Across the Sea—Chapter XIV

Alright, in this one we expand my AU and fins out what Nia had to say 😆

CHAPTER NINETEEN: RECONCILIATION

Nia went up the steps with trembling legs as she walked to Artham’s room. Her guilt was heavy.

“Oh Maker, I know You forgive me, but how can I get Artham too?”

She knocked at his door rather quickly.

“Come in,” Artham said, unsure of how this interaction would go. He prayed silently that it would go well.

“Hello, Artham.”

“Hi, Nia.”

“Can we talk?”

“Sure. Please, sit down.”

Nia sat down on the ottoman in front of Artham.

“I want to tell you why I’e been acting so strangely towards you.”

“Oh?”

“You see, I have a brother. And he looks a little like you, except you’re…uh…nicer looking.”

Artham’s brows went up slightly.

“Well, Mama and Papa were so nice to you, and you were always just so nice, and you reminded me of my brother, and…and it hurt me to see you. I wanted you to leave. And besides. Hollish people are a bit suspicious of new-comers.”

“Oh,” Artham said, feeling a bit relieved. After a moment he said, “What happened to your brother?”

“He was a bad guy, and…he ran away from home.”

Nia was near tears.

Artham put a hand on her knee.

“I’m so sorry I lied about everything,” Nia said with a tear filled sigh. “I would like to be friends with you, really I would. If you’ll forgive me.”

She looked down. Artham looked at her, and a sort of smile crossed his lips.

“I….I forgive you. And of course we can be friends. Do you mind if I tell you a little bit about my story?”

Nia smiled. “Alright. I’d like that.”

Artham told the same story he had told Wendolyn, and Nia was scared Artham might cause some…terrible thing to happen to her.

“Why would I do that?”

“Because I was terrible to you!”

“Nia, I forgive you. I’d rather have friends than enemies .”

Artham smiled at her with a kindness Nia had never seen in his eyes, and it made her heart flutter. Her cheeks flushed a little.

“Well, uh, I better head downstairs.”

Nia got up immediately.

“Alright. That’s…that’s fine. Oh, and I’m….I’m sorry about your brother. And thank you, for trusting me.”

Nia blushed now fully, but she nodded her head and smiled at him. “Thank you for forgiving and trusting me.”

She slipped out of the room, and plastered her back against the wall. “Oh great, I have a crush on him now too.”

She quickly went downstairs.

“Nia,” Podo said, looking at his daughter, “you and Artham straight?”

“Yes sir.”

“You feel better now, dearie?” Wendolyn asked.

She nodded. Much better.

What?!? A brother!?! 😱

Also, yay! Artham and Nia are now friends…but Nia might have a tad of a crush on him 😍. Don’t worry, she’ll get it over pretty quickly. 😇

I hope you like it!