Intertwined Souls

Chapter 13 (part 3)

As the storm continued its relentless assault outside, the old barn provided an impression of shelter and warmth for the group. Finn and Robin had found a quiet corner, where they quickly surrendered to exhaustion and fell asleep, their snores blending with the sound of the rain against the barn roof. On the opposite side, Henry and Noah had also drifted off, the day's events taking their toll, leaving them sound asleep amid the scattered hay and blankets.

A little distance away, Richard and Belle were deep in conversation, their voices low as they discussed something intently, perhaps planning for what they would do once the storm passed. The flicker of a lantern cast shadows over their faces, highlighting their serious expressions.

Ann sat down next to Beth, offering a warm smile. "Hey, can I get you anything? Something warm to drink, maybe?" Ann's voice was laden with affection.

Beth just shook her head, her lips pressed tightly together, barely glancing at Ann.

Puzzled by Beth's brief and chilly response, Ann tried again, leaning in closer. "Everything okay, Beth?" she asked gently, her eyes searching Beth's face for clues.

"I'm fine," Beth responded curtly, her gaze fixed on the barn's wooden floor, not meeting Ann's concerned look.

Ann's brow furrowed in confusion. "Are you sure? You seem a bit... off," she pressed, still clueless about Beth's real feelings.

Beth let out a small, almost imperceptible sigh, her posture stiffening. "I said I'm fine, Ann."

A moment of awkward silence stretched between them. Ann, still not understanding the coldness, wracked her brain for what could be wrong. "Is it the cold? More blankets, maybe?" she ventured, trying to solve the mystery with practical solutions.

Beth didn't respond; her silence a loud message. She continued to sulk, wrapped tightly in her jacket, her body language closed off.

Ann, feeling helpless, finally ventured a guess. "This isn't about the cold, is it? Are you... Are you upset with me?"

Beth turned to look at Ann, her expression somber. "Maybe you should spend more time figuring it out," she suggested cryptically, turning her attention back to the barn wall.

Ann sat back, stunned by Beth's response, her mind spinning. The realization slowly dawned on her that Beth was upset about her missing the bonfire. "Oh! The bonfire!" Ann exclaimed, finally connecting the dots.

Beth faced away, her silence confirming Ann's suspicion.

"I really am sorry, Beth. It was out of my hands; work was—" Ann started to explain, but Beth cut her off with a dismissive wave of her hand.

"I think you should just... focus on your work then," Beth said, her voice tinged with sarcasm and hurt.

Ann took a deep breath, trying to navigate the choppy waters of Beth's mood. "Look, I get it. You're upset because I wasn't there, and I'm really sorry. How can I make it up to you?" she asked earnestly, desperate to mend the rift between them.

Beth remained silent for a long moment, then finally turned to face Ann. "I don't know, Ann. Maybe start by being here when you say you will?"

Ann nodded, understanding the weight of Beth's words. "I promise, Beth. From now on, I'm here. Not just here, but really here—"

Ann's earnest declaration was suddenly cut off by Beth's quiet, yet sharp, interjection, "Now you only love your work, Ann. You have no time for me. You don't see how much I miss you. And no matter what you say now, I'm not talking to you."

Seeing Beth so upset made Ann's heart sink, but she decided to try a different approach. She put on a mock sad face and began to stand, her voice filled with exaggerated dejection. "Okay then, I guess I should head back because my Beth won't talk to me, and I've got no reason to stay."