Despite the fact that the trip was sudden and slightly obligatory, I had a wonderful time. It was a much needed opportunity for Kel and I to have some time together away from our responsibilities. We went to several different beaches and retreats, testing the different waters and lounging around in the summer sun. Unfortunately enough, I got a bit of a sunburn, especially on my ears. I'm tempted to wear a hat when I return to work.
That's the hard part. Returning to work. Not for me, but for Kel. I figured it out about two days into the vacation. We were lying on the beach and I was falling asleep in the warm sand.
"You know ever think of pursuing any other interests? I mean you've got lots of talents in categories aside from... Books." His tone was casual, but the relaxed attitude had a prying undertone.
I opened my eyes and shaded them with a hand. As I looked at him, I could see that look on his face. He was worried. Like the time when we were younger, I broke my ankle and he had to carry me home. He was afraid for me.
"You could have asked me about it. I wouldn't have been upset. But I'm sure you have jumped to worst case scenario conclusions."
Kel offered up a weak smile. "I don't want something to happen to you. It's one thing for you to be a Knight and hang out in the city, protected by bigger, stronger Knights where nothing worse than theft happens most the time. But that place isn't safe. And I don't know how much I trust Syn'rio to take care of you there."
I shut my eyes and lied my head back down on my arm. "I'm an adult," I repeated for the umpteenth time since I'd actually become an adult.
"Yeah, but you're my little sister and I'm worried. Come on, you understand, don't you?" I was silent. "Just... Think about how much more you can do with yourself than... that."
And throughout our travels, similar conversations took place sporadically. Eventually, nearing the end of our vacation, things grew more desperate on his end.
"Let's go through the shops in the city when we get home and see if there's any work. I know you want something to do besides patrolling the city and that's totally fine. You know what, I bet that DJ friend of yours might want some help with some of her parties..." Kel droned on and on about alternative things for me to do that don't involved returning to the Tower. And I'd become fed up.
"Kel, listen," I interrupted. "I understand where you're coming from. But you have to understand where I'm coming from. I signed a contract with Mister Cross when I entered his tower. And that means that I have an obligation to be loyal to he and his tower. Okay? I have to stay there because I committed to it. And more importantly, I want to stay there. You have to know that I was scared when I found out about the murders. Anyone would be. But I trust in the people that I work with, the people who have become my second family, to protect me and to protect the tower." I took a deep breath, feeling faint from having finally said what was bottled up inside of me the whole week. "I'm going back, and that's final."
And he finally stopped pestering me. The next few days were much more pleasant. We talked and laughed like we did when we were kids. I told him about some of my adventures and he listened politely, though I could tell he was itching to bring up the subject we had already resolved. But I pretended not to notice, and gave him time to let it go.
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