104. Coping mechanisms

Elaine turned sharply to look at the hand that just grabbed her before tracing her eyes slowly along the hand to Hayford's face.

"Are you... avoiding me?" Hayford asked with a slight frown. It looked like so. She was not even looking at him and now she wouldn't even eat with him. "Did I do something?"

"No, no you did nothing wrong, Hayford." Elaine was quick to say and tried to wriggle out of his hold but Hayford did not loosen his grip. His hold was firm but not as tight as to hurt her.

"Then why are you avoiding me?" She still wasn't looking at him. 

"I am not avoiding you."

"Look at me, Elaine." He said calmly.

"I need to go, Hayford. I'm not feeling too well." Elaine didn't look at him and still tried to free herself.

"Please..." Hayford pleaded. The sound of his voice made Elaine stop wriggling and slowly turned her face to look at him.

Elaine steeled herself not to show any emotions.