Purple Prey: The Case of the Filthy Baboon

Chapter 18: He Stole My Knight!

Tears and blood ran down my face in equal measure. I sobbed whole-heartedly as Elly sat across from me, very stoic-like. She cleared her throat and began speaking again, interrupting what I thought was a moment of intense emotional expression.

“Obsidian, I’m happy you’ve been able to overcome something that has been such an issue for you for so many years: apologising to people who are awake. But I have so much I want to say to you and I’d very much like to just come out and say it.”

She straightened her back and exhaled slowly to compose herself. She’s going to kill me, I’d bet. All these years of living in my shadow have caught up and she’s really gonna do it this time. While her eyes were closed for a blink, I slipped off the chair and took a defensive posture, ready to grab. It's like time slowed down as she finished her blink. I whirled my leg around and at her head to get the first strike in. If I was going to go down it wouldn't be without a fight.

“Obsidian! I like you!” She professed as she grabbed my leg just before it could collide with the side of her head. She gave my leg a mighty tug and I fell onto my back. I laid there, frozen, as her confession rattled around my head like balls in a bingo cage. This didn’t make any sense.

“Elysium, I don’t know what you hope to gain by telling me this. We’ve been friends our entire lives; of course you like me! That’s how this whole ‘best friends’ thing works, you silly goose :).”

“Obsidian, that’s not what I meant…” She sighed in annoyance and frowned. She seemed a little more hesitant to speak now so I put on my most sincere and empathetic expression in order to prompt her to continue.

“Obsidian, I don’t like you as just a friend. How do I explain this? I’m trying to be very explicit with you. I like you in the same way that you would say that you like Venus, explicitly. Does that make sense?”

I didn’t know what to say. What Venus and I have is so sacred and unique I don't think she understands what she’s saying. But then it dawned on me…. What if she DID know what she was saying!!!!

“CARNALLY!?!?” I screamed. This was news to me!

She sighed “Look, I’m just looking for an answer. A yes or no. I have matured a lot this past year and I’ve really come into myself emotionally and I figured I should be upfront because I could live with either answer.”

I sputtered and spat and foamed at the mouth. This cannot be! How could I ever say yes to such a request? Especially now, when I finally had Venus all to myself.

“Elly, I just can’t believe you’d think now is an appropriate time to ask me this. I mean, what would Venus say?” Elly only rolled her eyes in response.

“Why would I care what Venus thinks? This has nothing to do with him, not that he would even care. This is about you and me, Obsidian.” She stared at me expectantly.

I was rolling on the floor of the tent at this point. A chunk of my hair came away in my fist and I writhed.

“Wh-why!?? Why now??” I implored.

“A lot has happened, I just figured you’ve somewhat evolved as a person. I've seen a bravery and a kindness to you I haven't seen in a while” She smiled shyly “but don't get it twisted, I’ve felt this way for a long while,” she trailed off.

I tried to think back. I was furious with myself. I couldn't see the warning signs. I needed to understand how something like this could happen.

“When did this all start?” I implored.

“I still remember the day so vividly. The biggest thunderstorm in recorded history was forecast to hit but fortunately, it cleared up. I was wearing my coolest, awesome-est, raddest outfit. You know which one I’m talking about, right?”