The truth

Roman

I watch her cousin as he watches us, with confusion etched on his face. His eyes sway from mine to Tala's. We are not holding each other anymore, but it feels like her touch is still lingering on me.

"What is this?" he asks suspiciously.

He is looking at his cousin now, and I just want to leave this situation. I don't want to add another person that I will have to lie to. It already hurts that I have to lie to Tala.

"This is Roman," she smiles, the excitement pouring out of her. Her smile makes me understand that she has been waiting for this moment forever. She might not have been forthcoming about finding me, but she is so excited right now. She is happy that it has been confirmed.

I am suddenly reading her like an open book, and it shocks me. It scares me too.

"I can see that. I need to talk to you."