The next chapter is here! Enjoy :)
Galen and Noelle went back to their room at the inn for a short time.
Mainly, so Noelle can change into some of her new clothes. She may or may not have noticed, though Galen did. Many around here were giving her odd looks, probably not used to seeing women around here wearing anything other than dresses and skirts.
But he knew the young woman wouldn't budge on her decision as far as clothes went. She made it quite clear that she did not like dresses. Plus, what she did say did make a lot of sense.
If they were to be traveling through the woods with dense foliage, then the skirt on the dress would cause problems because it would snag on everything and anything, slowing her down and if they find themselves having to run, it could end up really slowing her down.
He waited by one of the two windows in the back of the rented room while he waited for her to change in the bathroom.
Galen wasn't waiting too long; she was out within a couple minutes. She donned the greyish pink sleeveless shirt with the greyish green shorts.
The clothes did fit her quite well. Though he couldn't resist poking fun at her.
"I still think it's hilarious that you're so petite that you literally fit into children's clothes." He teased, with some laughter in his voice as he eyed her in her new outfit.
Noelle just simply rolled her eyes at him.
"Yeah, ok. I maybe puny. I'll admit to that. But in many ways, I rather be small than the size of a goodyear blimp." She retorted.
Galen tilted his head in confusion.
"What's a 'goodyear' blimp?" He asks.
"Let's just say it's a reference commonly used in my time for those who are very much on the 'large' side." Noelle said.
It took a moment, then he nodded in understanding.
"Oh, I see. Those who are a bit on the 'chubby' side you mean." He stated.
"Yeah, though not just a bit, a lot on the chubby side. Obesity sadly has become a highly common occurrence in my time. Due to many people consuming foods that are not so healthy for them and overeating these foods." Noelle told him.
"Is it really that bad?" Galen inquired.
"Pretty much. Though there are some people who can't help it because they may have a medical condition. But that's a selective few. Many people just eat bad foods and don't take proper care of themselves and become lazy. Hardly being all that active." She explained.
"Yet, I've noticed you're the complete opposite. You're rather active. There were even times it looks like you can hardly stay still." He teased.
"That's because I have something called ADHD. It's abbreviated for Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder. It's a neurological disorder. Means I have a hard time sometimes staying still.
My body is almost always moving. I sometimes have a bit of a hard time paying attention. When people are talking with me for a lengthy amount of time, I sometimes tend to 'zone' out and not always pay attention. I don't do it to be rude and I don't mean it. It's more along the lines of I can't help it." Noelle said, trying to explain it as best as she can to him.
"Well, it certainly explains why I sometimes see you rocking back and forth on your feet when you stand. Or why you cannot seem to sit in one position for too long. I've also noticed something else. It's not all the time, but I've noted that you seem to talk faster than usual at times. Is that part of it too or is that just you?" He inquires.
"That's part of it too. Sorry about that. Sometimes I do tend to literally talk a mile a minute. Again, there are times I'm not always aware of it or can't help it.
My ADHD is kind of why I could never have a desk job behind a computer in an office somewhere. Because I'd be climbing the walls after an hour of sitting and staring at a computer screen.
It's why I went into teaching, because it tends to keep me active and on my feet a lot. Just one of the many reasons why I enjoyed teaching." Noelle told him.
He just smiles, "I don't mind that you talk fast sometimes or can't stay still. If anything, I find it highly amusing. Though I think even Alan and Pete noticed. At one point, I think Pete asked me, why can't she seem to stand still?"
Noelle felt a little embarrassed they kind of noticed that themselves. But then, she really can't help it at times.
Galen seemed to notice this too. He walked over to where she was standing and lightly grasped one of her hands with a small smile.
"I didn't mean to point it out and embarrass you. Though you don't have to be. Especially, if you say you cannot always help it. Can't fault you there." He said.
She sighs, "I suppose. Though there are times I hate it. Since it does affect your focus at times, it also means you sometimes have a hard time remembering things. And I hate that.
