Forever Is A Long Time To Love

CHAPTER 9: Apologies

AHKMENRAH'S POV:
As Larry started to get everyone settled enough before sunup, I realised I hadn't seen Chelsea anywhere all night. And normally she was very easy to find.

"I didn't see Chelsea tonight after she explained the horses." I said dully to Nick.

"She went home. Not to ours but to her actual home. She's got an insane place. It's like a palace! She goes there on her days off. But I'm sure she'll come back." Nicky offered me.

"That would be great if she did Nick." I smiled at him.

FOLLOWING NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

The museum sprang to life that night but I wasn't feeling like I normally did. In fact I'd never been this down in my life - past or present.

I sat in my exhibit, legs up on the bench and resting against the wall, my head resting on one hand. I think I know what upset her. Larry and Nicky were making sure everyone was okay so I went by unnoticed. I had to figure out what it was exactly that had upset her. I was so deep in thought, I didn't hear Nicky enter.

"It's the way you spoke to her. She felt as if she was nothing more than a peasant in your eyes. She's sensitive to stuff like that. All Chelsea does is try to please people but they degrade her and make her feel like rubbish. Just give her a day or two and she'll come round. Time heals all wounds." Nicky said out of nowhere. It made me jump slightly. He sounded very wise for a kid of his age. I still sat there in misery.

"Sometimes I cannot help it. I always worry about her when she's in a dangerous situation. I'd never mean to harm her intentionally. I'd rather die again before I let that happen." I sighed sadly.

"I'll see if she can be talked around. Don't worry Ahk. She loves you." Nicky said before walking off and going towards the Ocean Life exhibit. Was it true? Did she really love me? I hated myself a lot because of how I treated her. But the biggest question on my mind was how I would make it up to her. I let a yawn escape before getting up and walking towards the main hall where mostly everyone would be. Mostly everyone but not Chelsea.

CHELSEA'S POV:
No I wasn't at a different place. It was always a cover story for when I wanted to be alone. Yes I did have my own place and yes it was like a palace but I rarely stayed there. I had people look after the place and look after my horses whilst I was away but that's because I was very good in the bareback racing world.

Bareback racing was one of the most dangerous forms of horse racing in the world. And I never lost. I had my next race in a week on one of the new horses I'd bought. I only used Thoroughbreds and Akhal-Teke's. But this boy was special. He was a cross between both.

I laid awake in my room as I listened to the sound of silence around the house. Nicky and dad had already gone to the museum and I said I'd think about going as well if I wasn't too tired. I wasn't tired and wanted more than ever to see my friends.

I let out a sigh before walking out of my room and towards the front door, pulling on my trainers in the process. I then grabbed my bag and slung it over my shoulder before leaving the house and closing the door, licking it afterwards. My head didn't want to go to the museum but my heart told me to do it for my other friends and Nicky.

When I arrived at the museum, I could see the lights on and hear music playing. The usual atmosphere. Just the sight and sound of the museum made me feel like I was not alone anymore. Ahk was just being stuck up.

Upon entering, I saw a few of the exhibits about. Rexy, Teddy and Texas, the civil war dudes. Even Jed and Octavius were out in Nicky's toy car and dragging Rexy's bone for him to chase.

"Chels! You came! How are the horses? When's the next race? When can we go riding?" Nicky bombarded me with the questions.

"They're doing good little brother. The thoroughbreds are in shape, the Akhal-Teke's are in tip top condition and the hybrid of both breeds is arriving tonight from Cairo." I smiled, ruffling his hair. I heard hooves behind me so I knew Teddy had just come over. "The next race is one week from tomorrow. I'm going to take Trae, Birch and Olympic. And then we can ride them back if you want. It's only a few miles away." I finished as Teddy and Texas stood behind me.

"Chelsea. If I may....our young Pharaoh has been rather down in the dumps tonight. Has something happened?" Teddy asked.

"He just said something that hurt me a bit." I sighed sadly.

"I think you both should talk. He seems to have regretted what he's done because he hasn't left the exhibit tonight." Teddy said with some sadness. I nodded.

"I'll go see him now." I said, giving Nicky my bag and then heading towards Ahk's exhibit.

When I reached the Egyptian wing, I entered into Ahk's part and headed over to him, nodding at the Anubis statues as I passed them. They were quite cool now they'd shown no harm to me. Ahk noticed me enter and stood up.

"Chelsea..." he began softly.

"Yes...your majesty" I muttered.

"Please don't be like that." He said with deep sadness.

"What then?" I asked.

"I want to apologise for the way I spoke to you. I'm very thankful that you were able to retrieve my tablet. I just feared for your safety. You are a hero. You're the museums hero." He said with sincerity and genuineness.

"It's fine. I just need to not be so sensitive. It's why I got bullied in college and why everyone thinks I can't take care of myself." I said with a half-hearted laugh.

"Well any woman who is brave enough to ride an Akhal Teke is one to be feared in my opinion. How many do you have?" He asked, taking a drink of water. How did he know. Nicky must have told him.

"Seven. Three thoroughbreds, three Akhal Teke's and one that's a Thoroughbred cross Akhal Teke. Thoroughbred on the sire's side." I told him. He seemed intrigued.

"That's amazing. I wish I could come and see them?" He said with sadness.

"I'd love to take you. But you're stuck here and it's heartbreaking" I sighed, sitting myself down against the wall.

"I know it is. I'd give anything to be human again. But I've got to wait until my soulmate kisses me. And it has to be out of genuine love which is why I can't tell anyone who it is." He smiled sadly. And it got me thinking of my own feelings for him.