ChapterTwo
Alanna
I look up into the most beautiful dark green eyes I’ve ever seen, surprised to find no pity in them… there’s only understanding.
I take the handkerchief with trembling hands and sniff as I wipe away my tears. “Thank you,” I tell him, my voice hoarse. My heart is aching so badly that I think I might be sick, and I clench the fabric in my hands, as though I’m hoping it’ll give me the strength I need today.
“What’s your name?” he asks.
I look into his eyes, and something about his gaze takes the edge off my pain. He’s kneeling in front of me, no doubt ruining his suit pants, yet his entire focus is on me. “Alanna,” I whisper before looking down again.
I trace over the embroidery on his handkerchief absentmindedly, feeling numb. “Psi?” I ask, referring to the greek letter on the fabric.
He nods. “You’re a clever one, aren’t you? I’m surprised you know what letter that is.”
I look up at him indignantly. It’s clear he thinks I’m a child, and it annoys me. “Why Psi?”
He smiles, but it doesn’t reach his eyes. “It’s my name. Or, well, it’s a nickname. It’s interesting that you pronounced it the same assigh. Most people pronounce thePtoo.”
Psi. What is that short for? Simon, I assume. It’s a bit of an old-fashioned name, so I’m not surprised he’d abbreviate it.
“It’s Ancient Greek,” I murmur. “None of us truly know how it’s pronounced, right? As far as I’m aware, both pronunciations are considered correct.”
Sisits down next to me and smiles, startling me. Until now, I hadn’t even realized just how handsome he is. “Now, where did you learn that, little girl?”
I narrow my eyes at him. “I’mthirteen, I’mnota little girl. I’ll be fourteen next week.”
He chuckles and shakes his head. “Yeah, I remember being your age and feeling the same way. I’d tell you to enjoy being so young, but I always hated it when people said that to me. All I wanted to do was grow up already. But let me tell you a secret: even when you get to my age, you’ll still feel like a child.”
I roll my eyes at him, my previous grief melting away. “Okay, Grandpa. How old are you?”
He crosses his legs and smiles. “I’m eighteen. Much older than you.”
I shake my head and huff. “Five years, or probably more like four and a half years. You act like you’re ancient, but you can’t even buy a drink yet.”
Si bursts out laughing, startling me once again. He’s so handsome that he could fit right into every single one of my favorite boy bands. That thick dark hair that’s in the same style as a few of my favorite Korean actors, and those cheekbones should be in magazines… he’s the kind of guy I’d never dare speak to at school.
“You’re cleverandsassy, huh?”
I smirk at him, and he stares at me for a moment.
“I’m glad you’re smiling now, Alanna. Considering where we are, I can only imagine how much pain you must be in. I’m sure you found yourself sitting here because it was all too much and you didn’t want anyone to see you fall apart. It’s how I feel too… but don’t forget that sometimes, letting others be there for us is a way of offering consolation too. Whoever you ran away from might need you more than you think. Sometimes, having someone who shares your grief makes it more bearable.”
I look into his eyes, recognizing the pain in them. “Do you have someone who you can share your grief with?”
He shakes his head and looks away. “Not anymore.”
I reach for him without thinking and grab his hand, my grip tight. “You’ve got me now, Si.”
He chuckles and tightens his grip on my hand. “Has no one ever warned you about strange men?”
I pout and look away. “You’re hardly a man.”
Si coughs, and I look back at him to find him looking at me with an outraged expression.
“Little girl,” he says. “If you weren’t so young, I’d feel inclined to defend my honor.”
I burst out laughing, my hand still in his. “Defend your honor… honestly, it’s like you stepped out of one of my tv shows.”