Flutter

Flutter: Neuf (1/2)

"I am not a renegade." Nora said softly.

"No. You're not. But this position, it requires a certain temperament. Somehow, life and work has blended together for him. I don't know if he knows how to separate the two - be both yielding and unmoved. Maybe he can learn that from you."

Nora looked to the sky, the light blue melding with the pinks and lavenders brought on by a setting sun.

"Blended together." Nora said, looking down at her hands. "It's still not fair."

"No. It certainly isn't. I am not trying to excuse Quinton. I know that he can be rude, irritating."

"Pompous, brutish..." Nora continued for Blaine. She was learning a lot of new words from all the reading she was doing lately.

"Yes. Those too." He agreed with a smile. "I'm just trying to get you to understand him a bit more. You're a bump in his road, Nora, but it think it's just what he needed."

Blaine took her two hands and held it between his.

"I don't know if I want you to be right, Blaine. "

Blaine opened his mouth to respond but he stopped. He and Nora both turned their head to the door. Quinton stood there, a scowl on his face. Blaine stood up as Quinton came to where they sat.

"Oh, please. Do not get up on my behalf." He said. "You two seemed to be having quite the heart to heart."

"We were actually." Nora piped in, making Quinton's gaze fall upon her.

"Wonderful.Maybe I should have Mary stoke the fire for you." His words were laced with sarcasm.

Nora didn't reply , smoothing the wrinkles out of her shirt, not willing to take his bait.

He turned his attention to Blaine. "I hope that you've had a good cry. Now if you'll excuse us, I must speak to Nora. Alone."

"Of course." Blaine turned to Nora. "It was a pleasure."

"The pleasure's all mine." Nora flashed him a smile. As soon as she and Quinton were alone, the smile left her face. "What did you want to speak about?"

"Are we skipping the pleasantries then? Are we so far gone?" He said, taking Blaine's seat next to her.

"I believe we are." She responded coolly. Quinton stiffened but continued nonetheless.

"I wanted to know how your appointment went yesterday."

"It was fine. Mr. Geron and Mrs. Kanoever we very professional."

"Yes. The pair are one of the finest people I know. After your examination, they came to tell me that they found nothing out of the usual at first glance but that isn't the official prognosis.. You will be studied further obviously. Your next appointment is this coming Saturday."

She nodded her head.

"The day after tomorrow, you'll be meeting with your tutor, Carl. I spoke about him last week. You'll be meeting with him every so often in the library."

"How long are these sessions?" Nora inquired.

"As long as Mr. Hutching deems fit. Any questions?"

"None at all."

"Wow. Nora Thompson with nothing to say? The apocalypse must be upon us." Quinton laughed as he rose out of his chair.

"You've made it quite clear that my voice is insignificant to you."

"Yes. The silence is music to my ears." Quinton smirked at Nora who nearly bared her teeth at him. "Oh and by the way, we're having guests for dinner. Be on your best behavior." With that he walked away.