Thirty-Two

“We would’ve been there sooner,” Trayne was saying as I sat on an elongated couch, bouncing Forrest on my knees. Britleigh had Maia, reading to her across the room, and the newest additions to the giant kingdom, Lynn and Bird, were crouched together in the atrium, learning about weather patterns.

“You arrived just in time,” I said, not meeting his eyes. “Had you been just another moment later, Chan would have killed me in his lunatic rage.”

Trayne looked down, apologetic. “For that I will never forgive myself,” he said. “The gypsies packed up and moved camps because of some perceived threat of a nonexistent storm, and that threw us off course. But your idea for the curtains was ingenious, Piya, truly.”

“You’ve said that a hundred times already,” I laughed. “You really must stop praising me. I’ll think I’m truly magnificent.”

Just then, the doors to the atrium opened, and I saw her at last. The face that had filled my head for months, given me hope and a reason to look forward.

“You’re here,” Cheylin said, her gaze holding mine.

“I’m here,” I echoed. I didn’t know what to say. How could I have so much feeling hidden inside of me and find myself silent now, when she was right in front of me?

Trayne looked back and forth from me to his fifth wife, and understanding crossed his face. He reached for our son and raised his eyebrows at Cheylin, smiling. “We’ll be in the garden. Come and find me when you can. I want to hear about the train ride.” She nodded to him distractedly, and he walked away, carrying Forrest in his big, safe arms.

“I feel something for you,” I said. I blushed furiously, embarrassed, but Cheylin just laughed, a beautiful, throaty sound.

“I’m glad,” she said. “I’m so glad for so many things. You’re here. You’re safe. That place where you come from-”

“It was awful-”

“I wanted to take you from it so badly but-”

“I know.”

We fell into silence, but it was comfortable.

“Will you stay?” she asked finally.

I nodded my head at her. Where else could I go? Where else could my children be safe? Where else could I heal and work for the greater good?

And Cheylin was here.

Of course, I would stay.

She reached out and took my hand, her own hand small and warm over mine. “We have much to discuss,” she said. “Let’s walk together.”