Broken

.25.

"Well, Rhex is going to be in hypersleep for two more days, then he is going to need to be processed for training so I do not see why you could not talk to him in three days." Nadila took a graceful drink from her cup and I gave her a grateful smile. I wasn't the healthiest looking, the separation between Rhex and I was taking its toll. "I will worry about the details, Liviya. You should probably focus on sleeping." She gave me curious look and I gave a tired chuckle.

"I can't sleep. The separation is hard." I looked into her lilac eyes and she gave me a bright smile, waving me off slightly.

"No worries, Liviya. I am sure you will be fine. Ghilesh told me you visited him and I am sorry I could not come to see you sooner. Khos has been all over me constantly about protocols. I think he is just doing it so I cannot spend time with you." She took another drink and I sipped at my water. "Kher is not stepping out of line, is he?" I shook my head. He had been glaring at me constantly but he hadn't tried anything so far. Ani was very careful about staying by my side while I was at the Centre.

"And the schooling? How is that coming along?" Her gaze let me know the change of subject was deliberate. As if it was her way of getting me to focus on something that wasn't almost terrifying.

"It's alright. Mr. Dahgme is difficult but with Ani's help I'm actually learning about things. I feel kind of bad, she has to translate all of her notes into English for me." I set my glass down on the café table in front of me. Nadila had taken me to the same café she had taken me before.

"She is an intelligent girl. I bet she finds it oddly fun." There was a slight smirk on her face and I smiled at her. Ani had said it was good practice and that before long I would grasp the language well enough to read it.

"She has mentioned that." I took a bite of my sandwich and Nadila seemed to watch me carefully. The sandwich was good but my stomach always tried to rebel against food, no matter what it was.

"Are you sure you are alright, Liviya?" Her tone was soft and I took another drink of my water.

"I can't sleep, I'm tired all the time, I keep getting random chest pains, and I have no appetite but I am okay." I gave her a small smile as I set the glass back down on the table. "I know it will all be okay when Rhex gets back. It's only temporary." I watched as she gave a small nod.

"I wish I could get the phone call sooner for you, Liv. I really wish I could." She reached across the table and grasped my hand and I gave it a slight squeeze. It was nice that she cared. It was nice that Ani cared, having people care about me in a sea of others who didn't was nice to experience.

"It's alright, Nadila. You have done so much for me already." I let her hand go and picked up the sandwich once more, forcing myself to eat it.

"Liv!" Ani's voice made me turn around and she waved her arms wildly. It made me smile as she came over.

"This must be Ani'tah." Nadila smiled brightly and stood up before holding out her hand. "It is a pleasure to meet you." I watched as Ani shook it quickly before grabbing my shoulder.

"Do you mind if I steal her? I have today's lessons translated." She smiled and I watched as Nadila nodded.

"By all means, learning is important." Nadila stood up and I did as well and she surprised me by pulling me into a tight hug. "You will be okay." She let me go with a smile and I gave her a small wave as Ani grabbed my hand and pulled me away from the café.

~~~~~~

"So, in the star year 85,437, the Kengans declared war on the Orrians?" I looked at Ani in confusion and she frowned slightly.