For the second time in ten minutes, the silence was painfully loud. Addi was the one to break it.
"So, this feels really, really big. I don't know why, so can someone explain it to me?"
I nodded numbly, and unconsciously began explaining. "I dated Alekazer for the year before the invasion, and we never technically broke it off. Now, the drama half-existed before the invasion. Code B705352-708507C prohibits the royal wizard from formally or informally courting any member of the royal family, penalties ranging from ten thousand dollars each to banishment from all titles, Avalor, and family/friend ties based on the intensity of the relationship. But, as you know, Alek started going out with Bella, and ended up with her. We just broke up a couple days ago, actually, after I kissed Mateo for the first time a few weeks ago, and then Mateo and I broke up. So, if anyone found I would probably be in huge trouble, considering I dated two consecutive royal wizards with varying levels of intensity."
"O-kay. So now, let's go to Vallestrella and yell at Elena later." Naomi cut in. "I can't think of any other circumstance I would say this, but this is more important than Elena's love life." We all nodded mutely and followed the string out of the maze.
We had agreed it was too late to do much, so we were camping out on the ship. "Elena? You awake?" Naomi breathed through the darkness.
"Yeah. Before you say ANYTHING, let me just tell you, yes, when Mateo said I wasn't loyal enough for him, it broke my heart. When he caught Alek and I together, he got upset. I tried apologizing, I tried breaking up with Alek, I tried everything. But he still turned me down. I still love him, and there's a part of me that will never get over Alek. Now, you may speak."
"Okay, that's a lot… but let me just say, you already risked a lot, being with Alekazer and all. Being with Mateo now, might not be the best idea. I think that you and Mateo are adorable together, but, still. I don't think it's worth the risk."
"You're right. I'm trying to get over both of them. Now, about Melantha. What are you going to do about her. I mean, Naomi, you are a great person, but still, you wouldn't exactly be the best mother ever. Are you even going to be able to find the time? And your parents are pretty busy, also, and it's not like your sister sits around all day. How is this going to work?"
"I honestly don't know. I was thinking… okay, you CANNOT repeat this TO ANYONE, but I was thinking about maybe asking Gabe to help me with her," Naomi admitted softly.
I gasped. "Naomi, that's… a big step. I mean, I have no problem planning a wedding..."
"Oh, god, no, that's not what I meant. I meant using him as a manny sort of thing. I mean, it's not like he's not busy, but if Gabe and I split the workload fifty-fifty, it wouldn't be too hard to take care of her, would it?"
"But, you do like him?" I persisted.
"Yeah, he's my best friend!"
"Naomi! You know what I mean. And there is literally no reason for you not too. Mateo and I have good reason to be apart. You and Gabe do not."
"Yes, I do, I really do. But it's obvious to anyone who has a brain that he's more interested in the crown princess. I couldn't be a consolation prize."
"Naomi, I really think he likes yoiu, he just hasn't realized it yet. You should ask him."
"You really think so?" Naomi sounded hopeful and dreamy.
"I know so. Now, go to bed. Parenting is exhausting. My parents could not funstion after they had Isa. She wore them out, and apparently I did too. And they had a whole staff of nannies."
"Wow, Elena, great pep talk."
I grinned. "Good night, Naomi."
"Night, Elena."
Next thing I knew, I was asleep.
