𝐋𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐃𝐚𝐲𝐬 | 𝐖.𝐕.

Chapter Nine: Being There

We sat next to one another, with a fake facade. Seeming cold and distant toward each other. No one had seen us leave Mina's bedroom this morning, which was good. If anyone had figured out about us, I'm not quite sure what would happen. There would obviously be outrage among the group. As the nonexistent chatter roamed the room, an uneasy feeling came about. It was so quiet I could practically hear my own heart within my chest. Every once in a while I would glance toward Mina. However, every time, she never moved her gaze from the middle of the table. After sometime, this disconnect between us became very uncomfortable to sit with. I wish it was just me and Mina alone so we could behave more naturally.
"So, Ms Venable, what exactly are our plans for the future ahead ." Coco blurted out, filling the silence that roamed the room. Ms Venable shifted her eyes upward to meet with Coco's. Ms Venable's eyebrow arched with curiosity after connecting with Coco's gaze.
"What do you precisely mean Ms Vanderbilt?" Mina responded with, not breaking her narrow gaze from Coco.
" Is there going to anyone coming for us or will we all just die down here like caged rats for Christ sake." Coco blurted out obviously irritated. However, Mina was still calm and collected, obviously not fazed by Coco's outburst. I kept glancing over at Mina, awaiting for any sign of emotion at all. Yet, there was none. After a moment of silence and tense energy between Coco and Mina, Mina sighed and clasped her palms together, "Ms Vanderbilt, that information is obviously classified and none of your business, if you keep being intrusive, expect me to no longer be as merciful as I currently have been. Now is that understood, for all of you?" Mina stated all in one long and fast breath. Everyone at the table slightly nodded at her statement, even I.

After dinner Mina and I had not spoken to one another, mainly to try and not bring attention toward us. Yet, also due to the fact that I was still on edge with how dinner had ended. I decided maybe it would be nice to just give her some space for a while, even if I wanted to see her. I decided to browse through the library, possibly trying to find a new read. That was, until I heard the sound of a familiar cane coming in my direction. I turned around and saw Mina enter the library with her usual blank expression. She stopped at the huge entrance of this room that was filled wall to wall with books. Her narrow eyes then shifted over toward me and she slightly smirked. I smiled back at her unsure of how to start the conversation after what she said at dinner.
"What is it my Dear? You haven't spoke a word. What's the matter?" She asked, obviously aware something was up. I stroll over toward her, placing my hand upon hers in which rested on her cane. I look down and quietly sigh.
"Mina are you alright, I mean with how dinner ended I'm just unsure?" I ask quickly fixing my gaze on to her again. She arched an eyebrow looking clearly confused. After a few seconds she finally smiled and chuckled, closing her eyes.
"Dear, of course I am. However, there are some circumstances in which I have to behave or act the way I do. I'm not mad, perhaps a little annoyed at some, but I am okay." She stated opening her eyes once again to meet with mine. I slightly smile, just relieved to know that she's actually okay. She raises her other hand brings it to my cheek, stroking it with her thumb. I nuzzle my face into her warm and delicate palm.
"Well, I'm glad to hear." I say placing my palm on top of hers in which rest upon my face. I lift my gaze upward, connecting with Mina's. She smiles and slithers her hand from my face to the back of my neck. She slowly pulls me close to her, holding me close to her chest. I wrap around my free around her waist as she continues to hold me close. Our hands still connected on top of her cane. Im able to hear her heartbeat, it's very faint, but very fast. She rests her chin upon the top my head in which is buried in her collarbone. We stay there, within one another arms, with only the crackle of the fire to be heard.

- Sorry for the long and overdue update. I am unsure if I will continue this story, for the fact I have somewhat lost interest. Yet, I thought I should at least finish the last chapter I was working on if anything. Thank you all for all your kindness and patience. See you all again, whenever it may be. -