Her whole body was tinkling with electricity, blood rushing through her veins, so quickly she could hear it roar in her ears. Eyes firmly locked on her companion, she continued slowly forwards, waiting for his answer; muscles tense with nervous energy. Her ears were perked, her smile bright, and her lashes slightly lowered over brightly shining eyes, she felt strangely warm in the autumn chill, and her body seemed both stiff and awkward, and at the same time somehow liquid and light; What’s wrong with me?! The lady was starting to wonder if she might be sick, but her attention, which was already mostly on Coal, was completely turned to the large boy when he suddenly turned his head; attitude suddenly changing dramatically.
Confusion filled the red girls body, and both her ears and shoulders fell heavily, eyes returning to her feet, brushing increasingly briskly through the wet grass. Continuously stealing glances at the sand-pelted male, she desperately tried to get a hold of her thoughts, head spinning like a tumbleweed on a windy day; Why did I say that? I shouldn’t have said that! Idiot, IDIOT! She gritted her teeth angrily, cheeks burning with embarrassment, and continued her march forwards, without realizing that Coal was falling behind.
Only when she raised her eyes to once more look over at the man, did she notice that he hadn’t kept up with her heightening of pace. Coming to a holt, peeking over her shoulder after him, she considered simply continuing - If her company made him so uncomfortable, she could just leave! But wouldn’t that be running away? She wouldn’t run! With a defiant snort, she stood her ground, waiting for the tan wolf to catch up again; If he wants me gone, he’ll have to SAY SO!
So when Coal was back by her side, the two of them once more trotting slowly through the land, and he finally turned to her, she met his eyes with a neutral expression; brows politely lifted, ears attentively turned, and mouth curved in a faint smile, not showing teeth - as those were clenched tightly, to keep her lips from quivering. Aideen noted the brown-mottled boys clear discomfort, a sting running through her chest, anger growing at the sight of his fake smile; Why don’t you just tell me the truth?! She nodded firmly as means of reply, but he had already turned his head away, and she did the same.
For a long time they walked in silence, both bodies stiff, the small lass keeping her eyes on the horizon. Her emotions were in turmoil, anger and sadness mixing with an odd numbness that she couldn’t define; This is ridiculous! We just met, why should I care if he doesn’t like me?! But she did care. And in the end, she couldn’t stand the silence any more. Stopping abruptly in her tracks, she turned to the male and spoke, beckoning for him to do the same; <b style="color:#c7470f"> “Coal, look at me! ...Please...” She felt her throat tighten, eyes stinging at the thought of what was surely to come, but she had to do this! Better to get it over with sooner than later! Taking a deep breath, she searched to meet his eyes, failing to keep her own copper gaze cold as she wanted, but sensing her feelings shining through, as her defenses started to crumble; <b style="color:#c7470f"> “If...” Her voice broke, and she had t start again, <b style="color:#c7470f"> “If you’d rather travel on your own... Just tell me! I...” Damn it! Another deep breath, this one even shakier, but this time followed by a touch of steel, sliding over her eyes and into her voice; <b style="color:#c7470f">"I just wanted some pleasant company for a change, but if you can't give me that then... Let's just part ways here!"
It was said! Now it was up to him... The lady steeled herself, preparing for the inevitable blow that would be his rejection. She desperately wanted him to stay, all though she had no idea why that should be so important to her, but she was also too proud to keep this fake courtesy going any longer. It was in his paws now...
Word count: 695
I'm not stupid <b style="color:#c7470f">”I've got bark!”
|