#rivervale_lodge

"At least, that's what it's looked like from where I stand."

She exhales, miserable. "That was before I told him he was like a brother."

A quiet pause. "You think that wasn't what he wanted from you?"

"I know it isn't."

Curious, giving her room to explain.

"It... there had been a cupid, it had been a really messed up week, but..."

"He was himself when we talked, and.. I.. I dunno..."

Kerri's expression is neutral...perhaps carefully neutral.

"He was my best friend."

"I didn't want to lose that."

"Did he say he cared for you any less? After you said the brother thing?"

"No, of course not. That's... he was really great, and everything, but I... I hurt him. And I haven't apologized, and I don't know how to apologize."

"And hurting him is the last thing I ever wanted to do. But I can't blame him for pulling away, either."

She leans back and looks up at the rafters for a moment, thinking. "I don't think apologizing to him for that now would be a good idea, if he is under an enchantment. Solve that first. That is what he needs."

"I wouldn't want Nadeen to apologize."

"I just... I don't want him to mistake... like.. I don't want him to think it's because of him."

Brow furrow. "Say that again differently. I'm not sure what you meant."

"It.. that he wasn't enough."

"That there was something... missing, or... deficient?"

"You mean, that your interest level isn't because he's wrong in some way?"

"I love him." The words tumble out of their own accord. "He's my most important person."

Kerri closes her eyes a moment. "Tell him that. Tell him that way."

"But I don't... it's not... I don't... it's not like Nadeen, or Adam. It's not..."

She nods. "I understand. But maybe it's something that can still work, somehow. But shying away from it because it isn't what you think it's supposed to be...that's not the right move."

"I... " She frowns.

"I'm going to help with this. If it is magic."

She nods. "That comes first."

"Dark Gate will know for sure."

"Zane doesn't think I should just rip the damn thing off and smash it."

"Well, I can absolutely understand the temptation to do just that. I'm tempted to do it, myself. And...if something interferes with you two getting to DarkGate for Zane's help, then I think that's Plan B."

Grunt.

(I don't trust that &*^&^%&)

A nod. "Anything I can do to help make sure he's okay, I will do it."

"Thanks."

"Of course." She stands again. "I need to prep dinner. I know you're doing Storm duties, but would you be willing to chop some carrots?"

Almost a smile. "I'd like that, yeah."

"Come on, then."

She leads the way into the kitchen, where the two get to work.

((End Scene))