I mean, there would be times in the past someone told me something one day, and I'd forget it not long after. It's kind of embarrassing, having a short attention span with things like that. I just consider myself lucky that I tend to remember things that are very important."
Galen still has yet to let go of her hand as he stands before her.
"There is nothing wrong with the way you think. You just think differently from others. It's not a bad thing. Everyone's thought process is different anyway. No one really thinks the same way." He assured her.
"True. The learning and thinking process can be quite different for those like me. For instance, if someone tries to explain something rather sophisticated to me, I may not be able to put two and two together and understand. But if they actually show me what they mean, I understand it better.
They call it being a visual or kinetic learner. We learn best from people showing us what to do or do it physically ourselves. If that makes any sense to you. It sadly means, we are poor auditory learners." She tried to further explain.
"It does make sense; I do understand what you are trying to tell me. If it makes you feel any better, I tend to learn best when others show me how something works too. Sometimes, explaining things to me with nothing but words can confuse even me a little." He admitted.
Noelle gave him a small smile. She was relieved he understood how challenging at times her disorder can be. Especially, when there are many out there that still don't fully understand it.
She had worked with aides over the last few years that were assigned to students with ADHD and even she will admit, it can take a lot of patience, and some don't fully understand why a child simply cannot stay in their seat or need further instruction on how to do things or keep them on task with their work or assignments. But she knew, because she has the same issues they do.
Noelle's train of thought was broken when she felt Galen lightly run his thumb over her knuckles. Apparently, he still has yet to let go of her hand.
"Are you ready to go to this festival? I think we can both use a small break and have a little fun to take our minds off of things." Galen told her.
She smiled, "Yeah, I'm ready."
He nodded, the smile still ever present on his face as well.
Galen still held her hand as he led Noelle to the door. He opened the door for them and made sure the number was still hanging off the door handle before they left to head back out.
As the pair headed down the hall and bypassed the lobby to the front door, they noticed that Namor was no longer present behind his desk. The older chimp probably already headed out to the festivities going on in the village square down the street.
She doesn't know why, but Noelle was slightly disappointed when Galen let go of her hand once they left the inn and proceeded down the street to the festival.
They could already see that it was going full swing. Many people were already there, enjoying the festivities.
Once they did get there, they noted just how crowded it was. Many people were about, both apes and humans, and everyone looked to be having a great time.
There were a couple apes and some humans with these instruments that were playing music near the center of the large square.
Some apes and humans were somewhat dancing along to the music. While they still had their stands and vendors set up around the large square.
There were now also some tables set up off to the side and near the center of the square, along with some benches surrounding these tables. Some apes and humans were sitting at them with some food and drink.
Noelle smiled when she saw some kids running by with what looked like streamers in their hands. They were giggling as they ran by with the different color streamers that looked to be very thin strips of fabrics in their hands.
It was a mixture of both human and ape children, all playing together, and appeared to be having a good time.
To Noelle, it really looked not that much different from any festival she would see at home. It certainly took her mind off of things and made her place what she felt about the situation about being here in this world and in this time on the backburner.
"I must say, this festival doesn't look too different then some of the ones I've been to at home." She admits to Galen, as he walks beside her.
"Really?" He says.
"Yeah, I mean there are some things that are clearly different but not much." She replied.
Galen gives her another small smile. He's glad that this festival seems to already be doing the trick at distracting her.
While he is from here and his family is still in Central City, he's aware of how being here has affected Alan, Pete, and Noelle. In a way, this wasn't their world. At least not the one they were used to.
They all left a lot behind when they ended up here.
It may have been Earth, but it was still very alien to all three of them. It can certainly take a toll on anyone who is not used to this kind of society where both apes and humans coinhabit it together.
If anything, Galen is surprised Noelle held up as much as she has. He can only imagine how startling it was to suddenly see upright walking, talking humanoid apes upon arriving here. Not to mention, the odd way she came here.
Perhaps, she is stronger and more resilient than he gives her credit for.
