Like I've said before, nothing belongs to me, only the plot.
Neal apologizes
Neal was standing outside her door. (Who were you expecting? Cleon? Sorry, I don't bring my characters back to life, no offense to those who do, least of all TP) She glared at him and made to slam the door in his face.
"Kel, wait." He said, shoving a foot in front of the door so Kel couldn't shut it. "I wanted to apologize for whatever I did to make you mad at me. I'm really sorry about what happened to Cleon, and although I don't understand your grief fully, I did lose a friend too." He stopped, waiting for her to say something. He practiced this. Kel thought with some amusement. I think I'll play along for a little while. She opened the door wider, indicating that he should enter. She still didn't say a word. Neal entered her room a little ill at ease. He was about to sit on Kel's bed. But then thought better of it and sat on her desk. He still looked uncomfortable. Kel went around her room, picking up various items. She grinned to herself as she realized how uncomfortable she was making Neal. When she was finished, she sat on her bed and stared at Neal. They sat in silence for a few minutes. Neal started fidgeting with the edge of his tunic. He just couldn't sit still. Kel suddenly realized how stupid she was being.
"I'm sorry Neal. I shouldn't have lost my temper. You were only trying to help."
"I didn't come here for an apology, though it was nice." They sat quietly for a few more moments.
"Owen never left your rooms last night." Neal accused.
"So?" Kel wanted to know where this was going.
"Kel, if you use him as your rebound toy, you're going to hurt him. You're going to hurt yourself. Your friends might never forgive you. He's our friend too." Kel laughed.
"You think that happened last night? Well nothing happened. Owen's just a friend. He wouldn't take advantage of my grief even if I offered, which I didn't. You don't need to worry about my virtue. I can take care of myself."
"I just didn't want to see either of you get hurt."
"Then why didn't you stop me from getting close to Cleon? I would never have been hurt if you had slapped me upside the head hard enough."
"You seemed happy with him."
"I was. I sometimes wonder if it was worth it."
"'It is better to have loved and lost, then to never have loved.'"
"I guess so. Go away, Neal. I need to get dressed."
"Only if you promise to come eat breakfast. We've been worried about you."
"I know. Alright, I promise." Kel waved him outside and got washed and dressed. After she was presentable, she headed to the dining room. She got her food and sat with her friends. They kept sending her concerned and sorrowful glances. She finally got fed up with it.
"You guys can stop now. I thank you for your sympathy, but I'll be okay." They quit after that. Kel finished eating and put her trays away with Merric and Seaver.
"By the way, Merric, you were right. Neal did spend the night with Yuki." Kel whispered to them. They grinned at each other.
"Hey Kel, are you coming down to the practice yards?"
"Is that a challenge, Seaver? I'd never pass up the chance to beat you." Her friends grinned. Kel was back.
Okay, here's all my thanks to you nice reviewers.
Cami-Yes, I can visualize Owen as being older and handsome. All that exercise must have caught up with him eventually, right? And yes, you can be my muse.
Keziah-Of course I'm evil. I like being evil. It's one of my strong points. Maybe I'll write a sequel and kill Owen too. That would be evil indeed.
Googlepus-I have no idea how to change it.
Skurl-Thanx
Laterose-Thanx. You are a great writer.
White-wolf-Thanx
Lady of the Lost-Thanx
LadyKnight-Thanx