Pain in time

Chapter 15

As my mother’s gaze shifted back and forth between Levi and me, a mixture of surprise, concern, and curiosity filled the room. I could sense the tension building, unsure how she would react to my request. After silence, she finally looked away. “Violet, you know I value your honesty and trust,” she began, her voice strict. “But bringing a boy home without informing me first is not the right way of handling things. We need to have a conversation about boundaries and communication.”

Levi’s expression turned serious as he coughed to make us listen. “I apologize for any inconvenience or misunderstanding, ma’am. It was not my intention to cause any trouble. I should have asked for your permission instead of persuading your daughter to let me stay at your house.” My mother’s stern expression softened slightly, and she nodded in acknowledgment. “Thank you for admitting that, young man. Everyone needs to be on the same page. Now, Violet, let’s sit down and talk about your visit to the headmaster’s office and this arrangement.”

Levi and I exchanged glances, relieved that my mother was open to having a discussion. The atmosphere was still tense, but there was a glimmer of hope that things would work out. I looked at my mother with a questioning look. She whispered in my ear, followed by a dismissive gesture when she looked at him. “I would prefer to talk to you alone. After all, I still know nothing about him.” I sighed as I turned to him, and he glanced at me with concern. “Whither goest thou?” I giggled as I remembered he was from a different era. “I will come back,” I responded with a reassuring smile. 

I followed my mother to the living room, leaving Levi in the hall. I sat on the couch as she sat across from me in her favorite yellow armchair. “Will you explain what happened at school today, or should I call back the headmaster and ask myself?” she asked sarcastically. “No, no, I will explain everything.” I took a deep breath. I was ready to explain the unpleasant situation because I wanted Levi to stay here and not leave again. 

“I met with my friends at the bus stop in the morning.” “Was he already there?” I sighed. I didn't even have time to explain how Levi appeared in class. She interrupted me again. I hate it when she doesn't listen to me and jumps to conclusions. I'm not a kid! I'm already nineteen - I think I know what's best for me.

“No, mom, he joined us during our presentation.” She nodded. “I see. Did you inform at least the teacher that he was coming?” I look at the ground, feeling nervous. “No? We wanted it to be a big surprise for everyone.” She sighs with worry. “You know you can’t do that without her permission.” I roll my eyes. “But mom, we wanted our project presentation to be perfect! His presence and first-hand description of the historical events would amaze everyone, especially our teacher. After all, I have often told you how demanding and strict she is. And you know how I try to do well in my studies so that they accept me to that one the university I told you about." 

She stared at me in disbelief. “First-hand descriptions? What- what do you mean? I swear, if I find out that you lied to me…” she said in a threatening voice with her raised index finger. "He is just an enthusiast of history and the Middle Ages and everything that goes with it - language, clothes, ways of expressing and behaving, historical facts... he knows everything. He has his last year ahead, so he is close to finishing studying at our school." "So that's why he doesn't have a place to stay?" I nodded. "They rejected his request for a room in the dormitory last year. Until now, he was staying with that blonde friend, but she didn't want him with her anymore. He turned to us to help him." 

"We liked how he approached everything so believably. So we got together, discussed it, and paid him to come to our class dressed in period clothing and talk about a certain project topic," I tried explaining it while making everything up. "Everyone freaked out when they saw him in such a realistically looking period military uniform. Even we didn't expect it." She still didn't believe a word I said. "Military uniform? But he isn't wearing one now. He's wearing leather pants and a white shirt with a belt." I sighed. "The blonde friend of mine went with him to her house to get him more proper clothes besides the uniform. "And what about the sword on his side he is wearing? Where did he get it from? I'm just guessing not from some queen?" she scoffed. "He has some good acquaintances, even among blacksmiths," I responded mysteriously. "So why does he have it now when you're no longer presenting the project?" "I… it's for protection." She chuckled. "Sure, and I'm the queen of England. Just make sure he'll leave it here and not carry it around with him in the city. I don't want to see suspicious glances from the police." I giggled. "Consider it done."

Then she encouraged me to explain everything even further. She was genuinely curious about it. “So, Levi came into the class, and everyone was in awe - just like we wanted. Even though it was a pity that he didn’t know his information well enough and was confused, god knows why, but everyone liked it!” Mother's face was softening as she processed everything I told her. With various questions, I tried to divert her attention from this topic so that she would not ask questions I didn't have an answer to. For example - how did he appear there? Why was he dressed in his Jantis army uniform? Is it Deianira's fault? 

"Everyone was surprised. One girl looked at him in shock and tried to convince us that it was him but from the past. Isn't she funny?"  “I appreciate your honesty, Violet, and I understand that friendships are important. However, it’s crucial to consider the consequences of your actions and communicate with me in the future. As for the boy staying over, let’s establish some ground rules and discuss the duration of his stay.” Relief washed over me as I realized my mother was willing to find a solution.

"First, you'll strictly follow your bedtime, alright?" I sighed and nodded. 'Another set of rules, just great,' I thought. "He'll stay in the empty room upstairs. Now there's a big junk pile and a lot of dust. So you'll clean it during the upcoming weekend." I tried negotiating with her to let Levi clean alone because I wanted to go to the cinema with Emily. "I don't care. You invited him here knowing we don't have any spare room to put him in. So be so kind and help him clean it. I am sure it won't take long. Perhaps you'll even make it to your movie. What's the movie called?" I thought of the list of movies airing in cinemas right now. 

"Oppenheimer." She gave me a suspicious look. "What? Don't tell me he suggested it…" she said with a long sigh. I giggled. "No, but Emily read on the internet that it's great, and the official soundtrack will be sick." She nodded with a smile. "Do you have enough money? When are you going?" "Emily invited me, so she'll pay. We want to go see it next week's Thursday." She thought for a second. "But I remember you told me about the big upcoming exam in Biology. Have you started studying and preparing for the exam?" 'Crap! I completely forgot about it with Levi here.' I panicked. "I'll study with the girls together in advance, don't worry." 

She glanced at her phone still in her hand and remembered this morning's call from the headmaster. "Explain to me one thing. When he is such a brilliant student of your school, why didn't he know the basic school law and was rude to the headmaster and your History teacher?" She caught me off guard - I had no idea how to answer her question. 

Suddenly, I heard a strange sound from behind the door. I went to see what it was - I saw Levi eavesdropping on our conversation. He wrapped his arms around me and hugged me tightly. It's always been hard to lie about him, but I realized I don't want to lose him. He whispered: “I am so glad I can stay with you.” “What’s going on? Are you two more than friends?” I panicked when I heard my mother's unsure voice behind me. Levi let me go and looked at the ground. “Who will explain this to me?” she demanded an answer while gesturing in the air, trying to find some sense to it.