Chapter 12- And Nothing Changes
Cassie became aware of her surrounding slowly as Mrs. Bale handed her the end of the clean bandage she had just wrapped around Zaldin's torso. . Cassie took it from her and taped it down. Only then did she look up to see Mrs. Bale face smiling at her.
"You just finish up here Cassie and I'll meet you in the other room" she said quietly.
It took Cassie a moment to realize she meant for her to re button his shirt, which she did and after a moments thought she pulled the covers up and tucked him in. She looked down at him and smiled fondly before stroking his hair softly. His head moved into her hand at the feel of her touch but he did not awake.
In the other room Mrs. Bale had set up tea for them both.
"So now you know. Does it change things my dear?" She asked as she handed Cassie a cup.
"I'm still trying to wrap my head around it," said Cassie. "Why didn't he tell me when we met?"
"For much of Zaldin's life he has been identified with his father, or his rank and I think for once he wanted to been seen as himself." She smiled "After his first meeting with you here he said he had never felt so much like himself, so whole, until his time with you. He said it was the first time he felt like he wasn't pretending to be somebody." She looked at Cassie fondly.
"I can understand that, I mean wanting to meet me as himself, before we never knew each other, it was just a… it was almost an instinct; I was just drawn to him." Cassie laughed. "I've been feeling so guilty about liking Zaldin because I still liked the Phantom ranger."
Mrs. Bale smiled at her. "Andros and I and have been telling him that, and I think he was only just starting to believe that you really did like both his identities. He has come alive again Cassie and it's because of you." She held onto Cassie's hands, "Thank you for that."
Cassie wasn't sure what to say to such praise, she felt like she hadn't really done anything to merit it.
They sat in silence, sipping their tea until Zaldin called from inside his room.
"Come Miss Cassie, he'll be glad you are here." Mrs. Bale said, not giving her a chance to protest.
"Good morning sir, how are you feeling? Miss Cassie has come to visit you".
"Good morning Zaldin," Cassie said shyly
A smile broke onto Zaldin's face "Good Morning, Cassie. I'm sorry I had wanted to tell you I might be forced into bed rest yesterday, but with one thing and another…"
"Ah yes your important people meeting took up most of your plotting time I think," said Cassie.
Zaldin winked at her "How could I resist? Anyway I'm glad you're here, I'm likely to be a bore for most of the day, but I was wondering…" he looked suddenly shy
"What where you wondering?" probed Cassie.
"I was wondering if you would play the piano again. At least until they've knocked me out? It is much easier to relax when there is something pleasant to listen to."
"I don't mind at all, I never get the chance to play at home."
"I thank you, I'm sorry I won't be great company today, but …
Cassie cut him off "It's all right I understand, You are going to be jumping over banquet tables making escapes from deathly boarding people, you'll need to be at your best to do that, I've seen how many tables there are and how few doors."
She gave him a warm smile. He held out his hand, and she took it, giving his a squeeze before heading to the piano to start playing some of his favorite melodies.
It didn't take long before Zaldin was asleep again, and Cassie left soon after Mrs. Bale had told her he had drifted off to sleep with a smile.