SIX
I sat in front of the only mirror in the room trying to do something special with my hair. It'd grown so long and thick that pulling it up off my neck and out of my face was a definite in this weather. I looked at my silver gown hanging on the closet door and smiled with excitement. It was fun to play dress-up every once and a while.
I had my hair almost done when there was a knock at the door. Kain was still in the shower and I only wore my pajamas. We weren't necessarily expecting anyone, so I was curious. When I opened the door, an old man stood outside. He'd been tall at one point, but now leaned over his cane so much he shrunk six inches. The graying hair and pale skin hung around his face. Dark circles created shadows reminding me of someone who hadn't slept in weeks. When I finally realized who this was, my heart sank with sadness.
"Mr. Matthew?"
"Hello, Eviana. May I come in?"
I backed away from the door so he could walk inside. Kain's father had aged a decade since I last saw him. He hobbled slowly and stiffly like every step brought agony. I heard him breathe in short ragged breaths so I went to his side and ushered him to the edge of the bed.
"Thank you, dear," he wheezed. Pulling a cloth handkerchief out from his suit jacket, he patted his forehead. "I don't know how people survive in this heat. My body is constantly dripping."
"Can I get you some water, Mr. Matthew?" He looked like he would pass out and I didn't know what else I could do.
"Please dear, call me Harlan. You are a part of our family now and I hate the formalities. Yes, a glass of water would be very nice, thank you."
I walked into the little kitchenette area and turned on the faucet. From where I stood, I saw steam seeping out from underneath the bathroom door like a morning fog, but heard the shower turn off. Hopefully Kain would come out soon. His father did not look well, and I wasn't sure if this was his normal appearance or if he was having a really hard time.
Handing the water to Harlan I asked, "Did you just get here?"
He drank the entire glass before responding. "Yes, I was supposed to arrive earlier today so I could act as your sponsor, but I got held up in L.A."
I gestured to see if he wanted more water, but he shook his head. Upon doing that, he suddenly seemed very interested in our room. He looked around in a circular pattern and when he got back to me, he wrinkled his forehead in concern.
"One bed?"
Oh great. Where was Kain? I felt the blush rise in my cheeks and the nerves dance in my stomach. This wasn't something I wanted to discuss with Kain's father even though our situation had been completely innocent.
"Yeah." I had to clear my throat to get more words out. "But it's not what you think. We have an arrangement. I mean, we're not sleeping together. Well, we are, but it's not like that. We sleep in clothes." Oh, just kill me now.
Harlan laughed and patted the bed beside him. "You're too much, Eviana. Please have a seat so I can talk to you." He looked around again. "Where is my son?"
I sat on the edge of the bed next to him, relieved about the change of subject. "In the bathroom taking forever to get ready." He'd been in there thirty minutes now, and even though I was sure he could hear us talking, he hadn't come out yet.
"Ah, yes. He does take a lot of pride in his appearance," Harlan smiled.
"Sure, but come on. It's a bit girlish."
This time he laughed and wrapped an arm around my shoulders. He gave me a brief hug before pulling away. "I agree. Perhaps you'll be able to work on his time management skills once you're married."
YOU ARE READING
Promises (Book One of The Syrenka Series)
أدب المراهقينSometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love. When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a merma...