Chapter 14.

I tried to walk as fast as I could. Cecil’s cryptic message that he left for me left my thoughts running wild. I had a rare good day, mostly because I didn’t just lay in bed all day, feeling sorry for myself. I went out into the gardens, attended to my new flowers, and read underneath my favorite Cherry Blossom. When Bella, the sweet little soul, came running towards me with a worried expression on her face, it felt like time stopped for a moment. Cecil had called and told her that I should come quickly because something was wrong with Everett. Panicked, I got to Casters Manor, where a smiling Cecil waited for me in the front parlor. I felt my frown grow as I saw Cecil standing there like nothing was wrong. “You got here fast. Did you drive?” I let out one last huff before I pointed at my red face. “Do I look like I drove here?” Cecil petted my head, like he did when I was younger, and pointed to the stairs leading up to Everett’s room. “Walk with me?” On the way up, Cecil talked about everything – everything except Everett. “Cecil, what is wrong? You frightened me.” Cecil looked down on me with a sad smile grazing his lips. “He didn’t really come out of his room for two days; he barely ate. The only thing that he consumed was scotch. I’m worried about him.” “So you called me?” He nodded. I looked at Cecil confused, as to why he would call me. “But why me?” I genuinely didn’t understand why Cecil trusted me with this. “He was there for you, or not?” My eyes widened in shock. How did he know that? Cecil chuckled at me, “Everett left the ball early, said that he was going to look for you back at the Reyes Manor.” A faint blush rose on my cheek, damn that man. Cecil smirked knowingly. “Now go on, I’ll be on my way.” With a twinkle in his eyes he turned around and left to god knows where. With a deep breath, I knocked on Everett’s door and stepped in. His room reminded me of mine just a few days ago. Everything was dark, clothes everywhere, and it smelled like a pub. “I said I wanted to be left alone; are you all too dumb…” Everett rolled around in his bed and left his sentence hanging in the air as he laid his eyes on me. His frown deepened. “What are you doing here?” Well, someone fell back into his sarcastic self. “I’m here to cheer you up, buttercup.” With my own sarcastic smile, I hopped onto the bed. Everett just grunted at me and turned around. As I laid down beside him, I let out a frustrated sigh. “You know, some old cranky dude told me, that it’s okay to ask for help when one is having a bad day.” I looked up at the ceiling as Rett turned to face me once more. “This dude sounds really fucking delusional.” I laughed quietly as I turned to face him. “Nah, he’s quite awesome, if I’m honest.” He rolled his eyes at me before muttering, “Can I get a hug?” My eyes went wide at his request. “You? A hug?” I asked. “From me?” My eyes never left his as he looked at me like I was the one being ridiculous. “Yes?” A smile widened on my whole face as I squeaked like a little girl. “You’re about to regret this so badly.” My smile got even wider as Rett tried to roll away from me. “There is no escaping now, Rett.” I hugged him fiercely from the side, as best I could. We stayed like this for a long time. I had the feeling that this gave us both so much needed strength. “Thank you, sunshine.” His low voice made butterflies erupt into my stomach. I smiled happily because I could help him as much as he had helped me. I hid my face in his chest to hide my blushing face while I mumbled back. “Anytime Rett.” Little did I know that he was blushing just the same as me.