A Rose to Change a Life

Chapter 14

Summoning the Power

Back in my room, wrapped into a red bath robe which thankfully hung beside the bathroom door, otherwise I would have been naked, I saw that Devin was preparing to leave. He had turned his mobile phone on again, twirling it in his hand, looking like he wanted to be  elsewhere. Not even my almost-nakedness in my red bathing robe, which stopped at my knees,  made him better, though I saw his eyes glint for a second or two. 

Having assured himself that I was okay, freshly showered and calmer, he walked past me without a word, only a slight nod assured me that he had not lost his ability to communicate with people. The thought of him leaving suddenly made me panic (How is it possible for a woman to become attached to a man that fast?) ,my pathetic me  self-reckoned.

Now or never, I blurted, "I don't want you to go."
Devin stopped dead in his track.
"Please. Stay." 

He slowly turned around, feeling his gaze on me, however my eyes were averted to the floor – it was a pretty floor, shiny polished wood. I was a fool in such situations, I knew, when things turned serious... well. 

"You what?" he whispered from the other side of the corridor. I could not repeat it, I would not ask him twice, instead I remained still, listening to Elise rustle around in the kitchen. A chicken move. Yet he took one step... thump.... another... thump..until he was finally in front of me, lifting my chin with his index finger, "Elva, you want me to stay?" He asked in this sulky tone of his. 

My lips felt numb, I could barely mumble the word yes to him. Something in his shoulder relaxed and tensed at the same time, he released a deep breath, stirring my hair – preparing himself to say something.

"It's complicated," he started. Aaaand here we go again, who wanted to bet it was going to be the it-is-not-you-it-is-me speech? Everybody? Great, I'll be rich in about ten seconds. I put on my best poker face, strengthening myself for the blow he was going to deliver. 

"I... would like to stay... I want to... hold you..., but my brother." He sighed "I cannot leave him at home alone,... I do not want anything to happen to him again." 

Ohkay,. I take it back.. Didn't expect that. Oh, then HE was the one the phone call in the bar was about. Puzzle pieces fell into place. Innerly, I understood him so well, I knew how important it was for me to protect the people I loved, it had to be the same for him. My mind could not be mad at him, why should it be? Mad at him for acting like an adult? No, I was not a bad person to make him feel guilty about it. I plastered on a fake half-smile as best as I managed, my voice did not sound like my own when I answered, "Yes, go get him. I can understand, Dev." I really could, it still hurt though.

The owner of the flat, aka Elise, decided it was a good moment to pop her head in, she came close to us, apparently she rudely had listened in to the conversation we were having. She puffed out her chest, which looked totally hilarious with her 5 feet and the big owl like clock hanging around her neck – She resembled a bird in its mating season, swatting an arm at Devin, "Don't be silly, it is not complicated. I can hear from the tone of your voice that your home is not a sweet pie, you and your brother can stay here for the night. My flat might not be big, but two persons more or less won't make a difference. Besides, Elva does not have to be the only chute in the household here, right dear?" She winked at me then. 

"I know you like Elva, and I bet your brother is just as sweet as you." Her flat might not be big, but her heart certainly was. I imagined her to pinch his cheek at the last sentence, but she did contain herself, which did not stop Devin from blushing. Him blushing, it looked adorable on him. Really.