During the weekend, Sebastian and Glenda walked along the pavement until they reached their home, a large white house with dark brown exteriors to the side. Butterflies fluttered in Sebastian’s stomach as he stopped to look up at the building. The pit continued to sink in his gut as his body froze. It had been so long since he came back here. But why? Sebastian talked to his grandmother beforehand about his excitement coming here. He didn’t know why it changed upon arriving here.
On the other hand, Glenda couldn’t contain her excitement, as she rubbed her hands while getting up the steps. Sebastian blinked and got out of his deep thoughts in no time. He shook his head and followed her up the stairs before she rang the doorbell.
After a moment of waiting, the doors opened, and Sebastian’s parents, both with short blond hair, appeared from behind the door. They exchange pleasantries before the parents let Sebastian and Glenda in, as they have much to discuss.
Outside in the backyard, Sebastian practiced a game of tennis with his father while his mother talked with Glenda by the poolside.
“It’s great to see you again,” Sebastian’s dad commented, starting the next serve. “So, how has your training been so far?”
“Splendid,” Sebastian replied, running over to hit the ball back. “I’m at the top of the class and exceeded everyone’s expectations.”
“Very impressive. That’s my boy. Hey, what about that Benjamin guy you’ve talked about before?”
“He’s still inferior to me, as always. I want to make sure that I don’t lose to anyone.”
He spun and did a power shot with his racket. The speed of the ball zoomed past his father’s head and hit the bushes. Everyone else around him stared at the court with slacked jaws as Sebastian placed his racket on the ground, like resting a sword back into its stone.
“Not even to my family.” He finished with a smirk.
Sebastian’s mother and Glenda got up and joined them at the court, applauding the boy for his skills.
“Bravo, you have the potential to be a fantastic swordsman.” His mom chirped.
“Yeah, I know,” Sebastian said, forgetting about the worry he had before coming here.
“Not only that, but you’ll do amazing as a world conqueror, just like your father and I.”
“...Huh?” Glenda tilted her head. “I thought he was training to be a peacemaker like me and Grandpa.”
Sebastian’s smile fell just as fast; now he remembered why that part of him regretted coming over. He glanced side by side at his family, waiting with bated breath for his answer.
This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.
“Excuse me, but I need to go to the restroom. I’ll be right back.” Sebastian ran back into the house, leaving the other adults puzzled.
.-.-.-.
Sebastian slumped against the wall and curled up into a ball. He sighed heavily, having no clue what he got himself into. Sebastian wanted to excel at his studies but didn’t expect to pick a side. Become a world conqueror or protector? He couldn’t please everyone in the family, but he didn’t want to disappoint anyone, either. He didn’t want to think about it, especially not so soon.
“Sebastian?” A small feminine voice got his attention as he raised his head toward a younger girl with blond locks and a white dress. “What are you doing here?”
“Oh, hey, Jasmine. I was thinking...”
“About what?” Jasmine walked over and sat next to him, and asked.
“How can I please everyone in my family when they expect me to do different things?” Sebastian replied, looking away.
“Why do you need to do that?”
“Well, it’s complicated.”
“But why are you sulking? Didn’t you say you only look out for yourself?” Jasmine extravagantly impersonated him, bringing up her statement with physique.
“I know, but I don’t know how to tell the others about it.” Sebastian’s eyes narrowed at her. “Don’t tell them what I said, though.”
“Why not do both?” Jasmine placed her hands behind her back, swinging her body from side to side.
“That’d be easier to please them all, right?”
“You don’t understand what being in this scenario is like.”
“Or you can do neither.”
“You’re not helping. Someday, when you’re older, you might know how I feel.”
“Sebastian, there you are.” Sebastian and Jasmine turned to Glenda’s voice as she stood by the entrance. “And Jasmine, too?” She walked over and bent down to get on her level. “How was your nap?”
“It was alright, I guess,” Jasmine replied, rubbing her eyes.
“I see, that’s good to hear.” Glenda turned to her grandson. “And what about you? Is something the matter? You seem down.”
No kidding. Sebastian looked away and bit his lip. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
Glenda stayed silent and sighed. She brushed her dress and extended a hand towards the two of them.
“Just to let you know, Sebastian, no matter what choice you make, or which path you choose, I will support you until the very end. And I’m certain your parents will support your decision.”
For a moment, Sebastian let the sentence sink in. He smiled, took her hand, and stood up along with Jasmine.
“Your parents are looking for you, by the way.”
“Yeah, I should get going; thanks for the talk.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“Hey grandma, do you want to see a magic trick?” Jasmine offered.
“Oh, sure thing!”
Jasmine closed her eyes and clasped her hands together. A small orb of light emanated from her fingers.
“Ooh, how lovely.” Glenda’s gaze was fixated on the small performance.
“I’ve been practicing a lot recently.”
“Yep, I can tell.”
Sebastian couldn’t help but chuckle, watching the display on his way back. He decided not to worry about it for now. He had plenty of time to think about it until that day came.