The Promise

32) Omer

Aurora's first event is in 2 days.

I've been exhausting her with studies, sessions and of course dancing lessons.

She's helping me by being the smartest girl ever; she's the fastest learner and doesn't get effected by me pushing her, I'm just scared she'll burn out suddenly so, I'll look what I've got to do about that, but first the event. She has to be on top.

"I'll go study in the cafeteria till the meeting, want anything else?" she asks as she gathers her stuff after our session.

"You can sit here and study; I'll be in a meeting in two, the office will be yours." I tell her standing to go.

She hesitates then nods, I nod towards my desk, "Sit there, dove; if you want to print anything the papers are in one of the drawers" I tell her putting on the suit jacket, she nods and I head out.

I finish the meeting and head out when someone calls after me.

"Mughrabi, wait! I want to tell you something" Dareen picks up with me.

I stop "What is it, Dareen?"

"Can we meet outside the firm? I need to talk with you, privately" she smiles, her smile disgusts me.

"What is it that we have to talk about in private?"

"I'll tell you when we do, when can it be?"

I rub my face, "it can be now, but quick I have important work to do"

She smiles again and says "There's this coffee place next door, we can go there or your office" she takes a step towards me.

"The cafeteria" I state before walking away, she sighs and follows.

We sit down and my mind drifts to Aurora, I want to give her the day before the event off so, she can calm down; I know how nervous she is these days already.

"Hey, are you okay?" she asks placing her hand on mine above the table, I pull mine back and tell her "No, out with it, Dareen".

She sighs, "I can't talk with you while you can't tolerate a word from me, Mughrabi. I have a huge problem and no one can help me with it, but you."

She looks down and then looks at me with tears in her eyes.

"Tell me" I tell her.

"I don't know what to say, I'm embarrassed" her tears fall as she stutters, a thing she does when she's sad.

"Dareen, what's wrong?"

She shakes her head "I can't, I feel at loss of words; I'll tell you, but" she pauses and whispers "I miss you".

I say nothing when she opens her mouth again to say, "I know I fucked everything up, I don't want anything" she looks up at me with pleading eyes "I just want you there."

I sigh, "Dareen", she looks at me "Yes?"

"Quit with the act" I lean forward, "Cause if someone knows it all, it's me"

"I don't understand what you're saying"

I tilt my head, "Let me give you an advice. Don't come back into the den thinking you'll find the cub again."

She grows restless under my gaze, "Can I get a copy of the event's program?" she changes the topic.

I nod, "follow me" I stand heading for the office to give her the papers and get this over with.

I knock and enter the office with her after me.

"Why would you knock on your empty office?" Dareen asks, but I ignore her when I see the look on Aurora's face.