A flash of pain crossed her face but she tampered it immediately. It was there though, if I was expert at anything, it was pain.
“We are not together,” she responded, a smile on her face with an expression of deep sadness. “We’ll talk about it some other time,” she added.
I nodded, not wanting to cause her pain.
When I met Ainslee, I thought her and Elise would be perfect happy friends to each other. Now, I wasn’t so sure. I loved my sister but she was always happy and giddy, it was one of her best features. But she couldn’t understand my pain. I never wanted her to experience it but she couldn’t relate. I had a sense that Ainslee could, although on a different level.
Lachlan took my hand and together with Ainslee, we left the tower and found our way to a large ballroom already set up for entertainment. Before we set foot through the large doorway, one of Lachlan's staff came up to him, needing his attention. He tried to brush him off but instead I nudged him to go on.
“Go on. I’ll be in there waiting for you,” I promised softly.
He reluctantly let go of my hand and walked off with his staff, with a backward glance as if to ensure I was still there. I nodded, attempting a smile.
Ainslee and I entered the large ballroom, greeted by a large crowd gathered to hear Ainslee sing. Her son ran up to her again with his father behind him.
I nodded to all of them and smiled at Ainslee when she gave me a worried look. She started for the stage with one more backward glance. I nodded again to reassure her, and when she turned around, I went in search of a secluded corner away from everyone.