Her Viking

Chapter 10: Discussions

It's been over a month since Kage and Mariana's untimely moment. He ignores her and anything to do with her. Mariana is too withdrawn to converse with him about it. Or anything as a matter of fact. Mariana still feels a small amount of regret. She didn't mean to fall on top of him. It was an accident. Mariana believes he thinks poor of her now.

They are constantly encountering each other in some way. Especially when Mariana is near the dock. Both only spare glances at each other but nothing more. Jean noticed and tried to have the one talk to the other but, they didn't budge. Jean asked what's wrong between them. In the end received the answers 'No', 'It's nothing', or no response at all.

Knock. Knock. Knock.

Muting the television, Mariana rises up from the couch. Opening the door, Mariana is greeted with the faces of Kadlin and Rei. Kadlin has a look of plead while Rei beams happiness. Unsure of what to do, Mariana just nods in politeness.

"Hello Mariana," Kadlin greets.

"Hello Kadlin," Mariana softly greets back.

"I know this is out of the blue but, my husband and I have some business to attend to in another town. Regine and Reiji are spending time with their grandparents for the time being. Which is the area where we'll be working." Mariana stays silent and Kadlin takes that as her cue to continue on. "Lydia can't go because she has an important project to present in class tomorrow. Will you be willing to let her stay over for the time being?"

Mariana takes a minute before responding with a question. "How long will that be?"

"Till tomorrow evening," Kadlin answers. "My brother is going to watch over her after that. He is busy with work today and tomorrow."

"I..." Mariana trails off. "I don't think that's a good idea. I'm sorry but no."

"Please. I'll do anything," Kadlin pleads.

"Okay," Mariana gives in.

"Oh great! Thank you so much, Mariana. It really is a big help."

"No problem."

Mariana and Rei have been watching TV for a few hours now. The sun begins to set. Colors shining through the light curtain. It catches Mariana's attention. She stretches, relieving her muscles of any stiffness built up over the hours.

"Are you hungry?" Mariana questions.

"Yes," Rei adds a nod.

"What would you like from dinner?"

"A home dish," Rei answers.

"A home dish...?" Mariana repeats, trailing off into a question.

"Yeah. Something that you use to have living back home."

"Oh... Okay. Would you like to help?"

"Yes!"

Mariana begins to instruct Rei and what ingredients to get out while she pulls out the pots, pans, and utensils needed. Marian carefully instructs Rei through cooking. Watching over her like a hawk. They make jokes throughout the entire time. Rei is fascinated at the food Mariana decided to make. She never had this before.

Both are now seated at the table. The food's aroma filling the apple cinnamon air. Rei is almost bouncing in her seat from how much she wants to dig in. Mariana sets their juice filled cup down. Looking over what they made. Seasoned, fried pork chops with yellow rice and beans. Roasted broccoli on the side. Each had on a separate plate a baked potato that was sliced in half with butter, a teaspoon of sour cream, and garlic sprinkled on top.