" I can offer you my sincerest apologies but that won't change the past. The best I can do is to make amends, and for that to happen I must be given a chance to do so, " I look around the room, and fall silent. I could walk out that door and move on, but it is clear that my actions have had a domino effect around me, and I have caused quite a lot of trouble. I do not possess courage or bravery like others, by all definitions I'm a coward but I'm a determined coward, he'll bent on not giving up. The road I've taken is winding and steep but I will get there eventually. Sooner or later.
Eric nods and looks at Frankie and Aldo. Frankie has finally settled down and holds a glass of water with shaky hands looking at me as if I've risen from the dead. Which I have, in theory.
" You have three months to prove your worth, Miss Abernathy. Not a minute longer. If in three months' time, your record is not impeccable academically or otherwise, I shall have you expelled with honours and I'll make sure that no institution will ever accept you. Do not disappoint me, or you'll wish you would have died. Playing dead is for pets, Miss Abernathy. You do not appear to be furry or possess a tail, and pointy ears, " No wonder he and Mason are friends. The disapproval flows in waves out of Eric. Emmeline seems just as stoic as Eric is, and I have nothing to say that can justify my actions or absolve me of any culpability.
I'm grateful but also wary. That means that I'd have to play nice for three months. For three months my hands are tied. That is if I want a degree and damn it, I do want one. I don't have to prove anyone anything, but I have to prove to myself that I can prevail, in spite of all that happened. I'm my most fierce competitor. The race is against me.
Emmeline rises to her feet and places a hand on Eric's shoulder to get his attention. He rises, and they both walk towards the door.
" This conversation is not concluded, Miss Abernathy," Eric says gravelly and I rise to my feet once more.
Turning to Aldo, I smile at Frankie who watches me like a hawk, " I'm sorry Frankie, I didn't mean to scare you," She nods and takes another sip of her water, spilling some in the process. She is shaking like a leaf in the wind. I couldn't believe that it was the same woman I met a year ago.
" Mr. Friedreksen, my deepest apologies for having caused you so much trouble, " Aldo scoffs and scrubs his face with both his hands. He doesn't bother hiding his exasperation with me, but he will eventually, hopefully, get past it.
" The semester starts in less than a week Miss Abernathy. Be here. This is the third time you fail to turn up on time, " Aldo coldly says and I try to keep the smile off my face.
" Third time is a charm, Mr Friedresken," I say with a lightness that I shouldn't feel. I'm not out of the woods yet. I won't be for another three months.
Aldo shakes his head, and I take my leave, to follow after Eric. I knew why he'd given me the free pass.
I catch up with them outside, as they are finishing up a conversation.
" I was wondering if my things are still here?" I cut to the chase because he doesn't seem to be in the mood for a catch-up chat.
" I will have them brought to your dormitory. They are still in Zareen. Mason has left instructions for everything to be left as it is, and considering the circumstances, we granted him that wish," What circumstances? Did he know? I don't dare to ask. If he doesn't know, he most likely suspects.
" See Frankie when she recovers from her shock. If you have nowhere to go. You may stay here," No, I don't have anywhere to go. I'm grateful that he didn't make me ask.
" The Kallah," I begin, and Eric frowns.
" For now the academy grounds are safe for you, but once you step through that gate. I won't be able to vouch for your safety, Miss Abernathy. Caution is recommended. Considering your situation, you may refer to me or my wife if you find yourself in need of anything. I'm a man of my word and the deal that I have struck with Mason still stands. I will do my part, so you better do yours, " I want to ask about Mason but that is something I don't dare just yet. I've caused white a splash for the day, so I'll give everyone a minute to gather themselves.
" Thank you. Also would be possible, since I can't leave the grounds to have some food?" Eric nods and waits for me to finish my thoughts.
" I'm truly sorry. I thought it would be for the best if I stayed away. Micah seems dead set on getting me. Lissete attacked me on the way here...," I pause for a second to give them time to take that little nugget of information.
" There have been casualties before and after you left so your attempt has failed to produce the desired effect, Miss Abernathy. This may not be known to the public because we are good at what we do but with or without the knowledge of your existence, the Kallah has caused trouble either way," Eric finishes his thoughts and looks down at Emmeline who smiles up at him and then turns to look at me.
" We will find a way to deal with Micah in due course," She says softly, " You can try but you can't do it on your own. I will be teaching one of your classes, so if you need anything let me know," I wasn't about to turn my teacher into my errand girl but the thought was appreciated.
" Thank you. I'm grateful for the chance that has been offered. I'll do my best to not disappoint," I say filled with gratitude.
" I've seen your best, Miss Abernathy. You'll have to do better than that," My gratitude deflates and falls flat. I'm not surprised either by the fact that they are somewhat angry and disappointed with me.
" Yes, " I say curtly and straighten myself. Emmeline says her goodbyes while Eric settles for his usual nod.
We part ways and I head back into the reception area to wait for Frankie to step out of Aldo's office. I do realise that it might take a while. It's not every day that someone comes back from the dead.
I settle on a chair and spend that time staring at my hands. My knuckles are bruised and my hands are covered in cuts. I've had a brief look at myself in the mirror before I Ieft Helej Norun. I'm not pretty to look at in this state. I'll probably terrify half of the students when they will see me walk the corridors in less than a week's time.
I can already see the stare, gawking, and hear the whispers. I have better things to worry about.