Page 43 of Rome: The Ballerina

“It’s bright,” I sighed, “But, the road will be long. And, hard, but she’s alive in there. That’s enough for now. That’s enough for me.”

Seeing Tiana in the predicament she was in shot daggers through my heart. There were so many feelings. So many revelations. So many questions. I stared up at Chem.

“What is it, Rome?”

I shook my head. “What has happened here is– is not what it seems. Not whatever they believe. Something tells me th– that whatever Tiana has suffered is no mistake. No rare occurrence. No strange cas– it’s something else, Teddy. I just can’t– I just don’t know what.”

“What are you saying, Rome?”

“I’m saying her body isn’t revolting… it’s responding.”

Teddy nodded.

“What do you want me to do?”

He was ready. Always ready. Always willing.

“Nothing–” I told him, “You can’t do anything that time won’t.”

That’s what my heart told me. So, instead of having Chem spend unnecessary energy on what would be revealed with time, I discouraged further action.

“I would like to leave now.”

“This way,” he said, holding out his hand for me to take.

I leaned over, pressing my lips against Tiana’s forehead. She was still warm. She was still trying.

“I love you, babe. Get better. I’ll be back,” I whispered before joining my brother near the door.

Click.

Clack.

We synced in stride. Our feet collided with the floor, finally halting at the open door of the SUV. Within seconds, we were off again. I fixed my gaze on the dark tint of the windows, peering out into the openness of the city.

Teddy had Tiana transferred into the private wing for our visit. His commitment to my happiness had never gone unnoticed. Today, it wouldn’t either.

“Thank you.”

My eyes were still trained on the window. However, I could feel Chemistry’s orbs on me. He was watching. He was wondering. He was waiting.

“You’re feeling a way,” he breathed out. “Should I be concerned?”

I shook my head.

“No. I’ll be fine.”

“I can stay a few days if yo–”

“The longer you stay, the harder it will always be. Go home, Teddy.”

“You are home. Wherever you are will always be home for me.”

“Egypt is home. I once was home, but I’m not anymore. You have a family.”

“Siblings included.”

“True, but you know what I mean.”

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