Page 104 of Prince of Storms
“Mia?” I called, looking at my watch. We were already running late, and now, she was taking an extraordinarily long time in the bathroom. I didn’t particularly care since the event wasn’t one that would change if we were ten minutes late or thirty, but she’d been quite keen on us getting there on time.
Silence followed my call.
“Mia?” I repeated, stepping toward the bathroom.
I’d lost her once in the bathroom, and I wasn’t about to let that happen again. If she didn’t respond, I was barging in.
“One sec!” she called hastily.
The sink came on. I frowned. What was shedoingin there? The order was all wrong.
“Is everything okay? Is there anything I can do to help?”
“N—”
The word was cut off, only to be followed by the distinct sound of vomiting.
“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?” I asked. “We can cancel. I’ll call your dad. We’ll reschedule. It’s fine.”
More silence. Then the sound of the toilet flushing. Water continued to flow from the sink for a moment. Then it shut off. I could hear Mia moving around. A slow sigh escaped her, and then she opened the door.
“We don’t have to go to brunch with everyone. I’ll call them and—”
She shook her head. “No, we’re going. I’m fine now, Tor.”
I frowned, glancing from her to the bathroom and back. “You’re not telling me something. What is it?”
“Just … not now, okay?” she said.
“Why not right now?” I pushed.
“Because …” she sighed harder and swiped at her eyes.
“Are you crying?” I said, reaching out to embrace her.
She pulled away.
“Okay,” I said, irritated. “What’s going on? What did I do wrong?”
“What? Nothing!” she said. “Let’s go to brunch.”
“We will,” I said. “But after you tell me why you won’t even let me hug you when you’re crying.”
Tears spilled from her cheeks. “Because I don’t want you to be mad at me!”
I gaped, stunned at her. “What the fuck are you talking about, Mia? Why would I be mad at you? I’m so confused. I don’t get it.”
She continued to try. “I didn’t mean for this to happen. I mean, I did, but not now. We hadn’t talked about it, and it’s so soon, and I’m sorry.”
“Come here,” I said, snatching her hand before she could take it away and guiding her to the bed.
She sat down, her arms wrapped around her body.
“Please tell me what’s going on?” I all but begged. “You haven’t done anything. Are you talking about us being late? That’s not a big deal, I promise.”
She was silent for a moment, then let loose another sigh, her entire body sagging with it. “This kind of late is.”
“Huh? You’re speaking English, but I don’t understand a word of what you’re saying, my love. Can you please just tell me what’s going on?”
