Dearest Evelyn

-chapter 19-

She patted my back patiently.

“I’m afraid I’ve engaged myself . . . to Gwindire.” I said in-between sobs.

“Well . . . that tops it off alright.” Joanna said. “So you left them there?”

I nodded.

“Hm. Shouldn’t you at least go check on Terrin?”

I looked at her. “I’m more concerned about Hector.”

She nodded. “I can understand, but in order to fix things, you have to explain to Terrin about things first.”

“But I’m not even so sure myself.” I sighed into my hands.

“You’ll have to face it sooner or later. It’s obvious how Hector feels for you. I just hope it doesn’t ruin anyone’s friendship.”

“That’s my biggest concern.” I sighed again. “When should I explain things? Terrin and Hector will be at each other’s throats and Hector will also be mad at me for telling my father to marry me to Gwin.”

“Start small, dear. Would you like my help?”

“No, I have to do it alone. Just take care of Terrin’s jaw for me, alright?”

“Of course, Eve.”

“Joanna . . . thank you.”

“You’re my sister, Eve. I’d do anything for you as you’d do anything for me.” She smiled at me. “Besides, the King is trying to find me a suitor himself. I feel your burden, to a certain extent.”

“But you like marriage more than I do.”

She laughed lightly. “I’m waiting the day you change your mind, Eve.”

~

I found Terrin two hours later. He looked relieved to see me, for an explanation. I explained to him my impulse of choice in the matter of marriage.

“It was a total accident. He was the first name I thought of . . . since . . . well he was standing right next to me.”

Terrin nodded. He didn’t seem angry at all on that part.

“But what about your jaw? Are you alright?”

He popped it and reached up to touch it. “I’ve had worse.” He referred to his ankle.

“Terrin, please tell me what you’re thinking.” I got on my knees in front of him. I wanted to look sincere.

He observed my odd gesture, but hesitated. “Why did Hector punch me? Was it really because I had kissed you?”

I nodded. “He’s feeling . . . overprotective of me.” I didn’t tell him the whole truth. “He’s upset about my engagement. Well, actually, I’m not even engaged yet; my father still has to speak with Sir William.”

Terrin nodded, taking this in consideration.

“I’m ever-so-sorry, Terrin. I feel horrible about this whole ordeal.” I said quietly.

He looked to me. Then he smiled. “You ran off, calling us idiots, if I recall correctly.”

I blushed. “Sorry. Do you forgive me?”

“I was never mad at you in the first place. Of course I do, my Eve.”

“But what about Hector?”

“That brute? Eve, he punched me for no reason.”

“He had his own reason, and you know how he is.” I pleaded. “Please forgive him? I’ll fall apart if my boys do. I can’t stand for your relationship to fall apart.”