Chapter 57 Clouded skies
"So how do you like it here?" she asked, a light smile curving her lips as she sat beside him.
He only hummed in response, nodding faintly, his gaze fixed on some distant point beyond the misty horizon.
"You like it here?" she repeated, but he only made a low sound something that could have meant yes, or no.
"It's somewhat comfortable," she said with a soft sigh, her breath visible in the damp air. That was when he turned to look at her his eyes distant, his expression calm but hollow, a total contrast to the laughter he'd shown during dinner. The sight made her wish he would laugh again, just like he did before.
"Why are you asking me these questions?" he asked, his voice quiet but firm.
"Nothing," she replied quickly, turning to face him. "Just asking."
He was about to look away when another question slipped out of her mouth, unplanned.
"Did you really like the food?"
Her question made him chuckle lightly, though the smile didn't reach his eyes.
"I'm asking because it's almost impossible," she added, her tone lifting in disbelief. "That dish was… foreign. Like what was that?"
"So do you want to hear that I acted as though the food was nice just to please the old man?" he asked, his voice faintly amused.
"I don't know. That's why I'm asking," she said.
"Well, no. The food was actually nice."
She stared at him, unblinking, trying to decide if he was serious. He looked serious enough, and that somehow made it worse.
"Ahhh," Elaine sighed, looking up at the cloudy sky grey, cold, and void of moon or stars, almost boring. She would have loved to go inside and enjoy the warmth, but something in her refused to leave him out here alone. Not that he needed company he'd been fine before she joined him but it didn't feel right.
From the little time she'd spent with Allan, she'd realized he was better when people were around. He spoke more, smiled sometimes, even laughed. But alone, he retreated quiet, guarded, unreachable. And she didn't like that.
Besides, Helena and Simmy were still not back, and if she went in now, she'd have to stay with Leonard. Not that it was bad she just didn't know what to say to him as they had just met with each other this morning, he had been the one doing all the talk, while she just hummed, or smiled and asked questions where necessary.
"How's your neck?" Allan's asked. voice broke the silence, low and sudden, cutting through her thoughts.
"Ehn?" she blinked, not catching his words. When he didn't answer, she guessed, "My neck?"
"Yes," he said quietly.
"It's okay… at least for today. It didn't even ache at all. It's like it's gone," she said truthfully. The day had been so tiring and stressful that even the pain had forgotten her or she had forgotten about it.
"Come here," he said suddenly. His voice was calm, but it sent her heart racing.
"Ehn?" she asked again, her voice smaller this time. He didn't repeat himself, only waited.
Slowly, she shifted once, twice, thrice until she was sitting very close to him, their shoulders brushing. Her heartbeat thudded loud in her ears.
She wasn't expecting what came next.
He reached out, his hands steady as they rested on her shoulders, gently turning her so her back faced him. Her breath caught as her back met his chest, the warmth of him pressing softly against her. Her thoughts scattered all she could think about was that night, the one where she'd accidentally kissed him.
He brushed her hair aside, revealing her neck to the cool air, the light breeze swaying some strand sof her hair. His eyes focused, studying the faint mark that once resembled a cracked skull. It was lighter now, almost invisible just the faint outline remained.
Then
A sharp gasp split the quiet.
Both their heads snapped up.
Simmy stood at the edge of the yard, hands clasped over her mouth, eyes wide with shock, and an almost silly smile. Behind her, Helena's expression was far from friendly cold, accusing.