Chapter 9
"Are you all set, darling?" Arsenio asked as he leaned in through the open car window.
"Yep," Nora nodded, pulling on the seatbelt.
"Alright," the old man said. "I'll go lock up."
"Okay," Nora took a deep breath.
She watched the old man walk back to the town hall with his ring of keys jingling in his hand. The town was still as quiet as ever. But it wasn't morning like last time. It was mid-day and there were a few people walking around, coming in and out of the shops. Nora's eyes watched them as they went about their day, completely unaware of her or Arsenio.
Nora!
Nora jumped as Hayden's angry voice growled through her mind-link.
What the fuck! What the actual fuck, Nora!
Hayden, please. Not right now. Nora tried to push as much conviction as she could behind her words. But she knew it was no use. Hayden could probably feel how scared she was to be sitting in the car waiting for Arsenio.
Where are you? Hayden demanded to know. Are you at the town hall?
No.
Stop lying to me, Nora. Hayden snapped.
Just then Arsenio climbed into the car and put the car in the ignition.
"Okay, we're all set," he said, not seeing how Nora sat holding her breath.
Stay right there, Hayden commanded. I'm coming to get you.
No, stop it.
I swear to the gods, Nora! Once I get my hands on you, I'm going to strangle you!
Nora's hand wrapped around the seatbelt as she looked over at Arsenio.
"Could you drive a little faster?" She asked.
"Is everything alright?" The old man looked over with concern.
"Yes," Nora nodded. "I just don't want Hayden catching up with us."
"Fair point," Arsenio said, stepping on the gas.
How could you do this to her? Hayden spoke to someone else, leaving his mind-link open to Nora. I know she didn't do this willingly. What did you do? Did you threaten her?
Hayden, stop it! Nora squirmed in her seat. This was my choice. I need to know what's happening.
You couldn't have waited for me? Hayden asked, his voice losing its anger and shifting into despair very quickly. Nora, is this because of what I said last night?
N-no, Nora felt her heart contract painfully in her chest. She couldn't tell if it was her or Hayden who felt it worse.
Then why did you run? Hayden asked. Please, just tell me where you are.
Hayden! Nora's heart filled with frustration. I need to do this on my own.
Why?
Because I've always done things on my own! You don't get to swoop in and take over and act like you are some kind of prince charming. No one gave you that permission.
Take over? Hayden asked in disbelief. I'm trying to take care of you! You don't have to do anything on your own!
That's not how I do things, Nora said, pushing down the guilt she felt for snapping at Hayden.
