Page 37 of The Healing Dragon (The Red Book #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

JESSE

I walk behind Santiago and Janelle as we make our way to the dining hall. The breakfast crowd isn't as big now as it is during lunch and dinner. Since most of the castle staff begin their mornings at different times, there is a flux of activity.

Following a few steps behind, I witness for the first time how people look at Janelle.

There are some who avert their gazes as she walks by, but others make a point of sending scowls her way.

I can't seem to help my returning one as their eyes move from her to me close behind. They’re quick to change their expressions when I meet their gaze.

I knew coming here with her would bring mixed emotions. The events from the past few months have been hard on everyone. I have found it hard to come to terms with what I feel for Janelle because of that but I can't stop the anger at witnessing her treatment.

If being with her would turn those scowls my way I know I am ready to receive them.

I am more than prepared to take the accusations and betrayed expressions.

I know there is no way to fully avoid them.

I have made a choice and living with it is what I must do.

I could have never chosen any other way.

Santiago wastes no time directing us to the food as soon as we walk inside. I watch as he takes a plate and piles a reasonable amount of food for a growing boy. I follow suit but notice Janelle isn't partaking.

“Why aren't you getting food?” I ask Janelle looking at her empty hands.

“I had something already,” she says over her shoulder.

“Where?” I raise a brow.

“The clinic,” she says. Then turns to fully face me. “Pad send some there for everyone.”

Well, that is nice of him. I had no idea Amy Bee had that kind of arrangement with Pad.

I finish getting my food items with Santigo and lead the way to the same table I have been sitting at for years. I can feel more than see Santiago hesitate before following me and taking a seat. Janelle chooses to sit next to him and across from me.

I try to avoid looking around because I know I will be getting odd looks from people around us.

It's not their fault that they are curious but I can’t scowl at every resident of the castle.

It isn't on my agenda for today. Soon enough the sight of Janelle and I eating and walking side by side will be old news. Nothing to gossip about.

Perhaps that is just wishful thinking on my part.

“Well hey there,” a guard says while he sits beside me.

However, the greeting is directed at Janelle. For his sake, she doesn’t answer him. Just gives him a blank stare that fills me with some type of ridiculous pride.

I feel like a child ready to jump up and scream, “see she won’t talk to you, but she talks to me. ”

“What? I thought after everything that happened we needed to stay away from the dragon, but she is here helping the elderly and supplying the castle with herbs.” He holds his face with his fits and looks at her with the same puppy eyes I’ve seen him used on others.

I don’t even bother telling him to stop. With those cheap tactics, he will bury himself. There is no way she will fall for them. Wait.

“Helping the elderly?” I turned my question to her.

“Please tell us more,” Santiago says between bites.

Looks like I am not the only one who hasn't heard of this. The past couple of days, I’ve tried to not think of Janelle or follow in any of her footsteps. I’ve not been very successful, but I tried.

“Earlier today at the clinic,” she says to me, then turns to West on my side. “How did you hear about it? It’s only been a few hours.”

West takes a bite from his apple. “The walls talk,” he says between chews.

Janelle looks at the clock on the wall then at Santiago.

“I have to go,” she says.

She picks up her plate and takes it to the trash.

“Wait.” I chase after her.

I take her plate out of her hands. I move to the trash and empty it out for her. The act is so casual and so much like we used to be.

“Jesse, do you know what you are doing?” she asks, looking around anxiously.

I take a step closer into her space. “Definitely.” I trace her lips with mine then take a step back. “Go on. I will find you later,” I say.

Her eyes are open wide and if it wasn't for the slight tint of pink on her cheeks I would worry she was in shock. She turns to the hallway doors and swiftly leaves. I don't have to look around to know every eye is on me.

“That was subtle,” Santiago grins in my direction.

What can I say, I can't help it. I could have never been able to.