Red Tiles

chapter 21

A ring?

She saw my expression and frowned.

"Do you not like it? I can return it and find something different, if you want," she offered, seeming a bit hurt. I quickly shook my head, feeling bad for not appreciating her kind gesture right away.

"No, no. I'm sorry. It's beautiful, Lynx. Thank you. But what is it for?" I asked curiously, looking up at her. She took the box from me and set it down, taking the ring out. She took my left hand and slowly slid it on my ring finger.

"It's a promise ring." I looked down at it. Jinx has been so nice to me the last few days and I've been so bad. I've ignored her, called her names, argued, and even tried to escape once. I know she kidnapped me and has been holding me against my will but maybe, just maybe, it's not so bad here.

I moved closer quickly, pulling myself into her lap, and wrapped my arms around her torso. She was very surprised by this but hugged me back. It was an oddly comforting feeling, having her arms around me. I felt like a small child being shielded by her mother. It felt nice.

Jinx kissed my head and rested her chin atop it.

"I want you to wear that for me, promise me that you'll never love anybody else. Can you do that for me?" Without thinking, I nodded into her chest and closed my eyes. We stayed like that for a long time.

The silence was soon broken by a loud crash and the sound of wood breaking. We both snapped our heads in the direction of the front door, and immediately, my heart stopped.

"Tommy?"