Her New Life

Chapter 10: Discoveries

Marian had been biting her nails for days. She could not help but feel anxious at the sudden revelation. So much had happened. Riftan, the man who had come into her life like a storm, only to leave and return like the wind was alive. It was not that she had prayed for his demise, but she did not exactly pray for his safe return either. 

She had been distracted at work, and it reflected poorly on the bakery. As much as she wanted to pretend things were okay, her fears could not be quelled. Kinder, at first would scold Marian for acting like a lost child in a candy store, but it became apparent over time that something else was wrong. Penelope often did her best to pick up the slack, but because of the news of the returning knights and the thwarted threat, many people sought the need to celebrate.

 Of course, things were made even more complicated for her since she was not only helping Hamish, but they were also trying to help Cybil. She had fallen into a deep depression after the news of her son's death. It seemed these peaceful days were slowly coming to an end.

One morning, Marian couldn't get out of bed; her anxieties had gotten the better of her. Penelope offered to stay with her, but Marian insisted she couldn't leave Kinder during such a busy week. Reluctantly, she left for work and promised to visit Hamish in her place. She gave her a bitter smile and left, leaving Marian to her worrying thoughts.

About two hours later, Orion knocked on her door and asked to chat. Marian arose from the bed with a worried look. Although she knew he wouldn't mercilessly kick her out, she couldn't help but worry that her lack of work would cause problems.

"Everything okay Marian?" Orion asked, with a worried expression on his face. "I haven't seen you this wound up since your first week here. You remember that, don't you?" She did not want to worry him since he seemed to be getting frailer. Marian nodded as a faint smile tugged at his lips.

"To be honest, I was worried you'd be trouble. You were running from demons that I just wasn't sure I could handle." Marian swallowed dryly. 

"But now, I understand I made the right decision. You are like a daughter to me, Marian." He sat upright in his chair and gave her a firm look. "Now we've been eating, drinking, sleeping, and arguing under the same roof for three years now, and I feel like that qualifies us as somewhat family. And when you are with family, you share your troubles. So, what ails you, girl? What has wrapped itself around you and won't let go?"

Marian stared at him. He was right. For three years, she lived with them, and she knew everything about them. And yet they still didn't even know her real name. But they still cared for and trusted her with their secrets, and always welcomed her company. But as much as she wanted to pour her heart and soul out, just as she did to Jane all those years ago, she felt like she would only poison this new home. She had fallen in love with everything here, and she couldn't risk losing that. Even if it meant having to swallow her choking anxieties. 

She blinked back tears, "I-I-I just haven't b-been f-feeling well. I promise I'm just under the weather. I'll b-be fine in a day or two. She gave him a wry smile. 

He stared at her and scratched his balding head, but smiled at her too.

"Well, that's good to hear. But, if there is something, know that we will stand by you, Marian."

 With that, he left and closed the door. She felt her heart throb and began to quietly sob. Why couldn't she just accept help? Why couldn't she trust and allow herself to let go once more? Why did everything have to get so complicated? She closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.

.................................................................................

Riftan raced down the long road under the blazing sun. He didn't mind the whipping winds, the fact that his men were barely keeping up, or that Ruth had fallen off his horse several times. His mind was preoccupied with one thing and one thing only.