Chapter Twelve - Niall
1507 Words
I stayed a few seconds watching at the empty road. She left so fast, as if she couldn’t wait to get rid of me. I hated the way that made me feel. I shook it off and headed to my house. Esmée was still standing there, draped in her long dark coat. Her hair seemed almost white in comparison. Her face brightened when she saw me and I couldn’t help but smile too. It was always like that. Everywhere she went, she was shining with that kind and peaceful aura.
« Don’t wait here in the cold », I said when I reached her. « Come inside. Have you been waiting for long ?»
« No, I just got here. »
I opened the door and reached for the lights. Everything was just as it used to be. My granddad wasn’t a fan of changes and I didn’t change a thing since I was living here alone. It just looked like any typical house of the neighbourhood: sober with memories. Photographs were hanging on the walls or framed and sitting atop furnitures. Scenes of happy fishing parties, christmases, birthdays… I took of my jacket. When I turned back, Esmée was holding one of the frames.
« You’ve been there already but you keep looking at this picture », I laughed. « Why ? »
« I just like it », she replied simply. « You look so cute. »
« Yeah well, time changes. What can I do for you ? It’s late, you want to eat something ?»
« Oh don’t bother », she quickly said. « I’ll eat once I’m home. »
« Don’t be ridiculous. I have to cook for myself anyway. Better cook for two. »
She followed me when I went to the kitchen.
« I’m helping you then », she said while taking off her coat and putting it on a chair.
I washed my hands first before reaching for the fridge.
« What do you want to eat ? »
« Anything, really. »
I looked at her, resigned. I wondered if one day she’ll speak for herself. I’ve never seen her do this before. She always followed the flow, almost as if she was afraid to take too much space.
« If you don’t pick, you don’t help. »
She bit her lips few seconds before taking my place in front of the fridge. I stepped backwards, satisfied.
« What about pasta puttanesca ? »
« Fine by me. »
And we got started. Cooking felt relaxing. I learned with my grandfather when I was younger. He taught me everything he knew. He taught me that food could heal souls. I truly believed that. That’s the reason I gladly took over the food truck. I didn’t know what I would do about it once I’ll graduate but for now, I was just enjoying my time there.
« You still haven’t told me why you were waiting for me. »
« Well, it might be nothing at all but you seemed… different lately. Is there something you want to talk to me about ? »
And again, she was worrying about someone else. I should have known. But what would I tell her, really ? That I almost died and got myself fully turned into a wizard in the process ? Like she would believe me.
« Like I said, I’m just a bit off lately but everything’s fine », I lied. « I’m sorry I got you worried. »
« Don’t be, you know I always worry to much », she smiled. « You would tell me if it wasn’t okey, right ? »
« Of course ! »
« You never whine, you barely complain. I just wanted you to know that I’m here if you need me. »
« You always are. »
She blushed. I meant it. I kept helping people, working myself off, barely take some rest. But Esmée, she was always here. Always offering a helping hand, always offering a shoulder. The house was less lonely when she was here. I was less lonely when she was here. We were close and, obviously, it got Angus talking. For him, it was s****l. It had to be. I’d lie if I say that she’s not attractive. Esmée was gorgeous and the worst was that she had no idea. It just added to her charm. It just never happened. Esmée wasn’t easy to read, or maybe was I blind, and I was unable to say what she thought or felt about me. What would I do if I knew ?
« It’s ready », I said finally
We sat at the table and spend the evening talking about school and life in general. It was the most normal moment I had in days. I didn’t even know I needed it. Esmee had this effect on me. What would I do without her ?
« I should get going », she said pushing away her mug
« It’s late. Don’t you want to stay for the night ? »
She seemed embarrassed, playing with her hair.
« I don’t know… »
« Please, I’ll feel better. Or let me drive you home. I’m sure you took the bus. »
She blushed and I knew I was right. I knew her oh too well.
« The guest room is set already », I insisted
« Okey then, if you don’t mind… »
She said with a little smile
« Just go upstairs, I’ll get you something to wear. », I said collecting the dishes on the table
For once, she didn’t protest and left. I put everything away and checked that everything was close before heading to my room. I grabbed a t-shirt, the less ridiculous or worn out I could find, and went to the guest bedroom to give it to Esmée. I paused for second. I would have sworn I saw her shimmer. She thanked me and I went back to my room after saying goodnight to her.
Another crazy long day. I’d sleep in no time for sure. I undressed to put on some night pants and I laid down. Finally. I yawned and tried to reach for the light when someone knocked.
« Come in. »
The door opened and Esmée appeared, wearing only my t-shirt. I had a hard time swallowing. Some much bare skin exposed…I took a deep breath and asked:
« Do you need anything else? »
She was nervous playing with the bottom of my t-shirt, doing so she was exposing more and more skin. God, did she know what she’s putting me through ? I was just a poor man…
« There’s something I wanted to ask you but dared not. I need to ask it now before I lose my courage again. »
« Come on in », I said a bit worried. « You know you can ask me anything, right ? »
I straightened up in my bed and she came sit on it. I took her hand to keep her from torturing me – and my poor t-shirt - as much as to occupy my own hands.
« What is it ? »
« You’ve been spending a lot of time with Tommie, lately. »
It wasn’t a question but it echoed the reflexion I had few hours ago in the car with Tommie.
« Esmée, how do you know Tommie ? »
« Our families are… close. We spent a lot of time together when we were younger but grew apart as we grew older. »
This only fact couldn’t be the reason for all this mystery and awkwardness when it came to the two women. Esmée seemed happy everytime she crossed path with Tommie. But the witch always closed up as soon as she laid eyes on the blonde. It was like being next to here was costing Tommie greatly. Why would she act like that. I’ve seen first hand how direct she could be and how she fired up quickly. I kept digging.
« Did it happen just because of time ? »
She looked at me with tears in her eyes and I felt guilty. My curiosity just brung her back bad memories. Well done, Niall.
« Never mind. No matter what happened, it’s not to late to make things right, okey? Now, let’s get some sleep. »
« Can I stay here ? »
She was looking at me with her big blue eyes full of tears. How could I say no to that ? I smiled, giving up so fast.
« Sure. »
I moved to manage space for her and she slid under the cover. Her hair was caressing my shoulder. What kind of mess did I put myself into again ? Is the Universe testing me or something ? I turned off the lights this time and I felt her little body nestle against mine. I mentally sighed. It was going to be a very long night.
- Writer
