Chapter 125

                                    

                                          

As we sit in the quiet room of the palace, the air thick with tension, Parker's steps approach, slow and hesitant. He stops just a few feet from me, eyes locked onto Bai Qingqing, who's still crouched behind me, her form small and fragile in the shadows. I can feel the weight of his gaze, but it's not directed at me-it's her he's focused on.
"Bai Qingqing," Parker's voice is soft but urgent, "Come here. You're safe now. You're back with us."
I can feel Bai Qingqing's body stiffen against my back, her grip on my shirt tightening. She doesn't even glance at him, only shrinks further, trying to make herself smaller, trying to hide from the person who's supposed to be her protector.
"Bai Qingqing," Parker repeats, taking a step forward, his tone filled with confusion and concern. "Please, don't be afraid. I-"
"No," Bai Qingqing whispers, her voice breaking as she shakes her head, trying to retreat even further behind me, her breath coming in shallow, fearful gasps.
I can feel the hesitation in her, the raw fear, and I know she's not ready for him-not yet. She's been through too much. No one understands that better than me. Her body is trembling, and I can feel her pulse racing from the simple act of him approaching her.
I take a deep breath, turning slightly to face Parker, trying to convey the calm that Bai Qingqing so desperately needs right now.
"I'm sorry, Parker," I say, my voice quiet but firm. "She doesn't like to be around you right now. She's still too scared."
Parker's expression falters, his eyes widening with confusion. "What do you mean? I'm the one who's been looking for her. I'm the one who-"
"I know," I interrupt gently, my gaze softening as I glance at him. "But that doesn't matter to her. She's not ready. She's been through... too much."
Parker looks at Bai Qingqing, his expression softening, but there's still a trace of frustration in his eyes. He takes another tentative step toward her, but the moment he does, Bai Qingqing flinches, curling up even more, her back pressing against mine.
"Bai Qingqing, please," he says, voice low and pleading, but it's clear that it's not the words she needs right now. It's not the reassurance he's offering.
I step in between them, my own stance firm, though I feel the weight of the situation pressing heavily on me. "She's not ready to go with you," I say, my voice unwavering. "She's still afraid, Parker. You need to give her time. She's been through things that we can't even begin to understand. You just can't rush her."
Parker's expression darkens for a moment, and I can see the frustration boiling inside of him. But then he sighs, running a hand through his hair, and nods, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I don't know what to do, Julie," he admits, his voice quieter now, laced with helplessness. "I just want her to be safe. I want to make sure she's okay."
"I know," I say softly. "But pushing her won't make it better. She's not ready for that yet. Just give her some time. Let her heal, in her own way."
I turn back to Bai Qingqing, who's still hiding behind me, eyes wide and full of fear, but there's a slight calmness to her now that she's out of Parker's direct line of sight. She's still trembling, but she's not as panicked as before.
Parker stands there for a moment, staring at her with conflicted eyes. He seems torn between his desire to take her back and his understanding that she's not yet ready. Finally, he exhales, stepping back reluctantly.
"Alright," he says quietly. "I'll wait. Just... make sure she's okay."
"I will," I assure him. "I promise."
With that, Parker slowly retreats, giving Bai Qingqing the space she needs. She doesn't move from her spot behind me, but I can feel the tension in her body ease just a little. As she takes slow, measured breaths, I glance back at her and give her a small, reassuring smile. She doesn't return it, but the tiniest shift in her shoulders tells me that she's grateful I'm here.
It's not much, but it's enough-for now.