Page 7 of Orange Town
Before I could continue, he answered, “Of course you don’t!” He placed his hands on his waist. “That is part of his family’s heirloom. What is that idiot thinking? How can he give it to you? And you! It broke. Damaged! What did you do to make it break off?”
He was shouting.
“Well,” I said lamely. The only thing missing is smoke coming from his ears. “I had to have a knife to cut things. I have nothing here.”
“A knife?” he hissed. “A frucking knife?!”
I nodded slowly. He turned his back and exploded. He lashed out at the plants, kicking rocks and things. And he was talking to himself. He really has a short temper; unlike the other guy I know.
I stood frozen for a heartbeat or two. Then sighed. It looks like it will be a long while before he pipes down. Those poor plants and rocks. Well, at least he’s not directing it to me. Cementing the fact that he is probably a good guy after all. I turned back further into the lanai. All this talk about the crystal made me hungry. I went to the large box, opened it and found I have no jerky available for easy grab. Using my crystal knife, I cut them into precise pieces and placed them in another small jar. The jar was almost circular, with strange writing on it. The jar reminds me of Japan or China.
“A frucking knife.” His tone controlled. Weird that I hear the word fruck when it really sounds like fuck.
I dropped the crystal and jerky on the box, and I landed on my ass. I did not hear him walk in. Like a freaking cat!
I heard him sigh. Sparing me a brief glance, he carefully took the crystal as if he’s holding a precious cargo. And I saw his face softening, holding the crystal. So many emotions passed across his face. I’m not good at judging people. But the wealth of emotions on his face.
Either he missed Zirc or they broke up. But one thing I felt for sure. He is in love with Zirc. I’m not sure what I feel about that. I like to be with Zirc, but I don’t think I’m in love with him. Unlike this poor guy.
Being a considerate girl and a sucker for impossible love, likeboys’love, I sat up properly and waited for him. I wanted to turn away, but he might get distracted.
Then he suddenly grabbed my jaw. What the –
“Ah yes, I see you don’t have any incisors.”
Given the chance, I will bite him. He moves so fast he’s like a striking cobra. His hold on my jaw was strong. I tried to clamp my mouth and try to bite him. He’s not concerned. I used my neck and hands to get away from him.
He let go. I doubt it was from my efforts.
“What species are you when you don’t have at least four incisors? You can’t even tear a fruit or a fresh kill!” He gave me that pitying look which annoyed me a lot.
Well, excuse me for being a human being and not an animal like him! That sounds bad actually.
He cursed some more before he turned to me. “Why must you destroy this crystal?”
“I have to eat.”
He looked at me like his face was going to explode. Then he did an almost human thing. He turned away from me, breathing in and out. Placed two fingers on the bridge of his nose.
The only thing, aside from the fur, that made him look alien is the tail. Though he’s trying to calm himself down, his tail is lashing back and forth. I bet it’s also part of his arsenal. And I just noticed how his leather cloak at the back has a straight slit to the back of his knees, making room for his tail to come out.
I ate some of the jerky while watching him calm down.
After some time, his tail not lashing anymore, just being dragged back and forth on the floor, he turned to me. I kind of felt sorry for him. He seems like the type who stresses a lot about a lot of things. Like he’s used to being an authority but needs to be diplomatic.
He looked at me with a resigned face and said, “Pack how much you need from that hirly beast,” pointing to the jerky. “Gods know why you love that bland taste of food. We leave as soon as the first sun rises.”
With that, he left me. Maybe he needs some space. But he had reached a decision. I don’t know whether to feel good or bad about it. I just know I’m glad I’m going to see Zirc again. It’s like he imprinted himself on me. Or as Roqs said before, people gravitate towards him. I am probably one of many.
I looked down at the jerky on my hand.
Hirlybeast?
I wonder what it looked like. I know meat is essential for a jerky. Like pork. Maybe this beast is not a rat? Or a frog? Or a snake?
I shuddered. Better not imagine things and make assumptions. I will just imagine this as beef jerky. It’s the only thing that is not salty. The only problem is the water. I will try to bring some cloth I found in the other wooden chest in the cabin. Not that I can bring many things, looking at my small shoulder bag. It’s made of leather and can withstand the heat. I will ask Roqs tomorrow to bring more water. I wonder if he has many horses so we can bring in more water.
Chapter Two
