SONGS AND TRAILS (Book 1)

CHAPTER 33

They arrived at the inn to get some rest that night. All of them. They were all glad that they were going to leave soon. Caldor though, stayed the night up sending way too many letters for confirmation.

That morning, they all had breakfast, chattering around. And of course, Bella was also on the table this time. And again, Caldor didn't have trouble serving her. And again, he just sat there talking to Mima about whatever politics they chose to talk about this time.

The table was lively.

Beautiful.

After breakfast, everyone went to pack the littlest they had carried on the way. Some went out for a walk around the little town, one last time. It had been a hell of a trip. Arabella had gone straight to see Finny after breakfast.

Mia, Marietta, and Daya were busy packing and talking when Arabella walked in.

"Oh, there you are. So, how'd it go with Finny?" Daya said teasingly. She had a flat teasing grin on her face.

"Well, he didn't take it lightly but he seemed to understand." Bella told her.

"He didn't like stop you...or maybe get on his knees to make you stop."

Bella flushed, "For gods' sake, Daya, whatever runs around that head of yours." She headed to where some of her stuff was, though she had barely slept in that room for the whole stay. She started to gather them. "Nothing of that sort happened. He was just being a good and understanding friend. And he accepted the bag of coins I gave him for his trip."

"Oh really?"

"Yeah. I think it would be good for him to leave this town for a while." Bella looked at Daya.

"That's very... noble of you." Daya told her.

"Thank you, Daya." Bella teased.

"Darn, I just don't understand why you two choose to be lame." She turned back to her bags.

It was quiet as Bella stopped to think. She remembered Caldor's words on how it would break her friend's hearts if she left Greyenvir, then turned to them abruptly. "I need to talk to you." They all turned to look at her. "All of you."

They all fell silent as Bella went to sit by Daya's side, her gaze on the ground.

"I'm sorry." She went straight to the point. "For how I acted the past few days."

Marietta cut her off, "I'm sorry for being a terrible person..."

"And I, a horrible friend." Mia added.

"I was the worst friend." Marie said.

"I was beyond worse." Mia also said.

"I could just leave as you guys choose to be all... touchy and emotional." Daya grimaced.

"No!" Marie and Mia stopped her.

"I am so sorry, Bella." Marie started. "I shouldn't have judged you."

"I am sorry!" Mia also said. "I should have stood by you."