There was something different about her, I thought. When she came in she seemed so innocent and happy. As I looked at her now, trembling on floor, she seemed so helpless and vulnerable. Except for her eyes. They used to be bright and young, but they seemed to have aged in years. They had the haunted look of person who had seen far to much.
"Are you okay?" was all I could think to say. It was obvious she was not. She was shaking and on the verge of tears. I wondered what she saw. I can't even remember what I saw the first time I tried it. But it couldn't have been as terrible as whatever she's seen.
She didn't say anything, she looked at me. Then she looked down.
"Do you want to know why I asked you to help? About my curse?"
I had to admit I was curious. But I chose my words carefully.
"Only if you think you can tell me."
"Something tells me I'll have too if I want to keep going. I'm going to need more…more of your help, and I guess you need to know..."
So she told me every detail. It did not take very long. Only 10 minutes or so. When she finished, she was crying harder than ever. I wanted to comfort her or hold her. But I couldn't. What if she pulled away?
"I think that's enough for today. I should probably go," she said finally standing up. I had not noticed how much time we had spent, and knew that Saki would be home in about 15 minutes, probably with Arisa and Tohru. But somehow I didn't want her too leave, I would have liked to talk to her more. Learn more about her. But I knew I would never get the chance.
She walked to the door, but turned as she was walking out.
"Megumi?"
"Yeah."
"Thanks. I mean…I guess it kinda seems like I'm using you but…I really am grateful for everything. I really do like you." She smiled.
I wasn't sure what she meant by "she liked me." Best not to ask.
She laughed, "Anyway, I just meant I think I'll keep you."
"Thanks, I feel so much better know."
She shook her head and walked out the door. I heard her footsteps walking down the stairs, the sound of the door opening and closing, and then she was gone.
And I couldn't help wondering how many hands-on lessons we would actually need. Before I thought only one or two, but, just to be sure, maybe three? Or four or five? It was a serious curse after all, and the more practice she got, the better she would be able to protect herself. That's the only reason we where here after all.
And again I knew I was lying. I had been doing a lot of that to myself lately. But I was not sure why…
