Chapter 6: nighttime reconciliation

She wore a tank top and skimpy shorts while her hair was tied into a bun. I was caught in a trance but snapped the thought when I realized that I had been staring.

Her gaze fell on my shorter figure. I could tell that she was becoming impatient. Her eyes said everything I needed to know. She needed to know why I did it.

I inhaled a breath and started talking. "Hi, um, can we talk?" I managed to ask. Her gaze was intimidating. She was not pleased. I have seen this expression back in senior year, I never thought I'd see it again. 

"What do you need to talk about?" I played with my pants as I searched for an answer. What did I need to talk about? The incident? Or did I want to...

"I just..." I trailed off, giving my words some thought befote speaking up. "I want to apologize for what happened a few days ago. I'm sorry for lashing out. I was very stressed and... I took it out on you. I shouldn't have, it's not an excuse. You don't have to forgive me just yet but I'll do anything to prove how sorry I am."

"Anything?" An eyebrow rose and her arms crossed. I looked away but I caught a glimpse of her- I shook the thought and focused on the matter at hand. "Yes," I confirm. Her lips formed into a small smile as she seemingly thought of something I should do. Is she going to punish me?

"Apology accepted," her statement caused my eyes to grow wide. "What do you mean, you forgive me?" I was confused, she couldn't have been easily forgiving, could she?

"I mean what I said. I forgive you, though, I have a condition," she started. "Every time you feel upset or stressed, I want you to come to me. You can tell me about your worries or you can lay on my bed in silence. I don't mind either." I was at a loss for words. 

She briefly wrapped me in her arms. Her warmth enveloped my body, and I felt relieved, relaxed, and, for some reason, content.

My body was stiff, and all I could do was nod in agreement. I was speechless. I expected a different answer, maybe some dare to embarrass me as a punishment. But she hasn't changed, after all. 

"You better go to bed, you had a long day, after all. Good night sweetie." My face glows a bright red from the name but I managed to regain my composure. "Good night, Ms. Thompson," I replied and returned to my room with a smile on my face.