A Calm Moment

Emerald's POV 

My shoulders felt lighter when Ivy stormed off, but the feeling didn't go away entirely. I was unable to get rid of the eerie sensation that persisted in the pit of my stomach and the tension in the air was still high and circling me.

When Ryker's voice broke through the fog of my mind, I was still having trouble breathing, and my heart was still pounding with a mixture of anxiety and adrenaline. 

He asked “You okay?” with a gentle tone that suggested he was still prepared to fight if I needed him to. 

I nodded while pressing my hands against my thighs trembling a little. “Yes, I'm alright.” 

Ryker's forehead furrowed slightly as he studied me for a while. I could see the worry in his eyes but it was no longer limited to Ivy. 

It was about the storm that was building inside of me, the uncertainty, the fear, and the uncertainty about what was going on and what I should do next. Moreover, I was clueless about how to prevent it from getting worse.

Obviously still furious, Ryker shook his head and muttered under his breath,” Ivys out of control. Emerald nobody ought to be able to treat you that way. Not even her.”

I forced the lump in my throat down with a forceful swallow. “But it's not just her,” I said quietly. “It is everything. It's Caden, this place, and everything that goes on in my immediate vicinity. I simply don't know how I'm going to keep up.”

For a brief moment, Ryker was silent, and I could sense his observant, critical eyes on me. It was not sympathy. No Ryker never felt sorry for others.

However, there was a quiet understanding that I wasn't accustomed to seeing. His words were gentle:

“You don't have to do it all alone. You don't need to bear the weight of everything.”He sighed and raked his hand through his hair as I opened my mouth to reply. “Look I understand that you have a lot going on.”

Though I could hear the implicit offer in his voice, Ryker's voice was steady as he said,” But if you want, I can take this matter to Caden for you. I can help him understand what's happening with Ivy. This shouldn't be your problem.”

I paused letting the question linger between us.

I knew that Ivy wasn't the only one I was dealing with, but I also valued Ryker's willingness to assist. The politics of this world Caden's world were complex, and if Ryker took a step without consulting me, it might backfire in unexpected ways.

“No” I shook my head and said softly. “I’ll take care of it. When I am prepared I will speak with Caden.”

Ryker didn't argue, but I could tell by the way his shoulders stiffened that he didn't like my response.

Instead, he gave a nod, acknowledging it with a strangely consoling sense of silent understanding. “Okay,” he said quietly, then tried to lighten the mood with a little laugh.”However, I'll be waiting by the phone with a bag of popcorn and some really bad jokes in case you decide to change your mind.”

That made me smile without fail. 

I nearly burst out laughing at the ridiculous notion of Ryker eating popcorn while seated by the phone. With a slightly more steady voice, I said, “Thanks, Ryker.”

“Thank you?” Even during a serious conversation, he gave me a crooked smile that always made him appear like a troublemaker.”Hey, I'm not asking for your gratitude. That's why we have friends.”

With my heart a little lighter than it had been a few seconds before I nodded. No matter how bad things got Ryker had a way of making them feel lighter by showing that there was always a way out with a lot of support and a little humor.

But before I could even get ready, his smile grew, and he continued, “You know you really should be taking it easy for a beautiful pregnant lady like yourself…I feel obligated to take you to your room. After all, you require the highest level of security possible.”

Unable to control the little laugh that escaped my lips I arched an eyebrow. Playing along, I repeated, “Security? From what exactly?”

Ryker gave me a fake serious expression. “Emerald you never know who you might see around here. You will undoubtedly draw unwanted attention because you are a lady with that glow.”

Despite rolling my eyes I was unable to contain the smile that was coming over me. “You're  impossible.”

Ryker winked and pointed down the corridor, saying, “But you love it.  I’ll give you a walk, please. Before you cause any more trouble, let's get you to your room.”

Even though I shook my head my chest was unmistakably warm. Even though the world seemed to be closing in on them, Ryker's antics somehow managed to make everything seem a little less dire. I experienced a glimmer of calm for the first time since my encounter with Ivy.

“Alright,” I said at last caving in. “Take the lead.”

We began to move and the corridor reverberated with the sound of our footsteps. I allowed myself to temporarily forget everything else because of how comfortable the silence was between us. 

I allowed myself to relish the simple act of walking and the company of someone who wasn't trying to harm or control me. I said in a tentative tone “May I ask you something?”

After everything that just transpired, I feel as though I'm losing sight of what really matters. “Is this how life will be going forward or do you think things will ever get easier?”

Ryker stopped and looked at me his hand briefly resting on the wall. I briefly recognized that he was more than just a joker when I saw the weight of comprehension in his eyes. He had a keen perspective on the world which made him someone I could trust. 

His voice was now quieter as he said, “I don't know Emerald. However, I am aware that no matter how difficult things get, you don't have to face them alone. Like many others have got your back.”

This time, the constriction in my chest wasn't anxiety or fear. Something else was involved, a warmer substance. 

With a voice hardly audible above a whisper, I said, “Thanks, Ryker.”

“I mean it.”The old gleam of mischief was back in his eyes as he grinned. “Appreciations are not yet due. There is still much work ahead of us Emerald. But I'll be by your side the entire time.”

I felt a little lighter as we went down the hallway, as though perhaps things didn't have to be so heavy after all.