“What is it
about Mr. Clark you dislike so much?” Eleanor asked on what had become a
routine run every morning. James raised his eyebrows until creases appeared on
his forehead, but pushed on running.
“I think it
is a combination of what you have told of him and his annoying habit of
constantly adding meaningless statistics or facts to every subject we talk about to try and look smarter….” He glanced
over “Look, I really shouldn’t speak this way, it is distasteful.”
He sprinted forward, leaving the girl behind for a moment.
When he glanced back, she was catching up quickly, a smile spreading over her
face. It was still there when they reached the mansion again and James finally
asked
“What is
it? You’ve been smiling for quite some time now. And don’t tell me you actually
enjoy sprinting…” he was out of breath
The girl dropped over, panting. It was a full minute before
she could respond
“I’m glad
you’re my brother. I can’t get over how lucky I am.”
James walked towards the gardens
“What makes
you say that? The fact that I just dissed your teacher in front of you?”
“That. And
taking time to get to know me, the way you treat the staff. I guess I wasn’t
expecting you to be so agreeable.”
“I have a
disagreeable side, Eleanor, I hope you never see it, but I’m afraid you
eventually will.” He replied, sinking to one of the stone benches and motioning
for her to join him “Listen, Eleanor, I have to leave again. I was asked to
teach a weekend leadership course at one of the academies.”
“That’s
fine.” The girl replied, half lying. It took a moment of thought for her to
amend her statement “I mean… I’m happy you get the opportunity to teach and I
hope it goes well.”
“So you’re
going to miss me?”
She nodded and he decided to push her a little mentally
“Why?”
Before responding, she pulled a leaf off of the tree
overhanging the small alcove bench and proceeded to tear it apart
“Because
when you leave, I don’t have any distraction and it makes me think of Dad more.”
She reached for another leaf “And I don’t know how to deal with the pain I
feel. I can’t escape it. Not even in sleep.”
James leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees
“Look,
Eleanor, I am probably the worst person to give you advice on grieving, but
using excuses and keeping busy to forget the pain won’t help.”
Her tear filled eyes looked away
“Then what?”
Here, James had to think and his own bitter losses made his
throat ache.
“Think of
and remember the happy times. Cherish them. It is all I can tell you.”
She was sobbing and he embraced her, letting her cry on his
shoulder
“You are a
strong girl, Eleanor, you will figure this out.” He whispered
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