Normality, Thy Name is Lynette

Chapter Twenty-Two

“Nette?” Darian’s voice asked softly.

“Yes.” I answered. I turned back around and saw Darian there. He had a large bruise on his face and shoulder.

“Are you ok?” I asked.

“Better than being poisoned.” He smiled a little and shrugged, pulling up a stool.

“Well, before you got attacked, how was your walk?” he asked.

I smiled to myself. “It was really good actually.” I said. Darian nodded. “Why did you come get us?” I asked.

He stuttered. “Rain got the death warning.” He settled to himself then he mumbled, “But I’m kind of glad I was there.” He said to himself.

I shook my head. “How can you say that in front of me?” I asked in disgust.

“Because I am sick of rejection and I want to feel loved by somebody!” He shouted.

“And you don’t think I want that either!” I retorted, “Both you and Keegan had a reason for liking me. Keegan’s was nobler than yours, but it was still a condition.” He glared at me.

“How many times do you want me to apologize, Lynette?” He groaned.

I threw my pillow at him. “No more! It doesn’t have anything to do with you apologizing!” I sighed and settled down, “I just don’t like you that way, Darian…I’m sorry.”

He stood up, kicked the chair out of the way and left. I sighed and looked back over at Keegan’s pale face. His eyelashes fluttered and he squeezed my hand. I smiled at him.

“Good morning.” I said. He smiled and sat up. We both looked at the digital clock on our sideboard and saw that it was one o’clock in the afternoon. I shrugged and settled back down into my pillow.

“What did Darian want?” He asked.

“You were awake?” I asked.

“A little, I could hear his voice and yours, but I couldn’t understand it. I was half asleep.”

“Oh, he just wanted to come and check on us.”

“You mean check on you.” He corrected, narrowing his eyes.

I shook my head. “Keegan, it’s not like I would take the bait anyway. I don’t like him like that.” I subconsciously reached for my necklace but my fingers only touched my warm flesh.

“Keegan, where is my necklace?” I panicked.

“I don’t know.” He responded.

I rolled my eyes and laughed sarcastically. “Well that’s great, just great!” I crossed my arms and shook my head. Keegan got up and sat on my bed. I was alarmed at first, but he was still sitting. He put his arms around me.

“I’m no dowser but I can help you look for it.” He offered. I half smiled and kissed him on the cheek.

“You’re sweet.” I said.

He blushed and helped me out of the bed. “Are we aloud to get out of bed?” I asked.

“I guess so. I feel fine.” He stretched and I cocked my head.

“Are you sure?” I asked.

He nodded. “Yeah, why?”

“Umm…no reason…you just look really pale.” I said. He shrugged.

“Ok, maybe it is just from the shock of it all.”

I nodded and I went into a separate room to change into my clothes. I came back out and saw Keegan pulling his shirt over his head, his bare back facing me. He pulled it over and then turned to me.

“Ready?” He asked. I nodded and we started searching for the necklace. It wasn’t in the room, so we walked out. Within the first three minutes of our walk, Keegan was called away to a meeting about the attack. I figured I would be called in pretty soon also, but I wandered the halls till that time. I ran into Rain. He was eating three granola bars at a time and had a two liter of coke in his hand.

“Are you ok?” I asked. he nodded.

“I’m better. Maria is making me eat all this though.” He smiled.

“Can I hang out with you for a while? Keegan got called to a meeting.” I explained.

He nodded. “Sure.” He said with a full mouth. We went to a couch and sat down. He tossed me a granola bar and started on the two liter. He handed me my necklace and I smiled.

“I found this on the floor in the sick bay. I figured it would bet smashed if it stayed there so I picked it up.” He laughed, “But I got busy before I could give it to you.”

“Thank you so much.” I said, clipping it onto my neck.

He took another swig and then answered, “You’re welcome” He took a long drink and then looked off into the distance for a minute. All the color drained from his face and he got up.

“Rain?” I asked.

He just shook his head. “Oh my God.” He gasped.

“Rain, what is it?” I asked stressfully.

He shook his head some more. “I don’t know if I can tell you. It is about Keegan.” He said.

My eyes widened. “What about Keegan?” I asked hysterically.

He sighed and put his face in his hands. “Keegan…has the death warning.”