Silence Between Words (Neteyam X Aonung)

Chapter 20

Neteyam pov:

"So then I told her that it didn't look good on her and she got mad at me. Like who does she think she is? I was literally just doing what she asked and being honest." Eywa, please get me out of here. I can not listen to Lyria talk for one more second. How can one person talk about something so useless for so long, it's a mystery to me. Lyria has been hanging off of me for the past 4 weeks. I don't think I've had a minute alone for that entire time. She is always there, following me like a lost child. It's starting to get a bit weird actually. Her obnoxiously high pitched voice breaks my train of thought.

"Neteyam?"

"Huh? What did you say?"

"I asked if you wanted to hang out with me later, like a date?" No. No way. I would rather die. It's not that she's unattractive, she's actually quite pretty, it's just that I don't want any sort of relationship with anyone. But maybe it would be good for me. Then again maybe not. Stuff it. One date can't hurt, right?

"Uh sure. When and where?" The look of happiness that lights up her face makes me want to turn around and throw up. What have I gotten myself into?

"Great, I'll come get you before dinner?" I force a smile to my lips and nod. She looks so excited. Gross. I look past her to see Rotxo talking to Kiri on the beach not far away. Perfect, there's my ticket out.

"I have to go, I'll see you later." She nods and I walk past her toward Rotxo. I can feel Lyria's eyes all over me. I want to jump into boiling water and scrub myself of her gaze. I hate the way she looks at me. She looks like she wants to jump me every time she sees me. Just the thought of her touching me like that is enough to make me throw up.

"You have no idea how happy I am to see you." I flip down on the ground beside them. Rotxo chuckles at me and Kiri just shakes her head.

"Lyria still following you?" I nod my head and roll over to lay on my stomach.

"Yep, and I just agreed to go on a date with her."

"Seriously? You messed up. She's gonna be way more obsessed with you now." I know. I should've just said no. Why did I agree. Because I felt bad? That shouldn't be why I go out with someone. Because I need to get over Aonung? This isn't the way to get over him. Then again nothing else I try is working.

"Don't remind me." They both laugh and continue on with their conversation. They've been getting awfully close recently, I think Rotxo may like Kiri. I hope he does, he's a really nice guy. They would be perfect for each other. I rest my head on my arms and close my eyes. I listen to them talk about random things. The sun warms my back as I try to doze off. The sand feels cool beneath me, I love the feeling of sand. Kiri pokes my shoulder and I look up to see Rotxo has left.

"Where did Rotxo go?"

"Home." Oh makes sense. I've been meaning to ask him how his mum is. I don't think he loves talking about it but I know he appreciates me asking. I'm happy I know about it, I would hate for him to have to deal with it on his own. Rotxo really means a lot to me, he's been my best friend through these tough times. I hope he and Kiri get along very well.

"You ok?" The question catches me off guard. Am I ok? I have to be, I can't let my silly little emotions take control.

"Yeah." She gives me a sceptical look, I smile as best I can.

"Neteyam, you know it's ok if your not ok." No, I have to be ok. Everything has to be fine. I can't let anyone see what it's like.

"I'm ok, really." I'm not. I need help. Please help me.

"You can talk to me about Aonung." I want to scream and cry, just let it all out.

"I don't know what you mean."