The Glossy Eyes

Chapter 14: Knight in the Shining Armor

As Alannah's words spilled out, she found solace in sharing her pain and fears with Nathaniel. She babbled about the weight of her parent's death anniversary, how it haunted her every year, and how guilty she felt for burdening her adopted parents. She expressed her weariness of being constantly watched over, as if she were fragile and could shatter at any moment.

Nathaniel smiled softly, his eyes filled with admiration for Alannah's resilience. "You're incredibly strong, Alannah. Your parents would be proud of the person you've become."

"I'm sorry for venting like this," Alannah said, her voice tinged with guilt. "It's just that sometimes it feels like too much, and I don't want to burden anyone else with my problems. But here I am burdening you with mine."

Nathaniel's gaze remained steady, his calm presence providing a sense of comfort. He reached out and gently placed a hand on her shoulder.

"Alannah, you're not a burden," he reassured her. "We all have moments when we need to lean on others for support. It's a sign of strength to acknowledge our vulnerabilities and seek help when we need it."

Alannah faced Nathaniel, her heart filled with gratitude. She realized that in his presence, she didn't have to put up a facade or pretend to be stronger than she was.

"Can I... ask you for a favor?" she hesitantly inquired. "I've had a long day, and I would appreciate it if you could drop me home. I don't want to walk tonight, and stupid me, I don't want to take an Uber. Very odd memories I have with uber for the rest of my life."

Nathaniel smiled, "how were you going to go in the first place if I hadn't come?"

Alannah clicked her tongue, "I asked a friend, she's a waitress here." She took a long breath, "but now you're here, so you're gonna be my knight in shining armor again, tonight." Alannah cheekily smiled and scrunched her nose.

Nathaniel nodded, a gentle smile forming on his lips. "Of course, Alannah. It would be my pleasure to be your knight in shining armor."

As Alannah attempted to rise from her seated position, her legs trembled and betrayed her. Each attempt ended with her falling back down, frustration etching across her face. Finally, after the third failed attempt, she let out a sigh of defeat.

"I think I've lost my legs too," she mumbled, a mixture of self-deprecation and humor in her voice, "can you find them for me?"

Nathaniel couldn't help but chuckle at her remark. He extended a hand toward her, a reassuring smile gracing his lips. "Come on, let me help you up," he offered, his voice gentle yet lighthearted.

Alannah hesitated for a moment, her pride nudging her to insist on doing it herself. But she quickly realized that accepting a helping hand didn't diminish her strength or independence. With a nod, she placed her hand in Nathaniel's, allowing him to pull her up from the ground.

As she found her footing with Nathaniel's support, Alannah couldn't help but smile at the absurdity of the situation.

"Thank you," Alannah said, her voice filled with genuine gratitude. "I appreciate your help, even if it's just picking me up from the ground."

Nathaniel shrugged, a playful glint in his eyes. "It's all part of the services I provide as your personal knight in shining armor," he replied, his tone light-hearted.

As Alannah regained her balance with Nathaniel's assistance, a mischievous sparkle danced in her eyes.

"Hey, Nathaniel," she began, a playful smirk forming on her lips. "I hope your knight services come with a reasonable rate. I mean, I don't want to go bankrupt just because I keep falling and needing rescuing."