Under Stormy Skies

Chapter 3:Playing with Fire

Rowan spent most of her days tutoring Elara in her bedroom, in one of the smaller guest parlors, or just staring at the ceiling of her room when Elara didn’t feel like studying or being with her.

Pretending she didn’t feel like a ghost rattling around a house too big for any one family. Rowan is also doing her best to get along with Elara’s mood swings. She’s still mad at Rowan for calling her a kid.

“Let’s stop. I don’t wanna study with you anymore. Just leave.”

Rowan sighed. She controlled herself. “Do you really want me to leave? I can go. We’ll continue tomorrow.” She started packing her stuff.

Of course, it’s not okay for her to leave. They haven’t finished half of the lesson plan for today, and it’s already dusk.

Elara snatched her arm. “No. Stay. I’m just being a b***h, okay?”

Rowan stiffed a laugh. She softened her face, as soft as her voice. “If you’re tired, let’s take a break. And you’re not a b***h, okay? Don’t call yourself that way.”

“Yeah because I’m a kid. I’m just a kid to you.” Elara pouted.

Rowan pretended to sigh, like it came from her heart. But, honestly, her patience is slowly wilting. She took Elara’s hand and drew circles on it with her thumb.

“Are you still upset about that?”

Elara did not answer. But it was all over her face.

This is the moment Rowan asks what she really wants. “Alright. I’ve already said sorry, but clearly that wasn’t enough. I wish I could give you a gift that you want, but I’m broke. You know that.”

It consoled Elara; Rowan reminding her the gap between them. It reminded Elara she’s at the top, and Rowan was just a rug she could brush the soles of her shoes.

“So tell me. How can I make you feel better? Hm?” Rowan placed her one hand to the skin of Elara’s porcelain thigh. She gently caressed it. It immediately made her better.

“I forgive you. Never call me a kid again. I hate it. Makes me feel like shit.”

“Okay. I won’t say or ever call you that word again. I promise. But,”

Elara glances up to Rowan. “But what?”

“Nothing. It’s just that I’ve been thinking why you don’t want to get called like that? Being a kid is not bad at all. Who made you feel like s**t for being a kid?”

Elara took her hand away from Rowan’s touch. She turns her body away.

“The grownups. All the grownups in my life.”

Rowan is certain something really happened. She was just not grounded because of smoking. She knows there is more to the story.

“Growing up as a kid, it was the best time of my life, especially when I was your age.”

Elara’s eyes lit up, taking an interest in Rowan’s story.

“Why? What were you doing when you were 17?”

Rowan chuckled. “Doing naughty stuff.”

“Like what?”

Doing drugs. Smoking pot. Driving motorcycles at 180 kilometers per hour. Going to parties. Drinking alcohol.

After giving it a thought, Rowan finally uttered. “Kissing boys. And girls.”

Elara’s eyes widen. She could not believe her ears. Poor girl.

“You had your first kiss at 17?” she asked curiously.

Rowan shook her head. “No.”

“So, who was your first kiss?”

“My mom.”

Elara rolled her eyes like Rowan just said the most stupid thing in the world.

“Of course you would say that. But that’s not what I meant. Except your mom or dad. When was your first kiss?”

“I was 15, I guess. I can’t really remember. What about you? You must already have a boyfriend.” Rowan teasingly said, trying to tickle her.

What the hell am I doing? Rowan thought. She's a kid. A client. You're here for the money, not this.

“I had it with someone. My first kiss. But it didn’t turn out well.” Elara stopped, then hesitated. She cleared her throat. “Forget that I said that. No. I never said that. I’m tired. Can we continue the lessons tomorrow?”

It’s coming all together now. Rowan had a hunch now of what really happened.

“Sure.”