Liora Skyheart - sweet enchantments

Chapter 22

Time seems to slow down to crawl as I stand staring at Berian... As if to make sure I have as long as possible to stew in my mortification. I can't believe I cracked a lame fish pun and said it to Berians face! I know I had fish on the mind all day, But...! I have to do something! Berian turns away from me and begins burbling furiously, and for a second I think he's angry beyond words. Then I realise he actually seems to be speaking another language, judging by the way Liora is nodding along.

"Mr Sternfin, I understand you're upset, but please--it was a misunderstanding, I assure you. Arinn didn't mean..."

She lifts her hands, motions gentle and soothing, but she's cut off by a stream of angry burbling. I can't just sit here and let Liora cover for me! Everything I've seen of Berian makes me think he's an old-fashioned guy, all about hard work and... Personal responsibility. I take a deep breath.

"Liora's right. I didn't mean to insult you, but I did, and I'm sorry for that."

Berian shoots me a baleful look, closing his notebook with a snap.

"Noted. Now, if you'll excuse me."

he marches towards the door, and I look at Liora. She tries to give me a reassuring smile, but for the first time I can really see the cracks in her calm façade. It gives me the strength I need to rush forward and plant myself right in front of Berian.

"What is the meaning of this? Get out of my way this instant, or I'll write you up!"

I feel a sharp stab of fear at that. I don't want to know what the government would do if they heard sweet enchantments very illegal human was making trouble! The thought is almost enough to keep me quiet, biting my lip and twisting my fingers together nervously. But then I remember the look on Liora's face, and draw myself up instead, squaring my shoulders.

"If you need to write me up, then do it. I made a mistake, and I'll take responsibility for my actions."

Berian seems momentarily stunned, so I take the opportunity. This time, no more half-hearted apologies, or to try and downplay what I did. I need to take absolute accountability for my actions.

"I want to apologise to you properly, Mr Sternfin. I'm so sorry for what I said. Not because of what could happen with the cafe, but because what I said was unacceptable. I'm new here, and still learning, but that's not an excuse. Not when everyone has done such an amazing job of teaching me."

I glanced over at Liora.

"Not with Liora being such a great role model. She--sweet enchantments doesn't deserve to be punished for my actions."

Berian seems to wake up a little at that.

"That is exactly the point! Ms Skyheart is responsible for you! Your behaviour is a reflection upon her. And you are hardly making things better for yourself! Now move, immediately!"

He waves an imperious paw to try and step around me, but I don't move. I know that if I let this opportunity escape, I'm not going to have a second chance.

"Liora might be responsible for me, but she doesn't control me. It's up to me to take what I learn from her and use it well. And today I really failed at doing that. But if I just sit back and let her clean up my messes for me, I'll never be able to learn and grow as a person. And clearly, I've still got a lot to learn."

I press a hand to my chest, close my eyes, and bow my head towards Berian.

"So please, Mr Sternfin--let me take responsibility for my own actions. There is no one to blame for this but me."

"... responsibility, you say."

Berian finally stops trying to leave and a huff to give me a long, considering look.