Reiner - Separate Lives

It’s been exactly one month since Reiner moved out of Lucien’s mansion and stopped being my butler and bodyguard. Yes, unconsciously I had been counting.

“Natalia…are you even listening? Natalia…” Edward said as he waved a hand in front of my face.

“Oh, sorry. What?” I said as I snapped out of my thoughts.

“Why are you so spaced out?” Edward asked, looking quite concerned.

“Umm…sorry. What were you saying just now?” I asked as I blinked my eyes rapidly to regain focus.

Edward sighed so loudly that I felt extremely guilty. I had decided to meet up with Edward today to discuss some career plans. Edward truly came prepared with a pre-selected list of potential job opportunities that he thought were aligned with what I was looking for. While he was going through the list of job openings and the pros and cons of each opportunity, I just zoned out on him.

Unfortunately, unlike before I didn’t have that much motivation to find a job or to do anything for that matter. Although I was able to somehow get over my initial shock of Reiner leaving, I have lost my appetite for life in general. Everything seemed dull and I wasn’t looking forward to doing anything or seeing anyone.

“What’s wrong? If you’re not feeling well, we can do this another day,” Edward said as he sat back in his chair.

“No…I’m ok,” I replied, trying to sound confident. The truth was that I knew that I was far from being ‘ok’.

“You don’t look it…” Edward said, clearly unconvinced by my brave act.

“You can continue. I’ll make sure to listen this time…” I said apologetically.

“No need. There’s no rush, after all. You can choose these opportunities and go to interviews when you’re ready…” Edward said with a shrug.

“Ok…” I murmured in response.

To be honest, I knew that I had to somehow get back on my feet and move on. Going to these interviews would help me move forward and get on with my life. Edward was doing so much for me to help in that regard. However, my heart just wouldn’t listen to my head, and I didn’t feel any motivation at all.

“The way you are now, I doubt you would land any jobs even if you went to the interviews…” Edward stated bluntly, and I knew that he was right.

“I’m sorry…” I whispered.

“Let me take a wild guess, is this because of Reiner?” Edward said, coming straight to the point.

My eyes widened in surprise at how easily Edward could see through me and then I wondered if it was that obvious to see. I let out a sigh and that reminded me of how depressed I felt. If he could see through me anyways then there was no point in trying to hide it.

“Yes…” I replied softly as I nodded my head slightly.

“He’s still employed by the main house so it’s not like you can’t see him anymore…” Edward said casually.

“I know that…” I replied softly.

I knew where he was, but it wasn’t like I could ever see him again. It’s probably better that I don’t see him again. That was what I had decided and what he had also agreed to.

“Last I heard, Reiner’s serving one of the elders. Well, officially that’s what he’s supposed to be doing but actually he’s just lazy around somewhere and not really doing much of anything. I’m sure he’s bored out of his mind…” Edward said casually.

“You’re still in touch with him?” I asked, unable to hide my interest.

“Of course. Want to pass on a message?” Edward asked with a knowing smile.

“No…thank you…” I quickly replied before I got any useless ideas.

“Well then, I have to go. Let me know if you change your mind or when you’re ready to go through these job postings again,” Edward said before getting up from his seat.

“Thank you, Edward…” I said gratefully.

“Sure thing, Princess,” Edward replied before smiling warmly at me.

Edward turned to take his leave while I kept my eyes casted down, just absentmindedly looking at my own hands in my lap. This has turned out into a much bigger disaster for me than I had ever imagined possible.

“You should eat properly. You’re losing weight…” Edward said.

I looked up to see his concerned face looking my way.

“Ok…” I whispered vaguely.

I’ll try; however, I knew deep down that this misery will never go away until I fix the root cause of my problem.

…

Reiner stared down at the vibrating phone in his hand. The wind blowing against his face and the sun on his skin felt calming. He had no regrets choosing his place for his retreat to escape away from reality. The phone in his hand was the only thing that currently connected him to the Rosenhalls, and it was ringing.

The name on the screen was the one that he had expected to see sooner or later. However, he had little interest of talking to the caller. With a large sigh, he connected the line.

“How long are you going to be on leave of absence?” Edward’s voice asked loud and clear from the other end of the line.

“Don’t know…” Reiner replied emotionlessly.

“You know, I don’t get how the elders are so strict on everyone including family members but so laxed when it comes to you…” Edward said with genuine curiosity.

Reiner was starting to hate how Edward wouldn’t get straight to the point. So much for being on leave…

“They do owe me a lot…” Reiner said bluntly.

“I don’t want to know. When are you coming back?” Edward asked, his tone suddenly serious.

“Don’t know…” Reiner replied vaguely.

“Are you still chilling on some beach?” Edward asked, it wasn’t a wild guess.

“Yeah…if that’s all, I’m hanging up” Reiner said.

“I met the princess today…” Edward said before Reiner could disconnect the call.

There was a silence from the other end of the line and Edward knew that Reiner had heard what he had just said. Finally, he’s paying me some attention, Edward thought with a grin.

--To be continued…