The Only Exception

7. Falling Slowly

Silence.

Ruya blinked. "And...?"

"That's it. He helped me take a shower."

Ruya's lips parted in shock. "I hope you used protection this time."

Asi smacked her again. "You're so stupid. I'm telling you I'm not okay."

Ruya doubled over laughing, wiping tears from her eyes. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Okay, okay, I'm listening. Tell me."

Asi took a breath. "It was so... intimate. He was close. He saw me almost naked. I know he has before but... now it's different. We're different. There are rules now."

Ruya had sobered quickly, watching her like a hawk.

"He told me I was beautiful," Asi added quietly.

Ruya smiled softly. "How did that make you feel?"

Asi shook her head. "I don't know. I think... I think I liked it. Ugh, everything is so complicated."

"It doesn't have to be."

"Ruya. I'm carrying his babies. I work for him. I live with him. No one knows. We had sex once. How can all of this just... be solved?"

"I don't know. Maybe if you start dating?"

Asi stood up so fast the chair squeaked. "What?"

"What?" Ruya said, wide-eyed.

"What are you talking about?!"

Ruya shrugged. "Why is that so strange to you? Do you like him?"

Silence.

"Asi," Ruya said again, gently. "Do you like him?"

"I... I don't know."

"Oh, I think you do know."

Asi began pacing. "No. No, this is too much. This is getting too much."

"My sweetie," Ruya said, standing too. "Why are you so scared?"

"Ru," Asi said, her voice almost cracking. "This is way too much. I can't like him. I won't."

"I don't think that's something you get to decide."

"I can. And I did. This is closed. Thank you for your help."

Ruya walked to her, gently took her hands. "You don't have to decide today or even tomorrow. This whole thing is strange. But I know you. You're scared of being hurt. You run from feelings. Just... once, let yourself actually choose. Give yourself the option."

Asi looked at her, eyes filled with conflict. "Okay," she whispered. "I'll try."

Ruya nodded and kissed her cheek. "Are you okay now?"

Asi smiled faintly. "I'm always okay when I talk to you."

Ruya hugged her tight.

Then Asi stepped back. "So, how are you going to spend your day off? Aside from being my personal therapist."

Ruya grinned. "Waiting for Yaman to finish. We're going for a picnic."

"Aww."

"Yes, aww. But I was hoping we'd end up at his apartment."

"Ru!"

"What?! I'm getting bored, Asi! I mean it."

"Yaman is more of a romantic guy."

"Yes, I know. I'm just... not that romantic apparently. Anyway, I'll go now. Are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes. Don't worry."