Fourth Shift > Audio + Text

[miseducating]

[This post started as an audio post. Nick was silent for most of it and it ended with a curse in a language no one here probably understood.

A few hours later, he decided to try again. This time in text.]

Bryn, may I speak to you?

Comments

[Text]

[brynkitten]

[Bryn would rather ignore Nick altogether. Their last encounter was upsetting, to say the least.

A few replies come to mind immediately.

"I can't think of what you could possibly want to talk to me about."

"Looking for someone to lie to you again?"

"No."

It's petty and Bryn can't bring herself to ignore him outright. It's ingrained in her to respond.]

Why? What do you want?

[Text]

[miseducating]

I want...

[The words trail off. He's not sure how he wants to word this. Finally, he starts writing again.]

I am sorry.

[Text]

[brynkitten]

[There's no response for a while...]

Sorry for?

[Sorry Nick, you'll have to be a little more specific.]

[Text]

[miseducating]

[This isn't easy for him either. It's been awhile since he had friends. Are they friends?]

For those things I said. I was panicked and scared.

[He knows it's not an excuse. But he hopes it explains his actions at least a little.]

[Text]

[brynkitten]

[Bryn's not used to having friends either, but it's because she wants them that she's far more open to forgiveness.

Besides, she understands his panic and fear. It's not as if she doesn't have her own.]

I forgive you...you know now that I didn't lie to you?

[Text]

[miseducating]

Yes, I do.

[He'd like to explain a little better. He's not entirely sure how though. So he won't unless Bryn asks.]

[Text]

[brynkitten]

Good, I'm really glad to hear that.

[Bryn takes a deep breath before continuing. She's glad they're speaking through text right now, because the idea of anyone knowing how rattled she feels doesn't appeal at all.]

May I ask how you discovered the truth?

[Text]

[miseducating]

I met someone named Kevas and he corrected me.

[Or at least calmed him down enough to let him come to the right conclusions on his own.]

[Text]

[brynkitten]

[The name Kevas doesn't ring a bell, sadly, but she's grateful that someone was able to talk some sense into Nick.]

Well that's good...

[Awkward Bryn is awkward. What does she say now?]

[Text]

[miseducating]

I hope that we can still be amis.

[Text]

[brynkitten]

Of course we can!

[Bryn puts an exclamation point on that before she can think better of it. Is that too enthusiastic? She can't remember the last time anyone said they wanted to be her friend, unfortunately.]

[Text]

[miseducating]

[Bryn's enthusiasm is met with a smile. A big rare smile, even though she can't see it.]

Gracias! Thank you!

[He feels silly about this. But this has put him in a good mood.]

[Text]

[brynkitten]

[Bryn doesn't speak Spanish, but grew up in California and it's another major language of the state. At the very least, she knows Nick is saying thank you. Twice.

She finds this charming, and smiles as well.]

Perhaps next I see you, you can tell me more about yourself as well?

[Text]

[miseducating]

[Oooooh. Well of course she's curious. Nick could tell her stuff without telling her everything right? Right.]

I would like that.

[No he wouldn't. But he'll just have to bite the bullet and do it.]

[Text]

[brynkitten]

[It's okay Nick. Bryn won't pry. She has enough of her own secrets to not want to invite others to seek them out.]

Then until next time. Maybe I'll see you at dinner.

[Text]

[miseducating]

Yes! Yes, of course. Until then, Bryn.