Page 74 of Nixx
“It could be . . . I answer with bad grace.”
Rajj and two Erianes arrive at the same time with dishes. One of which is a dish with little red sticks that smell amazing. It is new. Everyone wants to taste it and we learn that this dish is called "French fries." It's very tasty, crispy on the outside, melting on the inside and slightly sweet. I look for Sarah.
Rajj arrives then in front of me.
“If you're looking for your companion, after nursing my apprentice Ferdinand, she ate quickly and went to your room by the suspension bridge. She was tired and let you know that she will not take the last meal with us. I suppose you’re no stranger to Ferdinand's injury?”
“I found them in each other's arms, I answer for any explanation.”
“I see. You know, I've been around this Ferdinand guy for several weeks now. He's quite young and shy. I don't know much about him, but I think he's lost some close people on their ship and at times he seems sad and lost in thought. He doesn't seem like the kind of boy who would want to take someone else's mate.”
“Yes, that's my understanding. In this case, it was more like a companion that he lost on their ship according to Sarah.”
“It doesn't change the case. If you've behaved badly to them, you're going to have to make up for it.”
“Yes, I know that. I owe them both an apology.”
“For Ferdinand, it's easy, you'll find him in the kitchen where he hides from you, I suppose. And as for your companion, she must be in your bed at this hour.”
Ending the meal, I get up and go to the kitchen, determined to have a conversation with young Ferdinand. I find him tidying up the straw mattresses. He recoils when he sees me enter and I feel ashamed.
“Ferdinand, please accept my apologies. I'm sorry. When I came in and saw you two embracing, I thought . . .”
Embarrassed by the memory of the scene I witnessed, as much as by the one that followed, I can't continue. Ferdinand then surprises me by stepping in front of me.
“Nixx, I accept your apology and I don't blame you. I was afraid for a moment, because your behavior reminded me of Kryll's when we met.”
Damn it! My shame increases another notch upon hearing this.
“I'm sorry, I don't know your customs. I thought . . . well, I'm sorry. It won't happen again.”
“You know, Sarah is madly in love with you. I've never seen her look more radiant than when you were with her. Good luck with her, because you hurt her deeply with your insinuations.”
“I'm well aware of that and I intend to make it up to her. But I wanted to set the record straight with you first.”
“I thank you for that.”
“And know that I also heard your feelings of loneliness. You know you can confide in us, even though we are not human. Our goal is for you to fit in well with us, all of you.”
“Yes, we could see all the design efforts you've made to make us comfortable here. But there are some things I couldn't see myself telling anyone but Sarah about.”
“Yes, if you’re sick, she is the one to see.”
“It's not that . . .” he says, blushing. “It's that . . . I lost a companion in the crash. A male companion.”
“Yes, Sarah mentioned it.”
“He was a man,” he insists.
“Yes, I understood that. What is the problem?”
“Ah, but if you don't have a problem with that, I don't see why I would.”
I don't really understand what problem he's talking about, but I wish him a good night and then go in search of my companion to comfort.
I find her in our bed, deeply asleep, her face all crumpled with tears. So much for comfort and excuses, we'll have to wait for her to wake up.
As I am about to undress, I receive a mental call.
