Disclaimer:
I. Do. Not. Own. Night. World.
L.J. Smith. Does.

Anyways...

Chapter 8

GPOV

"You think he's okay?" Poppy asked, concern laced in her voice.

"What d'you think? His spoon's been missing his mouth for about five minutes!" Jez replied, her words were harsh, but her voice was sympathizing.

Nearly every one in Lord Thierry's mansion knew about the 'incident' now. But Galen could care less about what they thought.

It wasn't bad enough that Keller had left, she had to tell him to go, too. And now everyone knew.

"It'll be better, Galen," Poppy said all of a sudden.

He tilted his head to the side, to show her that he was listening, but really he couldn't care less.

She was gone. She didn't want him anymore.

"She'll come back...sooner or later."

He just stared at the bowl in front of him. He hadn't spoken a single word since he came back.

"Galen?" He looked up again. "I never wanted this to happen," Iliana said softly. "I'm sorry."

He was getting sick of that word. Like literally, he felt that the next time someone said that, he'd puke. Right on the spot.

He continued staring impassively at the door, which was to the right of Iliana.

Galen stood up and walked to his room, not caring when people stopped talking all of a sudden when he was there.

There were many, 'It'll be alright's and 'She'll come back's and many sympathetic glances.

He didn't want sympathy. He wanted Keller.

And he'd think of a way to get her back.

APOV

"Why did you open your big mouth, Ash?" Mary-Lynette sighed.

"I thought it'd help!"

"Not helping much now, is it?" Rashel snorted.

Ash was tied to a chair, and for once, Rashel actually appreciated Quinn's rope-tying skills.

"C'mon, Mare, I didn't mean to!"

"Sorry, honey. I can't help you with this one. Look at poor Galen! Not only does he have to deal with missing Keller now, he has to deal with people trying to comfort him all day, too. Like he doesn't feel bad enough already? Why did you even think about telling Circle Daybreak?"

Ash looked down. "I am sorry. And I understand. I've been through it, remember?" Ash's voice was deathly quiet.

Quinn just said, "yeah, but Galen didn't do anything wrong."

Silence.

"Well, why don't we help him think of a way to make Keller come back?"

"He wouldn't want us to bring Keller home by force. He wouldn't want Keller to do anything by force."

"Then we'll just help Galen think of a way to make Keller want to come back."

"You think of a way, genius. And when you do, you tell us and if it's not too stupid, we'll help you."

"Fine." Ash stuck his tongue out at Quinn, who rolled his eyes.

"You're such a baby, Ash."

"Hey! I resent that!"

"Whatever."

BPOV

Stupid hangover. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

Blaise was not in a good mood. Her head hurt like crap and her eyes were tired. Her back was stiff from sleeping on Thea's bed (which was about a thousand times harder than her own, which was occupied by Keller...but she didn't mind).

Riiiiing.

Great, more customers.

"Hi, can I get you anything?" Please be the wrong store. Blaise looked up tiredly.

"Galen?" she perked up almost immediately. There was something different about Galen. His eyes were happier...more hopeful...but he still needed more food.

"Nissa and Winnie are in the back...er...taking care of Keller. So please make it quick," she spoke so quickly, she would have been shocked if he could catch all of it.

"Blaise, you make jewelry, right?" No beating around the bush. Keller was lucky to have him as a soulmate.

She nodded.

"Can you make rings?"

She nodded again, then hesistated. "But it might take awhile."

"That's alright."

RPOV

"Galen, are you alright?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm gonna be fine. In a week." It was weird the way he said 'in a week'.

What's going to happen in a week?

"I think he snapped," Quinn whispered nervously in her ear.

She just hit his head, not too hard, but not too lightly either.

"Well, I'm glad you're alright. Or going to be alright. Whichever. Just remember to tell us if you have problems, alright?"

"Sure."

And then Galen did something that scared the shit out of Rashel.

He smiled. Galen Drache actually smiled.

And he hadn't smiled since about four days ago.

"Galen, you're scaring me a bit now, so yeah..."

"Sorry, Rashel," he said, smiling sheepishly, "I will be better, you know. She's going to come back. I'm sure of it."

I hope so, too, Galen.

"And guys?" Quinn and Rashel looked at him. "Thank you. For everything."

Rashel laughed and put her arm around his shoulder, while Quinn did the same on the other side. "That's what family's for, Galen."

Quinn laughed and ruffled his hair and Rashel mock-punched his shoulder, smiling the whole time.

And then behind Galen, she held Quinn's hand.

Her personal Mad Hatter...well, he sure was mad, at times.

I love you, Quinn. She mouthed.

I know, kitty. He winked.

She rolled her eyes and laughed.

R + R, please! Tell me whatcha think, will ya'? Pwetty pwease?