"Where would you like to go first?" Galen asks her.
Noelle went to open her mouth to say something, then she saw someone waving at them out of the corner of her eye.
It definitely caught her attention. Her gaze landed on a familiar chimp who was waving them over to the table he was sitting at with some other apes and humans.
"Look, Fangor is over there, and he's waving us over." She tells Galen.
Galen's dark gaze shifted to the direction she was looking at. He indeed saw the middle-aged chimp sitting at a rectangular wooden table with some others, waving them over.
The pair made their way through the small crowds to the table he was at.
Fangor smiled and gestured to some empty spots on the bench next to him for the pair. Then Galen and Noelle sat down next to him at the table.
There was a large selection of different foods on the table, along with many thin wooden plates and wooden cups.
"Feel free to dig in." Fangor offered to them.
"Thanks." Noelle said.
She started piling on a variety of fruits, vegetables, and dried meats. Then she saw a wooden pitcher filled with water. Noelle reached for it and poured both herself and Galen some water into their cups.
"How have you two settled in?" Fangor asks.
"Very well, thank you." Galen replied.
Fangor nodded, "These are my friends. This is Callan, Serpa, Mecca, Quenton, and Dano."
His friends seemed to be an even blend of apes and humans by the looks of it.
They all nodded or waved in greeting. Fangor's wife Delilah was sitting off to his left, talking to a female chimp named Elsa. There were a few more females sitting there too. Two more female apes and one female human.
"Nice to meet you all." Noelle said politely to the group of people there.
"You as well. Fangor tells us you both have been traveling from another district?" The chimp known as Mecca inquires.
"Yes, we have. We've come a long way. Got a bit bored and tired of life in the city back in Central City, so, I've decided to travel the countryside along with my servant here to see new places." Galan replied.
"And what do you think of this district so far?" A chimp by the name of Callan asked.
"So far, we haven't seen too much. But we certainly really like it here." Noelle replied.
"Yes, Ansel is a very nice village to settle down in. We've had many new people move in the last couple years or so." A gorilla named Serpa said.
"We can see why. It's certainly a very lively and friendly place to be." Galen says.
"What places you looking to hit next while you're in this district? There are many sights and places to see." The human Quenton said.
"We're not sure as of yet. But Fangor suggested a few locations. He mentioned a lake and a waterfall of sorts as well as a few villages." Galen mentioned to them.
"Oh yeah, Gaynor Lake and Bellows Falls. Both those places are very popular." The gorilla known as Dano said.
"Yeah, them. They sound very interesting to visit." Noelle says.
"You may need a horse to get to those places though. They both are quite far." Callan told them.
"Yes, Fangor had in fact explained that to us. He also mentioned the villages Milner, Corsca and Quinton. Apparently, Corsca is quite a travel as well." Galen stated.
"Indeed, but most would agree it's worth the travel. They are all great villages. Like Ansel, Corsca is quite huge with a steady population of inhabitants." Quenton informed them.
"Yes, I've been to Corsca plenty of times with my husband and children. They really enjoy it. We have also taken day trips to Bellows Falls. There is a shallow pool not far from the waterfall that they sometimes like to play in." The female chimp, Elsa said.
"Well, we will definitely keep these places in mind then. Thank you, for letting us know." Galen replied.
"You're welcome." Elsa told him.
"Are you going to stay a little longer here in Ansel or will you be leaving soon?" Delilah inquires.
Galen's gaze shifted to Noelle, and they shared a look, before turning their attention back to Fangor's wife.
"We're not sure yet. But we will be sure to come by and say goodbye to you all before we do decide to leave." Galen assured them.
"Definitely, we wouldn't think of leaving without saying goodbye and thanking you for directing us to the inn for some shelter and food while here." Noelle added.
"You're welcome. But you don't have to thanks us. We just did what anyone would've done for those in need. Especially, those new to the territory and are not too familiar with their way around here." Delilah told them.
"Still, thank you. Don't know where we would've wandered off to otherwise," Noelle said.
