Lesson 70- Freedom means you get to make choices, but it also means dealing with the consequences.

Torin turns up about ten minutes before the time we usually open which is about two hours later than when he usually turns up. I have to admit he does look better. Just a lot less worn out than he was before. I want to say that I enjoyed the time socialising with everyone without him lingering. But I’m just stuck with the feeling that I don’t belong here nearly as much as I thought I did. They say I have a tendency to go around befriending the antisocial or generally scary people. I’m starting to think it might just be because all the ‘normal’ members of the supernatural society just don’t quite welcome me the same way. I mean, I’m not really one of them after all. Of course I feel the most comfortable around other people who don’t fit in. What’s even worse is I doubt that Laura, Catcher, or even Kyle are excluding me on purpose. They have all been very friendly and welcoming. Well… Kyle has been HIS version of friendly and welcoming. But I’m still the weird human who is stuck in the bar. Since I’m hanging out in the kitchen and keeping an eye on Kyle, Torin stays in his office, not willing to hang out in the bar by himself. I’m sitting on a stool in the kitchen with my sketchpad and pencil sketching mindlessly.
“You know, when you said you wouldn’t be in my way, I really didn’t think you actually meant you would sit here silently. It’s kind of freaking me out.” Kyle comments and I shrug.
“I guess I’m not feeling all that talkative tonight.” I sigh and Kyle huffs out an annoyed breath.
“Somehow, you sitting around quietly is MORE annoying than if you were pestering me. What’s wrong with you?” He demands.
“Nothing really. I’m just… Missing home I guess.” I answer. It’s not a totally accurate response, but it’s true enough. It’s not my actual home I’m missing, but I guess the feeling of being at home, of fitting in.
“Oh… Well… Cheer up.” Kyle answers awkwardly and I give him a super fake smile. He rolls his eyes at me.
“Don’t show me that crap. You’re not that good a liar.” He grumbles. I shrug and let the fake smile fall, sighing again.
“Ugh, I’m definitely going to regret this.” He complains while pulling out his phone. He types something out then puts it back in his pocket.
“Regret what?” I asks. Kyle sighs and looks pointedly behind me. I whirl around to see Torin standing over me, his expression concerned while he’s clutching his phone.
“What’s wrong?” He demands.
“Huh?” I ask, kind of confused.
“Kyle texted me that you’re sitting around sighing and moping. Are you okay?” He demands. I turn back to Kyle with a raised eyebrow.
“You texted Tori?” I ask, kind of amused. He shrugs.
“When my sisters were upset they always called their best friend. This was the best I could do.” He responds and I stare. Kyle has sisters? Somehow that fits my mental image of him weirdly well. I bet they’re younger. He seems like the gruff older brother type. But I’ll have to interrogate him about them more later. Right now, Torin is hovering over me looking concerned. Or at least he was. Right now he’s staring at Kyle and mouthing something to himself. I do my best to read his lips and… Oh, he’s mouthing ‘best friend.’ Well I should think that it’s obvious that he’s my best friend here. I mean I spend the most time with him after all, don’t I? I guess it wasn’t obvious to him.
“See, go hang out with Torin and annoy him instead.” Kyle grumbles. Torin turns and glares at him.
“Rina isn’t annoying and you should appreciate that she’s looking out for you.” He insists, his tone irritated. Kyle goes pale and I pat Torin’s arm gently.
“Relax Tori, he’s just independent is all. I don’t mind his grumbling, and I’m fine. You don’t need to worry about me.” I assure him. Torin looks doubtful.
“Are you sure? I could stay here if you want. Keep you company.” He suggests.
“You’re offering to keep me company while I keep Kyle company?” I ask with a smile. Torin shrugs.
“I guess so.” He agrees. I glance at Kyle who looks like he wants to be sick. He definitely doesn't want Torin hanging around while he works.
“Maybe we should hang out later. The kitchen might be too crowded with three of us in here, and Kyle is meant to be working. I’d offer to help him but I’m worried he might drop kick me if I try.” I joke. Torin smiles but there’s still an undercurrent of concern. I smile reassuringly and he reluctantly gives in.
“Alright, but… You’ll come find me later?” He asks tentatively. I smile and nod.
“Of course.” I promise. Torin leaves and Kyle just stares at me.
“What the hell was that? He was so… So…” He struggles for words.
“Cute? Sweet? Shy?” I provide. Kyle scrunches up his nose.
“Yes to all of those. Is that how he acts when it’s just the two of you? No wonder you aren’t scared of him. That was so strange!” he rambles. I shrug.
“I’ve been saying that this whole time. You guys are the ones who just never believe me. He’s a total softie. He isn’t threatening you nearly as often as you think he is.” I point out. Kyle shakes his head.
“Well that’s not quite true either. He’s sweet to YOU but he just threatened me for calling you annoying.” He argues. I roll my eyes.
“He was just defending me. He wouldn’t have done anything to you for calling me annoying.” I don’t think… He IS very protective. We might have to talk about the correct times to threaten people.
“So you say. Still, at least you’ve stopped moping.” He adds with a smirk. I smile back. He’s right, I actually do feel a little better. I might not fit in with everyone here, but that doesn’t mean I’m alone or that no one cares for me. Kyle texted Tori and he came running. Still… The fact that he’s keeping me prisoner here is something I just can’t get over. And really it’s not something I SHOULD just get over. I know that. But it doesn’t stop me from wishing that things were different. Then again, if things were different I never would have met him in the first place. Still… Maybe it’s time that I remind him again that he can’t keep me here forever. Maybe between the two of us we can come up with some better plan. Or at very least work out who keeps trying to kidnap me. That’s getting really annoying.

I sit with Kyle for another hour before I start to get bored. He’s not much of a conversationalist. When he actually has something to say he talks, but other than that he keeps to himself. It’s not all that entertaining. He still doesn’t seem particularly thrilled that I’m here either. I sigh and kick at my chair, tapping a pattern with my feet.
“Ugh, if you’re so bored, just leave!” Kyle complains. I roll my eyes.
“I can’t leave you here alone. You’re recovering!” I argue.
“Then get someone else to watch me. Just please. Stop. Tapping.” He pleads. I smirk.
“Get someone else?” I say slowly. Kyle realises what he just said and shakes his head.
“Oh hell no. Don’t you dare.” He glares at me but I just grin and get to my feet.
“Hmm, whoever shall I call to babysit you?” I pretend to think about it and Kyle narrows his eyes.
“Oh I know! I’ll get Laura!” I say perkily. Kyle groans.
“You’re just trying to embarrass me.” He complains. I gasp and hold a hand to my chest.
“Me? Never! I’m just being a good friend and giving you more chances to spend time with her. You should be THANKING me.” I declare. Kyle does not look thankful but I don’t care. I get to my feet and skip out of the kitchen and out to the bar.
“Hey Laura! Kyle is all grumpy and I think I need a break from him. Wanna go keep an eye on him for a bit? I’ll help at the bar.” I offer. She raises an eyebrow.
“In your pyjamas?” She questions. I shrug.
“Sure, why not?” I respond. She pauses, thinks it through then decides she doesn’t really care.
“Whatever floats your boat. I’ll go hang with Kyle. Let me know if you wanna swap back.” She says cheerfully.
“Sure. Oh, and let Tori know I’m out here. He might want to come have a drink.” I prompt her. She nods and heads out back, waving as she leaves.