Learning to Love | ✓

Chapter 34

[DIABLO]

I stood there on the front porch of Lambert's house. I'm not exactly sure why I'm here. I mean what I wanted to do really didn't involve Lambert.

But I feel better when I'm with, and when I talk to Lambert.

I felt the now normal yet still strange feeling I got at the thought of him. I've known him for years why now? I asked myself as I caressed the doorknob. Why does it take me so long to make a decision?

Taking a deep breath I pressed the doorbell. I waited a while before pressing the doorbell again. The doorknob stirred making me jump back in surprise.

"Diablo."

I heard Lambert's voice call me. The soothing effect it had on me was still new and slightly surreal. I looked up at him at tongue-tied, the clumsiness and lack of words were also new. My attractions had somehow drifted from seductive and sweet Zeus to the precise and kind Lambert.

"Just come in," Lambert said, walking into the house with the door left wide open behind him. I followed behind him, walking into the living room.

"So what is it?" Lambert asked, switching the T.V. off before turning to me. I turned away still feeling tongue-tied as my eyes traveled to the stack of books arranged on the center table.

"I'm preparing for a class I offered to take in the local university," Lambert said, answering my unasked question as he went over to sit on the sofa.

The statement built questions and a fit of biting jealousy. I bet Miguel— 

"Why did you come here?" Lambert said, interrupting my line of thought.

"I — it's Zeus," I said, feeling terribly awkward as I approached the Sofa.

"What about Zeus?" Lambert asked, the sofa sinking with his weight. I looked over; a little scared about the tingling delight I was feeling over him being near me. Maybe it's always been like this, maybe it's why I've been hanging around his house when I feel depressed.

"Well?" Lambert asked making me look away in the realization that I had been staring.

"I went to his hearing, stayed at the back so he wouldn't spot me..." I trailed, turning to look at Lambert with worried eyes.

"He's not going to stand a chance if — if I don't step up for him," I concluded. Lambert sighed.

"Then what do I have to do with this? You know where he's currently staying; I've told you, haven't I?" he asked, turning to face the blank TV. I bit my lip feeling like a child being scolded at.

"I just —I feel more comfortable around you. I..." I trailed, peeping at him from the corner of my eye. His face was still neutral, staring blankly at the TV. I bit my lip feeling ignored.

"You've not been very well-tempered lately, are you angry at me?" I asked turning to face him. He didn't look my way just sighed.

"You're ignoring me now. Is this about Miguel?" I asked. Lambert turned to face me with one brow raised. I turned away at the intensity of his gaze.

"Well, is it?" I asked, looking down at the carpet. Why did I bring that up? I felt the sofa sink in a little more than a sigh.

"Why would you think that?" I heard Lambert say, bending so he was on the same level as me. I turned feeling my heart rate quickening.

"I — maybe he doesn't want me around you, or I'm I just a bother. I — sorry, I don't know what I'm saying," I sighed sitting up. Lambert followed suit giving me a weird look.