"Well, there really is not much danger around these parts. But the places we have mentioned are pretty spread out from one another and could take time to get to without a horse." Serpa says.
"If you two need a horse, I can provide you with one. I own several horses. I may even dare say too many. I'm more than happy to give you one to keep, if you'd like." Mecca informed them.
"That would be great, thank you, Mecca." Galen replied.
"No problem. You can come by my farm anytime you wish and pick one out. Fangor can escort you there." Mecca said.
"How many do you have now, Mecca? I heard a few of your mares had some foals." Delilah mentions.
"Four of my mares had infants. Two were females and two were males. That brings the total of horse I have to...about an even twenty now." He surmises.
"Woah, that's a lot of horses. Must keep you very busy." Noelle says.
Mecca just shrugs, "It's not so bad. I've been raising horses since I was an adolescent. I grew up on a horse farm, learned everything I needed to know from my father."
"Well, if it's definitely a nice offer, that's for sure." Galen said.
"And since you will be traveling, you really don't have to worry much about feeding them. There will be plenty of foliage and river systems out there for them to dine on." Mecca added.
That is true. If there is one thing Galen and Noelle has learned and seen so far, there is a lot of dense foliage and water sources out there.
They all conversed a little longer until a couple of apes and humans came over holding these large, glass pitchers in hand. Some of these pitchers had this white/yellowish liquid in them. Others had this crimson red liquid in them.
"Would anyone here like some wine?" One of the humans asked.
"Yes, we would, thank you, Elton." Quenton says.
"I'll have some of the red wine, thanks." Noelle said.
Galen turned to her and stared at her briefly. Though he figures a drink wouldn't hurt.
"I'll have some of the white wine, please. Thank you." Galen requested.
The one known as Elton poured some of the white wine into Galen's cup. While a chimp poured some red wine into Noelle's cup.
The pair thanked them and started to take sips of the wine in their cups.
Galen liked his, it was sweet and fruity. Whereas Noelle's red wine was dry and bitter, just as she liked her wine. It was also quite strong she noted.
"So, Delilah, where are the kids? Are they running around somewhere here at the festival?" Noelle inquired.
"Yes, they are playing with their friends here." Delilah replied.
"They are most likely near the games area right about now. I believe they just finished setting it up not long ago." Fangor stated as he took a sip of his wine.
It made sense. The kids tended to play among themselves as the adults did their own thing. Something that was very common in her time too.
"How long have you two been traveling now?" Serpa asks.
"Not too long. About a week, if that." Galen replied.
"So, you had to do a lot of camping overnight in the woods then? Or did you hit a few villages in between in your district before crossing into this district?" Dano inquired.
"No, we mostly did a lot of camping." Noelle said.
"We give you a lot of credit then. Camping really isn't most people's forte. Unless you're really into the big outdoors." Callan mentions.
"Well, we are from the city. Though in truth, we have come to enjoy this new change of pace and so far, love experiencing it." Galen told him.
"It's also very peaceful and quiet. Compared to the bustling, loud, city we came from." Noelle added, trying to keep up with their fabricated story. She just hopes she doesn't say anything to slip up in anyway and wonders if she should maybe let Galen do most of the talking, so she doesn't incidentally fuck up.
"Indeed, open country life is very different from city life. That's for sure." Dano says.
"Yes, hence it's quite the learning experience. And so far, we've been enjoying it." Galen replied.
The night seemed to drag on. Even after it started getting dark, the festivities still have yet to die down. But no one seemed to mind. Because everyone was having a great time.
Galen and Noelle were enjoying conversing with the locals here and they seemed to be very good and carefree people.
He could see that Noelle was really warming up to Delilah and a few of her friends. Something he was happy about because it gave her the opportunity to converse with others and possibly look at this society and way of living in a positive light for a change rather than a negative and oppressive one.
He smiled when he saw her laugh every now and then as she conversed with the others, both ape and human. Even he will admit he was enjoying the conversations he was having with Fangor and his friends.
