The Dance of the Keepers

Chapter 38 Keeping a Promise

While it may be true that the first step in solving your problem is recognizing you have one, that doesn't mean it instantly makes everything better. When I awoke the next morning with blurry vision, puffy eyes and a splitting headache, I was still the same screwed up person I had been the day before. The difference was, now I was aware of it. I can't say that was a good feeling, but I reminded myself it was an opportunity to do make myself better if only I took it.

I stumbled out of the tiny bedroom and found Kyle already awake, brewing a pot of coffee in the kitchen.

"Morning."
Was all he said, not commenting on my bedraggled state.

I sank down at the table, rubbing my face with one hand. He placed a mug of steaming coffee in front of me a moment later. I didn't even care that there wasn't any cream and sugar, I drank it black, grateful for the rush of caffeine.

I then made a pit stop in the bathroom, groaning when I saw myself in the mirror. Running a hairbrush through my tangled mane and splashing some cold water on my face only helped minimally. Finally, with an exasperated sigh, I gave up and stepped back into the front room. Kyle was standing motionless by the window, staring outside. I studied his features for a moment, it was so rare to see him without his Keeper mask. It was shame he had to hide behind the cruel iron; it would be even more of a shame when I would do the same every day.

"I have someone I need to go talk to."
I spoke quietly.

Kyle angled his body towards me and nodded approvingly.

"Thanks, for everything."
I told him.

A ghost of a smile passed over his lips.

"You're fairly forgiving for me having ripped into you last night."

I shrugged.

"You were right, I needed to hear it."
I replied as I headed for the door.

I exited the compound quietly, hoping none of the other Keepers had seen me come or go. I took my time on the walk back to the apartment complex, dreading what was to come. Not only did I have to face Vienna knowing what Legato had down to her, but I also had to face her knowing what I had done to her. I should have been by her side the last night, not having a mental breakdown in Kyle's living room.

I rapped solidly on the door and Kairos opened it, looking like she hadn't got much sleep.

"It's about time you showed up."
She grumbled, stepping aside for me to enter.

"How is she?"
I asked softly.

"She'll be glad to see you."
Kairos replied.

"Kairos,"
I started.

"She was just raped by the boy she thought was going to be her Prince Charming, how do you think she's doing genius?"
The other girl snapped.

I pressed my lips into a line and moved towards the stairs, steeling myself for whatever I might find in the upper level. Vienna was wearing a lavender pair of pajamas, tucked neatly into her silk sheets. She looked like one of the dolls Esha had stared at in a shop window one time, beautiful, breakable. The gash on her forehead had been bandaged up and I could only hope she wouldn't be left with a scar.

"Hey."
I said softly, sinking down on the bed beside her.

"Hey."
She replied back, without her normal smile.

"I'm sorry I wasn't here for you when you needed me."
I whispered.

"You're here now."
She replied back firmly.

"How are you?"
It was a dumb question, gauging from Kairos's response, but I felt obligated to ask it anyhow.

"Okay."
She answered with a shrug.