My Curse

Session 9

          We walked for a couple hours before I had to stop. I was nearing the time I wouldn't be able to walk. I had a few days at most. I didn't have to say much for Nikova to understand. He let me rest for a few minutes.

          "I don't know if I can do this." I confessed. "My body hurts and I can barely stay awake." I was trying desperately to hold back tears. Nikova sat down next to me.

          "What happens if we stop. What happens if we sit here for the next three hours. Are you going to feel any better?" He was being completely serious in that moment.

         "No I wouldn't feel better." I knew where he was going with this.

         "Then why does it matter if you sit here or if you walk? You're going to get worse either way. How about we take more breaks this time, make it easier on you?" He stood up, dusted off his pants, and then offered me his hand. I took it reluctantly. I knew he was right but that didn't make it any easier. He helped pull me up and then we started walking. He didn't let go of my hand.

           As we walked we joked about things we did as kids. It was helping me get my mind off of the pain. I told him about the time I dropped my cherry Sunday on the dog. I tried to clean it off with my moms best towel.

          "I got you beat on that one." He told me. He looked away for a moment, clearly embarrassed, and then turned back to me. "You know what? I don't think you're ready for it yet." He couldn't help but smile. I knew he was baiting me but I couldn't help it.

         "Oh so I'm not ready?" I asked laughing a little.

         "Nope." He was trying so hard to keep a straight face but he failed.

         "Are you sure it's not you who isn't ready?"I couldn't stop smiling. I was perfectly happy. I could still feel the pain I just didn't care.

       "Oh I'm sure. You still have to prove yourself worthy." He gave me a mischievous smile.

        "Ok ok, how do I prove myself?" I was ready for whatever he had to throw at me.

        "You have to do something embarrassing." He winked at me and I couldn't help but laugh.

        "Do I just do anything embarrassing or do you have something in mind?" I was half dreading his answer.

       "I definitely have something in mind." He stopped walking and let go of my hand. I hadn't even realized he was still holding it. He crossed his arms. "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

"How am I supposed to know if you don't tell me?" I couldn't wait to hear what he had to say.

       "You have to sing in a british voice." He smirked at me, daring me to even try.

       "You know that's my weakness!" I gasped playfully. "Can I do it in an Irish accent?"

         "Nope. It has to be british." He replied. I took a deep breath.

         "Fine I accept your challenge." I thought for a second and then got a brilliant idea. "And I know exactly what song I'm going to sing!" I straightened my back and looked him dead in the eyes.

I have two pickles. I have to pickles. I have to pickles today hey hey.

         "There I'm done." I acted as if nothing weird had just transpired.

         "What the heck was that?!? That wasn't even a song" He looked so shocked I burst out laughing.

          "Haven't you ever seen the Little Rascals?" I asked, giving him my most innocent face.