It wasn't until Galen noticed a little too late that Noelle had gone not for one, but two more servings of the wine she was drinking. This brought her up to a total of three full glasses she has now had.
It didn't take him too long to realize it was starting to really affect her too. She was literally gabbing away a mile a minute to everyone she talked to without taking a breath in between and laughing at almost every little thing.
"So, I told her, what's the big deal? Some parents are going to complain no matter what you say and there sadly is nothing you can do to change that. They are just so set in their ways, that they don't want to hear otherwise." Noelle blurted out.
A few of the people at the table chuckled. Pretty much everyone can see at this point that the young woman was quite drunk. Though they didn't quite understand everything she was jabbering on about, they still found her amusing.
Though, Fangor sat there silently observing her and listening to everything she was saying. He was also closely watching the interactions between the young woman and the chimp she apparently 'served' under.
"Umm, Nica, I think you maybe had enough wine. You should drink some water." Galen told her, still using her fake name.
"Why? It's good wine." Noelle said.
"I'm aware of that. But I think you need to slow down." Galen cautioned her.
"Again, why?" She asks.
Galen just looked at her, wondering why she was questioning him on the matter. Surely, she still knows well enough that they still can't let anyone here know who they really are.
Sure, they may not know about them in general or that they are wanted, seeing as they are in another district entirely. But still, it was better to be safe than sorry.
"I just don't want you getting sick." Galen told her.
In truth, he was a tad concerned and worried that she could get sick. The wine here in these places do tend to be rather potent. It wouldn't take too much for someone to indulge themself too much. Only to regret it soon after.
Noelle stared at him for a few moments. He could tell just by looking at her, she seemed a little unfocused and out of it.
"Ok, no more. I'll have some more water." She said.
He was relieved when she said this, and quickly reached for the water pitcher and poured it in a clean cup before giving it to her.
Noelle took the cup of water and started drinking from it. Galen didn't like that her hands seemed a little shaky as she directed the edge of the cup to her mouth.
Galen was starting to kick himself for not stopping her after the second cup of wine.
Fangor and Delilah noticed that Noelle seemed to be in rather bad shape. She looked like she was about to pass out then and there at the table. Even some of their friends were a little concerned for her wellbeing.
"I think perhaps, after she finishes her water, you should bring her back to the inn to rest." Fangor suggested, concern lacing his voice.
Galen couldn't help but agree.
"I will. I think it's best we go and turn in soon." Galen said.
"Do you need a hand in escorting her back?" Fangor asks.
Galen was about to say no. When Noelle suddenly stood up from her seat.
"Yeah, I can't wait to go to sleep!" She suddenly blurted out.
Then she nearly fell over after standing up so abruptly.
Galen was quick to stand and grab her before she lost her balance and fell to the ground. He grabbed her biceps and held her up, steadying her. Noelle seemed rather dazed though.
"Umm, perhaps I could use an extra pair of hands in getting her back to the inn." Galen then requested.
Fangor nodded, then stood up to help Galen with a rather drunk Noelle.
"Uhh, where we going?" She slurred.
Galen sighed, "Back to the inn to our room. You clearly need rest."
"Why? I'm not that tired." She says.
Galen shifted his gaze to her as he and Fangor helped her along to the inn.
"But you literally just said not a few moments ago you couldn't wait to sleep." He reminded her.
Then he saw Fangor out of the corner of his eye hold up one hand, while shaking his head, and mouthing the word, 'No'.
The older chimp knew well enough that in a drunken state like this, one can be quite belligerent. He has seen it enough times with his friends when they had a little too much to drink.
Galen eventually understood and didn't say anymore on the matter as they continued walking her back.
He had his arm around her shoulder and a firm hold on her upper arms as he walked her back. While Fangor stayed close by in case she stumbled or collapsed.
Thankfully, Noelle didn't really stumble. But she was still clearly out of it and appeared to be getting tired.
"Hang in there, we're almost there." Galen told her.
