[i]Ophelia looked at Jax, knowing full well that their mother would say things, but that maybe she wouldn't get away with it this time with her friends at her side. Ophelia breathed in slowly, wishing she was dressed better at least. She stepped through the door, shutting it behind her since she was the last one inside. Once they were inside, she was greeted by a wave of warmth from a fireplace. It wasn't extravagant by any means, but it did the job. She remembered spending tons of time there near the hearth, just close enough to keep her forever cold skin warm. Her gaze shifted from the bright flames to the framed photos around the room, nearly all of them of herself and Jax. Jax was chubby as a child, Ophelia a twig next to her some days it seemed. She remembered Jax even going away to fat camp. She took a step closer to view which photos her mother decided to put on display. There were much nicer ones of them both, more modern ones. In every single photo placed about, Ophelia looked withdrawn, extremely sad; depressed even. And in every photo, Jax smiled, laughed, had fun. 

Back then her sister seemed so oblivious. She wasn't blind to the reality any more though. Ophelia looked up to Jax a lot. She seemed stronger in some ways. And she never let Ophelia be alone when she needed someone. Sadness washed over her suddenly, and she turned to look at Jax, who had Morthos speaking to her. She noticed Roxas smiling at her, though wasn't sure as to why. Nothing about this room was happy feeling in her opinion. Maybe he couldn't feel it the way she did. Suddenly her thoughts were interrupted by her mother, whose name was Lenora. 

[color=f49ac2]"Supper is ready. Come eat,"[/color] she ordered, her tone of voice demanding and certain. 

Ophelia looked at Roxas again, guiding him to the dining room. She sat down at the table, despite the fact she wouldn't be eating anything being served. None the less, it was good manners. She chewed the inside of her lip, staring at the food on the table, which did all look amazing. Lenora served up deer flanks, jasmine rice, and broccoli. The boys would enjoy it, that's for sure. She placed her hands in her lap gently, watching as everyone sat and began serving up their food. Ophelia's plate remained empty while the others began to eat. 

[color=f49ac2]"I don't know why you think it appropriate to wear that trash at the dinner table, Ophelia. I've told you before,"[/color] Lenora snapped between sipping blood from a champagne flute. Ophelia knew she was referring to the fact she had blood all over her, plus she was still in her battle garb. [color=f49ac2]"Go change."[/color]

Immediately Ophelia stood and excused herself from the table, making her way to her old bedroom. She had left clothing here for visiting, or emergency. She also fit into her mothers clothing as well, their figures and size identical nearly. She shifted into the room and closed the door behind her, letting out an extremely quiet growl. She took off her battle outfit, and found something fresh and clean to wear. It was [url=https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/HTB1_EX.PVXXXXakXFXXq6xXFXXXA/Elegant-Sheer-Cap-Sleeve-Long-Evening-Dress-Party-Women-Lace-Mermaid-Evening-Gown-Ladies-Formal-Dresses.jpg_640x640.jpg]elegant[/url], romantic even. She fixed her hair into a tight bun on top of her head, a few stray pieces hanging around her face. Before returning to the table, she took a moment to herself. She hadn't been completely alone in over 24 hours. The night was still young, and she was unsure what would happen as the time went on. 

Finally she returned to the table and sat down, noting her mother scrutinizing her choice in outfit. [color=6ecff6]"Is this not satisfactory, Lenora?"[/color] Ophelia said, looking her mother in the eyes, despite the fact Lenora made her feel like a child; afraid, inferior and unsure. Her mother responded without a moment of hesitation, almost like she was practiced in quick and harsh responses. 

[color=f49ac2]"I just think it would look better on someone else."[/color]

Ophelia stared at her for a moment, her eyebrow raised slightly. She wasn't even sure how to respond to that. She could feel the tension rising in the room though, and knew everyone was probably growing uncomfortable, this including herself. [color=6ecff6]"Everything is better to you when it isn't involving me, Lenora,"[/color] Ophelia said, and she knew this was a fact. She knew her mother loved her, in some way, but she could never understand why she constantly treated her less than nicely. She knew part of the reason was that Ophelia was born with no magic ability, and human to boot. But otherwise it made no sense. Maybe it was her own miserable suffering, whatever it was. 

Lenora took in Ophelia's features, noting the similarities. Ophelia could feel Roxas growing annoyed beside her, and knew that shortly her mother would be bringing up their bond. Jax and Morthos were fun to bug, but Ophelia knew that her choice to let Roxas live when feeding might have not been the best choice, especially in her mothers eyes. Either way, it was too late to take it back, and only death would sever the bond between them now. As if Lenora could tell what was on Ophelia's mind, her eyes shifted to Roxas. Ophelia shut her eyes, waiting. Once her mother was n a tangent, there was no stopping it. Even dad couldn't stop it sometimes.

[color=f49ac2]"And this... Boy, you have here. You really are stupider than you look. You could have at least picked one who wasn't so tainted. He's trash, honestly. Now you will have to wait until he dies to find someone better."[/color]

Ophelia grit her teeth together, her fingers curling into her palms. Every instinct inside of her wanted to let out a growl. To grab Lenora by the throat and strangle her to make her stop talking. But she didn't. It was almost like she couldn't move, or speak. She knew her mother was harsh, but she was supposed to love her children. Dad began to speak up then, [color=00746b]"Lenora... Not now..."[/color] His voice was kind, like he was trying to convince her to wait. But Ophelia knew she wouldn't listen. 

[color=6ecff6]"What is your problem...?"[/color] Ophelia asked, her voice shaky. She didn't mean for it to come out so uneven, and felt instantly angry that it did. She wanted to sound confident in her question, but that failed.

[color=f49ac2]"Are you honestly so blind by him to not see how fucked up this situation is? You've never been smart enough to do the right things, Ophelia. Maybe if you tried a little harder to be better, you could make me happier."[/color]

[color=6ecff6]"I try my best, Lenora. I work hard for SPA and take every course I need to take. I follow the rules, do as I'm told... I do everything you say, and everything people expect for the most part, so I don't know why you need to continue on with this shit..."[/color]

[color=f49ac2]"Do not speak to me that way. Show me some respect! I deserve it."[/color]

Ophelia stared, dumbfounded at her mothers words. She [u]deserved[/u] it? That was so far from the truth, it made Ophelia laugh out loud. What had she ever done to deserve respect from her? Nothing. [color=6ecff6]"You don't deserve anything from me. I'm sick and tired of you treating me like I don't matter! All you've ever done my entire life is belittle me, ignore me, punish me. You weren't happy I was human, so you changed me. But even that isn't good enough for you, apparently. Maybe you should stop focusing on your self for once and take a look around, you bitch. You should be happy I'm doing well. You should be happy for me!"[/color]

Ophelia stood up, parting her lips while trying to hold back another growl. She continued then, [color=6ecff6]"Maybe if you had not been so selfish, and paid attention to the daughter who needed guidance while growing up, I wouldn't be such a 'disappointment' to you. Get off your high horse for once in your damn miserable life and admit to your mistakes. Maybe showing you cared would have done some good for all of us." [/color] Ophelia snapped, her voice dark and intense like obsidian. 

Lenora's normally composed expression for once looked shocked, and her mouth was open slightly. She was speechless for the first time in years. Ophelia was always so compliant, constantly doing as she was told, working hard to learn, ect. Finally, enough was enough. She wondered for a moment if maybe Roxas was the reason she felt the boldness to speak up, but then decided she had done it for herself. Things were going to change, she could tell. It felt as though a weight was lifted from her chest and shoulders, and she stood tall, feeling proud of herself for the first time in forever. [/i]