Footsteps shook with Christiana running down the stairs with her eyes full of tears. She did not even wait to be explained, nor did she pause and listen to Ethan calling her name. The very image of Sophia bending over, the intimacy, the prospect...it was enough to break her heart in two.
"Christiana, wait!" Ethan hurried behind her and his voice was heavy with panic.
She swept aside him, and ran into the garden. The night was cold, and the stars in the sky were lost in her tears. She sank on a stone bench holding her chest to prevent its fracture.
Ethan came in, a few minutes later, quite gasping. It is not that, said he hastening towards her, lying on his knees.
The betrayal flashed on the face of Christiana who shook her head. "I saw it, Ethan. You... you made her..." Her voice strained.
No, I did not, Ethan screamed; I did not. "She tried to, but I didn't..." He hesitated, and knew how feeble his words were. No, Christy, I never meant that. You're the only one I..."
Stop, said she; and looked away. Her snivelling fell down her face. You know how much it wastes you to see you with her? To have her attempt to steal what meagre thing I own?
Ethan's chest tightened. He longed to tell her all; that she had been the only one he ever loved, that he smiled because he thought of her. The words were lodged, in fear and guilt.
In the background there was a subdued laugh that disturbed the night. Sophia was standing with lean legs and crossed arms against the garden door.
"How dramatic," she said coolly. You make like the world is over because of a little time.
The head of Christiana raised and her eyes flared. You expected to know what you were about, you knew, he said. "You wanted me to see it."
Sophia smirked. "Maybe I did. Perhaps, you need to realize that you are not the centre of everything. She turned to face Ethan and her eyes became soft and moved to him. He is too good to be a mere orphan girl stuck to his like a shadow.
"Enough!" The voice of Ethan was high and imperious. His eyes were fixed on Sophia, and he stood up. "Don't talk to her like that. Don't play games with us. It is not one of those toys you can break.
Sophia stood still with her smirk. She had never before seen fire in his eyes--fire which was not made to her.
Christiana rose with tremulous voice. I am not able to remain here any longer, Ethan. Not like this."
Her words went to his very heart like a knife. "Christy..." he whispered.
But, returning, she walked into the mansion, and left him undecided on two worlds, the shining snare of the passion of Sophia and the wavering yet true friendship with Christiana.
Ethan clenched his fists. He was acquainted with one thing--he could not risk losing Christiana.
Not now. Not ever.