Lesson 68- Remember, not everything people say online is true.
I lie on my bed for a while just contemplating my situation. But eventually I decide that moping around isn’t getting me anywhere and I force myself to get up and start putting my laundry away. It’s not until I’ve put away half of it that I notice that whatever was used to wash it smells familiar. Huh, maybe it’s the same brand I used to use at home? I basically shove a shirt in my face as I try to work it out. Nope, not my old brand. Maybe it’s like something else that I know? Something familiar… I keep putting my things away but it’s still nagging at me. I finish tidying up and decide I should go chat to Torin one more time before I start work. I don’t want to take back my questions, but I do understand how he feels. Not to mention I suspect that if he thinks I’m angry with him he’s going to withdraw and start hiding from me again. I don’t want that either. I’m not happy about this situation, but I DID say I would give him time. Most of the time we’ve had lately has been taken up with people trying to kidnap or hurt me. He’s been on high alert. He’s STILL on high alert. It’s not just me he doesn’t really trust. It’s everyone.
I head to Torin’s office to find him and let myself in. He looks up at me with what I can only describe as puppy dog eyes. Yeah, he was definitely upset. We didn’t argue, not really. But it feels like we did.
“Hey Tori.” I greet him and he cracks a slight smile at my use of the nickname.
“Hi.” He answers, his tone a little flat. I can tell he’s feeling bad.
“I’m not angry with you.” I say bluntly. I decide it’s probably the best way to go. I’ve noticed that Torin tends to expect people to think the worst of him. Probably because they usually do. The look he gives me in response is sceptical at best.
“I mean it, I’m not. I’m frustrated and I miss my brother. But you know that. It doesn’t mean I’m angry with you, and even if I was angry with you, it wouldn’t mean we aren’t still friends.” I say firmly. Torin looks a little more hopeful but I can still see the doubt on his face. I sigh.
“Come here.” I hold out a hand. Torin looks confused, but as I expected he gets up and stops just outside my arms reach. I step in closer and slip my hands around his waist, resting my head against his chest. He tenses up and holds his arms out to the side awkwardly.
“Relax.” I tell him. It’s funny how shocked Torin is. This isn’t the first time we’ve hugged. Technically he was the one who hugged me first anyway. Still, after a moment he does relax slightly and rests his arms lightly on my waist.
“What’s this for?” He murmurs into my hair and I shrug.
“You just looked like you needed a hug. I think maybe I did too.” I add. Torin nods and his arms tighten around me. I sigh and relax. It takes a moment but I suddenly realise why my laundry smelled familiar. It smells like Torin. Did… Did he do my laundry himself? I kind of assumed he just had it sent out or something. I slowly release him and step back. It takes him a half second to actually let go, and when I look up at him he looks a little dazed.
“Hey Tori?” I start.
“Hmm?” He focuses on me.
“Why were you late today?” I question.
“I was finishing up your laundry. It wasn’t quite dry the first time. I had to put it through the dryer a second time.” He responds. Well that answers that question. The mental image of him doing laundry makes me giggle. How is it that anyone is scared of this guy? He’s a total sweetheart.
“Feeling better now?” I ask. He nods.
“Yes… I really am considering what to do about your brother. I don’t really have any family, so I don’t quite know how you feel. But I imagine it can’t be pleasant. Also you should know…” He trails off uncomfortably.
“Know what?” I ask, tilting my head to the side.
“I… I told you I didn’t answer any of your brother’s phone calls. But… I… haven’t ignored him completely.” He tells me. I frown.
“Huh? What do you mean by that?” I ask suspiciously. He shuffles his feet nervously.
“Well… I did respond to a few of his text messages. I answered as you, I’ve been telling him that you’re a little under the weather and that’s why you keep missing his calls. Also not to visit because you don’t want to make him sick. So… He thinks you’re unwell… But I doubt that he thinks anything really bad has happened to you.” He practically whispers the last few words.
“Huh… Well, I can’t say I love that you’re texting my brother and pretending to be me. But I suppose it’s better than him thinking I’m dead or something.”
The rest of my night is pretty uneventful. I work and chat with Catcher at the bar. Torin comes to sit in his usual spot and as I work I start to cheer up a little. My brother doesn’t think I’m dead or anything, Torin is slowly starting to trust me, and I’m safe here. I know he wouldn’t let anything happen to me. By the time we lock up, Torin is yawning. He looks so tired.
“You definitely didn’t get enough sleep.” I tell him as I walk him out.
“I guess not.” He agrees sleepily.
“Well, why don’t you sleep in tonight? I can let the others in and you can just come when you wake up.” I suggest. Torin scrunches up his face.
“I can’t let this place open without me. I need to make sure you’re safe.” He insists and I smile.
“Laura, Kyle and Catcher will all be here tonight. I’ll be fine.” I assure him. He shakes his head.
“They aren’t me.” he says firmly and I roll my eyes.
“Alright, fine. Just come in to open then. You could still sleep in an extra hour. We can get the place all set up, but we won’t open the doors until you get here. How about that?” I try again. Torin frowns.
“It sounds like you’re trying to get rid of me.” He grumbles and I laugh.
“Don’t be silly. I’m just trying to take care of you. You’re here all night every night. You never take a single day off. Everyone needs a break every now and then.” I remind him. He sighs and slowly nods his head.
“Okay. I suppose I could come in a little later. You’ll… You’ll keep an eye on everything here for me, right?” He asks tentatively. I nod firmly.
“Of course. You don’t need to worry about things here. We will be just fine and everything will be all set up and ready when you arrive.” I assure him. We go back and forth a few more times, but eventually he gives in and leaves. It’s not until after he’s gone that I realise I should have asked him to text the others and let them know that he will be in a little later. Hopefully they don’t insist on calling him like Catcher did today. Oh well. It’s too late now.
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