The training session with Simone had run late. I was exhausted, as usual, after training with her. They were designed to be stressful, but knowing that didn’t make the sessions any easier. Though I was glad my schedule alternated between the training and my work in the System Information Department, I could use a breather.
I walked up the steps of my apartment complex, the stars and streetlamps the only source of light. All I wanted was to go home and sleep, but Leslie had asked me to stop by tonight. When I opened the door to their apartment, a feast was laid out on the table.
I glanced from the food to Leslie, who stood nervously at the end of the table. Even in the shadows of the flickering candlelight, I could see the worry on their face. What were they up to with this?
“I’m sorry,” Leslie said. “I shouldn’t have talked to your friend the way I did. Besides,” they scratched at their ear, glancing away sheepishly, “it’s not like the last time you had a friend I didn’t trust.”
I exhaled softly at what they’d said, a weight lifting off my shoulders. They had no idea how much of a relief it was to hear they didn’t think Celeste was dangerous.
I wandered over to the table, leaning against the chair to take in the scents. Everything looked fantastic. “I’m probably not the one you should be appologizing to,” I said.
Leslie shifted on their feet, looking away. “Sure, but… Swejoitamskdnfhuet,” they muttered.
“What?” I asked.
Leslie huffed. “I was already planning on apologizing to her,” Leslie stated. “I know I overreacted.”
I sighed in relief. Then I rushed around the table and wrapped my arms around them. “Thank you,” I breathed out.
“I… you’re welcome?” Leslie responded, hugging me back.
I looked up at them. “After what happened at Celeste’s, I thought about why you’d act that way. And I remembered how right you were about 216894. So… I know I’m not exactly the best judge of character. It means a lot that you’re willing to give Celeste a chance.”
“Well… ‘chance’ might be a stretch,” Leslie replied.
I gave them a playful smack which made them chuckle.
Leslie kissed the top of my head. “Yweofjslkmdujes you think,” they said. “You decided to trust me, after all. Enough to follow me home.”
I smiled and replied, “Best decision I’ve ever made.”
To be continued…