4.

Chapter 4

 RUBIN

“Don’t yeh mention this stupid selection ever ‘gain, George. I am warning yeh!”

I paused, trying to strain my ear, not believing my ears of what I am hearing. Of those seventeen years I have spent living with them, I have never heard Aunt Lilia argue with my Uncle George like this–very unlikely for her to lash out so early considering that she was a morning person.

 “I am warning yeh, George, not a word of this to her!”

“Lilia, dear, you don’t understand–”

“What point do I need ter understand? Rubin stays ‘ere as long as she likes. I don’t care what yer mother says, or yer blasted brother–end of discussion.”

Her paddling feet made me retreat back upstairs to my room but she saw me, a wrinkle in between her furrowed brows. “Rubin! Have yeh been eavesdropping?” Her solid blue eyes were freezing me on the spot that I have to avert my eyes and shake my head ‘no’. Aunt Lilia appeared in her fluttery pink apron that hug her rather plump body I’ve grown to love ever since I was four, her golden hair that are greying on the tips is the only indication that she has aged. She viciously stared at me daring for me to speak.  Aunt Lilia have cared for me like a mother would, occasionally giving me an earful because of my childish ways, yet I love her, deeply. She huffed before she yank me down the kitchen, her hand on my arm, “C’mon, yer breakfast is gettin’ cold.”

I didn’t have time to argue as Aunt Lilia headed inside the kitchen and sat me down on the chair,  throwing daggers at my uncle who is sitting across me. Uncle George’s blue eyes glistened with mirth, as he watch me from across the table. He looks so much like my father and Uncle Cedric when they were young. It’s a pity that my father has died, I would love to see the set of three faces looking alike, with the exception of my father’s green eyes. Uncle Cedric brush his blond shoulder length hair and tied it back with a twine, still giving me a smirk.

Aunt Lilia stir the oats on the pot and poured me a bowl before serving another one for my uncle. I close my eyes and thank Persephone for the food before pouring honey over the oats.

“Want some?”

I stared at Uncle George as he held out the dried berries and nodded, making him smile as he scoop some for me. He sprinkled the dried berries over my oats and I ate, giving him a wider smile. Aunt Lilia settled next to me, snatching the berries from my Uncle, still glaring at him. I sigh.

“Uncle, I would like to try for the selection.”

Aunt Lilia’s spoon drop with a splat on top of her oats. She looks at me before glaring at my uncle. “This is yer fault! She overheard yeh. ”

“My fault? It was you who is screaming at the top of your lungs–trying to wake the whole castle, so how is it my fault?” Uncle George’s face turn scarlet as he directed the glare back to my Aunt who is shaking.

“Aunt Lilia, Uncle George,” they stop glowering at each other, directing their eyes at me. “This is the only way to stop the both of you from being worried. I’ve tested for Arts and Melodium class for my whole life, I haven’t tried for Sagittis. If I tried for the selections and I end up not being selected as Cupid, then both of you will be at peace.” I tried to smile but Aunt Lilia suddenly cried out as she took my hands.

“But what if they choose yeh? After all, it’s in yer blood. Your dad is one.”

“Then I go with it should I have to. This is the only thing I could do to honor my parents.” Aunt Lilia let go of my hand as she sat down, her eyes misty. She pulls out a fluffy blue handkerchief inside her coat and blew. I look at Uncle George who is turning his spoon round and round the bowl, distracting himself.

I settled back to my seat, eating in silence like the both of them. I was about to shove the last of my oats in my mouth when Uncle George cleared his throat and said in a tearful voice, “Your father will be so proud if you will be selected.”

“Do you think so?”

“There’s no doubt Marcus would.” Uncle George looks up, eyes shining as he took my hand, “It doesn’t matter if your hair is ginger and your eyes are green for you are precious to our hearts, always remember that.” I nodded, feeling my lips quivering as I stand up. I was about to go out of the kitchen and get my things when Aunt Lilia stands from her seat, pulling me in her arms. She held me close to her chest, whispering, “No matter wha’ happens, we stand with yeh,” and she kisses my forehead before letting me go up to my room.

I climb up the stairs, two at a time. With shaking hands, I open the door, grab my satchel and hang it on my shoulder. I sat down on the floor, trembling with nervousness and excitement. Taking a deep breath, I look around my room and was startled when my uncle George, knocked.

“Nervous?”

“I...yeah.” I sigh, standing up, settling on the bed. He sat beside me and said, “I know you are uncertain but that’s normal. Overconfidence can lead you to a sticky end if you are not careful.”

“Right.”

“Got everything you need inside?” Uncle George eyed my satchel and smiled. I nodded. “Yep.”

He gave me another smile before he lean back on the bed, “I remember how much your father would gloat about having been selected as Cupid. Marcus got in alright, very proud of the achievement, he was. Cedric and I goaded him on about a bet to make–”

“George! Yeh ‘re keeping her in. Though right thing ter do it is, I doubt she will be happy ter miss the selection. Barely ten minutes to go before they start, mind yeh!” Uncle George shakes his head before patting my back, “Go on, now. I doubt that the council will appreciate you being late even if you exceed expectations.”

“But what’s the bet about?”

“What bet?” Uncle George looks at me, sheepishly, trying to make me a fool.

“The one you made with my father. You said–”

“Oh? Well,” he stood up, taking my hands and pulling me up with him, “I have to go and see how things are going on with the fields. Off you go now…” He stirred me towards the door on which I reluctantly followed him down the stairs.  Looking back at the clock, I was surprise that I have barely seven minutes left to make my way to the highest tower.

Leaning on my tiptoes, I kiss my Uncle’s cheek and hug him tight, “Tell me later about all of it, promise?”

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I will be selected as Cupid,” And I smiled, leaving him awestruck.

“YOU KNOW WHAT? YOU ARE JUST LIKE YOUR FATHER!” His fleeting words made me laugh so hard that it gave me enough energy to run all the way up to the highest tower.