My body moved on its own and I grabbed his sleeve. I let go quickly and stepped back. What did I do that for? What should I say? What am I doing? Think, think, think.
"Is there a problem?" Teon asked, and I could feel his gaze on my forehead.
"Oh, well… I… uh…" I couldn't think of anything. Should I tell him I don't want him to leave? Should I tell him to stay? Should I ask him?
"What's wrong?" he asked. I pursed my lips and sighed inwardly.
"I wanted to ask you something for a while now," I took the best path, the truth.
"What?" he asked, and I looked up at him but quickly looked down.
"D… Did I do something wrong?" I asked.
"Huh?"
"That day, when you left, you saw me leave, but you acted indifferently, so I thought there was something. Then…" I shouldn't confront someone like this, it's best to end it here. "It's nothing. Thank you for the gift. I should get back inside," I said hastily and turned to leave but was pulled back before I could move three steps.
"I didn't know you felt that way," he said. "I just didn't want to ruin the perfect goodbye," he said, and I was rendered speechless.
I turned and looked at him in shock, then without realizing it, I snickered. That was an unexpected response.
"This is the first time I've seen you close to a laugh," he observed, and I went expressionless again. I felt a bit embarrassed and found it hard to hide it.
"Well, I…" I didn't know how to respond. "I just misunderstood, especially since you acted like you didn't see me not long ago," I said.
"I'm sorry," he said, and I was taken aback. Should he just say he's sorry easily? He didn't do anything wrong.
"I… uh…" I was flustered. We went silent again. I really didn't want to go back inside.
"Well, I don't want to keep you here. You should go back inside now," he said, and I nodded.
"Next time, you should really meet Tyler. He's as big as you said he would be," I said.
"I look forward to it," he replied. I turned and walked back but glanced back and saw he was still standing there. I paused and stared back at him.
Did I just have a full conversation with Teon without him making jokes about my height? I must have missed it; there's no way.
I waved and walked back to the hall. I lingered around for a few minutes before walking back to my room.
Once inside my room, I sat quietly on the bed and looked outside. The evening events were interesting. I successfully avoided everyone, and all I could think of was sleeping.
Would Teon be here in the morning?
The door opened, and I turned to look at it. Blair walked in with a smile on her face.
"My lady, how was the ball?" she asked, approaching me.
"Eventful," I replied, standing up so she could help me out of the dress.
"I'm glad you enjoyed it." I never said I did; I just said it was eventful. "You haven't had anything reasonable to eat all day. Do you want me to get something for you?" I forgot I haven't eaten. I'm surprised I didn't pass out.
"That would be nice, thank you," I responded. After changing, I sat on the balcony, looking outside as I watched the scenery. Tyler was already asleep, and I was waiting for Blair.
My mind wandered back to Teon. He had it tough. I wonder why he has to go back there and put up with the daily attacks aimed at him. I'm really worried.
I put my head on my hand and stared outside blankly. Mother's other students are probably with him; it should be fine.
"My lady," I heard, and I turned. "I brought porridge. It's too late to eat anything heavy," Blair said and dropped the tray in front of me.
"Thank you, Blair," I said.
"I haven't given you your birthday present yet," she said, and I gave her a questioning look. She turned and walked inside and came back shortly after. "I had this made a few years ago, but you never came back," she said with a hint of sadness. I collected the hairpin and studied it.
"Thank you, Blair," I said, looking at it in awe. Its tip had a crystal that looked like it was glowing when I looked at it closely.
"You're welcome, my lady. You'll soon be going into social circles as a noble lady. You should go with style. Oh, I can't wait to pick dresses for you once the invitations start coming," she said.
I had no intention of joining the social circles, but I didn't say anything. I just let her daydream. I wouldn't abandon my project to speak with scary people all day. My life comes first.
After eating, I still sat outside recounting all the events since the day I arrived here.
"What next?" I asked myself as I stared at the stars. I don't have much time. I had a few months before things got worse, and I couldn't afford a few months.
I put my head on the table and closed my eyes, but I wasn't sleeping. I had to think of something, a way out, but there was no solution. My research was not looking like it would progress much, but I still persisted, and it frustrated me.
"I don't want to die," I said to myself.
"Livi," I heard my name, and I sat up. "You shouldn't sleep out there," she said, and I nodded. I stood up and walked closer. "I wanted to give you my present, but I'll wait till morning," she said. "Get some sleep. I'll have some people sort out the other presents," she said, and I nodded again.
I lay down and watched the door mother walked out of. I wish I could make medicine that takes away pain from her heart. If only I could cure everything. My immediate need doesn't look like it has a bright future either.
"Happy birthday, me," I said to myself as I closed my eyes. "Let's try to stay alive till twenty now," I said and yawned.