Some people are better at faking emotions than others, putting up a big scene to take the knife they were hiding behind their neck and lodge it into yours.
No need to fake friendship when their attentions were negative in the beginning, teeth as rotten as old fruit, and hands as soiled as the dirt they spit on.
Hateful beings with innocent people taking their side, getting sucked into a funnel of propaganda. Thinking they're taking the right side, but the mold in their craniums is proving otherwise. Spread faster than a fungus, having the host on autopilot, trying to fix itself from the inside.
Poor bystander followed whatever wagon came their way and then were surprised when the side effects hit harshly. There are reasons that we need to form our own opinions, and it isn't for rebellion or self-preservation. It is simply because of survival, and it is the main motive that should drive you.
If you see people following one into the mouth of a monster, don't follow because it's different, don't go because you'll die even if the person leading says otherwise. At this point, we should know that not everyone has our best interests at heart, and some people will try to take advantage of us for money, fame, or even for the sake of generational revenge.
It is essential to guard your soul and never let it slip away, because you never know who is eager to steal it.
Like shards of glass, we all try to keep ourselves together, putting the pieces back together even when they shattered. We aren't perfect, so even the pieces have geometric shapes, humans aren't linear, and neither are our emotions. Some days we can be cruel without reason, and on others we are some of the kindest souls.
In general, it doesn't make any sense, but deep in our core is a seed affected by internal and external factors, one that is a different shade of color and size. Rooted deeply in how we interact with the environment and others.
Again, we aren't perfect, all of us in the end are broken shards of glass scattered amongst the pavement, hoping that when we pick up the pieces that it doesn't hurt too much.
"Victoria? Do you mind if we go up to your balcony? I want to see the view of the ocean from your place?" Bertram asked with genuine curiosity while fiddling with a nearby plant.
I blinked back, "Oh sure", my mind started to wander again, the last time I was really on the balcony was with Charles during my last ball. It was the pitch of night, and I was just focused on hiding, other than what was beyond my view. Sometimes I forget we're near the ocean, because I never get to go outside of the mansion borders, so all I know is what's inside and not out.
I wonder sometimes what else is beyond this brick cage, other than watchful eyes, and cameras catching your every motion. Is the world really so cruel that all we do is fear and judge? Are we all just made out to be hawks and the prey that happens to be in the eye of the predator?
It makes me wonder why humans were stationed so close to each other, if most of our souls were burned with internal hate from hell. Why do we burn others just for the sake of watching them set on fire? Why is fear bigger than confidence, and death our true call in the end? Is that why some others strive to get as close to it as they can?
Lady. Bellum waved her hand in my face, "Do you have an attention problem or something? Why do you keep zoning out?"
I gulp and take a deep breath. "Have you been to the ocean before?"
"That wasn't the question I asked, but it seems you don't have a problem ignoring me when it serves-" Bertram interrupted her, "Yes! I have many times, and I even had a sailing teacher teach me how to sail. It is one of my favorite places in the world. The ocean connects so many places, and there is still so much to be discovered about it!"
Lady. Bellum glared at him, "Do you have no manners, brother? Couldn't you see I was talking? I didn't even get to finish my thought."
I tried not to laugh at their little fuss, and I looked away as her attention turned back to me, "You're probably enjoying this, aren't you? Because it turns the attention away from you? So clever, don't you think?"
I straighten up and shake my head, "No, I was just observing, and to answer your question, I just have a lot on my mind. As we grow older, more questions start to form in my mind, and I begin to wonder what it would be like once I take over this whole estate. You understand, don't you?"
Her brows lifted, and she turned to the side, putting a hand to her chin, maybe I'm not the only one who wonders, I suppose.
A set of footsteps approaches me, and I jump as they stop right behind me, "Lady Victoria", they state, "May I suggest moving upstairs for a quick snack? Your guest may want to see the balcony."
"Yes, I believe that will be a good idea. Will you make sure the arrangements are made before we arrive?" I respond quickly, trying to speed up the conversation, and I know one of the gardeners nearby was listening. Awaiting the perfect moment to jump in, they probably already have everything upstairs set up, ready to report any faulty error in my etiquette to my mother if I slip up.
"Of course, Lady. Victoria, I will make sure to spread the word to the butlers; someone will come to collect you all shortly, just hold tight." A smile never left their face as they left, and I could see I wasn't the only one who noticed.
"Does everyone here always smile like that, or is it just that gardener?" Lady. Bellum questioned as I sigh, "Most of them do, don't worry too much about it, after all, they are just doing their job."
Under the eyes of cameras and blackmail, of course.