Noelle didn't say anything, but she did keep going.
After a few minutes, they were able to make it back to the inn. Fangor didn't stop or leave when they made it to the front of the inn. He actually followed the pair in and walked with them down the one hall to where their room was.
Galen grabbed the door handle and pushed the door open, allowing them in.
He then ushered Noelle over to the bed and helped her down onto it. She grabbed the covers and lifted them up and got under them. Though she only pulled them up halfway seeing as it was rather warm out and there was no such thing as air-conditioning here.
Galen helped her get situated and made sure she was comfortable.
He then got up to close the door when he remembered it was still open, only to see that Fangor was still there, lingering in the open doorway.
Galen got up and approached him.
"Thank you very much for helping me get her back. It's obvious, she's not very good at holding her alcohol." He stated.
Fangor just smiled and let out a faint chuckle.
"Yes, I think it's safe to say that we've all noticed that. Nonetheless, I'm glad she made it back alright." Fangor said.
Galen gave a small nod in agreement. He thanked the older chimp again and was about to close the door when Fangor spoke.
"I... don't mean to pry. Even my wife says at times I'm too nosy for my own good. But...I feel I must ask. Is she...really just a servant? Or is there more to it?" Fangor inquires.
He hopes he wasn't overstepping boundaries by asking such a question. After all, he and his wife were considered by most standards as abnormal. He knew what it was like being questioned about such things. But he couldn't help but have a feeling that there was more to these two than they originally let on.
Galen was at a little of a loss for words after hearing that question.
"Just what do you mean?" He asks.
Fangor sighs, "It's just, well...you don't seem to talk to her or treat her as if she were a servant. It seems more like... you two act more like...maybe friends."
Galen was silent for a moment. He eyed the older chimp. It was like he was trying to look right through him, to see if he indeed was trustworthy.
Though given this chimp's background at taking a human for a wife and having children with her, there was a lot at risk for him too. It was clear that most here were tolerant of the interspecies relationship he has. But majority outside of this town may think otherwise, and not in a good way.
"Yes...she is in fact...a friend. Though you of all people should know, it's not common for an ape to be traveling with a human as a friend. It's why I thought it safer to just pass her for a servant instead." Galen finally admitted.
Fangor slowly nodded in understanding.
"I understand. Is... Kaylan even your real name?" Fangor inquired.
Galen closed his eyes briefly, before opening them.
"No. My...name is Galen and... her name is Noelle." He confessed.
"I see. Though, why the name change? Is... someone after you two?" Fangor inquired.
"It's a long story. I really rather not talk about it. Please understand, it's for our safety." Galen says.
The older chimp understood. Though, apart of him really wanted to know more about their story.
"I know, we've only just met earlier today. But anything you tell me, stays between us. I more than most know what it's like to keep an important secret, less I risk the safety of others." Fangor told him.
He was being truthful there, that much Galen knew.
"Noelle and I, along with two other human friends were being pursued by Urko and his troops. We made a hasty retreat over one of the old bridges that sat over Cairn River.
While our two friends made it across safely, I fell through the weak floorboards of the bridge and went into the water. Noelle dove in after me. She was able to swim to me and helped me get ashore.
While we were lucky to survive and make it ashore, we were still separated from our two friends.
The two of us left the river behind and traveled further inland and into this district. We found another smaller river and decided to follow it in hopes of finding a village or settlement.
We eventually noticed that the foliage started to thin out and I heard you further up ahead on a road we didn't know was right there. The rest, you already know." Galen confessed.
Already, he's wondering if it was a good idea sharing all of this information with this chimp he barely knows.
But as his gaze drifted from the floor to meet the other chimp's gaze, he noted that Fangor gave him a warm smile.
"I see, and I can understand your hesitance and fear in telling me this. But you have nothing to fear. I will not say a word to anyone else. And believe me when I say, not many here have any love for Urko.
