Chapter 20
Finally, it was Saturday morning, the day that Manfred agreed to go dress shopping with me and I was on my way to meet him by the main staircase, with my stuff as he would drop me off at home on his way back to the Academy. I had blackmailed him into it during my detention last night. The memory entered my mind, bringing a strange mix of emotions with it.
I sighed but raised my fist and knocked on Manfred's office door.
"Enter." He called, his voice sounding off, but it was muffled by the door. I opened the door and entered, announcing that I had arrived for my detention. Instead of taking my usual seat on the couch I crossed to stand behind Manfred. My hands slid up and down his back, his eyes never left the paper he was reading.
"Athena." His voice was harsh, angry. "I'm busy." He snapped, standing suddenly and crossing towards the bay window. A violent thunderstorm raged outside, the lightening flashed and I vaguely wondered if Tancred had anything to do with it.
"I'm sorry." I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. My heart clawed at my chest, trying to escape.
"You never think do you? You expect me to have all this time for you and I don't! I'm busy!" Manfred screeched, his eyes bore into the lamp on his desk, within seconds it had burst into flames. I jumped back away from it.
"Manfred." I cried softly, I stepped closer to him, "What's wrong?" My hand was extended towards him.
He ignored my hand and instead focused his attention on the glass fixture on the ceiling, a second later the light exploded, glass rained down into my hair. I screamed as little glass shards cut my skin. I darted away and found myself standing near the door; I turned to face Manfred in time to watch him as the couch burst into flames. Without a second thought, I threw open the door and left, slamming the door behind me. I raced down the hallway and towards the dormitory; I slammed that door behind me too.
A few hours later, after I had bathed, changed into my yoga pants and a soft hoodie and crawled into bed, attempting to pretend that the last few hours hadn't happened, I almost drifted off to sleep when a sharp knock brought me to my senses. I tensed up and turned away from the door, I knew it had to be Manfred. A sliver of light appeared as the door opened.
"Athena." Manfred called, "I know you're in here, please just let me explain." His voice drew nearer, I tried to remain calm and as still as possible, pretending I was asleep, I tried to keep my breathing even. His hands gentle caressed my face, his fingertips barely brushing against my lips, "Look at you, so perfect. So soft. So fragile. I know I hurt you, I am truly sorry for causing you distress. I'm under a lot of pressure trying to get things ready for this ball, and I've been spending so much time without I haven't been allotting the time I need. I'm sorry." His voice was low, against my ear. "I know you're awake, please, Athena talk to me."
"If you need help, I'll help you with anything you need. All you have to do is ask. I didn't deserve that." The words were out of my mouth before my mind could stop them; I forced my eyes open to see Manfred's face inches from my own.
"I know. I'm sorry, it'll never happen again. I promise. Tell me what I have to do to make it up to you and I will." He said gathering my hands in his.
"Be a good sport about taking me dress shopping tomorrow." I responded, my mind churning.
"Of course. Anything else?" Manfred asked, relieved that I was forgiving him. I lifted the blanket on my narrow bed, "Get in."
"Are you serious? We can go sleep in my bed." Manfred said surprised I wanted to share my bed.
I shook my head. "No, I want to sleep here."
Manfred studied me for another moment and then got up and slid into bed behind me.
I swallowed any thoughts of the previous night, determined to have fun today as I slowly descended the main staircase. Manfred was nowhere in sight, so I sat on the last stair to wait. A few moments later, the large wooden doors swung open and Manfred entered.
"Athena, lovely." He said, picking my bags up and swinging them over his shoulder. "I have the car waiting, out front. All ready?"
I nodded, surprised that Manfred intended to drive us, I thought that we would have been walking. I followed Manfred out the door and toward the sleek black car that was parked right out in front of the gates. Manfred tossed my bags in the back and got into the front seat. I climbed into the passenger seat with a slight smile on my face.
We arrived downtown, where shops bursting with fancy dresses, and shoes were a dime a dozen. Manfred parked and faced me, "I'm guessing we're just going to attack until we find something?"
"Basically." I giggled, "But come on, it won't be that bad."
Manfred's expression proved that he didn't agree with me.