Typhon's Revenge

Chapter Fifteen

WIND

Andrew and I stayed behind as the couple walked away. I stood awkwardly next to him, unsure of what to say. I knew we probably shouldn't be seen together, but I wasn't very good at being alone with my thoughts. Not after the darkness that had possessed me. 

Andrew seemed to be thinking the same things since he had his hands in his pockets awkwardly as he looked around the room. I cleared my throat slightly and turned to him. "Andrew, are you okay? I can see that something's bothering you," I said slowly as I crossed my arms in front of my chest.

Andrew jumped slightly at the sound of my voice but he nodded his head and smiled. "I'm okay. Why do you think something's wrong?" He asked a bit defensively.

Shrugging, I responded, "the look on your face. You were fine before breakfast and then you went to talk to Aileen and when you came back you had this haunted look on your face. Do you want to talk about it? Did you talk to her or did you guys fight?" 

Andrew only shook his head as he stayed silent for a couple of moments. "No, we didn't fight. But we did say what we wanted to say last night."

I nodded my head and pursed my lips together as I thought about what to say next. "I don't know if it's a good idea that I'm here. Maybe we could ask Hades if there's a way to get to Olympus without having to expose us to dangers. I'm sure my parents would receive me with open arms and they would be able to teach me things more directly."

Andrew raised an eyebrow before shaking his head. "I don't think that's a good idea, Kalani. We should stay together. That way we can learn how to work together as a team and besides, the gods already have enough things on their plates. They're planning defense strategies and attack plans just in case. I doubt Zeus and Hera would be able to make enough time to train you, they'd probably get you someone else to teach you."

I frowned and nodded my head. He was right. 

"Why did you change your mind about talking to Aileen?" Andrew asked, breaking the silence.

I stiffened slightly as I recalled what had happened the night before when Alex and Mason had talked to me. I wasn't sure if I should say anything, but something Andrew said rang in my mind. Learn how to work together as a team.

We would never be a true team if we kept secrets from one another or if we didn't put our differences aside. We needed to learn to trust each other. 

Taking a deep breath, I made up my mind. "Alex and Mason came to talk to me last night. It was just after they came back from their... date, I guess. They said they wanted to talk to me and I was trying to be civil so I agreed. They said that I should lay low for a while. That I shouldn't try to pick fights with Aileen after everything we have all been through. I told them I wanted to talk to her, to make her see that I wasn't the enemy and that I wasn't trying to steal you from her but they quickly turned down that idea." I shrugged as I sat down on one of the chairs by the dining table and Andrew leaned against the wall in front of me. 

"They said she needed time to heal and I get it. I was once that girl with all those mixed emotions thinking that I didn't do enough or that I should have tried to do things differently. I know they weren't trying to be rude or mean and that they mean well. It's obvious how much they care for Aileen and I'm the stranger. But still, they suggested I try to keep to my own business and that they'll support me and gently nudge Aileen to open up to me. I don't think that's the greatest idea but I was tired and it's exhausting feeling like the misfit, so I agreed," I finished with a sigh and Andrew nodded his head slowly while pondering on what to say next.

He took a deep breath and sighed. "Alright, I get it. But I think it's stupid that this is becoming a huge deal. Whatever is going on between Aileen and me does not concern anyone else but Aileen and me. I'm getting sick of it intervening in everything else," he said in frustration. "Go talk to Aileen if you want, I'm fine with it and maybe it could help clear the tension. Just don't listen to Alex and Mason, they're speaking out of what they feel, not of what they believe would help."

I nodded my head and frowned. "Alright then, I guess I should do that soon before everything worsens. I'm glad I told you this, but please don't mention it to Alex and Mason. At least not in a demanding way, just discreetly."

Andrew chuckled and nodded his head. "Fine. Now, do you have any plans for today? Alex and Mason are gone and Aileen is nowhere to be seen, I don't think she's coming anytime soon."

Stiffening, I shook my head and waved him off. "I'm going to the library. I want to learn a bit more about everything before we start our lessons tomorrow, especially since I just found out that Mason already has some training. Besides, I think I need some space for a while. Don't take it the wrong way," I said quickly, saying the first excuse that came into my mind, and Andrew chuckled. 

"No worries, I get it. I'll be in the common room if you need anything. I'm going to see if the TV is just a decoration or if it actually works," he said as he straightened turned to the door. 

"Who would have guessed? I imagined you always kept your nose in a book, learning about new things," I confessed sheepishly and Andrew laughed. 

"One would think so, yeah. And under different circumstances, I probably would, given my mother's influence, but I'm also my father's son and I like to relax, too," he said as I got to my feet. 

Andrew opened the door for us and we walked through the hallway until we reached the library and I thanked Andrew for walking me all this way. 

"Not a problem. I'll see you later," he said with a smile before he walked towards the steps. I let out a heavy breath and walked inside. 

Gods, I hate reading. I murmured to myself as the doors closed behind me.