The Boss and The Equipper

Chapter 24. BASIL'S SKETCH

HAPPY READING :) PLEASE VOTE :)

Fin tsked again and she lost count of how many times she has tsked in the last half an hour.   

Pearl was in the guest room of the academy with Bugig, doing her math homework and Fin was hiding behind the coffee machine from where she could see Oli working out in the gym with River. The area where he stood had a big glass window so Oli was easily visible to her eyes.

Just when she could ask herself why was she hiding and why wasn't going inside the gym to do some squats, the doors opened and Aric Shayla stepped out of the gym, holding hands and talking animatedly. 

Fin couldn't help but wonder whether love is this strong. The whole country knew that Aric always said in all of his interviews that he reckons he can never be a lover boy, that he isn't capable to devote himself hopelessly to someone. Yet here he was completely sunk deep in Shayla's love.

She noticed him whispering something in Shayla's ear and winking mischievously to which Shayla playfully slapped his back and he let out a loud chuckle.

Fin quickly hid herself behind the coffee machine as Aric advanced in her direction and walked past. Shayla was glued to her spot, staring at her mobile screen.

If there was someone who could understand Fin right now, then it was Shayla. After all, she was dating Oli's younger brother. She was the only girl Fin felt comfortable confiding in. Taking in a deep breath, she decided to talk to Shayla. She didn't know what exactly she wanted to talk about but she felt this need to share whatever happened in the past thirty minutes with someone.

Shayla's face lit up as Fin tapped on her shoulder.

"How you-" Shayla began brightly but was interrupted by Fin.

"Can we talk?"

Worry flashed in Shayla's eyes at Fin's tone. "Yeah sure. Why not? You fine?"

"Not here. Let's go to the cafeteria," Fin spoke and gave a final glance in Oli's direction from the corner of her eyes before turning around.

"Now tell me already. Are you fine?" Shayla asked impatiently as both girls sat at the corner table of the academy's cafeteria.

"Shayla, it has been a long time since I made friends. It's huge for me to sit with someone and pour my heart out. I hope you'll keep this conversation between us only-"

"Fin," Shayla squeezed Fin's hand as she spoke tenderly, "I understand. I understand how much it would have taken for you to do this...to open up. I respect you. Whatever you are going to say will be confidential, trust me."

Fin released a sharp breath and in one go told Shayla everything which happened between her and Oliandrin.

Shayla's face twisted from astonishment to amusement by the time Fin stopped talking. She cleared her throat and spoke, trying to keep her face straight, "Fin, I will ask you one simple question. Take your time and answer me honestly with yes or no. Cool?"

"Cool, I guess," Fin spoke as she shrugged nervously.

"Do you like Oliandrin?" Shayla asked and folded her hands under her chin, patiently waiting for Fin's answer.

It was a simple question. A very simple question. But Fin found it the toughest. Maybe because she knew answering it would be like surrendering to her feelings. And any kind of attachment to someone right now was dangerous.

Minutes passed by as Fin stared at the wall behind Shayla. She opened her mouth, ready to give a false answer but what good would it bring to her? The reason to open her heart to Shayla will become pointless if she will be not honest with her.