Those Who Live in the Shadows

Chapter 7

I helped Camelia to get back to her home after school. I managed to not get us lost. She unlocked the door and went inside.

"Your parents aren't there?" I asked.

"No, my dad works late, but my mom will come soon, if there's no complication at the hospital," the blind girl answered. We went upstairs, to her room. She closed the door behind us, and went on her bed, bringing her knees close to her chest. She looked like a cute little ball. Camelia closed her eyes and sighed.

"What is it?" I demanded.

"I just... I don't get what happened to Fabian," she whispered, "I had no idea..."

I sat beside her. It was hard to take. I knew that better than anyone. She was handling it pretty good, though.

"You can't know everything that happens in the head of other people," I answered softly.

"You are right." She paused. "Thanks again for your help, Des. I don't know what would have happened if you hadn't helped me out..."

"Don't think about the "if". What's important is that you are safe now."

"I thought... I thought Fabian liked me. I liked him. He is my best friend..."

"He was your best friend," I corrected. "But what is it anyway, to like someone?"

"What do you mean?"

"What is it, to love or like someone?" I started. "I saw some students at your school kissing each other, when the girl's secret wish was to be with another guy. Why were they even together, if they don't really love each other? What makes you sure that you love someone for real?

"I...I don't know," answered hesitantly Camelia.

"What? How come?" I was surprised. How could she not know? I understood that a Nightmare never felt love; it was normal, but humans are so full in emotions...

"Well, I've never really been in love. So I can't say for sure. But I think that when you love someone, you would do anything to protect your loved one. You also appreciate being in her or his company. And I liked Fabian, which means... ah, I don't know! They are feelings, you know! They can't really be explained! Only felt!"

"...I see." If it can't be explained by words... I knew the feeling of like, but love... It was so complex... Maybe if I...

"Can I kiss you?" I asked very seriously. The humans kissed when they loved someone, so maybe I would feel something by kissing her.

"What!" Camelia jerked back from me and blushed.

"Why not? Humans do it all the time," I replied.

"No, they don't! We only kiss someone we really love!" she almost screamed. What was wrong with her all of sudden?

"Is that a rule?" The human society was more complicated than I first thought.

"Well no, but..." she stuttered.

"Then there isn't a problem." I came closer to her and lifted her chin.

"Wait! What are you-"

I kissed her gently. It was... how can I put it? Interesting. But before I could really have a clear thought on the subject, Camelia pushed me back.

"What did you just do!" she screamed, red as a tomato. I lifted an eyebrow.

"Wasn't it obvious? I kissed you. And it wasn't bad, even if I am not in "love"."

"But... why..."

"Did you hate it?"

"Well, I...Huh..."