Chapter 21

I tried to fill in the missing name with people I knew. There were really no men in my life that I loved.

There was a knock on the door, and Mandy came in.

"Henry's at the door to see you," she said.

Henry! I hadn't seen him for a while. Although the incident at the river still annoyed me slightly, I was glad that Henry was here.

Henry was waiting by the door. He turned when he heard me coming.

"Ella...," he said with uncertainty. "How do you do?"

"Fine," I said briskly. "Is there any reason you came?" I asked.

"Well, I, uh," he said nervously. "I wanted to see you. Maybe apologize in person. If you don't mind, could we go for a walk?"

I hesitated. I shot a look at Mandy, and she nodded her consent.

"Sure," I said.

We left the house, walking and enjoying the beautiful Frellan weather. There was an awkward air between us.

I remained silent, waiting for Henry to say something first.

"Ella, that day at the river, I know I got a little ahead of myself. We had only known each other for several days, and, I'm just really sorry."

It sounded sincere enough.

I sighed. "You're forgiven."

Henry looked pleased. He looked like he was keeping in a secret, but he didn't say anything while we walked.

"There's something I want to tell you," he suddenly exclaimed.

"I thought you only came to apologize," I said curtly.

He looked ashamed. "Well, I also have something else to tell you."

"What?"

"I got a job in Frell!" he exclaimed. "It provides a handsome salary, and, I'll be able to visit you often."

I didn't know whether to be happy or annoyed that he was going to be in Frell. I forced myself to be happy for him.

"What a convenience!" I exclaimed, half-sincere.

We walked through town and found a shady place to rest. I sat down on the grass daintily. Next to me, he lay down. His hand brushed against mine, and I felt my face turn red.

We said nothing for a while. I assumed that Henry was asleep.

"Ella," he suddenly said. "How are things between you and Prince Charmont? That day at the creek, when he brought you away."

I was unsure of what to say.

"Things are...fine between us," I managed to say.

He smiled. "That's good,"

His hand was lying open on the grass. Not knowing why, I grabbed it. Henry seemed surprised at my sudden touch, but he didn't withdraw his hand.

I started to have a clue about who the journal was written about. I decided I would take a better look at the journal when I got home.