As promised, after our training session and lunch Graham, Shay and I snuck outside.
The soft breeze that sweeps over the academy grounds brings with it the first signs of autumn. Golden brown leaves twirl on the ground, and the earthy damp air is refreshing. It's amazing how many details I manage to capture after not being able to enjoy it for a week. It took it for granted and regretted it. The air was heavy and musty and the sky was thick with grey clouds. It was going to rain soon. I loved the smell of rain.
For once Graham was quiet, and that was something that I enjoyed more than the fresh air. We walked in companionable silence. The grounds were empty. It is late afternoon and everyone seems to have gone home.
" When I start classes will you keep me locked up for days in your underground layer?" I decide to break the silence and settle under a tree.
" First off, not my underground layer. Second, no. We need to get you in shape before the classes start. It will be easier, for you. This is not a joke. Not to me at least. What you will learn in my underground layer could make the difference between life and death. Your life," He points a finger at me and I regret asking the damn question.
" I'm taking this seriously, " The leaves rustle above us and I look up to see Shay lunging from one branch to another. Maybe he is more squirrel than fox.
" This is a shitty situation. I'm trying to adjust. Not how I pictured my life," Graham laughs, and leans against the tree trunk.
" Sweetheart, welcome to reality, " I grimace at that word. Laira would love Graham. They seem to be on the same wavelength when it comes to certain aspects of life.
I nod, " As I said. I'm adjusting. I'll get there," I grumbled under my breath, and he nodded.
" I know you will. Life has a tendency to bitch slap you in the face when you least expect it, " He sigh and closes his eyes.
" I knew one guy once. He used to say that life is a selfish mistress. She will fuck you good but leave you unsatisfied," I stifle a chuckle at the analogy, and he laughs.
" The man was crazy. Crazier than you, " He woefully says, and I know what he means.
" I find that hard to believe, " I counter and he chuckles again.
" Don't worry, sweetheart. In this big wide world, there is always someone better at something than you are," I find that he is right. The best competition to have is with yourself not others.
" Don't I know it," I breathe the words and he lifts his head to look at me.
" The hour is almost up. We should head back. You need your rest. I have a feeling that we will have visitors tonight," I raise my brows at his prediction and it doesn't take long before I see a black car roll through the academy grounds. I don't know the car.
" Who do you think it is?" I slowly rise to my feet, wary. Unknown car, right before the gates close. Wariness rises within me, and I'm on high alert.
Graham laughs, " Perhaps is your lover," He muses out loud.
" Mason doesn't drive a black car," I clamp my mouth shut at the stupidity that just rolled off my lip.
" Fuck," I curse under my breath, and Graham stands next to me, and bumps his holder into mine.
" Relax," He chuckles," I've known Mason for quite some time now and I've never seen him roll over for a woman. Congratulations. You've succeeded where, many, many have failed," He folds his arms over his chest as we watch the car pull to a stop at the back of the building.
" Please don't say anything to anyone," I plead and Graham gives me one of his toothy smiles.
" I'm tempted to dangle this in front of you every time you whine and stomp your feet at me, but...," He drawls and takes his eyes off the car, " I don't have any interest in making anyone miserable. You're already doing a bang-up job, all by yourself," He steps forward and begins to make his way towards the car. Frozen, I watch as Mason slides out of the car and smiles at me, then turns his attention towards Graham. They embrace each other and fall into a relaxed conversation.
Graham is right. I do a wonderful job at making myself miserable.
Mason tilts his head urging me to join them and I finally move my feet.
I'm happy to see him, but can't seem to shake this cloud of gloom that follows me everywhere I go.
He stretches an arm as I fall into a step beside them, and gently places it on my lower back, gently guiding me closer to his side.
Mason leans closer to my ear, " I've missed you," He whispers but I know that the bat-eared man next to me heard him.
" Oh, for the love of god. Throw the man a bone," Graham throws his hands up and I'm ready to dig a hole in the ground and throw myself in it.
" I've missed you too," I lean my head on his shoulder, he draws me closer, and kisses my hair.
" He won't say anything," Mason whispers reassuringly and I nod.
After the five thousand steps we have to take to gain entry to Zareen. Mason and Graham head towards the kitchen, and I head into the room to take a shower and wash off the sweat and grime that sticks to me like glue.
Mason is limping but he makes an effort to hide it. It had been a few days since his injury, and he promised that he would have Dr Button look at it the moment he got home. We haven't spoken since, but knowing Dr.Button he would have prescribed Mason painkillers strong enough to put a horse to sleep.
The cloud slowly clears, and I begin to dress to join them in the kitchen filled with anticipation. It feels surreal that we have reached this point and in spite of the uncertainty surrounding our future, I find comfort in the fact that we have each to hold on through it.
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