THEN I FOUND YOU [mcd]

chapter eight

The horses are taken away from us. I watch them slowly walk away and become out of my sight. Garroth stands close to me. We've been in Meteli a few times before, and it is my sister's village, but I almost feel as though I am being protected by his presence.

Garroth wasn't supposed to be with me. That little twinkle in Kandi's eyes was deception and lies. Let's take advantage of the sad girl. Why don't we?

I glance up at him through the corner of my eye. He's standing tall, attention in front of him. He doesn't move a muscle. When he begins to look my way, I divert my attention from him back to Cadenza's house.

She briskly walks out, wrapping her arms around me. I hesitantly wrap my arms around her in return, looking up at Garroth. He's trying to hold in a laugh.

Cadenza lets me go and looks me up and down. "You still refuse to dress in the current time's fashion. Garroth, the same goes for you." Hello to you too, dearest sister.

I prevent myself from rolling my eyes. The contents of her letter regarding my actions and attitude continue to bother me even after two weeks since I burnt it.

"I'm afraid being in the Irene Dimension for so long prevents a man from keeping up with what is worn now-a-days," Garroth says, being sarcastic, but not in a hurtful way. Instead, he says it jokingly.

Cadenza laughs before turning her body towards her front door, motioning us to move forward. "It's wonderful for your sense of humor to be back."

Sense of humor? Cadenza, I think you're the one who has been away for fifteen years. I rarely hear Garroth crack a joke. Everything is literal with this man.

Garroth looks at me, expectantly. He motions for me to lead the way. But after a few seconds of my feet standing firmly in my spot, he takes a step forward towards Cadenza's door.

We're shown to our rooms, and Cadenza forces me to sit down on the bed. She looks around before looking back at me. "You came with Garroth. Have you been holding the news of a relationship from me?"

I look up at her, standing up from the bed. "This is silly."

She disagrees, urging me to answer her question. She claims it's her right to know as a big sister.

"I was supposed to come with Kandi, but that didn't happen. Though, I'm sure if Garroth and I had a relationship, Aphmau would've told you in her letters. But then again, it appears even Aphmau doesn't tell you everything," I sass, instantly feeling guilt and regret from it. I open my mouth to speak, but it falls shut. I swallow the lump in my throat and look at my hands. "I'm sorry Cadenza. . . That was uncalled-for. I guess there's some anger regarding Aphmau as a topic."

She nods her head. Cadenza doesn't dare push it any further. I haven't told Cadenza much about my feelings. I didn't tell her much, if anything, when I had fallen for Vylad.

Cadenza is a gossip, and I've heard of her interactions with Aphmau regarding Laurance's love. I do not wish for her to help me in any way regarding my own emotions.

Cadenza looks down the stairs and smiles softly. "Zack is here. Come, let's go see him."

°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°•°

Garroth walks me over to a table. My hand is resting on his arm as we walk. I haven't been able to get over how wonderful he has looked today. While it is my sister's wedding, and she looks beautiful, I cannot help but think that Garroth looks dashing.

I hardly see Garroth in a tux. And when I do, it's seldom. I believe the last time was the last wedding we attended.

I question to myself if I should comment on Garroth's apparel. He is not my lover, even if I do love him, but he is dressed well.

I'm taken out of my thoughts by Garroth clearing his throat. We have made it to a table, and he pulls out my chair for me. I sit down, allowing him to push it in. He sits across from me.

We're silent for a moment before he looks at me. He seems to be blushing ever so slightly. It's hardly noticeable, but I've picked up on it. Perhaps he's blushing from embarrassment because of my staring.

"You look beautiful," he blurts out, surprised by his own words.

My cheeks grow hot, and I look to my side to cover their color. Slowly, I turn my head back to him. "Thank you, Garroth," I say, feeling the hair that frames my face tickle the bottom of my cheeks. "You look rather dashing. You compliment the tux more than the tux compliments you."

His cheeks grow in color. Maybe he didn't think I would say something like that. Perhaps he wasn't expecting me to flirt.

Cadenza comes over. She glows in her white dress, and Zack waits nearby her. She brings Garroth to his feet. "You're too much of a wallflower, Garroth. You should dance and enjoy yourself! Kandi wouldn't do it."

"Kandi would've had a few drinks in here at that point."

I'm forced onto my feet. I stumble because of my heels, and Garroth helps steady me. I look up to him before Cadenza giggles and dashes off to Zack. It's then that I question how much she has sipped from.

Garroth awkwardly walks to the dance floor, faking a cough at the sight of me. I grow self-conscious and rather nervous.

The music changes, and Cadenza strongly encourages everyone to dance. At the bride's request, few refuse. Garroth holds his hand out to me, watching as my gaze falls onto it. "Would you like to dance?"

I place my hand gently on top of his with a smile. "I'd love to."