I continued to struggle against the maids' grips as they imprisoned me in a overly decorated dress.Who knew it was Clamora- last time I celebrated was years ago- my team mates celebrate at base but I usually pass...

I grunt in pain as they fasten pins around my gown and untied my hair again!

I can't remember the last time I let my hair loose and dressed all prim pram- it was giving me nostalgia.

Tara on the other hand had already stopped fighting the giggling maid and just stared at me in shock- was it that hard to see me dress different.

But, what I hated the most was that they had blind folded us an hour ago to do our hair, Tara finished unusually early- while I had to sit there- as they washed my hair.Something wasn't right- not to mention the absence of mirrors...

"Young master was right!" a maid yelped, "This dress fits her the best!"

Young master?Oh- that stupid Sage is as good as dead meat!

"Okay girls!You both are ready!" the old lady spoke enthusiastically- giving me a mirror.

Finally!

When my eyes me the reflection on the mirror- I felt like puking.This was not Raven...

My hair was washed out so hard that the red dye was no longer visible.Only neatly assorted curls of dark madeira brown hair that complimented my almond eyes were seen.My face was rubbed with various soaps to get rid of the layers of dirt- revealing a porcelain white skin that mimicked that of a doll. My lips where chapped with essential mixes to give them their original rosy colour. Even my long eye lashed looked unusually different.The gown wrapped around me was a beautiful shade of Tiffany blue, it looked like I was carrying an ocean with intricately patterned gems clinging to my outfit.

This looked like Maria- not Raven!

Moments later, Tara walked out the other room- looking so innocent and beautiful- it sent a weird feeling of warmth through my heart.

The moment were pushed out of the tent- I ran straight through the crowd-WHERE THE HELL IS SAGE?!

"Looking for me, doll?" Sage whispered near my ear- right behind me, his warm breath tickling my neck.

I gritted my teeth.

"Don't call me that!" I warned him.

He yanked my arm- turning me around to face him- his intimidating eyes piercing into mine.I did the same- my face reflecting anger and distaste. He only smiled- a sad smile.What is wrong with him?

Before I could say anything, he pulled me out of the crowd and behind the catering tent.Before I could question his moments- he leaned in and...kissed me!

His lips unpredictably met mine and it felt like I was frozen in time. He pulled away and stared at me, his eyes unusually soft. And that when I felt the intoxicating smell of alcohol- coming from HIM.

This drunk dimwit- was so drunk that he didn't even realise he kissed ME! Anger continued to surge though me- he stole my first kiss.Maybe that wasn't a big deal to me,but, it was still not meant for him. I don't think it was meant for anyone- romance was never on my bucket list.It was only on Maria's... 

"Maria," Sage said.His brisk voice breaking me away from my train of thoughts.

"How dare you-" I began- ready to reprimand the HELL out of him.

"Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" he slurred, silencing me.

"Look, I should have done this years ago," he started, what is he talking about?

Before I could comprehend, tears welled up in his eyes and he gazed at me again.

"I was dumb okay! I admit- and I know I can't bring back my Maria, so maybe Raven can listen to my story instead" he sniffed. I looked at him- the atmosphere becoming thicker by the second. I sighed, then sat down- lets hear his story.

he followed me and sat on the ground- letting me sit on a rock beside him.

"Back when I first met Maria, she was such an incredible girl.She had scars and wounds of the past- just like me!But, you know, she was never upset, she would always have that smile on her face.It was so beautiful- anyone would fall for it.I was no exception. She knew how to make me feel safe and happy. she thought I saw her as a friend.Hehehe, nope! I saw her as something more than that! To this day- there isn't a girl that meet her attitude and charisma, yah know!" he said breathlessly.

I didn't know what to say- thankfully, he continued.

"But, s-she's g-g-gone!And it's all my fault.I left her in the forest in the pure anger that she might have killed someone that I viewed as a father- someone who took me in, when I was unwanted...I l-l-eft her.I left my Maria, and it is all my fault!" he cried in desperation. 

Without knowing it, I wiped an escaping tear from my cheek- when have I become so sensitive.

"So, today!I will finally propose my love for her- even if she is not there.I have to say it." he said in finality, "But, I cant, so can you?"

I stare at him- what does he mean?

He took out a letter from his pocket. Handing it over to me. I gingerly opened it.

"Read it aloud, I could say it, but I would probably cry, so can you speak out my thoughts." he said like a little kid.And so...I started reading...

Dear Maria,

This is a letter that I am writing to you at the age of 20. I am sorry. I want to see you again. I want to give this letter to you personally... but I don't know if I will. I am such a coward. I saw you yesterday- why did you act like that? Who is Raven? Is it because of what I did- did it turn you into that?

Fine, let me get to the point.I know I talk to much- and yet you never complain. So patient!

Doll, 

You are like the fire that I set up beside me. Magnificent and majestic, you have that aura that no one can meet. And you are always so... energetic, showing your incredible brightness (even in the darkest of times) to everyone and giving light to those who need it.Like me...

And just like a moth drawn to the flame- I am drawn to you! I don't care if I burn, the heat is still warm- like your hugs! I don't care if I come out of the flame burnt or even if I don't come out at all. I still want to be with you- I am so pathetic right?

I have all this... love and cooped up emotion that I want to just spill out to you, but, I cant and I don't know if I ever will...

Who knows, your probably reading this letter after I died, but I don't want to leave this planet without telling you how I felt all these years.So, I wrote this letter...

I hope.Actually, scratch that, I have no hope that you will come to me. I just wanted you to know that I love you.

Always in love with you,

Sage

I finished, as tears welled up in my eyes uncontrollably.

My eyes continued to become misty as I ran. Not knowing where I was even going.

I ran for my life.

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Thank you for the reads everyone!!!!!!!!

Harmony