Sapphire

8 - Creating a Sleeve

Early morning light enters the room. I immediately get out of bed by throwing the voters off me, wanting to get the day started as soon as possible. Nuna is asleep on the bay window ledge again as I go over to the dresser and select a pair of soft navy blue sweats, a soft knitted deep blue sweater, and the navy blue high tops. For what I plan to do today, I'd rather wear some shoes that have a bit of traction. These runners have never let me down when it comes to that. I let Nuna have some time to sleep to herself, and I make my way out of my bedroom, making sure to grab the book that has my sketch and decided material written in it. 

Unfortunately, the thought of making the sleeve got me so excited that I forgot to first listen against the door for Ben. He sits on the couch in front of the low-lying table. Damnit, I've been so careful too! why now? why at all?? I should've just gone out the window.

 Once he hears me open and close the door, he looks back at me, neck-length lavender hair framing his face, a friendly smile as he sees me holding Aurelia's book underneath my arm. Meanwhile, I'm trying not to let the warmth on my face show through as I notice him wearing black jeans and a purple long-sleeved button-down v-neck shirt. It shows the definition of his strong arms, complimenting his figure. My mind quickly flashes back to that moment when I saw him finish his shower, shirtless with the towel held around the back of his neck as I notice how well his time spent in the training room paid off. I look out a window to try and act casual. 

"What's that?" he asks, gesturing to the book with a finger.

"This? oh, it's just a book that was given to me. I'm on my way to the tailors building to work on an idea." 

"Really? What idea?" now Ben has gotten off the couch and Is leaning against the back of it, crossing his ankles and his arms. Damnit, he still looks so hot when he does that. When it comes to guys that I have a thing for, positioning themselves like that is always something that makes them look sexier. I don't know why, to be honest. But I stop my thoughts from pulling me down that rabbit hole as I immediately say, 

"Well, I think I know what I can use to protect my arm during the trial. Since I'll have to swim underwater, I think I have the perfect thing. But I need to go get started on it right away, so I don't have to stress about it closer to the trial. I'll see you later, okay?" 

I go to move past him, but he gently grabs my arm. 

'Shit!' I look back into Ben's face, using all my willpower to not let my face betray me. "What's up?" I ask, doing my damnest not to let my voice waver just by being next to him. My heart beats like a drum, so loud I'm surprised he can't hear it. Or at least, that's how it feels. His deep purple eyes gaze deeply into my lilac ones, searching for something. 

He gently lets go of my arm, seeming disappointed he didn't find what he was looking for, and says, 

"Nothing. Just thought I saw a stray eyelash. By the way, I wanted to talk to you about that thing you did in the training room."

'Crap!' I've gotta get out of here before anything happens. Before my body betrays me and keeps me rooted here. 

"Sorry, Ben. I wish I could, but I really gotta get started on this sleeve. It's super important. I'll see you later." 

"Shelby, wait-" but I don't give him any time at all. I immediately head towards the door and exit the cabin, closing the door behind me. I speedwalk away from the cabin, from the close proximity we have to be under just to get past each other. I sigh as I walk away. Though I don't turn around, I swear I can feel Ben watching me from the window

I reach the building half an hour later, slowing my pace a little bit as I walk through the Court. Today people continue to sell their wares, the smell of cooked and raw fish filling the air. As I walked through the Court on my way here, I passed people who, when I looked out of the corner of my eye, sent daggers shooting at my back. And I heard the whispers,