time, her parents we’re killed attempting
to flee and her older brother was captured while trying to get to the shuttle
that only she had managed to board. When she came here she was desperate, with
no money and no friends; she had nothing. My
father gave her a job here in the palace and a reason for her to continue to
living.
Mayle
was designated my caregiver because of her sweet disposition and knowledge of
space. She would tell me stories
about outer space at bedtime, but after hearing the wondrous tales I could never
fall asleep. She knew the legends
of most every constellation and would tell me of the long ago cultures that
discovered each one. Even at the age of nineteen she is one of the most
knowledgeable persons that I know
She
was the one who created my need to know every aspect of outer space.
She planted the seed inside of me that would grow until it devoured me
whole.
“What
are you thinking about child?”
“Just
how wonderful it is to have you.”
“That’s
so kind of you to say. Now come over here and give old Mayle a hug!”
She scoops me up into a warm embrace.
“You’re
not old Mayle!”
“Once
again you’re being too kind!” With
that statement she plants a kiss on my cheek.
I quickly try to wipe it away while spouting off nonsense about germs.
She wrestles me to the ground; tickling my sides till my face is red and
I can’t stop laughing. She
finally stops after a few minutes of my pleading.
It was then when we heard the first of the mobile suits flying overhead.
~~~
The
pain, it’s the only thing I can feel right now.
Not only the pain in my body, but in my heart.
I had let them all down. I
didn’t become the strong leader that I was supposed to become; instead I’m
out on the battlefield taking orders from my superiors.
My hands have become so saturated with blood that I can see the vile red
liquid coating every surface. It
spreads from my hands, up my arms and consumes my entire being.
I wince as a new lance of pain stabs through my abdomen.
“Get
him back under now! I can’t do
surgery if he’s awake! Pay
attention to the patient and not the nurse!”
As
suddenly as I woke up I slip back into the oblivion that is my subconscious.