The Nature of the Beast

Chapter 31

Enid had time to deal with Stevan, but like all things, time moves whether you you're waiting for it or not. Her life settled into a new and predictable pattern. She had Nikola, M and the animals, the library and her friends Nadi and Rudi. For the first time her life felt full. Nikola came every morning to help her and M with the animals and Rudi started coming in the evenings.

With Rudi helping M, Enid had more time for Nikola. Some nights they spent walking along the wall, talking as they enjoyed the view of the river. Other nights they sat and had dinner with Nadi, M and Rudi. Nadi and Nikola would spend an hour or two playing chess while Enid read. M and Rudi preferred cards or dominoes and would sit at the table together, in a world of their own.

"Why don't you play chess with Nikola?" Nadi offered, having just beaten him.

M snorted from the table. "Enid was never one for chess. Too impulsive."

Enid laughed. "Yes, M tried to teach me a few times when I was a little older than you. I grew frustrated with it."

"She has a good mind, but chess is a slow game. Enid likes a game that's quick and dirty, like Faro."

Enid and Nikola both burst out laughing.

"I'll leave chess to the lot of you. I'll take a good book any day," she put her book down and got up to stretch.

"Come Nadi, let's get you home."

She stood and grabbed her cloak.

"I'll take her," Nikola offered. "I need to get home as well," he bent close to Enid and whispered, "it's Senkas birthday. I'm sorry; I meant to mention it earlier. I promised I would join her for dinner."

Enid stiffened. It was over a month since they were reunited and he still hadn't told Senka.

"Don't you think it's time she knew? Where does she think you spend all your time?"

Nikola shrugged, hands in his pockets. "I told her I've been helping Milica with the animals. She knew I came here that morning with Borac. I just said M was getting old and in return for care of Borac, asked that I help from time to time."

Enid started at him, her mouth open.

"It's time she knew. It will be worse if she finds out you've been lying to her all this time," she clenched her teeth in frustration.

He put his head down, then raised it and pulled his shoulders back. "Don't push me on this, I don't want to hurt her."

Enid sighed. She wasn't going to pester Nikola, but she wasn't going to sit by while he strung Senka and herself along.

"Make a decision," she crossed her arms in front of her.

He bent to kiss her and she turned her head away.

"Alright, I will. I promise. Give me a few days. I just can't tell her on her birthday."

Enid said good-bye to Nadi, kissing her cheek then ignoring Nikola, she stormed off to her room.

She had allowed this charade to go on long enough. She was patient, understanding even but enough time had passed. He could have found a moment to tell her by now. She knew though, deep down why he hesitated. She knew there was more to their relationship than friendship.

As she flung herself on her bed, her stomach tightened in fear. It was Senka's birthday. Perhaps they were eating by candlelight, drinking wine. Nikola would be attentive, charming. How many evenings had they spent that way, over the years? Enid sat up, hating herself for feeling jealous.