Phases

Chapter Six

Chapter Six

   Despite herself, Marianna found her lips curling into a smile. She quickly turned away and walked towards the table in the center of the room. Dangerously charming pretty boy, she thought to herself.

        "Where should we begin?" she said aloud.

        "I beg your pardon?" Jimin eyed her incredulously.

   Marianna looked up from the scroll that was spread out on the table. "I asked where we should begin." She repeated slowly.

   Jimin shook his head, his mouth working furiously. "No, No...before that."

   She tilted her head to the side and narrowed her eyes at him. "Your library is impressive?"

        "What –"he scoffed, "No. After th- I am not a pretty boy!"

   Marianna froze as all color drained from her face. "Oh, fucking hell," she whispered. All the air seemed to escape from her lungs.

        "A lady should not swear," Jimin corrected her absentmindedly.

        "Oh, piss off," she found her voice once more. "No way in fucking hell you heard that." Her head continued to shake in negation as she backed away from him.

        "I assure you, Marianna, there is nothing wrong with my hearing." Jimin rolled his eyes. "What in the heavens has gotten into you? You look ill."

        "No....no. No, no, no," she slumped heavily into one of the chairs, burying her face in her hands.

   Concerned, Jimin took large strides towards her until her head whipped back up and her green stare fixed on him.

        Can you hear me, Jimin?

        "Of course, I can! I told you – oh. Oh, my gods." Her mouth had not moved. He'd heard her voice as clear as day, but her mouth had not moved. Jimin grabbed at his hair with both hands and spun away from her, only to spin right back around. "Do it again."

        I am going to be sick, she informed him through her thoughts.

        "I heard you!" He shouted. "Oh, shit!" Jumping into action, he grabbed the trash bin and shoved it under her face just in time for her to lose all her breakfast. His own stomach now turning, Jimin walked to the pitcher by the fireplace and filled a glass of water for her. "Here, rinse." He told her, handing her the cup.

Marianna took a sip of water, swirled it in her mouth, and spit it into the trash bin as well. I'm sure ladies shouldn't spit, either.

        "Not in acceptable social circles, no." Jimin responded absentmindedly. Her responding glare was lethal. "Sorry," he muttered. A thought suddenly struck him.

        Marianna, can you hear me?

   She remained seated, head back in her hands.

        Marianna?

   Still nothing.

        I watched you sleep last night; he confessed while moving out of her arm's reach. She remained motionless. Well, there goes that theory. Apparently, this only went one way.

        "How is this even happening?" she wondered out loud.

   Jimin shrugged, taking the seat at her side. "I honestly don't know."