Chapter 36
I hear Naboo and Saboo having a whispered conversation later that evening, when the other shamen have left. "Did you see him actually eat anything?"
"No, did you?"
"No. He wouldn't do that, though. Would he?"
"If he did, it wouldn't be his fault. Yes, it would be him doing it, but he wouldn't do it deliberately. He wouldn't hurt you like that." My stomach twists at this. I don't want to hurt Naboo, but I can't eat. It's not that I don't want to, I just can't.
"Vincent." I hear Naboo call. I hate it when he calls me Vincent. It's never anything good. "Vincent." He says, appearing in the doorway.
"What?" He stands in front of my chair. For someone so small, he's very good at towering over me.
"Did you actually eat anything?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure about that, Vincent?" He asks, his voice dangerously low.
"Yes…" I say, a little less confidently.
"Look at me, Vincent." I tilt my head up so he can see my face. "Let me try something else. Why didn't you eat?"
"I did."
"Vincent, I've told you before. I can tell when you're lying, so don't bother." I look away, defeated.
"I couldn't." I whisper.
"Why not?"
"I don't know, I just couldn't."
"Oh, Vince…"
"I know, it was stupid, and unhealthy, and I'll make myself ill, but I just couldn't. I'm sorry, Naboo."
"It's ok. It's not your fault. You really need to try, though."
"I know."
"Good. Now, eat this." He says, handing me a small sandwich. Just looking at it makes me feel sick.
"Naboo…"
"Vince, you said you'd try. So try."
"Ok."