Lesson 128- It isn’t nice to call people names.

I wake up and stay in bed for an additional twenty minutes or so while I wait for Crash to move off of me. I can’t get up while he’s curled up on my chest obviously, which sucks because I badly need to pee. Once he moves, I leap out of bed and rush to the bathroom. I also take the time to shower and wash my hair while Crash meows at me, complaining that he wants his dinner probably. He meows so loudly that I decide to head straight from the shower to get his food. So I wrap myself in a fluffy towel and head down to the kitchen to feed him. Crash winds his way around my feet and I nearly trip over him at least twice. I’m struggling to open the can of cat food while keeping a hand on my towel, just in case when I hear a choking sound from behind me. I look over my shoulder to see Torin has arrived early. Shit. Alright, this is totally my own fault this time. Whatever, it’s not like it’s the first time he’s seen me in a towel, and I’m basically covered. Once again, he seems more concerned about it than I am.
“Hey Tori, I’m just trying to feed Crash.” I say casually, holding up the can of cat food. He doesn’t seem to know where to look.
“Sorry, I didn’t think you would be in for a while yet. I’ll just finish this then go get dressed.” I say, turning back to opening the can. I jump when Torin suddenly steps in close to my side. He slips the can out of my hand gently.
“Go get dressed.” He mutters quietly, taking over the task. He has his poker face well in place, but he can’t hide the pink flush that’s spread across his cheeks and ears. I have to fight the urge to mess with him further. It wouldn’t be fair of me when I’m not actually willing to follow through with anything further. I head back to my room and get dressed. Torin really needs to get rid of this binding spell. It is basically just hanging in the air between us all the time. It’s so frustrating. Sometimes I wish I could just forget about it. Accept staying here and just be happy with how things are. But I know that would be unhealthy and wrong. Not to mention, things could be so much BETTER. It would be so nice not to be limited to hanging out in this one place. Plus I really, really just want to go outside.

When I leave my room, I expect to find Torin, what I don’t expect is that he’s not alone.
“Lindy? When did you get here?” I greet her cheerfully, opening my arms to offer a hug. She shyly steps forward and accepts it.
“I… I thought I would come visit. Is that okay?” She asks. I nod.
“Of course! Ooh, I got my phone back. Can I get your number? Then you can text and let me know when you’re coming, plus we can just chat.” I point out. She enthusiastically hands me her phone so I can enter my number. She even casts a smile Torin’s way. She was pretty unhappy with him for keeping my phone after all. I invite her to hang out in my room. I also take the chance to grab some of the snacks Laura and I had set aside for our girl’s night that didn’t end up happening. We may as well enjoy them now. I can always get more when we re-attempt girls' night. We sit around, chatting, eating snacks and playing with Crash for a while until Torin knocks on the door.
“Hey, Laura and Kyle are running a bit late. Car trouble I think. Would you mind starting early today and doing the open? If you get tired and want to close earlier to make up for it, we can.” Torin offers. I shrug.
“Sure, I don’t mind. Lindy, want to come hang out while I set up the bar?” I ask. She shrugs and follows along. We both take an armful of snacks. Lindy relaxes and plays music on her phone while I get ready. When it’s time to open I check in with her again.
“Are you okay staying out here?” I confirm. She seems a bit nervous but she nods.
“I’ll stay close to you or Torin.” She decides. I smile proudly. She really is very brave. She KNOWS that there are tons of people who would hurt her given the chance, and she still keeps coming out and doing her best. I know I’m kind of in a similar situation right now. But if I were by myself… There is no way I’d be walking around town alone.

Torin unlocks the doors and right away we have our first customer. I’m surprised to find Richard waiting by the door. Torin narrows his eyes suspiciously, but Richard just limps inside, waving at Torin as he passes.
“I’m here as a customer tonight.” He says with a smile, sitting at the bar. Torin doesn’t seem happy, but he doesn’t object. Just goes to his usual spot and takes a seat, brooding in the corner. I do notice that he picks Crash up off the floor and drops him onto his shoulder. I can’t help but laugh. Apparently he isn’t taking a chance that Crash will go cuddle up to Richard again. Torin is a pretty jealous person it seems. Richard eyes the snacks that Lindy and I still have out on the bar with total disgust. I raise an eyebrow, grab a piece of chocolate and pop it into my mouth. He frowns.
“You aren’t seriously eating this crap, are you? It’s terrible for you. You’re a human. That already makes you breakable. You should really take better care of yourself.” He lectures. I roll my eyes.
“Ugh, you’re one of those healthy people who eats their vegetables and hates sugar, aren’t you?” I say, scrunching up my face. Okay, so I actually admire people who eat well and take care of themselves. But I don’t like when people comment on my diet. I didn’t ask for his opinion after all. Richard opens his mouth, no doubt to answer with some sarcastic comment, but he stops when he notices Lindy. He leans over to see her better.
“And who is this here?” He asks, interest clear in his expression. Lindy cowers backwards and he frowns.
“Why so shy? I don’t bite.” He says smoothly. Is he trying to be charming? It definitely isn’t working. Lindy just shakes her head and averts her eyes, clearly refusing to speak to him. Richard is undeterred.
“Aww, come on sweetheart. I won’t try to take your pelt. Promise. I have an underwater form all of my own, and I kind of have this thing against slavery.” He adds. Huh, that actually makes sense. I really doubt Richard actually would want to steal Lindy’s pelt. It’s strange how someone who nearly kidnapped me can come across as so trustworthy. Although I doubt I would be brave enough to forgive him so easily if I didn’t have Tori watching my back and keeping me safe.

Lindy is looking at Richard with a strange look on her face.
“Rina… Who is he?” She asks softly.
“Oh, sorry Lindy. This is Richard. He’s the kelpie, you know, the one who tried to kidnap me. Remember I told you that he came to apologise.” I remind her. All at once, Lindy’s entire attitude changes. She turns to face Richard with a glare.
“You nearly killed my best friend you dick!” She yells. My eyes go wide. I didn’t realise that Lindy even COULD yell. Richard holds up his hands defensively.
“I never meant to hurt her. I apologised, and explained everything.” He glances towards me for support. I shrug.
“He did apologise and I forgave him.” I remind her. Lindy shakes her head.
“I don’t care. Just because you forgave him, it doesn’t mean that I have to.” She continues to glare at him. Richard smiles.
“At least she’s talking to me now. I’ll win her over eventually.” He comments, glancing at me and turning his charming smile back toward Lindy. She scrunches up her face in disgust.
“There is no way that will ever happen. Dick.” She adds.
“I can’t say I’ve ever gone by Dick before, I usually go with Rick. But I kind of like it when you say it.”