Reconciliation Is a Dance

Chapter 5: Coming Home

Romeo saw Xara walking with Binta and the leader of Redstonia; he couldn't remember her name. It was nice to see that she seemed to be adjusting to people again, and he felt guilt creep in for that. He had caused her so much pain that she didn't want to be around him anymore. The black eye she'd given him a few days ago hurt even less than what he felt now. He longed to be friends with her again, but he knew there was a lot for her to heal from. If only he hadn't let the power go to his head. They could have still been admins; they still could have been friends. Now there were only hurt feelings and distance.

He was a little jealous that Binta seemed to be connecting with Xara better than he was. However, he knew he would have to keep those feelings at bay or risk doing something stupid and hurt Xara even further. Out of curiosity, he walked closer to the trio of women as they walked around the newly built Oasis. Binta and the Redstonian leader seemed to be giving Xara a tour of the town, and he realized he hadn't seen her since her blow-up. At least she seemed to be happier today, no thanks to him. He was so busy concentrating on the group that he didn't realize he was being watched.

"What are you up to, Romeo?" Asked Lukas.

Romeo jumped, "Oh, fancy meeting you here!"

"We've been working together the last two days."

"Right. Hello, Radar," Romeo waved awkwardly.

"Are you spying on Xara, Binta, and Ellegaard?" Asked Radar.

Romeo was glad Radar knew the other woman's name.

"I guess it does look like that. I was just...watching...from afar."

"Did you want to talk to them or something?" Asked Lukas.

"Mostly Xara. I...I know she doesn't really want to talk to me though. I wish she would."

"I think you've made some pretty good progress so far. It might take a bit more to get her to talk to you again, so just be patient."

Romeo groaned, "I don't want to be patient."

"It's hard, but you gotta do it. It's the only way Xara's ever going to open up to you again."

"What if she never opens up to me anymore? What if she never wants to be friends with me again? How can I make her do that if she doesn't want to?"

"Romeo, you can't. That's the entire reason you ended up in this mess."

Romeo calmed down a little, "You're right. I'm sorry."

"It's okay. I know you're upset, but you can't force her if she's not ready. Although, I think the rest of us would be willing to reach out to her on your behalf if she's still not talking to you."

Romeo sighed, "Why is friendship so difficult? Why can't it just be easy?"

"You can't fix everything with the snap of your fingers."

Radar grinned wide, "Why don't you try doing stuff for Xara? You could try doing something she likes or have lunch together or bring her somewhere she loves. Of course, that would require her to accept your gesture, but it's a start!"

"I guess you're right. I didn't think of doing anything like that. Maybe...maybe I could take her to the memorial I made for Fred."

Lukas smiled, "I think she'd appreciate that."

"Now if I could only get a chance to ask her about it."

"I can do that for you," Lukas volunteered, turning away.