In the afternoon

 

 

     Hadji walked slowly down the main hall. He arrived home sooner then he had planned and that left him some time to be alone with Alleyah.

     Hadji clinched his jaw.  Soon he would know if Alleyah would stay for a while or leave.

Hadji stopped outside her door.

     Would he be able to let her leave?

      'Yes. . .'   but at a great price to his heart.

     Hadji raised his hand and knocked on the door.





"I don't want to give you the wrong impression." Alleyah's voice was low and smooth.

     "I understand," Hadji assured with a smile. He looked down at her as she sat in the small love seat in her bedchamber.

    Alleyah's jet black hair laid across her back and her violet eyes looked into him, captivating him to no end.  He was lost when he was with her.

"I will only stay for a few days." She continued without any feeling in her voice.

     "Please, do what-ever makes you feel comfortable." Hadji urged with a heavy heart.

'If not forever, then please stay here with me just a little longer.' His mind begged.

     "Thank you," Alleyah replied.

     "I have something for you." Hadji produced the small box he had behind his back and held it out to her.  To his delight, she seemed taken back and looked at him questionably.

"What is it?" She asked, her voice was low and her eyes searched his with caution.

     "Open it," Hadji placed the small satin box in her slim fingers and watched her carefully as she opened it.

 

     "It's lovely," she exhaled. She traced the gold ring with a nervous finger and admired the detail in the small ring.

"It's a friendship ring." Hadji knelt down and took the ring out of the box. "It is the.."

     "The Lotus flower." She whispered.

     "Yes," He smiled slightly and gazed into her deep violet eyes. "It is a flower with many stories from China to India and even Egypt."

     Hadji watched her look down at the small ring he held it in between his fingers.  His face was inches from hers and he yearned to touch her soft cheek or trace the full lips with his own.

Alleyah looked at him nervously.  It was the only time Hadji could recall her outwardly showing any true feeling. She seemed perplexed and for a moment, Hadji worried that he had over stepped his bounds

     "I," she seemed to struggle for something to say.

     "Don't want to give the wrong impression?" Hadji smiled lightly. "You wont, it is a gift of my friendship."

"I just don't know how to do this." She whispered as she looked down at the ring.

     Hadji looked at her eyes and felt his soul sigh.  It was such an odd thing to say.

      'I just don't know how to do this?'

     "Just like this," Hadji took the ring and slid it easily on her finger. He went against his better judgment and kissed her hand.  Alleyah smiled and Hadji, much to his relief, could feel her relax.