Test of Faith

Chapter 35

"Dear god, woman...please no more." She giggled at Haytham's complaint as she finished the last tonic, sealing the small vial. "If you want to get better soon, then you'll need anything and everything to make that happen," she pointed out, going back to the bed.

She set a few vials on the small nightstand before turning to him. "Can I take a look?" she asked, eyeing him. Haytham just nodded, leaning his head back and closing his eyes; she then carefully peeled back the bandage, frowning.

The wound was still inflamed and red, the heat radiating off in waves; "Dannazione (Damn)" she muttered, reapplying the bandage. She looked up at Haytham, who was still relaxing, and she reached out one hand to touch his cheek.

"I will do whatever I can to help you...you understand?" she declared, clenching her jaw. He opened his eyes, looking at her; "I don't doubt it, my dear...." She leaned closer, kissing his cheek lightly; "You should get some rest," she said, pulling away.

His hand suddenly latched on her arm, stopping her; "Please...don't go. I've rested enough...." Mirabella sighed, smiling softly; she then kicked her legs up on the bed, and Haytham moved away to give her space as she lied down next to him.

"Are you comfortable now?" she teased, nuzzling his cheek. He smiled, taking her hand in his and holding it loosely; "Yes...." he said gently. Despite his current state, the feel of skin was comforting to her, and she relaxed. "I...I'm glad you're here...." he told her.

She closed her eyes; "Why is that?" He shrugged a shoulder, leaning his head on hers when she leant hers on his shoulder. "I've...really missed you...these past two years," he confessed breathlessly. Mirabella sighed, squeezing his hand lightly.

"Well...I was angry," she said, "For a long time...I was bitter, and I refused to speak of what happened to anyone, even Gianni." Haytham was silent as she spoke, keeping his regret and guilt to himself for now. "And then...out of the blue, while I was out in the city, I managed to run into Bill."

He looked down at her, and she nodded; "We spoke for a little while, wandering around town while catching up. He...told me of your falling out with Ziio, and while I want to say 'I'm sorry', I would be lying."

Haytham hummed, feeling slight annoyance at her dismissive attitude, but the feeling of understanding countered that annoyance. "I guess I am a selfish person...I do not want to see anyone happy unless it is with me," she mumbled, lowering her head.

Haytham shifted so he could face her a little more; "No, no you're not. It was my fault...I should have realized what was going on and put a stop to it," he protested. Mirabella sighed, feeling her disappointment set in; "Haytham...Bill told me of your affair with her."

He sighed, shaking his head; "It was not planned, nor wanted on my part. I was...broken, after your departure, so...yes, I did turn to her for comfort, for some kind of...." he said, but trailed off when he couldn't find another word.

"But it wasn't enough, there was nothing...fulfilling about it, but before I could end it she took leave first. After that...I was alone, for two years." Mirabella looked down, her grip on his hand loosening, but he tightened it. "I...cannot deny I've felt lonely as well...." she whispered.

Her head was suddenly turned and pointed upwards, and before she could speak his lips were on hers. His hand moved to the back of her head, holding her close as he kissed her. "Ah..!"

He flinched away, holding his chest, and Mirabella stumbled over her words; she leapt out of bed in a panic, going over to the desk and grabbing a vial. "Here, my love," she said, sitting down and opening the vial.

He drank it without hesitation, yet as soon as he swallowed it he gagged, making Mirabella chuckle as she put the empty vial away. "God, woman, what was in there?" he whined. She sat down at the edge of the bed, brushing his hair back; "A tonic for you, it'll give you strength," she explained.

He shook his head, swallowing again; "It was disgusting, are you sure it won't kill me?" Mirabella laughed, a real, genuine laugh that she hadn't let out in a long time. "My god, I never knew you were so lamentoso (whiny), love, it's just a little tonic!" she teased, pinching his cheek.

Instead of complaining even more, like she expected him to, he watched her. His eyes held a deep yet distant, emotional yet blank look, and she took notice. "What is it?" she asked, her laughter dying down.

He didn't reply with words, but instead pulled her forward and kissed her again. "Nothing, my love...nothing."