End is inevitable

"But, How did you even afford the tuition, I don't have any kind of scholarship like Leor" Clara asked, getting up from James. 

This was a good question. After seeing the potential of commoners, Thornfield Imperial Academy has opened its admission to everyone. But, they will need to pay fees, like any other student, pass the admission test, etc. Fees in total for courses like psychology are almost 15,000 gold pounds. In the old house, we could literally live our whole life, in luxury, without ever working, with this amount of money. Another thing is that she didn't have to give any entrance tests. It's suspicious that middle-class class families go into a lifetime of debt, to fund studies of their children, and they're usually in the 'well off' category. 

"James, James, look at me, Did you do something illegal to get the money, No…No, my brother is a criminal." shouted Clara with teary eyes in a dramatic way, probably just teasing him.

"Now Now, calm down for a second, This is a program started by our company. I was the employee of the year and won this opportunity, I don't really need to study now, So…It was your dream and all, It would be more useful for you." said James holding Clara's shoulder, trying to calm her down still grinning like a weirdo. 

"Anyways, It doesn't matter how he got it, He must've worked hard for it, Have some faith in him, even though he doesn't look that trustworthy." I chimed in, successfully saving the day.

"What do you mean I don't look trustworthy?" James asked grumpily, standing up from the ground.

"Let's have a Banquet tonight, to celebrate Clara's admission!! We hadn't had one for so long" I declared.

"Yes, you're right. I also got a huge bonus from the company, So we can even afford to eat out tonight."

"I'd love that, Thank you…Both of you" Clara agreed, pursing her lips, and giving hesitant nods.

Glancing at the clock, It was already Eight in the morning "Oh, we should really leave for work now. Leor, your class is later so you can relax for a while." Clara hurriedly added.

"Yes, You should really get going, And don't worry Clara I will clean the dishes, buy Mutton and rabbit meat, and some wine for the banquet." I said with a sigh.

"Don't, you don't how to bargain, not even a little bit. I will buy the meat on my way back from the tailor shop, and James will get the wine. Just properly clean the dishes. Yesterday there were some stains left on the glass I picked up, It was so gross, Don't always be so lazy." Clara replied smirking, her tone sharp enough to cut through my soul.

I froze in place, my head slowly lowering until my chin touched my chest. My shoulder trembled slightly, emitting a low, pitiful sound—half a sob, half a whimper. I clutched my chest as if she'd shot me. "It hurts, Clara….can't you be nice for once?" I muttered, my voice trembling, sniffing audibly.

Clara glanced at me, unimpressed, then sighed as she crossed her arms. "Don't worry, you'll live," she said, shaking her head with a faint smile.

I ignored it and kept sniffling audibly, while James was staring through my skull with a look of worry. Now I feel bad, does he really think I am crying? Oh, you poor innocent soul.

James finally spoke up, scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "Alright, let's go, Clara. We'll miss Smith's carriage otherwise" still giving me worried looks.

Mr Smith was around Twenty years old, who had become good friends with James. since they used his carriage daily, he gave them a lower rate, a deal they didn't like to miss. 

Clara gave me one last look, half-warning, half-amused. "I am sorry my dear brother, And remember, clean properly this time, okay? I'm serious."

"Yeah, yeah," I said, waving her off dramatically, still keeping up my exaggerated sulk.

James nudged Clara toward the door, and as they stepped out, he added, "Leor, don't forget to lock the door after we leave and before you leave, and leave on time to not miss your class."

"Got it! You don't have to say it every time" I called after them, finally dropping the act as the door clicked shut behind them.

 Haa, finally some quiet, I still feel hungover for some reason, Like the world is moving a hundred times faster, It feels like it had happened before, many times before. The thought sent a brief chill down my spine, but I shook it off. No point in dwelling on weird feelings right now.

"Anyway, Let's wash some dishes, Oh wait, I wanna read that novel while working. Clara was really exaggerating things, I can perfectly do two things in sync."

I quickly went upstairs to grab the novel I was reading last night, I don't know why I love these sad depressing love stories. For some reason, I like to daydream about being the protagonist in them and reverting the situation. And giving those characters a happy ending.

As I opened the door to my room, a strong, almost choking smell hit me. Gas! My pupils dilated instantly, brows furrowing in alarm. My breath quickened, each inhale feeling more suffocating than the last. Did I forget to turn off the gas lamp? 

Panic set in, but I forced myself to act. I blew out all the candles in the hallway first. I took a deep breath and rushed in, holding it tightly to open all the windows in my room, to let the gas out. Once the windows were open and fresh air began to flow, I finally took a breath again, but it still tasted metallic and strange. I found the valve on the unlit gas lamp and twisted it shut with a trembling hand, a heavy sigh of relief escaping as the tension eased from my chest. 

"Huh, what's that?" I muttered, my eyes narrowing. On the wall, something was scribbled in crimson ink—or was it blood?

To be continued....