Enchantment Passing Through

By the Almighty SporkGoddess

Chapter 7: A Boy Like That

I shall not envy lovers
But long for what they share

An empty room is merciless
Don't be surprised if I confess
I need some comfort there

- Not Me - Aida

I went home with a heavy heart. Seitt called, but I didn't pick up the phone. Rain was right – that man was clingy. I was tempted to put the phone off the hook at one point so he wouldn't crowd my answering machine anymore.

For once I couldn't seem to shut my brain off. I kept thinking about things. About that picture of Rain in Seitt's wallet. The ring she had given him that he still wore. Even when he kissed me, it felt like he wasn't all there… was it really me he was thinking of?

Domon didn't love me. I wasn't sure if Seitt loved me. I wasn't even sure if I really did love Seitt. When the hell had things gotten so weird?

The phone rang, and I left it go. But the message on the machine that followed had nothing to do with the previous hundred "Call me once you get home, Allenby. I miss you!" and then the next thousand "Is everything ok, sweetie? I'm worried that you haven't picked up the phone yet. Are you there?" Instead, thankfully, it was Rain.

"Are you busy?"
"Nope." I replied.

"Can I come over?"

"Sure," I tried desperately to figure out what her tone was, but I couldn't tell if she was happy or sad.

"Thanks. I'll be there in a few."

"We've been seeing a lot of each other lately, huh?" Rain asked later, sitting neatly on the couch. I was next to her, sprawled in a position that was the polar opposite of primness.

I nodded. "What's up?"

"Well, I talked to Domon…"

"And?" I inquired, still unable to read her expression. She was flushed, but that could mean anything.

"I…" Her cheeks were tinged pink. "I told him that I understand his confusion, but I love him – not Seitt… And he told me that you and him are just friends, and he loves me."

I grinned in spite of myself. "So everything's okay now?"

She nodded, beaming. Then she saw my face, and must have seen past my smile because her own expression turned to worry. "What's wrong? You look dead on your feet."

"I'm fine. Really."

"Do you think I'm that stupid?"

"No! It's just… You're a doctor, not a psychologist." I mumbled.

"Or a relationship counselor?" She smirked.

"… How'd you know?"

She sighed and crossed her legs, putting her hand on her cheek as though it would help her remember better.

"I was with him for two years. I loved him, I really did. He's one of those guys that would do anything for the girl he loves. He's intelligent and cute, and he can make you smile even if what he says isn't that funny… If I hadn't been forced to leave, I probably would be happily married to him right now. But you have to understand, the faults he does have are enough to drive you insane."

"Everyone has faults." I pointed out.

"But that's the thing. When you love someone, you have to love them despite their faults. He frustrated me, but I still loved him."

"I still love him, too."

"You're moving too fast. There's a difference between like and love."

"You keep telling me that. I get the point. Just please, mind your own business for once."

"I don't want either of you to get hurt." She protested.

"Stop it!" I almost screamed. "Can't you just accept that I'm happy with him?"

She was silent; her blue eyes riveted on my face. I took a deep breath and continued.

"I remember… I remember the night I met Domon. Just the thought of him made me so happy I skipped the rest of the way back. Even the doctors noticed how my emotions were running so high. I feel that way when I'm with Seitt."

She didn't respond, but her expression softened. "I… I understand. I can't say I totally agree with how you're going about this, but I can understand your reasons for doing it."

I opened my mouth to say more, but then her statement registered in my mind. She finally got the point…

"Thank you." I grinned suddenly. "Think you could talk to Domon and see if he can be okay with it, too?"

"Easier said than done… like he'd listen, anyway."

I expelled a breath, blowing several strands of hair off of my face. "I guess you're right."

Author's Note: Another chapter I've had for a while yet didn't post… oops. Nothing much to say about this one, just hope you enjoyed it ^_^

Disclaimer: See chapter 1… the title of this chapter is from A Boy Like That from West Side Story