Panic Attacks // Ruel // English

Chapter 85

Yasmine: "How was your evening together?" I ask Kate, as I walk into the kitchen and hold myself onto the kitchen island.

I slide myself onto the stool as she tells me the story about having dinner at a Mexican restaurant. That restaurant in the narrow street in the middle of the city, which can only be reached if you walk a long way. Only the experts could easily get there. But once there you are greeted by the led cactus at the window. A cheesy example of a Mexican restaurant. You cross the threshold and you step into their culture. A sombrero is just barely being put on your head. That would be a bit stereotypical. The smell of the different types of food will fly your way and you can inhale it. I can remember the wait staff there being very energetic and really enjoying their work. I would love to go with them again. Kate talks about how much fun they had together that they went to a bar and partied a little further. The pleasure is in her eyes. They are lit up, a little pinched at the bottom. Her cheeks are a bit puffy and colored warm pink. It's exactly the same look when she just looks at Ralph.

Kate: "And how was your evening?"

The corners of my mouth curl up a bit and I start blushing unintentionally. Before I can open my mouth to say something, I hear the sound of a throat clearing. Deep and with a joyful tone to it. I look over my shoulder as I turn my upper body slightly towards the hallway. Ruel leans against the door frame and gives me a mischievous look. He pushes himself off by means of his shoulder and comes this way. Places a hand on my side and kisses my temples.

Ruel: "Where's Dad?" Ruel asks as he looks at his mother.

She points and suggests to the study room and then Ruel leaves us again. But not before he makes one more comment without helping me out.

Ruel: "Go on." You can hear the teasing laughter flowing over his words.

I roll my eyes unobtrusively.

It's a matter of dodging, not lying. It's just concealment.

Yasmine: "The evening was quiet. Fortunately I was able to calm him down after what happened yesterday."

Soothe in multiple ways to be clearer.

This morning's confrontation must have been difficult for him. Opening your phone again and watching it flood with alarming messages. Posts about your career potentially collapsing for something you didn't even do yourself. Messages about possible options to escape that. Messages about accusations and apologies. In his case, I wouldn't dare go on at all, but it's his life. His joy. He must find an opportunity. Besides, you don't want to let fears conquer you.

Kate: "Why were you up so late?"

Because we had very good sex.

Yasmine: "Oh Ruel hadn't gotten well, so I went with him to the bathroom if he might be throwing up." One skill that I have certainly managed to develop well is lying. And it sounds convincing too.

For a while we talk about anything and everything. I didn't realize there were so many unnecessary topics of conversation, and yet it's entertaining. It's just having a conversation without having to use a lot of brain cells, just the ones that make you talk along with a bit of common sense and general knowledge.

When Kate is facetimed by Coco, I decide to leave the kitchen after saying hello. When I go to the stairs I meet Ruel. Hands in his pockets and head down. Just before I pass him I grab his arm and we both stop.

Yasmine: "Last night you weren't feeling well when they ask about it." I have to give my own lie to whoever it is about.

He lets a small smile roll over his lips. Looks at me gently shaking my head.