Talia walked slowly to the table. Axel got up and pulled out a chair for her, which he pushed in after she sat down.
“You’re here,” said Melissa.
“Yes.”
“What were you doing?” Melissa asked.
Talia wondered why Melissa was asking and why she cared what Talia did. “I was sleeping.”
“I thought you would be dancing. Or be gone by now,” Melissa replied.
“Gone where?”
“Stop it, Melissa,” Axel cut in. “She was tired.”
“How do you know? I’m just curious,” Melissa replied cheerfully.
“Let’s eat, okay?” Axel responded.
Talia waited for her meal. She was here, but she wasn’t really here. All of this felt like a dream that she wasn’t waking up from.
She shook her head, trying to snap out of it.
“Are you okay?” Axel asked.
She didn’t answer.
“Talia?”
“Yes?”
“Are you okay?” he repeated.
Talia looked at him. He seemed genuinely worried about her and where her mind might have wandered.
“I’m fine. Was there something you wanted to ask me?”
Axel placed his hand on hers and smiled at her. “We’ll talk later tonight.”
Talia nodded in response.
“Where is the food?” Melissa cut in.
Steak and potatoes were brought in. They looked delicious, but she didn’t feel hungry. She sighed. She had so many things that she had to do regarding her life.
She didn’t know what emotions were surging through her. She felt overwhelmed and wanted to scream. What was she going to do?
Talia put some food into her mouth. After a couple of bites, she felt full. She came back to reality to hear Melissa chirping and laughing loudly.
She got up when she couldn’t fake it anymore. Both Axel and Melissa looked at her.
“Excuse me. I’m going in now.”
“Okay, see you,” Melissa replied eagerly.
“Let me walk you upstairs,” Axel suggested.
“No, I’m fine. You can finish eating.”
“Talia…”
Talia cut Axel off before he could carry on. “I said I’m fine. I just need to do something alone.”
Axel stood there, his eyes searching her face. Talia turned away and headed to her room, but she could still feel him watching her.
She walked upstairs, hoping that she wouldn’t fall and make a fool of herself.
She couldn’t help but remember the happiness in Melissa’s eyes when she was leaving. Talia was sure that Melissa was glad to have Axel all to herself.
