Page 74 of The Healing Dragon
She eyes me. I’m ready to rise and say anything that would prolong her from going into her room, but she joins me instead.
“You’re here early,” I say.
I wonder if it's obvious to her how hard I am trying to make conversation. Before she can say anything someone enters the suite. Alejandra opens the door and stares between us. This might be the first time I've seen her near Janelle since she arrived. That is certainly not a coincidence.
I expected an exchange of words, or perhaps some sneers, but Alejandra promptly shuts the door behind her and walks to where we are sitting.
“It's no secret that I oppose you staying in the BlackCastle,” Alejandra says while crossing her arms. “But do you know why?”
I’ve dreaded even the idea of this conversation. The memory still brings me guilt. The lovely, energetic sing-song creature that would walk through the halls of this castle stopped the night of the attack.
“It’s..” I try to say but pause.
“My sister.” Alejandra says cutting me off. Her glare tells me she isn’t talking to me. “The same sister who crossed paths with your snake the night of the attack.”
Her expression is pensive. The anger and disgust she once did not bother concealing now looks soften. Not completely gone. The frown is there, but the hatred is somewhat mellow.
“Sofia loved Pad. She would’ve loved to know that he no longer lives in so much pain.” She shifts in place, looking uncomfortable. “You should try that healing gift of yours on Matias. His mental discomfort might lessen.”
That’s actually a great idea. Janelle’s expression tells me she hadn’t thought of it before.
“Goodnight,” Alejandra whispers in my direction and retreats, exiting the suite to her own room down the hallway.
I hardly have time to process what just happened when the door slams shut. Not aggressively, but in a rush.
“I think she likes him.” Janelle looks at the shut door for a second before turning in my direction. “I saw them talking in the gardens.”
“We all like Matias,” I say.
There were a few conversations we had about welcoming him and helping him acclimate to the castle. His attitude towards us has held off any plans and his current predicament isn't helping.
“You don’t like him like that.” Janelle does a thing with her brows.
“What are you suggesting?” I cross my arms. There’s a chance my question is coming off as obtuse, but it’s not on purpose.
“I should get to bed,” Janelle says and rises. “Goodnight.”
“Wait.” I call but she’s already at her door.
I run after her and slip inside before she can close it.
“Jesse.” She gasps and takes a step back.
She’s looking at me like being inside her bedroom is scandalous and forbidden. The idea is incredulous. We’ve spent endless nights side by side watching the rays of the sun creep on the skyline.
“You shouldn’t be here,” she says between clenched teeth. “You need to go.” She points at the door.
Rejection hits me square in the chest. It bleeds into anger. I feel it vividly under my skin.
“What the hell are you so scared of?” I ask. “Your dad isn't here to tell you to stay away. But if that’s what you want you need to tell me.”
“Nothing good will come of you being here.” She points out to the hall again. “There we can have civilized conversations with minimal interaction. But here.” Her head drops. “Jesse, stop making this so hard.”
My anger bubbles higher with every word as the lack of a ringing in my ears tells me she truly believes this.
What I say will only matter as much as she will hear me out. If I don’t say it now, I will always wonder why I didn’t. I think of a way to lead the conversation there, but I don’t think I have time. I’m one word from being tossed out. It’s now or never
“I just want to talk.” I raise both hands in surrender.
