Well, I have taken Lubos’ advice, and Brooke has taken mine. It did not end quite as well as any of us would have hoped.
In their apartment this evening, Morgan sat staring at the kitchen table, while both Brooke and I watched her anxiously. She had absorbed the story of the encounter between Brooke and Erin with calmness, but there was something in the set of her mouth that frightened Brooke.
I could see more clearly, but I was not certain what the clouds rising in her aura meant. I could see hurt, confusion, anger—all of which I expected. Her thoughts, however, were so confused that I could not see to their sources.
“So that’s all that happened?” Morgan said finally. “She kissed you?”
“That’s all, I promise,” Brooke said.
Morgan considered this for a long moment. “And nothing else has happened since then?”
“No. She knows I’m committed to you.”
“I see.” Morgan got up and paced over to the window, then turned back toward the table. Evidently their kitchen was too small for her to pace satisfactorily, for she stalked out to the living room, where she went in circles around the coffee table.
Brooke followed her, sinking into an armchair and watching her. Her heart quickened when Morgan stopped and pressed her hands together in front of her face.
“You say you’re committed to me,” Morgan said, still calm, still quiet, but with an edge on her voice that hurt Brooke. “But if it was just a kiss, why didn’t you tell me about it when it happened? Why hide it from me?”
“I shouldn’t have,” Brooke said. “I should’ve told you.”
“So why didn’t you?” Morgan demanded, turning on her. “Unless you actually considered being with her?”
“No!” Brooke gasped, and she wasn’t lying; she had thought about it, but consideration implies serious thought that comes before action, and it has never gotten that far in her mind. “No, of course not. I love you.”
“Then why?” Morgan pressed. “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because—” Brooke hesitated, but I urged her to be honest. She swallowed and spoke the raw truth with a voice that shook. “Because I’ve been in love with you forever, and it feels too good to be true that you love me back. I kept feeling like I was going to lose you, and then with this—and I was sure I would.”
Morgan stared at her, seeing the tears in her eyes and the fear in her face. Part of her wanted to comfort Brooke, but another part, a larger part, was concerned with her own hurt.
“Why do you think I’m the one who’s going to leave when you’re the one kissing other girls?” she asked, her voice biting.
“I didn’t—she kissed me,” Brooke said weakly. Morgan didn’t answer, and Brooke leaned forward. “But I love you, Morgan,” she added, and all her love was in her voice. “I always have.”
I did my best to make Morgan see that, to show her that Brooke’s doubts all came out of that love, that her great fear was only the match to a very great love.
Morgan absorbed all this into a cold place in her heart and sank down onto the sofa. “Then why don’t you trust me?” she asked in a quiet voice.
Brooke lowered her head as if Morgan had struck her. “I’m sorry,” she whispered.
Morgan nodded. Then there was silence between them, and nothing I could do would break it.
Finally Morgan asked, “What time is your flight tonight?”
“I have to be at the airport at six,” Brooke said, her voice wavering.
Morgan nodded and got up, grabbing her purse and wiping her eyes. “I’ll be back at five, then,” she said. And she left the apartment without another word.
Brooke covered her eyes and wept, and I could only wrap my wings around her and let her cry. How can one comfort someone whose worst fears seem to be coming true?
But that is not certain yet, and I will not give up hope. The damage can be repaired—I have to believe that. And I will do everything I can to make it happen.