Love and secrets

Chapter 21

Still Robin's perspective.

    I opened my eyes as the midmorning sun streamed through a window next to my bed. Suddenly the door opened and in walked Crystal. She smiled when she saw me. "You're awake! Good." she said. She walked over to me, she had a bowl and towel in one hand and a cup of water and alcohol in the other. She handed me the water which I drank, gratefully. Then she reached over me and unwrapped the bandages from my left shoulder. I then noticed I was naked from the waist up, she gently pushed back the sheet and began to work on my shoulder, first cleaning it with water and preparing new bandages. While she worked she filled me in on what had happened since I had passed out two nights ago. I like the way her hair brushed against my face as she bent over me. her left hand rested lightly on my chest, keeping her balanced as she worked. "This may sting a little." She warned as she applied the alcohol. I inhaled quickly and her hand was instantly on my cheek, gently stroking it with her thumb. I was so surprised that I forgot about the pain. I then I suddenly caught the words "they told me to tell you are welcome to stay here, since you got kicked out of the De Noir's." "I'm sorry what?" I asked. "Robin, have you listened to even one word I have spoken to you?" she asked. "Of course...no. I haven't." I told her sheepishly. She just laughed and repeated the offer, "Loveday and Benjamin told me to offer to you to stay here at Moonacre for as long as you would like. Even forever." She informed me. I was excited and then a little worried. What would Maria say after I told her I was breaking up with her? I was going to have to see her every day if I lived here. Then I thought of Crystal, if I could only be with her I would be able to put up with whatever Maria said or did. But hadn't she said that she lived in the new country across the sea? America wasn't it? Would she go back there? I had to know that answer before I made a decision. "Where will you stay?" I asked her. her face lit up then clouded over as she replied, "I am staying here, at Moonacre! Loveday said they have grown quite attached to me, I'm like a daughter to them. And..... I think I want to be!" "But don't they have Maria?" I asked confused. She looked at the floor, "Had Maria. I'm so sorry Robin!" she said her voice quivering. "What happened? tell me, wench!" I snapped at her, then wished I hadn't. even though I didn't love Maria anymore, she was still a friend of mine. Crystal's head shot up and her eyes shot fire again, "I was going to tell you but maybe I should wait until you learn to actually be nice!" she snapped back and rose to leave. "Crystal, wait!" I called to her. She turned and faced me, her arms crossed over her chest. "I..." I stuttered. "You what?" she asked, curtly. I took a leap in the dark and tried a new tactic, "You know that is how I talk." Told her with a smirk. "I know, but I thought we were passed that." She said, a little gentler. "I think we are." I told her with another smirk. She laughed and then said, "Well I still want to wait to tell you until you are well, as much time for me to come up with a good way to break the news to you the better for me!" she said laughing. "I will tell you this though, Maria is alive and well, as far as my knowledge goes she is happy." She smiled as she began to exit the room. "Crystal!" I called to her, she stepped back into the room again. "Yes? She queried, "Thanks. Thanks for everything!" I smiled at her. She looked surprised, and smirked. "Let me guess, you aren't going to make this a habit either?" she asked sarcastically. "Correct." I answered her. She shrugged and said, "Neither was saving my life, but just look. I may prove you wrong yet!" she smirked and left the room.