The Siren's Voice Calls

Chapter 12

Catching up with Sarah at lunch, we stood in line to get our food. After being pampered by Peter the day before and that morning, I decided to eat light for lunch. I chose to get myself a salad with grilled chicken strips, a water bottle, and a banana. I knew I'd need the potassium from the banana while my body was still recuperating. We sat at a small table that sat away from the main crowd after getting our tray of food. I could tell Sarah was eager to hear what happened to me, but I didn't feel like I could be completely truthful.

"So?... Spill!" "I just, uh... apparently, fainted a few nights ago and didn't wake up until yesterday afternoon." "What!?" "Yeah," I admitted, shrugging my shoulders. "Wow! I mean... Sheez! Do you need to go see a doctor or something?" "No, I don't think it's that serious. I'll be okay. I'll just pick up an iron supplement or something at the store later on the way home," I said to get her off my back about seeing a doctor. "You sure you're okay?" "Yes, Peter was sweet enough to take care of me. Apparently, he never left my side, and yesterday, he served me food in bed. He even made me breakfast this morning."

"I'm surprised! Normally, he's so shy and reserved around people." "He's been so wonderful! Playing his piano for me to be able to sleep every night, cooking for me, and his food is to die for, by the way. (No pun intended.) He's even read some of his poetry to me." I continued to talk about Peter and what all I've found out about him, short of revealing about his human past or being a vampire. "Girl!" Sarah interrupted. "What?" "O.M.G.! You are totally infatuated with him!" I immediately started blushing. I glanced across the cafeteria and saw Peter smiling at me. He obviously could hear Sarah and me talking.

Peter looking at me like he did made me blush even more. "HELLO!? Earth to Lydia!?" "Hmm? What?" "You never answered my question." "I'm sorry. What did you ask?" "Well, I said you're infatuated with Peter and you never responded yes or no. Don't leave me hanging!" "Okay, fine! Yes, I am, a lot! Are you happy now?" "And how is it that this is the first I am hearing about this?" "Well, I don't really like to talk about my love life. To be honest, I didn't even realize my true feelings until last night," I whispered, hoping Peter wouldn't be able to hear over the loud football team, who just walked by.

"There is something about my past I haven't told you yet, Sarah." "Would this have anything to do with that 'touchy subject' ex?" "Yes, actually. We dated for two years and for the majority of that time, he was.... H-He was abusive." "Oh, Lydia... Sweetie, I'm so sorry." "It's okay. I never have to deal with him again, and Peter has been so wonderful with giving me a reason to trust men again." "Awww.... Look, I know I haven't been the best friend I should be when it comes to the Bartholys." "It's okay. Peter told me it's an old family feud. After I said something about it, he did agree with me that it shouldn't have anything to do with you all today."

"True. It's complicated. Growing up, I was taught to dislike their family. I will make an effort, though, if Peter means that much to you." "Thank you, Sarah. He does." Sarah looked over in Peter's and Drogo's direction and finished with, "But only Peter. You can forget about Drogo!" We both laughed and I witnessed a tiny smirk on the boys' face, so I knew they both heard. Sarah started talking a little about her family after I asked a few questions about them. We also agreed to hang out on Saturday night.

Unexpectedly, the air became uncomfortable for both of us. An unwelcomed individual came up to our table and sat down in the chair next to mine. "Hey, Lydia. I couldn't help overhear that you're going out to a bar Saturday night. How about I show you the best one in town?" Loan offered while sliding his chair closer to mine. My stomach immediately tightened in knots and I felt nauseous. He put his arm around me, which I tried to shrug off without success. Loan would not take a hint no matter what I did to let him know I was not interested.