Page 19 of Love, In Balance

Dark, silky and smooth, with auburn streaks shimmering in the light. I had no idea it was this long.

She has a long-sleeved black top on with a skater skirt draping from her waist and stopping above her knees.

Her black brogues make a change to the rustic doc martens she’s usually wearing, and I’m astonished at her leg. She has her bare legs exposed without tights or trousers, and I can finally see herprostheticin its full glory.

It’s the shape of a natural leg and is fitted below the knee. It’s slightly darker than her skin and has the most incredible monochrome floral tattoo like pattern on the calf.

It’s almost like her shoe is the vase and her leg has bloomed with a beautiful bouquet surrounding it.

I feel honoured to finally see her for her, without her leg concealed by clothes. She looks beautiful. Sexy, even. She’s truly astonishing.

“Oh Quin. Hi!” she says as she spins around. “Sorry, I was in my own little world. Trying to self-regulate a little”.

“Lista, it’s… good to see you”.

“Likewise. I didn’t expect to seeyouhere” she says.

Damn, I hope my presence isn’t that bad. She must realise I was taken aback slightly.

“Shit, sorry Quin, I didn’t mean it negatively. It’s just such a surprise to see you. Sorry, my social battery is running low already” she says with a laugh under her breath.

“No offence taken. I just didn’t want my presence to make you feel uncomfortable. I don’t want to invade your personal time or space after everything that’s happened”.

“Oh my gosh, no, of course not. It’s lovely to see you. Not lovely… in a weird way. Nice. It’s great… that you’re here”. She puts her head in her hands and laughs. “Sorry! I’m just… yeah. Let me start again. Hi Quin, it’s a pleasant surprise to see you here”.

We both laugh as she reaches her hand out to me. I take it and we shake, mimicking a new introduction.

She’s funny. I’m so glad she’s here tonight. My nervous tension hasdissipated and shifted into a new kind.

“It's a pleasant surprise to see you here too Lista. I didn’t know anyone other than Oli and Pierce”. She tenses up when I say Pierces name. I knew something was up earlier in the car park.

“Well, you know me”. She says with a reassuring smile.

“And you kind of saw Drew, Pip, Si and Reed at the New Year’s Eve Quiz, so technically you have many friends here. I mean, not that I’m assuming you class us as friends. I just wanted to make you feel comfortable. Shit, sorry I need to stop talk–”. I put my hand against the side of her arm to stop her spiralling thoughts. Meanwhile realising where I recognised the four men in the living room from.

“Lista, relax. Youaremy friend. I might be a tutor but I’m also human. I met you personally prior to meeting youprofessionally. I’m happy to see the guys that way too. If they’ll have me”.

She looks towards my hand as I lightly grip her arm.

“Thanks Quin. I’m glad you’re here”.

The door to the kitchen opens and we step back from one another as if we’ve been caught doing something wrong. It’s Drew.

“You ok in here guys? Quin, nice to see you my man. Really pleased you could make it” he says enthusiastically. He seems so genuine. It’s nice.

“There are drinks in the fridge and cupboard, so just ask if you run out of your own and you can have some of mine. Oh, and Lista explained what happened to you and Edward. I hope you guys are ok man. It’s a pleasant surprise to find out you work at the university. What are the odds of that?!” he says. I agree. What are the odds. I’d be quite interested to find out.

“Thanks Drew. That means a lot. Thanks for having me. I’ve only recently started full time, but it’s nice to know you guys are part of the team” I say.

He lightly wraps his arm around Lista, and I wish I was the one doing that right now. He looks down at her and speaks softly. A little quieter than he was just. His demeanour has almost changed, just within mere seconds, from greeting to me, to now speaking to Lista. He seems almost mildly anxious. Again,nota psychologist. I could be wrong. Just an observation.

“You ok, you’ve been in here a while. We’re ready to get games going so just come in whenever feels ok for you” he says. I wonder if they’ve got history.

Or if Lista isn’t as single as Oli thinks.

“Drew, stop worrying about me. I’m fine. I just needed a breather before we start the games. Quin and I will be in soon.Now go back in there and sort the guys out” she says to him with a playful pinch to his arm. He smiles and leaves the kitchen.

“So, do you need a glass for your drink Quin?” she says as she slides down a glass for me anyway, not waiting for my response.

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