Air Kingdom

Chapter 23-Cream Puff Pies

I tensed, not liking where this conversation was going. Rodas didn't reply, probably deep in thought. I started thinking about possible outcomes in my brain. As all these thoughts whirled around, I realized I didn't know how they broke up. More importantly, who broke it off.

I tightened the grip in my hand and instead of feeling my soft silky palm-only being kept that way because of my travel pack full of moisturizers-I felt the cool smooth doorknob of Natalie's door. The doorknob jiggled a bit, making an almost inaudible noise, but still detectable. Lucky for me, Natalie started talking again.

"Look, I know about a year ago you broke up with me," She said, sadness and heartbrokenness shining clear in her voice. I scratched the back of my head uncomfortably. This seemed like an intimate and private moment that I shouldn't be intruding on. Yet, my feet stayed firmly planted on the hard wooden floor.

"And you have every right to say no, but I want us to happen again. I want to be that carefree girl that fell in love with the mysterious boy. I want to feel true love and know that during my hardest times that someone would be there for me. I want-" Her voice cracked as she held back the tears that threatened to fall. She had been screaming her last few words, full of passion and longing.

"I want someone that understands me and can give me strength for any battle. By ourselves, we have many flaws and faults, but together, we can help each other be better. We can bring the best out of each other."

There was a pause and a palpable tension that anyone could have felt. All because of Rodas' lack of an answer.

"Natalie-" He finally said after a few awkward moments, but Natalie beat him to it.

"No, I'm sorry for rambling like that. I know that I just put a huge decision on you. So please, just consider my request."

And cue the very long and thick pause again. Rodas spoke after what seemed to be eons. "Give me 3 days."

At that statement, footsteps were being made and getting closer and closer to the door. Where I was.

I scrambled to my feet and ran behind a wall. I looked in front of it only to see Rodas emerge from her study, silently and politely closing the door behind it.

He walked into the living room, still giving me a clear shot of his tall figure. He plopped down on the couch, looking graceful as ever, and put his head in his hands. He rubbed his forehead, muttering words like, "Why me?" or "What should I do now?"

I quietly sat down, sitting crossed legged and still managing to conceal myself from his line of vision. I couldn't help but just stare at him, looking so lost and unfocused. If I walked over to him, he would probably know that I've been eavesdropping on them.

I decided to stay and use the rare chance to look at him.

Moonlight and starlight lit up the living room with just enough light for me to admire his features. He was wearing flannel pajamas, the exact same shade as the dark night sky outside. He was barefoot just like me.

I've never liked socks. I'd always wore them only for boots and sneakers. On most days, I would be wearing flats or heels, but flipflops are the best. My parents don't approve of my shoe choices. That's why you see me torturing my feet every day.

Luckily, all our backpacks have a special charm on it, allowing us to have an unlimited amount of space. I thankfully remembered to bring my favorite pink flipflops. Can't go anywhere without them.

The sun reluctantly came up lighting up the whole room in its natural light, including Rodas. He fell asleep a while ago, collapsing on the couch. He was snuggled up, trying to conserve the heat in his body. I looked at the time. 7am.