Chapter 4
Two days later…
I still haven't given him an answer. I know he said I could take my time, but how long will he truly wait? I can't even begin to comprehend how important this decision is. It's like… ohhhhh goddddd—
I suddenly tip over from the huge bag I'm carrying.
"Ahhhhhh!"
I fall to my side. Luckily, the bag's contents didn't spill, and I'm not hurt. Roland walks over, shaking his head.
"Drop something?"
He grabs the bag and easily slings it over his shoulder. I get up and brush myself off, heading to check on the food I promised him.
I hear a thunk behind me as he places the bag on the shelf. He walks over.
"Nyra… you aren't yourself."
"How would you know that?" I snap.
"Usually after I say that, you'd reply, 'Only my pride, you oaf,' or my favorite, 'Just my balance, now please help me.'"
I give him a look of displeasure.
"Sorry… I'm just distracted."
He steps closer, practically hovering over me, and inhales the scent of the food.
"Smells heavenly, Nyra. You definitely know how to cook."
His praise barely registers. Am I really that out of it again? Why can't I focus on anything for long anymore?
"Do you need to talk about whatever's bothering you?" he asks.
Not with him. I can't. He wouldn't understand.
"I'm okay," I mutter.
He steps back, narrowing his eyes.
"Does this have to do with your new lover?" His voice drips with hate.
Lover? Since when is that a title for him?
"Watch your tone when talking about him like that," I say. He flinches, almost hurt, and I continue weakly, "Also… he has nothing to do with this."
"Ahhhh, so it has everything to do with him," he snaps.
What? Can't he listen?
"What are you talking about? I just said it doesn't."
He looks me in the eyes from across the room.
"Nyra… I've known you since we were kids. I know what makes you tick, and I know when you're telling the truth."
He glares at me, anger flaring.
"And right now? You're full of shit, Nyra. You're full of it."
Where is this coming from?
"Roland, stop. It's not something I can get into with you."
"BUT WITH HIM IT'S OK TO TALK TO?" he shouts.
"It's not like that."
"It's exactly like that," he scowls. "This devil of a man… he's robbing your common sense."
Ding ding ding. I freeze.
"You know, you should be careful speaking of the devil… he might appear before you."
Kaelith just entered at the worst possible moment.