Chapter 42 - The Children in the Dorm (1/2)

Bennox smiled.

”Nice to meet you Lydis!” He handed her another wet towel. ”For your head…” Lydis reached up to touch her head and found that it was covered in sweat. Looking down the sheets under here were soaked as well. Even her clothes were wet.

”Thanks.” Lydis took the towel from Bennox and wiped at her head, the cool water felt refreshing.

”Ah, no problem.” Bennox went silent, his eyes lingering on the floor.

”What? Got something to say?” Bennox flinched and sheepishly hung his head lower.

”I've never really talked to a girl before…” Fumbling with his fingers, Bennox shifted uncomfortably in his chair. When she was sleeping he had been okay after a while. She couldn't talk to him or see his awkward movements. What he felt most nervous about were her eyes. Since her eyes used to be closed Bennox didn't know what color they were but, now their crystal-clear blue seemed to pierce into his mind, like an all-knowing deity. Even as Lydis gazed elsewhere it seemed powerful enough to make him crumble.

Lydis saw as Bennox was fumbling with his words and decided that it was time for her to leave. Who knew how long she had been out. Well, one person knew at least. Lydis lowered the warm cloth from her face and turned to look at Bennox.

”How long have I been asleep?” Bennox snapped out of his thoughts.

”F-four hours… Owen found you collapsed in the girl's hall when he went to… pee…” Bennox's ears flushed at having said the word 'pee' to a girl. He avoided Lydis's gaze again. Lydis sighed in relief. If she had passed out while the opening ceremony was happening that would've been a disaster.

”It seems that I'm feeling better now. I'll excuse myself so there is no need to take me to my room.” Lydis swung her legs of the edge of the bed and tried to stand but her legs faltered. Bennox sprang up and caught her arm. Realizing what he did, Bennox quickly let go.

”I-I'm sorry! I, uh, I was just, trying to help…” Bennox retreated back into his chair. Lydis could see the tips of his ears burn red. Having been caught by Bennox she had enough time to use her other arm to catch the frame of the upper bunk bed. Leaning against it she raised her other arm.

”Don't mind, I'm grateful for the help.” Lydis waved weakly at Bennox. He nodded in return and continued to sit down. Valfafer whined a little. Lydis had almost fallen over. Clearly, she wasn't well enough to walk on her own and yet he couldn't do anything to help his master!

Lydis walked a few steps and reached the room walls. Moving along them she made her way to the door. Bennox saw that and flew to the door, reaching it before Lydis. He grabbed the handle and pushed the door open for Lydis. As she passed Lydis gave him a weak smile.

”Thank you…” She slid out of the door and made her way towards the girl's hall to the left. Bennox watched with worry as Lydis slowly shuffled down the hall. When she reached the gap in the wall separating the two sides Bennox held in the thought of calling out to help her. He saw Lydis pause at the edge and after a few moments pushed herself off from the wall, moving towards the other side. Bennox held his breath as Lydis landed solidly against the other wall. A few more moments of waiting. Lydis began to move again. About five minutes of wall shuffling and Lydis disappeared into a room. Bennox sighed and retreated back into his own room.

”What's the point in helping her?” Owen was awake now. His head was propped up on one arm while his other arm played with the string to his necklace.

”You were the one who found her. She seemed to be in a lot of pain so I did what anyone else would've.” Owen shifted from his side to his back, both hands behind his head.

”Not me. I wouldn't have helped. What if she ends up clinging onto us? You know how girls are. Be nice once and they suddenly think you're always obligated to help.”

”You said to do something, if you didn't tell me that there was someone suffering on the floor we never would've found her. Just admit it, you did want to help.” Owen scoffed at Bennox.

”I didn't tell you to help her, I just didn't want to be smelling a dead body in the halls.” Owen closed his eyes and tried to go back to sleep. ”School starts tomorrow, make sure all your things are ready. I'm not waking you up if you sleep in.” Bennox laughed a little and went to one of the desks.

”Say what you will but I know.” Owen's face twitched as he sprang up.