Page 64 of The Orc's Sweetheart
Nodding, I say, “Fun is a good idea sometimes.” I think Beck can get so caught up in takingcare of the island, fulfilling his duties, and living up to his family’s expectations, that sometimes he forgets that he’s allowed to relax and do something different for the sake of fun. Except for karaoke nights, he hardly does anything for himself.
We bundle Annamae into the center of our group and proceed slowly toward the hospital. Despite Tilly’s insistence, Annamae chooses to walk to the hospital, not willing to be carried the couple of blocks we need to go.
When we arrive at the large urgent care center, Tilly marches up to the front desk. She explains Annamae’s symptoms to a nurse on duty who she thankfully recognizes and gets a bunch of forms for Richard to sign while Annamae gets a short assessment.
Tilly returns to Richard, handing him the paperwork. “That nurse is amazing and I can guarantee that Annamae is in good hands. They’ll take care of her. In the meantime, they just need you to fill these out and then they can start treatment. Do you need any help with them? Or can I get you coffee? Water?”
Richard places a hand on Tilly’s. “It’s so kind of you to offer, but we’ll be okay. You’ve already done so much for my Anna. Maisie, my niece, lives in the city and I already called her from Starry Hill to say we were on the way here. She loves my Anna and will be happy to stay with me until we’re cleared to travel back home.”
“Oh, that’s wonderful. We’ll at least wait with you until she comes. Right, Bodin?”
“Of course.” I consider lowering myself into the flimsy-looking hospital chair next to Richard’s, then decide against it. Even though no one has even given me a second look,I’d rather not draw attention to myself if I break it and fall on my butt right here.
As I debate what my next move should be, a bright tornado of energy heads straight for us.
“Uncle Richard!” the blonde tornado, who I assume is Maisie, calls with her arms outstretched as she runs all the way from the doors to his seat.
The two embrace for a quiet second before Maisie’s spinning around, lifting onto her toes, and asking, “Where’s my favorite aunt? Has a doctor already seen her? Will she be okay? Uncle Richard, are you okay? You must’ve been so worried. Tell me everything.”
I take Tilly’s hand and pull her up. “Let’s go get some coffee.”
Richard waves us off as we exit the hospital and walk into Cape Easton’s city center. A part of me expects creatures to stare at our threaded fingers, or my tusks, but no one pays us any attention. Or if they do, it’s a small incline of their heads, a greeting, or someone stepping out of the way so Tilly and I can walk hand in hand.
Something deep and broken in me weaves itself together with each person that passes by. Maybe my experience at university was isolated. Maybe not all city creatures are heartless bullies. I know I was wrong about Tilly, and judging by Maisie’s very enthusiastic love for her aunt and uncle, I’m guessing there are many creatures from Cape Easton who can prove to be the opposite of those I’ve met.
If this keeps going, I might consider visiting again. Even if just to meet Tilly’s parents and ask them for Tilly’s hand. Though, I don’t know if I would be okay with the option of them saying no. Maybe I’ll just invite them to the ceremony.
Tilly and I are both quiet, lost in our thoughts as we slowly decompress and process all the events of the day.
After another block or so, I notice Tilly’s limp getting more pronounced.
“Is your ankle sore?”
“A bit. I pushed myself hard today. There’s a coffee shop one street down with comfortable seats and an ocean view. Let’s head there.”
I try not to fuss over Tilly as she leads us to a quaint-looking shop. When we approach the door, someone holds it open for us, and I mumble my thanks to him.
The stranger smiles charmingly and replies, “You’re so welcome.” Then he exits without another glance back. I try not to be confused by the friendliness of the creatures, but it’s a whole different world from what I knew.
We order our coffees and head for a bench seat on the deck overlooking the ocean. Tilly sits down next to me and I get a chair for her to prop her ankle onto. The barista gave us some ice and a towel, which I place on Tilly’s ankle as she sips her drink.
Looking at her over my shoulder, I smirk. “This feels familiar.”
Tilly’s cup pauses halfway to her mouth. “Do you know how badly I wanted to kiss you that night?”
I shake my head. “Not as much as I wanted to kiss you.”
Smile soft, but eyes playful, Tilly purrs, “You’ve definitely made up for it.”
I take her hand in mine and press my lips to her fingers. “I’m not planning on stopping anytime soon.”
Tilly stares at me for a long moment, a thousand thoughts passing behind her eyes. The moment she opens her shutters and lets me see her true feelings that she’s been suppressing all day, feels like the biggest gift.
Looking the most vulnerable I’ve ever seen her, she says in a low voice, “I want to tell you a story. About me. About what happened before Starry Hill and why it was so easy for me to accept a job there.”
I place one hand on her thigh and squeeze lightly. “I’m here and listening. Take as long as you need.”
Tilly takes a deep breath then leans back, staring out at the ocean she starts talking slowly. “A couple of years ago, I was working in a different hospital as a registered nurse. One day, a dryad came in, completely limp and weak. She was young, a university student from out of town with no family in the city, so I kind of took it upon myself to see that she was taken care of.
