Chapter 53 Honest Confessions
NIA’S POV
“Damn! She is so drunk. I didn’t know she indulged in drinking this much.” Ezra commented as he lifted a sleepy Perry off the floor to the bedroom.Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.
I could not stop laughing. Perry had been the one to boast about how much she could take at one go, but three shots down and her eyes are closed. It’s not like I have ever had actual alcohol. I only got to know what it tastes like because of Kingston. He was always kind enough to make me aware of everything around me. Thoughts of him often pop up, and I realize how much I miss him.
I had a filled day going out with Perry; we did loads of shopping and went food tasting. My belly was almost bloated when we returned home, only for me to learn that she had incited Ezra over for dinner and a late-night drink. I don’t know if I am overthinking it, but Perry is trying hard to match me and her brother. It’s probably the reason she got herself drunk. It doesn’t sound reasonable, but then it can’t be disputed.
Ezra exhaled as he sat beside me, keeping a distance between us. “That young lady is a piece of work. How she keeps her wolf alert even when asleep amuses me. I tried to help her out of the stuffy jacket she had on. Her wolf appeared on the surface, ready to attack.” He mused.
“You know, Perry. She hardly lets her guard down. Thank you so much for coming to dinner. I didn’t think I would see you soon since you have been quite busy.”
“I apologize. It’s just been a lot.” He said, keeping his eyes down.
“Will you like some water?” I asked.
“Sure, thanks.”
I hurried off to the kitchen to get the water. I feel anxious, even though I am unsure where this is going. Ezra and I have always had pleasant conversations without any strain. I don’t understand why this seems different. Shaking the thoughts off my head, I returned with his glass of water.
“Here you go.” I mused, thinning my lips.
Ezra took a long gulp and held on to the glass. “You don’t have to act so rigid.” He said.
I blinked, confused, “what?”
He sighed, smiling widely. “I have something to confess. Sincerely, I haven’t been exactly too busy to see you. I am doubtful about my emotions, and it’s taking quite a toll on me.”
I sat up straight, staring at him. “What is it about?”
“I think I like you a bit deeper than a casual like. And at first, I was almost ready to ask you out. But then I had to check within myself properly if I am really into you and be certain I am not misquoting my emotions. I had to keep my distance, and then it dawned on me that the emotions mounted because we had grown closer over time. But I don’t think it’s strong enough to start a relationship. Perry wants us together so bad she has urged me to admit my feelings to you. Still, I just needed to be sure of what I was doing. I doubt if I could make her desires come true.”
I let out a relieved sigh. “I am glad we are on the same page. I was beginning to grow fond of you, and the thoughts to get asked out by you came to mind many times. I also don’t think it is what we desire from each other. It appears to be a short flame kind of attention.”
Ezra nodded, “I agree with that. I would love to remain your closest pal. I hope I haven’t hurt your feelings in any way?”
“Not at all, Ezra. I’m grateful for your sincerity. Opening up to and maturely regarding me shows how much respect you have for me, and I appreciate it. Thank you.”
“If you keep being this sweet, I might fall in love with you.” He joked.
I laughed softly, “you are a remarkable person. Perry is lucky to have a brother and confidant like you. Many times, I wish I had that.”
“I can be whatever you want me to be.”
“Now?” I teased.
He held up his signature smile that brightened up the entire room. “I must admit that I am proud of how far you have come. It’s difficult to let go of one’s painful past and try to carve out a new life. Everyone speaks so gloriously of the healer. The children whisper about how nice you are. Even when you give them a bitter potion, you give out candy too. No one remembers that you are the half-breed they would have condemned. It goes to show how much value it would bring to one. People will hardly think about where you come from or who you are if you have something valuable to offer. I’m proud of you.”
I hummed in response; nobody considers me the half-breed anymore except one person, of course. “Thank you, Ezra. I hope the goddess keeps giving me the strength and knowledge to get it right.”
“Is there any clause to your knowledge that might result in you losing your ability?”
“Yes, according to the older healers that I communicated with. If a healer creates a potion to destroy a person rather than heal, such a person can lose their ability. However, it doesn’t go away at once; it all depends on the gravity of the person’s damage.”
“I trust you won’t indulge in anything that will take your power away.”
I shrugged, suddenly feeling unsure. “What if it happens, and I end up not knowing? I have heard people stealing from healers and misusing their healing potions. It ends up being an end to the healer.”
Ezra exhaled, nodding his head. “There is a high chance that can happen. You will have to be more vigilant about the people around you.”
“Now that we are talking about this. I might have been too careless over time. Can you come with me to the clinic, please? I must lock the doors and keep the key with me.” I said.
For some reason, I keep thinking back to when Gemma stormed the clinic demanding Sarah’s baby’s demise. I won’t be surprised if she needs to remove one of the Alpha’s concubines again and comes to take something from the office without asking.
“Let’s go then. I will head home from there. Furthermore, I have had just about enough today.” He said, following me out of the house.
Ezra waited until I had bolted the necessary doors. There are some herbs that I am experimenting with that can be a permanent solution to insomnia. It’s still a work in progress, and anyone who takes it can sleep for too many long hours. It would be a disaster if anyone gets a hold of it now.
“Done!” I announced to Ezra.
“Let me see you back home, then. Before I drive off.” He offered.
“No, not at all. I can go back on my own. You should leave first; you look too tired.” I suggested, hugging him. “Good night.”
He placed a kiss on my forehead. “Alright, healer. Have a nice dream. Good night.”
I waved gleefully as the car drove off. The minute I turned to head to the house, I felt a pair of eyes bore holes into my back. When I looked back, no one was there. Flashes of anything going wrong came to mind. I didn’t hesitate to pace with my legs flying up high until I was back and safe behind my door.