Fated Connection (Book 1)

Chapter 4

Things between Nova and I were a bit strained the next morning. I had known him for years and, like any friendship, we've had arguments before but I never liked to let the tension last for long. He was my best friend and not talking to him, at least not more than polite conversation, it felt wrong. I felt bad for snapping at him when he had only been concerned for my welfare.

"Want to grab some lunch before you go to work?" I asked him hesitantly.

Nova was currently in his room digging through his closet. Although I wasn't sure what he could have already lost when we had just moved in, I didn't ask. With him there was no telling and I often found I most likely didn't want to know. Without looking at me, he spoke.

"Yeah, I guess I can swing that." His words were slightly muffled from inside the closet.

"Where do you want to go?" I asked, trying to sound cheerful.

I was still anxious, my body remaining on alert as if I would have to fight at any moment. I had tried to relax, taking a hot shower and even attempting to meditate, but I sucked at it and quickly gave up. Nothing seemed to help.

"It doesn't matter," came his muffled response. "Wherever you want. Give me a few more minutes and we can go."

Nova still hadn't looked at me but I ignored the slight stab of pain and headed back to my room. He had every right to brush me off. I went back to my room and pulled a uniform shirt over my tank top, grabbed my purse and headed to the living room to wait for him. I couldn't help but wonder why I seemed to be the only one of us on edge. If he had any concerns for impending danger, he was good at hiding it. Other than his irritation at me, Nova seemed perfectly normal. Am I imagining things?

●●●●

Thirty minutes later, Nova and I took our seats at a booth at small Italian restaurant. We had been here many times before and we often ended up here after the stress of midterms or finals each semester. After placing our orders and the waiter had wondered off, I decided to just jump right in.

"Nova, I'm sorry about last night," I told him sincerely. "It had been a long day and after that asshole had come in being his douchebag self, my nerves were shot. Add in the walk home, my brain was in defensive mode. I know it may not be a good excuse but that's all I've got."

Nova looked at me for a long moment before he nodded.

"It's okay. You didn't even really do anything wrong," he said, taking me by surprise. "I'm not mad at you for that because I know you didn't intend to be a bitch."

I studied his face and realized how tense he seemed to be. His jaw was clenched and he would periodically glance around the restaurant. I saw the stiffness in his shoulders and my eyes widened slightly.

Nova was on alert.

"What's wrong?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

His behavior sent my energy into a frenzy, coiling and relaxing repeatedly as if it were flexing a muscle in preparation for attack. Nova's eyes met mine and I noticed his were a bit more on the violet side than blue which confirmed my suspicions.

"Something is wrong," he said, his voice matching mine. "I've felt it for days but I can't figure it out. That's why I freaked out the way I did last night."

"I know what you mean. I've been having the same problem."

He held my gaze for several long moments, unspoken words swirling in his eyes. I didn't dare say more in case someone unfriendly were to overhear. We didn't know what was happening which also meant we couldn't really trust anyone. The conversation would have to wait until we were both at home.