The Tressians

Chapter 2

I squeeze my eyes shut.

'Oh my Lord!' Lina laughs. 'Nayt, burn that shirt already. It's giving me nightmares.'

I will myself to turn around.

'This?' Nayt tugs his shirt. 'This old thing is a treasure. Much better than the purple rag you're wearing.' He blows raspberries and gives her a thumbs down. Sometimes, it's hard to remember I'm looking at a twenty-year-old scientist.

'Shut up and give me a hug,' Lina says, before pulling him to her the way she did to me. When she finally releases him, he strolls to my side, the human embodiment of the dry season- acorn-brown skin, chestnut hair and eyes like warm honey.

'Hiding from me again?'

I snort in the most unattractive way possible.

'Don't be silly. I've just been busy.' I throw an arm round his waist, opting for a casual side hug.

'If you say so.' He doesn't sound too convinced. Then he leans in, a cheeky smile tugging at his lips. 'You know I am the smartest one here- and the oldest.'

'Only by a few months,' Tim mumbles under his breath.

Nayt cocks his head. 'And those months still give me an edge.' He inches closer. 'So it's only a matter of time before I work out whatever little secret you're hiding.' I giggle at his joke, sounding more nervous than I'd like.

'If I remember correctly, I was the reason you passed all your exams in school. I wouldn't be so confident,' I say.

'Well, only Tressian history and grammar. And you-' He digs a finger just below my shoulder. '-have always been a better teacher than student.'

I shrug and smile.

He runs a hand over his short coils. Nayt's one the few people I know who can get away with super cropped hairstyles on account of his curls being so tight and wiry. He has like a 4a curl pattern. Not that he'd care. Great hair is such a waste on men.

'It's been long,' he says. I've missed you.'

'I've missed you too.' And I mean it. Looking at him now, I can't imagine how I managed to get through the past weeks without his constant teasing, without my best-friend.

Nayt wets his lips. 'You're okay right? Your dad's okay?'

'Yes, of course.'

'I began to worry when I stopped seeing you around the company.'

The concern in his eyes is so sincere I feel horrible for avoiding him. I decide then that whatever friendship-shattering conversation lies ahead, I'm just going to have to brave through it.

'I'm sorry'.

Nayt scowls. 'It's not okay.'

I'm about to protest when he yanks one of my curls. I yell and he laughs.

'Now we're okay.' Then he digs both hands into my hair and completely messes my curls like he always does.

Tim extends his platter. 'Nayt - free guava tot-treat?'

'Don't mind if I do.' Nayt says, grabbing one. I steal a second just as Tim moves the platter away.

'Come on! At this rate I'll have none to sell.'

I laugh and finish the cake in a few bites.

'If she's had two, I demand a second.' Nayt adds.

I clap away the crumbs on my hands. 'Take it as a compliment Tim. You make excellent cupcakes.'