The Snakes (sequel to Chameleons)

(7) Fiora - Wrong and Right

That afternoon at work seemed to last longer than it should have as I anticipated spending the night with Alexi. I did well at not letting myself become distracted but it did take effort on my part. Heck, maybe it had been too long for me too! But finally Aunt Rani came to pick me up and didn't object when I asked if I could sleep over at Alexi's that night.

"I'm so glad you and Uncle Cal approve of him," I admitted gratefully.

"Of course. That boy prioritised yours and Chester's safety over his own; he didn't balk when you told him you were pregnant – in fact, he stepped right up to the plate. It's obvious he's the best kind of person."

I smiled.

"He is pretty special," I agreed.

*

At home, we found Rab helping Chester with a piece of homework and Tyger snacking on a packet of crisps.

"Tyger," Aunt Rani reproved. "Dinner will be ready soon."

"Sorry, Mum," he said wryly. "I was really hungry."

"Didn't you eat at lunchtime?"

"Well, I kinda got in late today..."

"All right then. But try not to make a habit out of it."

"I won't."

"Hey, Fjor," Chester said, looking up as Aunt Rani moved into the kitchen. "How was work today?"

"Good, thanks. How was school?"

"Same old, same old. Think I preferred being home-schooled – I miss the lab."

"The lessons in the lab were fun," I agreed wistfully. I felt a pang of grief which I thought I saw mirrored on my brother's face but it didn't leave me desolate. It was getting easier these days to deal with the fact that our parents were dead, even if part of me would never fully get over what had happened to them.

After dinner, I packed a few clothes to take to Alexi's house before going downstairs where I would wait for Aunt Rani to be ready to drive me out there.

"Maybe you should just move in with Alexi," said Chester. "It would save a lot of petrol."

"I thought you of all people would be opposed to that idea," I remarked, surprised.

"Yeah, but you've never cared about what I think," he pointed out.

"I like it when Fiora stays here," said Rab. "And it's a good idea to keep friends and family in your life, even when you have a lover."

"Thanks, Rab," I said, smiling.

I left with Aunt Rani and was soon ringing the doorbell of Alexi's house. Alexi was the one to open the door and he instantly pulled me into a tight hug.

"Hi, love," he breathed, clearly overjoyed to see me.

"Hi to you too," I said, snuggling into him as I kicked the door shut behind me.

"Can we go to bed now?" he asked.

"That desperate, are you?" I asked, amused.

Alexi kissed my hair.

"I just don't want to waste one moment with you here."

"That's all right – I understand. We should probably arrange a better system, where I spend one week at Aunt Rani's and the next with you."

"But that would mean one week without sleepovers," Alexi pointed out, and dare I say that he looked like he was pouting?

I chuckled.