Page 13 of Risks

“Lisa prepared a room for you if youwanted to stay here,” Daniel informs me.

I look at Varen.

He rises from the stool. “I’ll bringyour suitcase upstairs.”

“Actually.” I stand as well. “I’mstaying at the apartment. Could you please tell my mom I’ll see her in themorning?”

“Of course.” Daniel draws closer tohug me. “Glad you’re here, sweetheart.”

I smile at him when he eases away. “Me,too. Thank you for everything.”

“Don’t mention it.” He pats my armlovingly.

“See you tomorrow,” Alison says,coming around the island to embrace me.

Varen and I head out afterward.

When we’re in the car, he tells me, “Ifyou wanted to stay, I wouldn’t have been upset. It’s okay if you want to behere for your mom.”

“She has Daniel,” I grumble, staringout the window at the house.

Varen hooks his finger at my chinand turns my head to meet his gaze. “Why did you say it like that?”

“I don’t know...” I sigh deeply. “Iguess I’m upset she never tells me anything. She told Daniel so much. Thingsthat I should have heard from her.” I pause for a moment. “Gosh, that makes meseem selfish, considering what she’s going through. Yet I’m…”

“It’s okay.” He caresses my cheektenderly. “But you heard what my dad said. Lisa felt embarrassed. I’m sure shedidn’t want the truth affecting the love and respect you have for yourgrandmother.”

I allow his words to sink in and bobin agreement. “Yeah, I suppose. It doesn’t matter. It already happened, and mymom’s father passed away without acknowledging her.” I lower my head as thesudden thought of my own father overwhelms me. Is that what happened? Did Momreach out to him, and he’d pushed her away?

Whatever. He wasn’t interested inbeing part of my life, and the feeling is mutual.

We arrive at the apartment minuteslater, and right away, a fog of peace engulfs me.

Varen flips the light switch, and Istall in place, taking a moment to bask in what became a sanctuary for us.

“It’s so nice to be back here,” Iwhisper in my relief.

Setting my suitcase by the bed, Varenbacks off his jacket and collects mine.

“Sure you don’t want to eat?” heasks, rubbing my arm. “I have leftover Thai food. I bought groceries, so ifyou’d rather, I could cook something.”

I slump my shoulders. “The leftoversare fine.”

He heats up the rice, chicken, andveggies in the microwave, and we sit on the couch, talking between eating.

“Written any new stories?” he asksbefore taking the last bite of his chicken.

I swallow what’s in my mouth toanswer. “Got a break since it’s a holiday. Starting next week, my professorwill give us new topics. I like his technique. It pushes us.”

“Cool.” He falls quiet for a second.“You never said, but are you making friends other than your roommate?”

I shrug. “I don’t hang out withanyone aside from Aya. I head back to the dorm once classes are through.”

A scowl forms on his face. “Babe,you have to go out and gain experiences. Live.”

“I know. It’s taking me longer tosettle there. When you spent that weekend with me, that was the most exploringI did.”

“Is it because you miss me so much?”he mutters and rubs my cheek.

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