Tevel
***

>"Tevel, I have to ask you something. What do you do when you love
>somebody, and that person sort of tries not to return the feelings, not
>due to not feeling them himself, but due to guilt feelings?"

Tev's awe at her singing ended and he frowned lightly. Did she have a
boyfriend? Well .. if she did, he could deal with it. Sure he liked her.
She was pretty .. He supposed it made sense the he wasn't the first to
notice.

>"I mean...I don't even know if it's love that I'm feeling or not. I've
>never been in love before. But it makes me happy...and right now, I'm just
>too worried over my friend to think straight. What *is* love anyhow?!"

He thought for a moment on how to answer her. He'd never really been in
love before either. There had been that girl in Killaglen .. they'd spent
some time together. But Tevel hadn't really felt  that she was the 'right'
one.

When tears began to slip down her face, he froze, not sure how to respond.

>"I'm sorry," she said softly, "I'm just not able to think...I can't eat, I
>worry so much, and I dunno...everyone thinks I'm just a kid. maybe I ought
>to just act like one...."

>Her foot slammed down on the bank, as she almost went into a tantrum.
>"It's not FAIR! Why can't something just once happen to me that I
>understand!? Why does life have to be so damn confusing!"

He carefully moved to put an arm around her. He didn't want her to
misconstrue his actions .. well okay maybe he was worried about
misconstruing them ..but she looked like she needed a hug.

"So this friend .. the one whose hurt. You think you .. love him."

She shrugged, "Yes .. no .. maybe .. I don't know. I just know that I like
him a lot. And I like the way he makes me feel."

Tevel nodded, "Then he must be a good guy .. if you like him so much."

"Oh, his is. But .. he won't admit how much he cares about me. I know he
does .. but .."

"Why won't he?" His eyes narrowed, "Does he have another girlfriend?"

She shook his head.

"Well .. then I don't see why  .. unless .." he stopped.

"What?" she looked up at him hopefully.

"Well, Ashelle. You are a very pretty girl. And I can't imagine anyone not
being honored to know you care about him. But .. maybe .. well what if he
doesn't feel the same as you?"

She frowned, "He does care."

"I'm sure he does," Tevel said quickly. "But maybe he's not in love with you."

Ashelle looked more miserable and Tevel hugged her close, "Oh Ashelle, You
deserve to have someone who loves you without question. Someone who isn't
afraid to admit how he feels."

Ashelle sniffed, "You think so .."

He looked down at her, "I do." He licked his lips as she looked up at him
.. there was an innocence about her. She trusted him .. and his opinion ..
and all he could think about was how much he wanted to kiss her.

He turned away quickly. That would only serve to confuse her more. He
couldn't do that. "Look, Ashelle. I have to tell you .. I really like you.
I mean. I know we only just met and all. And I know there's another guy ..
that you care about. And I don't want to cause problems .."

He braved a look at her, and nearly melted at the look on her face. He
turned back away, "I .. I think maybe I should go see my father. I mean ..
I need to .."

"You don't want to be around me .." he could hear the hurt in her voice.

"Gods no." he said turning to look at her. "Just a moment ago .. with my
arms around you .. Gods, I just wanted to .." he turned away again, "But I
can't. Because you're confused. I .. I won't take advantage of that, just
because I want to kiss you."

He stood. "I do want to see you again, Ashelle. If you decide you'd like to
see me again. Well, I'll probably either be in the med center or in the
hatchling barracks.  Saul found me a room there. I leave it up to you. And
.. well, I'll understand if you don't .. see me again."

He turned and left quickly. Cursing himself .. knowing he'd made a fool of
himself.. but still feeling he'd done the right thing. Ashelle was still
young and confused .. he didn't want to add to that.

Rather then going to see his father, as he knew he should. He went to the
barracks and crawled into bed. Maybe he'd feel better after a full night's
sleep.  He knew there was a funeral tonight. But he wasn't in the mood for
that, anyway ..

Regards,
Tevel
***
NRPG: Well, that sorta finishes things up on day 2 :) Now Ashelle can move
on to day 3 .. sorry it took so long, Jeanette.

Kris

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       \oo/     Kristen Gant
        ~~      (AKA: Darlea & Makayla, Keldarra Warren, Courier
                      Waylene & Aura, Marrid Warren, Warrenlady
                      Meena & Vonn, Norwall Warren, Wingleader
                      Kalewyn & Sabbith, Telnor Warren, Dragonrider
                      Saul & Fayloth, Whiteriver Warren, Searcher
                      Merybelle Barmen, City of Ralengarde, Innkeeper
                      Ce'lot & Britche, Xylain Warren, Wingleader
                http://homepage.interaccess.com/~sgant/Kris/kris.htm
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