Flutter

Flutter: Vingt

"You've been so helpful." 

"Is there a reason you've asked me such questions, Nora?"

Nora wanted to explain, but couldn't make out the words. 

"No reason." 

"Anything else on your mind?"

No response.

"Is everything alright...between you and Mr. Reeves?" Carl said, probing more. 

Nora held her hand in her palm, trailing her finger across the desk top.

"Carl, I don't know if you're aware, but Quinton and I had a falling out the other night. I mean I know we are no where near the ideal couple, but I thought we were making progress. We talked...we laughed...but now? I'll be lucky if we could be in the same room with one another."

"Dear me. I did not know that the situation had taken such a turn. Is the future as dismal as you presume?"

"Yes and then some." Nora sighed, placing her head atop of the desk top. 

Carl reached out his hand and stroked Nora's hair as she contemplated her fate.

"Now, Nora, I'm sure you and Quinton's relationship is not as irreparable as you think. Give things time. You are simply going through a rough patch, as they say on the streets."

Nora laughed into the table.

"I wish I could be so optimistic."

 Nora lifted her head, and leaned back in her chair.

"Help me escape?"

"Alas, I do not think I would get you very far."

"I would treasure each step away from here and towards freedom."

They were silent a moment. 

"I can see that you are not up for much more lessons today, so I think we can call it quits."

"Alright! But Carl, I know you meet with Quinton. Can you please not tell him what was discussed?"

"Mum's the word." Carl imitated locking his lips with a key and flinging it away.

"Thank you."

"I bid you goodbye then, Nora." 

o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o.O.o

Nora left Carl and their little study behind.  She and Tifa were going to continue with the training. After getting dressed and ready to hit the obstacle course, she went off to find Tifa. As Nora approached Tifa's bedroom, Nora could sense that Tifa was not alone.

"Hello, Blaine!" Nora announced to the duo, who were standing just inside the bedroom, conversing. 

"Good afternoon, Nora." Blaine greeted, with a slight bow of his head. "I was just telling Tifa here how much I and the children appreciate her being here."

"Oh! Yes. I think I'm going to be replaced." Nora said, laughing.

"I'm more than happy to be on their good side. They are just too adorable." Tifa complimented. 

"I'm glad that you and Nora are available to them. I enjoy them having such respectable persons to look up to."

"Including you." Tifa added.

"I'm glad you think so." 

"Of course."

They looked at each other warmly and Nora had to cough to break the atmosphere.