Stepping Inside The Unknown

Untitled Part 14

After Irene calmed down, we went to get some dinner. The three of us ate quietly. I was trying to be cautious with my words. I didn't want to accidentally trigger Irene's trauma. She had been through so much and she had finally calmed down.

I couldn't help but think how awesome she was. So independent, confident, brave, like a hero. I also felt incredibly bad for her. She was about to be raped and to escape that she jumped off the cliff, expecting her death only to land in an unknown realm knowing nobody, completely estranged enough to question her sanity. 

She had taken tolls greater than I can imagine. I feel my eyes ready to cry but I can't. I don't want her to think I feel sorry for her. She would hate that. Right now she needs comfort from us. To give her that, I have to first keep in check my own emotions!

 After we had our dinner, we went back to our room. Autumn and I were standing when we feel a tug at our shirts from behind. We turn around and suddenly, we are enveloped in a tight hug by Irene.

"Woahh.." I say stumbling back a little. She leaves us and for the first time, I see Irene smiling.(Play the OST now).

 It was small yet a genuine smile that decorated her chubby cheeks and red nose and puffy eyes due to crying. She has a pretty smile.

I smile back. Irene looks at us and then looks down and for the first time ever she felt...shy?

"You both, thank you for everything." She says sheepishly.

Autumn and I look at each other, then smile.

"Hey, it is no worries, I am glad that you are feeling better now." Autumn replies.

Irene nods her head. 

"There are two beds and a couch. You both can take the beds and I will sleep on the couch."She says that before making her way towards the couch.

"Nonsense, we are joining the beds and all sleeping together" Autumn replies and holds her hand.

"Egg-xactly, you are not sleeping alone today. Even if you don't like this, you are still abiding by it." I say.

"What.... you guys-" She started to say but I cut her off!

"Shhh. We are joining the beds now." After Autumn and I join the beds, we pull Irene and stuff her in between both of us.

"Heyyyy" She said laughing.

"Are you trying to suffocate me?" She continues laughing.

"Haww, you think we would do that? My heart hurts." Autumn replies feigning hurt.

"Drama." Irene says before playfully rolling her eyes.(Stop the OST now)

We all jab jokes at each other and continue laughing until we quieten down a bit. We were in silence when Irene grabs our attention.

"Um...K, remember when you asked me why I didn't tail you guys to La Lune Violette? Well, what I said at the time about my principles is true, however..."

I look at her.

"I think you would have sensed me anyways. You are greatly perceptive. You sensed me the first time when I thought I was hiding really well. I didn't say that to you earlier cause we were kinda on a rough patch with each other and me being petty, I didn't wanna praise you.." She says and pouts in the end.

What the fuck? I never thought I would say this but Irene is so cute! It's like I am seeing a complete 360-degree turn in her personality.

"Wow, this appreciation means all the more coming from you." I say.