Devour | on hold

Chapter 7 (Losses)

- Chapter Seven -

L O S S E S

I’ve never noticed the river was that far from town, maybe it isn’t, maybe I am just too concerned about Akando that I hope I’d get there in a blink of my eyes. Not an argument, not a fight, not a war would stop me from worrying about him and trying in every way to save him if he is in danger. Even if he’s older, and even he’s the guy, he is someone I’ve sworn to keep safe and sound. He is someone I will always love and owe. Akando taught me friendship, and I am ready to apply his lessons throughout my entire life.

I get there and don’t find him immediately, I knew I wouldn’t, but I am disappointed, nevertheless. “Akando!” I cry. I walk through the trees and look for him, try to hear a sound, but my brain is too noisy to be of help. I beg my mind to be quiet, my lungs to function properly, and my heart to slow down; because it’s beating too fast and I’m afraid it’d stop suddenly. My legs move robotically, they no longer receive signals from my brain. I’m afraid I’m dying quickly. I’m afraid I wouldn’t be able to find him first.

I get out of the forest and hope he’d be on the bank, and yes; there I find him, walking ahead of me. I hurry to catch up, and he hears my footsteps. He turns around and looks at me, “Len?” I smile at his saying my name, finally. And it made me happier that he said ‘Len’ not ‘Lenmana’, because seriousness between best friends is an insult. It complicates things, which aren’t going that easy, already, between Akando and me.

“No!” I cry when I see his face, bruised and wounded. “What happened? What’s that?” I’m panicking and he can’t calm me down.

“Will you calm down so that I can tell you?”

“Now tell me.” I say as I wipe my tears and gasp for air. “Who did this to you? Who did you fight?”

“What did you tell Hakan the last time you met?”

“What?” I gasp, “Hakan? He’s the one who’s done this to you?”

“He spoke badly about you,” he says, “plus, claiming that you left him for me.”

“Is he crazy?” I shout, “I told him I needed time to think about his proposal. Should have I been more clear and tell him that I refuse to marry him?”

“He’s totally stupid.”

“And I blamed myself for what I’ve done to him. Now I wish I’d beat him to death.”

“Len, what’s going on between you and Lenno?” He suddenly asks, but doesn’t seem to regret it.

“Lenno?” Mentioning his name shocks me for an unknown reason. “Nothing at all!” I laugh.

“Hakan saw you walking with him this morning and came–”

“That guy needs to learn some politeness,” I wave my hand and shout cutting him off and turning around. Maybe targeting Hakan, I can almost smell smoke of my anger.

“Wait, where are you going?” Akando runs after me.

“It’s time to do my job.” I walk faster, “I’ll be an unforgettable teacher to that Hakan.”

“Lenmana!” I hear Lenno calling from behind both of Akando and me.

I turn around surprised, I totally forgot I told Kaya to send him. “Lenno?”

“I’m sorry I’m late, I just couldn’t find you quickly.” He tells me then glances at Akando whose face is empty of any recognizable expression. “Hey.” Lenno tells him, expressionlessly too.