Cleo and False sat once again on Cleo's bed as False recounted all the details of what had happened with Xisuma. Stress was filming a video, but False had insisted that she needed to gush and they would fill her in later. Cleo listened patiently while False told the story, grinning like an absolute fool the whole time.
"That's great," Cleo said, "I'm really happy for you!"
"I know, I'm happy too. Now we can focus on your problems."
"I don't have problems!"
"You've been in love with a girl for a year and not dropped even the smallest of hints, I'd say that qualifies as a problem."
"Stop doing that." Cleo whined.
"Doing what?"
"Being right."
"Well you have to say something eventually. It's that or suffer."
"Oh, great."
"What about this. Would you feel better if I tried to talk to her about it? Just to test the waters? I wouldn't say anything specific about you liking her if you didn't want me to."
"Would you do that?"
"Only if you wanted me to and you were okay with it."
"Could you please do that? It only helps the overwhelming anxiety a little bit, but there's no way I'd be able to just go up to her and say something."
"Of course! Anything specific you want me to say or not to say?"
"Well don't tell her straight out, obviously. Maybe ask her who she likes? Or just what she thinks of me? And just try to gauge her reaction. And maybe don't tell me until after you do it."
"Okay, I'll try to talk to her soon."
Cleo was instantly filled with a rush of dread and relief, because, whether she liked it or not, something was going to happen. What that was, she had no idea, and it terrified her and excited her in equal measure.
"What do you think she'll say?" False asked. "What is it you're so afraid of hearing?"
"I'm afraid she won't feel the same way, and it'll be awkward. I'm afraid she will, and then what do we do?"
"Whatever you like." False said simply.
It hit Cleo that they could do whatever they liked, and it made her smile. They could do whatever they wanted. All they had to do was get there.
YOU ARE READING
The Hermit's Retreat
RomanceDISCLAIMER: I respect that the hermits are real life people, this is not me trying to push what I think 'should happen.' 'Tis just for entertainment, don't take it too seriously. Also, not all of the hermits will be present in the story, because tha...
