She woke up to a knock on her door. She stretched and yawned as Tanisha answered the door. Ian came in and nodded in Tanisha's direction who gave a polite nod back. She left the room and finally Ian looked in Adina's direction and she visibly stiffened.
In a calm and measured voice he said,"Don't worry. Relax. It's just that your phone has been going crazy. Someone named Krissy called you a few times and also the notifications won't stop."
"Oh! that's my best friend Krystal. She must be worried. Can I-..talk to her?"
"Here you go." said Ian handing her the phone.
She gave him a tight smile and called Krystal. This was gonna be hard.
After only two rings she picked up the call and started scolding,"What the fuck have you been up to? No calls, no texts, nothing. You know how worried I was? And that freaking forest you keep telling me about isn't helping at all! I told you to message me something.. even a small 'hi' would do everyday. You idiot."
"Krissy? Calm down and listen to me?"
"Calm down? heh.. CALM DOWN. You are so dead the second I see you."
"Alright now listen. I might not be able to answer your calls everytime and message you daily. Do you get that?"
"Huh? But why? ... Are you- are you ok, Adina?"
"I'm fine. Don't worry." she tried to sound as convincing as she could.
"I'm having a hard time believing that!"Krystal's tone was full of worry now. Adina bit her lower lip. She knew better than to spill the beans.
"Trust me, yeah? and also if Maa calls you to ask about me, tell her I'm busy.. like super busy."
"You can't answer auntie's call? Something is definitely wrong and what has made you so busy that you can't even talk to us?"Adina looked up in Ian's direction who was watching her with an odd expression but there was a little concerned look in his eyes which made Adina wonder.
She swallowed the lump in her throat and said,"I'll explain it later. For now just trust me."
"...Ok. Be safe."
"Yeah. I love you."
"Love you too babe." and she hung up the call.
Ian was just looking at Adina. No words were said but by the look in his eyes she got the message 'everything will be ok'. Maybe- just maybe he wasn't that bad. A few minutes of staring later Ian blinked and coughed awkwardly. Adina looked anywhere but in his direction. The tension and awkwardness in the room could be sliced with a knife.
"Uh.. the phone." Ian said extending his right hand.
"Ah ya!.. Thanks."
He nodded his head, took the phone and left the room without another word or glance in her direction. Adina thought 'Looks like my first opinion about him was wrong. He seems ... quite nice actually. I have to stay here for how long that I don't know but as long as I'm here I think I can rely on him. I'll try befriending him if that works.' She smiled as she made this resolution of befriending Ian just as Tanisha entered through the door.