Aftermath: Chapter 6
When Kartik and I finally leave the realms, the sky is a lighter shade. I quickly sneak him to the woods. Just before I turn away, his hand catches mine and he pulls me close.
"Will I see you tomorrow?" he asks.
"Yes," I answer. He kisses me quickly and releases my hand. I run back to my room, feeling such happiness and peace that I cannot contain it all. When I finally slide under my blankets, I think of Kartik for a long time. I imagine him lying next to me, his arms wrapped around my waist. I drift off eventually. I wake to a tap on my shoulder. I turn my head and Kathleen is standing over me.
"If you don't get up soon, we're going to be late for breakfast," she says. I groan and sigh, but I roll out of bed to start getting ready for the day. Kathleen is watching me.
"What?" I ask rather sharply. She flinches and I regret my words.
"Nothing. It's just you never sleep in this late," she says quietly.
"I'm sorry," I say, softening my tone. "I just had trouble sleeping last night and I guess I'm a bit crabby this morning."
"It's all right. I understand," she says gently. She then waves me to the door and I rush to the baths. I decide to use the magic to help me. In a flash, I am bathed and dressed. Kathleen is rather surprised when I return so quickly.
"My goodness, that was almost like magic!" she exclaims. You have no idea, I think as I start o make my bed. Using the magic has tired me a bit and I yawn.
"Perhaps I need coffee this morning," I say when she gives me a quizzical look. She nods and we leave shortly afterwards. When no one is paying any attention to me, I wrap some of the rolls in my napkin and place them in my satchel. After my class is over, I sneak out into the woods. I hear Kartik's owl call and I find him quickly. He greets me with a kiss and I pull the rolls from my satchel. He gives me a look of gratitude and thanks. I smile at him and then we sit on the ground.
"How many classes do you have, Gemma?" he asks between bites.
"Just two. It's only the summer term," I answer. I scoot closer until he raises one of his arms and I snuggle in next to him
"Have you found somewhere for me?" he asks.
"Yes. The old gardener's shed has been empty for years. It is unlocked."
"It sounds all right," Kartik remarks. He brushes the crumbs from his hands and places his other arm around my waste.
"The rolls were wonderful. Thank you," he says. Then he kisses me. It becomes a long, passionate kiss that I completely vanish into. Someone starts to call my name. I am brought back to reality with a jolt. Kartik breaks the kiss regretfully.
"I'll meet you later at the gardener's shed," I whisper. The voice comes closer and Kartik nods. He places his hands on my arms and gives me a quick kiss on the forehead. I am up like a shot and I step quickly out from behind the tree.
"Here I am!" I call back. Marie steps into view. Kathleen is with her.
"What were you doing out here Gemma?" Marie asks taking my arm. Kathleen takes the other one.
"I was just out here for some artistic inspiration," I say trying to keep a ridiculous grin from my face. Kathleen peers at me suspiciously.
"You look all flushed and giddy," she says. I shrug off her comment and we continue to the school. Later on, I find an old but comfortable mattress for Kartik, a pillow, and some blankets. I also take some of the stable boys' clothes from the wash. When dusk falls, I bring the bedding and clothes to him.
"Thank you," he says. I help him set things up and I turn my back when he changes his clothing. I still feel a bit awkward about last night. I can tell that he also feels the same way. Perhaps it is best if we do not speak about it.
A/n: I hope you all had a great New Year! Please, please, please review! Kirsten