The Nature of the Beast

Chapter 32

Nikola was true to his word and at closing the next evening, he returned with Senka in tow. The scowl on her face showed Enid everything she needed to know about Senka. 

She was not happy.

Enid, on the other hand was smiling and gracious, realising all Senka was losing with Enid in the picture. She actually felt a little sorry for her.

"Senka, it's so nice to see you after all these years. I'm relieved Nikola found you, and that he's been able to rely on your friendship all these years."

Senka frowned at Enid and said "You've been here all this time, hiding out, have you? Do you know what we went through trying to find you? What Nik went through?"

"Senka, it's not all her fault, I told you that."

"I did look for your coming, I watched the boats for weeks, waiting," Enid realised how silly it sounded compared to their years searching.

Senka blew out her lips. "Weeks was it...you poor thing."

She put Enid immediately on the defensive.

"Yes I know it wasn't years, but I assumed when Nikola went to find you, you both thought it would be better to stay with Marko. I assumed that you chose to leave me forever," she was looking at Nikola, hoping he understood, even if Senka didn't.

"I know, I understand," he said, coming to stroke her arm and squeeze her hand. She watched as Senka's frown deepened and then felt remorse. Senka didn't deserve to be hurt.

"Perhaps we can start over?" she asked Senka.

"Would you like to come meet M and her beasts?"

Senka shuddered, "the old witch. No thank you."

"Come on," Nikola pleaded, his large wide grin spreading across his face. His infectious smile could make anyone happy.

Senka smiled and said, "Maybe just to see the animals then."

With Nadi in tow, the four of them walked up to the fortress. Rudi would be there already, helping M with the evening chores and dinner. They had become friends. Enid never thought of M as having needs like her own, especially not friendship. She was a solitary creature, but perhaps meeting Rudi had shown her that friendship, while not necessary could be special, important even.

Enid asked basic questions about their bookshop, what books Senka liked to read, what were their customers like? Senka answered and while not friendly, was no longer hostile. As they walked upstairs to Enid and M's rooms, Senka was reluctant to go on.

"Are we not just going to see the animals?" Her voice was strained.

"Yes, but I want to check in with M and see if she needs anything done while we're down there. She's harmless, I promise," thinking it was fear of meeting the notorious witch.

Nikola pushed her on.

"I told you she's a great lady. Don't be frightened," he took her hand to coax her down the hall and Enid scowled at them.

Senka looked at Enid and saw her frowning at their touch. She grabbed harder to Nikola's hand and said, "all right, as long as you're here with me."

Rolling her eyes, Enid continued down the hall.

M and Rudi were sitting talking over a glass of brandy when they arrived. Cigarette in hand, M paused when Senka was introduced. She squinted her eyes at Senka as she took a deep pull of her cigarette, then rose to greet her. Rudi poured them all a glass of brandy and they sat to become acquainted.