What She Thought She Knew (Rachel Moore Mystery Book 1), стр. 25

I shrugged half-heartedly. "It's fine. I've had seven years to get over it."

I caught movement from the corner of my eye.

I focused my gaze on the source, and saw Delta look at me intensely. "Seven years, one hundred years, it doesn't matter. There's never enough time in a life to get over a devastation such as that. You're hurting Agent Moore; you don't need to shove that aside just because you think it makes you weak."

I was slightly stunned at Delta's open display of his concern for my well-being. Nearly every Seeker agent knew of my past, yet none were so compassionate about it such as Delta.

I opened and closed my mouth a few times as I didn't know what to say.

Finally, I decided for something simple. "Umm, thanks, I guess."

Delta nodded. "No need to thank me, Agent Moore."

He regarded me with such an intense look that I felt like I would be set on fire if I was under it for too long.

A strange feeling gripped my insides, and made butterflies fly around in my stomach. I suddenly felt timid and very self-conscious of how I looked like to Delta.

We just stared at each other. Delta's eyes swirled continuously, and I felt like I could get lost in them forever. He has lovely eyes, I remarked mentally.

Hesitation flashed in them, but it vanished like water droplets being swept aside by a car's windshield wipers.

"What was your family like?" He asked gently.

My heartbeat quickened slightly as I pondered his question.

It's been years since I've spoken about them as it caused me too much pain. When Agent Delta brought it up, though, I felt inclined to tell him.

I took a deep breath and looked out of the window. "I'm not sure where to begin. My parents were hard workers. They always made sure that my brother and I were taken care of, and that we were brought up with manners and respect for life."

Delta's eyes brightened with interest. "Tell me about your brother."

I bit my lip and gripped my thighs tightly. "His name was Timothy. He was four years younger than me, but boy did he try to act like the older sibling. He would always come into my room, and steal something of mine. Every time I chased him, he would just lead me to his room, and force me to talk to him before he gave my stuff back." I smiled slightly at the memory. "Years later, I realized that was simply his way of getting attention from me. Not that I was a bad sister, it was just that I was focused solely on my studies as I tried to get into the university of my choice."

My Guardian chuckled in response.

Without him asking, I found myself continuing. "My father was a reserved man; not at all cold, just shy in his own way. He didn't talk much outside, but once at home he couldn't shut up. He used to always tell my brother and I stories about his time in the Air Force. He described the various training he had to go through before actually becoming a pilot. For a time, he was even an instructor. My father used to collect several models of both airplanes and helicopters. He said that they reminded him of the brief freedom he experienced while in the air." I shakily released a breath. "And my mom…" It felt like my throat had constricted.

I flinched as I felt fingers intertwine with mine.

I looked over and saw Agent Delta stare at me in tenderness. His eyes morphed in a spectacular display of color.

I was disturbed even more when I felt wet blotches pass down my cheeks. I choked out a breath, and the tears came out like a waterfall.

For several minutes, we sat there. Delta comforted me by rubbing my hands as I cried my heart out. It was the first time in seven years.

Shortly afterwards, my tear storage ran dry, and I looked back up at Agent Delta.

He still regarded me with the same look, and I couldn't help but smile slightly. "Thank you," I whispered.

My Guardian nodded, and squeezed my hand in support.

I tremendously appreciated his comfort. I haven't had anyone to turn to for a long time. Being in my Guardian's company made me feel at peace.

Suddenly, the pilot's voice came on as he announced there was only one hour left in the flight.

It roused the both of us from whatever trance we were under. I carefully slipped my hand from Delta's grip, while he leaned back.

I automatically straightened my posture, and coughed as I rubbed my eyes dry. "So umm, that was quite the heart-to-heart we just had. I suppose that makes us friends now, huh?"

Delta looked at me with an amused expression. "I guess so, friend." He agreed.

I found myself smiling back as a light feeling filled me. I actually felt happy, and somewhat giddy. I guess this was the good path to travel on with my Guardian.

The memory of the Salute to Vienna event attacked me yet again, and I found myself wincing. A look of concern passed over Delta's face. "Are you alright?" He asked.

"Yeah," I replied, "it's just that I still can't believe I allowed myself to be affected so much by Hill. I never act that way, and there I was about to get it on with him." I turned away to hide the blush that appeared on my face.

I expected to be in an awkward silence, or even for Delta to yell at me, but instead he chuckled.

I mustered courage to look at him in curiosity. "What's so funny?" I asked incredulously.

Delta cleared his throat, and looked at me. "I apologize, Agent Moore. I shouldn't be laughing at such a