We know how cruel and heartless he can be. The last thing anyone here would want to do, is help him with anything. At the most, many here would turn a blind eye or ignore him if he were to manage to come here. Though, if he does, it wouldn't be for some time, seeing as it would take days to get to the end of Cairn River and cross it safely." Fangor stated.
"Regardless, I think it would be safer, if we left as soon as possible. I still don't want to risk our safety or anyone else's here." Galen admitted.
"That is up to you. Whether you leave tomorrow or a month from now makes no difference. You are more than welcome to still stay here regardless. And I like to believe that if Urko were to find himself here and ask for your whereabouts, most would say they haven't seen you. It's like I said, many here do not like Urko and the last thing they want to do, is help someone they don't like." Fangor reminded him.
"Thank you. Not just for understanding but ensuring us a safe place to stay while here." Galen says.
"Of course, anything for a fellow ape and human. As I said, you and your friend are safe here." Fangor stated.
Galen gave him a small nod.
"Anyways, I won't continue to drag this conversation on. It's clear, you both had a long and difficult journey and been through a very rough time. I'll leave you both to rest." Fangor says.
"Thanks again, Fangor." Galen tells him.
The older chimp smiles, "You're welcome. And try not to think about the what ifs and Urko looking for you. Just think about here and now and that you are in a safe place for the time being before you decide to move on."
"I'll keep that in mind. It is nice to have a room to rest in after several nights of sleeping on the ground. That's for sure." Galen joked.
Fangor chuckles, "Yes, I can imagine so. Take advantage of it for as long as you can during however long your stay is here. I can meet up with you in the morning if you like, maybe provide you with some breakfast."
"That would be wonderful, thank you, Fangor." Galen replied.
Fangor nodded, "Alright, I'll see you sometime in the morning then. If you have any more questions on where you can go and what are some of the safest places, please, don't hesitate to ask me."
"I'll be sure to do so, thank you for suggesting it." Galen said.
Fangor gave him another small smile.
"Well, goodnight then." He says to the younger male chimp.
"Good night." Galen replied.
Afterwards, Fangor left and proceeded down the hall to the small lobby where the front entrance was located.
Galen closed the door, with a sigh. Then his gaze slowly shifted back to Noelle. He went back to the bed in the far-right corner to check on her. By the looks of it, she appeared to be already out.
Or so he thought.
"What...was that all about? What were you talking about?" Noelle asked, in a tired tone.
Galen gave her a soft smile as he sat down beside her on the bed.
"Nothing for you to worry about. Just get some sleep, Butterfly." He says.
Noelle wanted to inquire more about the words exchanged between him and the other chimp. But she felt the strong tug of sleep pulling at her. It really was difficult to keep her eyes open.
Soon, they drifted shut again, and a few minutes later, she was out.
Galen sat beside Noelle a little longer. He found himself absentmindedly running his fingers through her long, soft locks. There was just so much on his mind right now, with everything that has just occurred.
But even he cannot deny that he too was starting to feel exhausted from the day's events. Plus, the couple cups of wine he had was also making him a little sleepy.
After another couple minutes, Galen found himself sliding into the bed beside Noelle.
He laid down next to her, only a few inches separated them. In the past, he would've found something like this awkward and inappropriate. But since meeting Alan and Pete and being on the run, he had little time to think of the little things like etiquette.
Eventually, his eyes began to droop shut. Not long after, Galen too, was fast asleep.
At some point during the long night, he unconsciously drifted closer to Noelle. Then he unknowingly draped an arm over her. Both were in a deep sleep and had no idea that they at some point gravitated closer to one another as the night dragged on.
Yes, I decided to add a little more backstory to Noelle in this chapter. ADHD is no picnic. I base this character over my own personal experience dealing with the ups and downs of ADHD and Anxiety.
The part with the clothes is based off of personal experience as well. I myself am a very petite person who occasionally struggles to find clothes that fit properly because I'm so damn small. I even admit that majority of my own clothes are from the junior's section because women's clothes tend to be too big on me.
Until Next Time ;)