Page 99 of The Pacifist
“I’m not shy,” Kal-El defended himself. “We’re just not allowed to touch women.” He gave a minor scowl to Neptune.
“Oh, but it’s completely fine with me.” Anne batted her eyelashes and when Kal-El picked up her luggage, she rewarded him with a thankful smile.
“I don’t mind touching you either,” he assured her. “I just don’t want to get in trouble for it.”
“Do you want me to take your luggage?” Neptune asked me, but I waved a hand, gesturing that I had it.
All the way from the border to the Gray Manor, Anne and the guards talked. Neptune entertained her with stories about life as a guard and made her laugh several times.
“Do you mind if I touch your beard?” she asked Kal-El, whose beard went to his collarbone. “It’s just that I’ve never seen a beard that long.”
With pride he leaned forward and let her feel it.
“How long did it take you to grow it that long?”
“Four years.”
“I can grow mine long too, I just prefer it shorter.” Neptune was clearly jealous over the attention his colleague was getting.
With a twinkle in her eye, Anne shifted her attention to Neptune and like it was the most natural thing in the world she leaned forward and cupped his face. “Your beard is perfect the way it is.”
His eyes blinked like he had no idea how he’d just got so lucky as to be touched by an angel.
“Thank… thank you.”
When we landed at the Gray Manor, it was close to eleven thirty at night. Normally, Mila always came running out the door to greet me, but this time the door was closed.
My heart sank and fear grew that I was too late.
“Ooh, it’s cold up here.” Anne shivered a bit while Neptune and Kal-El were bumping shoulders to get to Anne’s luggage first.
Walking up the steps, I was relieved when the door swung open and Pearl’s friendly face showed. “Come in, come in.”
“Thank you.” I hugged her tight before introducing my sister. “This is Anne, whom I’ve told you about.”
“Yes.” Pearl gave Anne a polite smile. “What a surprise that you decided to visit us.”
Anne looked as star-struck as I’d been the first time that I met Pearl. “It’s such an honor. I’ve learned about you in school and Jonah has told me so much good about you.”
“I’m sure he’s exaggerating.” Pearl leaned to the side and gave instructions to the guards. “Will you take their luggage to the guest suites… ehh.” She wrinkled her forehead. “Oh, dear, I forgot what suites Mila picked out for you.”
Just then, Mila came running down the staircase looking like something from my personal fairytale. Her long blond hair was loose and she was wearing a sweater in a warm purple color that complimented her large blue eyes. Without words, Mila ran straight into my arms and linked her arms around my waist.
My whole body relaxed as I wrapped my arms around her and took in the delicious scent of Mila.
Neither of us wanted to let go, and it made Pearl and Anne laugh.
“I guess they’ve missed each other.”
“Oh, you should have seen Jonah all the way up here. He looked tortured having to sit still.” Anne placed a hand on my shoulder. “It’s good to see you this happy, brother.”
I still didn’t let go of Mila but turned my head and smiled at Anne and Pearl.
“Mila, if you’re capable of loosening your grip on Jonah, maybe you could show our guests to their rooms. It’s late and we have much to discuss tomorrow."
“Did you see the vote?” I asked Pearl.
“The whole world saw the vote, Jonah. I’ve already called my mom to thank her for evening out the votes. Tomorrow, we’ll discuss how to flip the votes in your favor for Monday.”
