Page 81 of The Healing Dragon
I roll my eyes because I, more than anyone, know that to be true. The reminder isn’t necessary.
“I need to go back to work.” I give Pad a wave and head out. My job here is done.
Jesse doesn't follow when I move to leave but his eyes stay fixed on me until I round the corner. His expression is determined and I know he isn't done with me. At least not for today.
I make it back to the library and see that Santiago has helped all the people in his line. He is now with Matias, looking over a book.
“Did I miss anything?”
Both boys shake their heads. I don’t let that discourage me. I sit back down and dive into the next book in my pile. The number of books scattered around seem to have increased but I know that isn't true.
We have been looking for days and a hint of Klause or the creation of the Red Book is nowhere in sight. It feels like just when we think we make a discovery, even more questions arise. My focus is on any text written around the time Klause wrote his journal to see if they happen to mention any of his movements. While Matias is searching for family trees that could give us direct links to people who were around Klause. Santiago is focusing on old text that guesses on the magic behind the Red Book.
“It would have been nice if you told me you would be here,” Jesse says as he takes the empty seat at our table. “I thought you were working at the nursery.”
“I usually am,” I say, only looking away from my book for a second. “But I got out a little earlier today.”
“Because?” he asks.
“Does she need to report her every move to you?” Matias asks. “I missed that rule.”
The harsh tone has Santiago and me turning to look at him. I would characterize Matias as a funny, bubbly guy. Hard tone and daggers for eyes isn’t like him, yet that is exactly what he is doing now. All directed at Jesse.
“He hasn’t had lunch,” Santiago interjects before Jesse can respond. He rises to his feet. “Let’s get some. I’m starving.” He pulls on Matias’s sleeve until he rises too and follows him.
“I wanted to find you to give you this.” Jesse puts a small jar between us.
I stare at it but make no move to take it. Sighing, he picks it up and takes off the lid, then scoops a small amount of ointment into his index finger. He takes my injured hand and applies the ointment to the marks. They are no longer bleeding, but the ointment soothes the small sting.
“Can we talk?” he asks.
“I’m busy.” I open another book and start looking.
It's a book from Matias’s pile, not mine but I don't want to admit I took the wrong one. I scan the page and search for Klause's name amongst many names on a family tree.
“You can’t talk because you are busy?” He looks at the packed table. “Looking for what, exactly?”
I roll my eyes but put my book down long enough to say, “I’m looking for Klause’s family tree.” I open my book again and begin going down the names on the page before me.
Jesse picks up a book and opens it to the first page. His eyes run down the page slowly.
I close my book. “What are you doing?”
He doesn’t look away from his book. “Helping you.”
“I don’t need help.” I sound like a petulant child.
“I wish to speak to you about what happened yesterday,and you said you’re too busy, so I’m helping you finish here so we can talk.” He taps the open page. “If you don’t mind, I’m trying to read.”
I can’t fight the curve at the edge of my lips. I want to touch the path he traced while kissing me.
Shaking my head, I refocus on the book before me. I can’t keep looking at the same page for too long before he notices I’m daydreaming. Turning the page without looking could cost the cause greatly.
“Oh, you’re still here.” Matias hands me a plate of food while giving Jesse a disapproving expression. “We didn’t bring you food.”
“I did.” Santiago drops a plate in front of Jesse.
The ‘traitor’ expression Matias shoots Santiago is comical.
