New Rome

33. Snakes in the Nest

Wylo was the first to wake up. She bit her lip nervously and stared at Ellie. He was still fast asleep, his chest steadily rising and falling. She'd slept in his arms, his longer legs draped over hers. She watched him sleep and her heart fluttered nervously. What happened now? Slowly, she pulled herself away from him – successfully escaping by falling with a thud on the floor. She held her breath but Ellie didn't stir. She cocked her head to the side, melting a little to see him sleeping so peacefully.

The complex was quiet, the heavy silence filled only the sounds of the air filters. Wylo scampered off to wash – her mind chaotic. She was embarrassed – that was the prominent emotion. She cringed at the memory of her grabbing Ellie's face. She'd pretty much thrown herself at him. Her shoulders slumped as she stood beneath a hot shower. Ellie had been drunk. She'd been drunk too but she'd known what she was doing. Had he? 

She ran her fingers through her hair and ground her teeth with frustration. She liked Ellie, a lot. It was mental, she'd never thought of him that way before – but ever since their wedding, feelings had been creeping up on her. But now she was in a dilemma. They were husband and wife, but they weren't in a real relationship. And she had no idea if he liked her back. He was sweet and kind, but was that all it was – kindness. He took care of her but perhaps he still only saw her as family...

Wylo turned off the running water and buried her face in her hands. Had she taken advantage of him last night? How drunk had he been? Maybe he wouldn't remember anything. This idea filled her with a sudden slither of hope. Perhaps they could pretend that last night never happened. Then she wouldn't have to admit that she'd fallen for him... and she wouldn't have to face his polite rejection.

            Ellie woke up and immediately stretched his stiff muscles. A sleepy smile spread across his face as he remembered the night before. He pulled back on yesterday's clothes and padded barefoot out of the living room in search of Wylo. He found her sat at the kitchen table. She was reading through one of her work reports, her face grim and focused. Her hair was wrapped up in a towel and she was wearing dark, loose fitting clothing which was her usual when not at the lab.

"Morning," he greeted. Wylo didn't look up.

"Greetings," she replied distractedly. Ellie's smile faltered. He stood across the table from her, his hands on the back of a chair.

"How are you feeling?"

"Fine." She still didn't look up from her work.

Ellie turned his back on her, confused. He set about making them breakfast, casting furtive looks at Wylo as he did so. Did she regret what they'd done? 

Wylo stared at her work, keeping up the charade of reading. In reality, she had no idea what she was looking at. She was just determined to keep her cool. Ellie hadn't said anything about last night, so she wouldn't either. Her stomach was in knots. Did he really not think about her in that way? The intercom buzzed, breaking some of the building tension. 

Ellie was closest to the control panel.

"Who enters?" He asked.

"Daphnea, I bring gifts and invitation from my father." Daphnea's amplified bright and bubbly voice filled the kitchen. Ellie ran his hand distractedly through his hair.

"Ah, Daphnea, it's our pleasure to-"

But the intercom with cut off.