Charades

Chapter 14

     I'd been working hard. I spent most days at the flower shop, selling flowers and cashing in coins, and I saved up a lot of money. With each day that passed, I earned more and more money and I was beginning to realize it was time. It was time to leave, even though I didn't want to leave.

     My eyes lingered on Ronan who was at the kitchen sink cleaning. He was washing dishes and from the couch, I watched him for a moment, growing nervous. I knew I overstayed my welcome at his home, but yet, a part of me wasn't ready to let go.

     But knowing I couldn't be selfish, I called Ronan.

     "Yes?" Ronan asked, glancing at me.

     "Um, I need to talk to you about something," I said. "Do you mind coming here once you're done?"

     "Sure."

     Ronan finished up washing the dishes and my heart began to race. Ronan looked so peaceful as he cleaned, his expression soft, his hands gentle on the plates he held. And sighing, I wondered why I stopped him at the lake. I was glad nothing changed between us, but a part of me wished I let things change.

     "Okay, done," Ronan said.

     He turned around after wiping his hands on a towel and he went over to me. I sat up on the couch and Ronan joined my side and for a moment, we sat side by side in a silence. I took a deep breath in, prepared.

     "So, you know how I have a job," I said. Ronan nodded, but his eyebrows furrowed. "Well, I was able to save up a lot of money and I think it might be time for me to leave. I already overstayed my time here, so I think I should find a home to rent."

     Ronan froze. His eyes were blown wide and for a moment, he said nothing. His eyes just stayed at mine and only after a moment, did he compose himself.

     "Do you want to leave?" Ronan asked.

     This time, I was surprised. Hesitating, I knew I couldn't lie.

     "No, I don't necessarily want to leave," I confessed. "But, it seems like the right thing to do. You have your own family to worry about. You don't need a stranger like me intruding."

     Ronan shook his head. He ran his fingers though his hair and I waited for him to get angry, but instead, he wore a gentle expression. His eyes were gentle on me and I froze, surprised.

     "What if I tell you I don't want you to leave," Ronan whispered. "What if I told you, we're all happier with you here. I won't force you to stay, but you were never a burden."

     My heart skipped a beat at Rona's kind words. I immediately smiled, touched by what he said.

     "Are you sure?" I asked.

     "Definitely."

     My smile grew wider. All this time I thought I was intruding. I thought I was a burden. But instead, I was welcomed. It was a nice feeling to be loved.

     "Okay, then I will stay," I said. "But, you must let me pay some of your bills. It's only fair."

     "Amara..."

     "No buts!" I narrowed my eyes at him. "If you don't let me help, then I'll leave. So, you have no choice."

     Ronan sighed heavily and shook his head. I couldn't help but giggle and Ronan shot me a look.

     "Fine," Ronan said. "You will pay a small fee for living here. That's all."

     "Thank you!" I exclaimed. "Thank you so much."