Page 24 of Monsters in Love

Kro nudged me once more and placed a kiss on my forehead. “Come on, the sooner we finish our chores, the sooner we can pack up and go back to a reality where parents don’t confound you.”

“Amen to that.” For as relieved as I would be, Kro would be even more so. No sense slowing him down.

We took turns using the bathroom, packing our belongings and cleaning the bedroom as we waited. Within the hour, we were ready to roll. My parents gave me and Kro both big, long hugs. And yet another box of treats came out that they pawned off onto Kro.

Somehow, my mother received a promise of an invitation to be wined and dined in Obsidian City. I stayed quiet and let them do their thing.

Kro definitely earned his boyfriend’s fee. Five stars all the way around.

I would have to continue baking treats well into the new year, possibly into spring, in order to make up for all the awesome that he gave of his time with my parents and me.

Kro settled me into his car and we were off, my parents waving to us from their front lawn.

Chapter 7

Krothu

Obsidian City crested in the horizon. It had been nearly two hours, and Plum had yet to say a word aside from cursory directions. Small talk failed to draw her out of her shell, and so I gave up. I worried over her mood, replaying the last interactions with her parents as we had said goodbye.

Nothing seemed to be amiss, but that didn’t mean anything. I could have easily misstepped and not noticed. Not knowing was killing me.

I risked a glance over at her. Plum sat with her legs curled underneath her, leaning against the car door. She was sitting as far away from me as possible.

My heart sank. Had I imagined her response to me? Perhaps she regretted being with me? Maybe I needed to give her space?

Then, Plum started to bite her nail. She only did that when she was stressed. Fuck it, I needed to know if I was the reason for her upset, and if so, I would find out how to fix it.

We were only a few miles away from my home. I recognized the local diner I went to for breakfast after a job. I pulled into the parking lot. They were closed on Mondays, so we wouldn’t be disturbed.

“What are we doing here?” Plum asked.

Instead of answering her, I plucked her from her seat, and dragged her onto my lap. I clasped both sides of her face, and pull her in for a kiss. I did so slowly, slow enough for her to stop me if she wanted to. Relief surged through me as she kissed me back.

I pulled away from her, brushing the hair away from her face and noting proudly that she bit her lip and stared at my mouth. She could have as much of me as she wanted–soon. I needed to know her mind first. “Are you alright? You have been most quiet. That is not like you.”

She blinked up at me. Confusion gave way to a cautious explanation. “I was just thinking, that’s all.”

“Thinking?” I asked, trailing my finger over the crinkles forming on her brow. “Nothing too worrisome, I hope?”

Plum looked away, and stared out of the window. “Nothing. It’s just that…”

“What is it?” I prompted. “Please tell me.” Anxiety pulsed in tiny waves within me, and I refused to let it build. Whatever Plum had to say, I would weather it.

She sighed, finally gifting me with her soft, doe-eyed gaze. “I had a great time yesterday. A really great time.” Her eyes filled with tears.

I was unsure how to respond. Her words elated me, however, I didn’t know what to make of her expression. Perhaps crying was not a sad affair among humans?

When the first sob escaped her, I followed my instinct and wrapped her in my arms, tucking her against me. “The great time made you sad?”

Her body trembled and shook. Horrified I made matters worse, I rocked her like I would a child. Before I could apologize for whatever it was I said or did, I realized she was laughing. She paused in the middle of her hysterics to look at me, and whatever she saw on my face made her laugh even harder.

“I’m sorry,” she said, gasping for breath. “You’re so unintentionally funny I can’t stand it.”

“Is it my turn to apologize now?” I asked.

Plum doubled over, holding her stomach. “Please stop, I can’t take it.”

I vowed never to speak again, as every other word seemed to bespell her with endless laughter.

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