Chapter 8: What's a Girl to do?

Atem came in soon after, just like he had said he would and cleaned up the mess I had made. He never talked to me though and I was so ashamed of myself that I pretended to be sleeping the entire time he was present. It was easier this way. I had hurt him and it was obvious that he didn't expect it. How could I have been so foolish? I've known him for such a long time, and yet I am still unable to tell him how I feel for him. Why? Who is making these decisions? I cannot tell if it's my heart or my brain…

I laid awake all last night. There was no way I'd be able to fall asleep. I really messed up this time. And now, I'm fearful that our relationship, no, our friendship, will change forever.

A knock on my door brings me back to reality, or the here and now I should say. After all, I don't want to face the fact that what happened last night, really happened. I tried so hard to just push it aside and label it as a dream. A horrible, stupid, illogical nitemare, but I know the truth…what I do not know is who would be outside my chamber at such an early hour. A gasp catches in my thraot. Could it be Atem? Perhaps he's forgiven me? Now I can apologize and fix this whole thing! I quickly smooth a few fingers through my hair before adjusting my skirt and opening the door.

"Good morning, Mana." Isis speaks cheerfully. I sigh dissapointedly. "Is something the matter?" she stares at me with her gorgeous torquoise eyes. I blink before realizing that I had just openly showed my displeasure.

"No, Isis." I say softly. "I was just expecting someone else…"

"Pharaoh Atemu?" she questions.

""Uhhh…" Now, how the hell did she know I was hoping to see him? "No…I was umm…thinking that you were Mahado! You know cause I have uh, a lot of magic training to review today!" I can't help but laugh nervously and clench my hands.

"Oh, of course." She smiles at me. "But that's funny because we both know that Mahado is currently preparing for Atem's Crowning Ceremony." And then she gives me this sly smirk, which I detest. Everyone seems to be able to read me like a book! They all know my private thoughts, ideas, dreams, and who I'm in love with! Well..everybody but Atem.

"Fine." I scowl. "I was expecting Atemu. Happy now?"

She raises an eyebrow at me. "Happy? What do you mean, Mana? I meerly came to tell you that breakfast has been set up in the west dining hall. So you are free to go there whenever you wish and help yourself." Isis turns to leave, "Atem is already there by the way, just incase you have something important to tell him."

"Huh?!" I feel my face heat instanly and my eyes widen. "What do you mean, Isis? What would I have to tell him?" Inside I am panicking. So, she does know. I had a feeling she was wise to this sort of thing…

"Oh come on now. It isn't a big secret that you love him." She speaks in such a calm, steady tone that it makes me even more anxious.

"I…I don't know what you're talking about." I lie.

"Alright." She brushes a wrinkle out of her long, tan, skirt. "I was only trying to help." She seems saddened and I feel guilty all over again.

"Wait…OK, you're right. I do love him. I have for awhile now, and I have been waiting, or trying, to find the right time and way to tell him of my feelings, but…I just can't seem to go through with it. I'm so scared that he doesn't feel the same."

Isis puts a hand on my shoulder and smiles. "Don't worry, Dear. You will know when the time is right. There will be no doubt in your heart."

I think for a moment. Could it really be that simple? Now, Priestess Isis is pretty special. She has a power that no one else possesses. She holds the Millenium Necklace, and this unusual piece of jewlery gives her the ability to see into the future. "Isis…please tell me…what happens in my future or Atem's future? Will we end up together, married, with children and happy? Or…"

She shakes her head. "No, Mana. I am not going to tell you your future, or anyone's for that matter. It is best you experience these things for yourself rather than have me relay the events to you."

"Fine. But what if the 'right time' comes to late for me?" I stare at the wall infront of us. I cannot keep eye contact. "What if it never even comes at all? Then, what shall I do?"

Isis smiles again. "You worry too much, young sorceress. The answer to all of your queries is simple; turst in love and believe in it as much as you do yourself."

I nod my head understanding. That is simple…can it truly be so simple? "Thank you." I say before smiling.

"You are very welcome. Good luck." She turns and I watch her walk away until she disappears down one of the distant corriders of the palace. I re-enter my room and close the door behind me. I need to change into something nicer then what I am currently wearing. I am going to dine with the Pharaoh after all. I find my violet and rose colored tunic dress and rappidly put it on. I look at my reflection in the mirror and smile. The dress slightly low cut, showing a bit of my cleavage and is tight, but in a flattering way. The material is soft, and made of a stretchy cotton. The hemline falls about four inches or so above my knee. I sit on the edge of my bed and strap on my golden heel sandals. I have to admit, I look good. All that's left to do is my hair, so I grab my elephant ivory brush and carefully eliminate the knots and bumps that restless tossing and turning has caused. I take one of my white satin sashes and wrap it neatly around the top of my head creating a pretty bow. I apply my kohl make up and go heavier above my lashes for a smokey look. I use a small dab of honey nectar to shine my lips. Before I make my way to the dining area, I take one more glance in the mirror. Perfect. It'll be hard for him to not accept my apology when I'm dressed like this.