Now or Never...part 2

Reagan, looking well-rested, made her way to Steven's office. As she walked in she saw Annabella, Torry, Tony, Yennifer and Steven Westor sitting in a large sitting room being served tea. Steven raised his eyes and said in a very welcoming tone: "Come and join us, Reagan." 

Reagan scoffed and sat down, looking like a cornered cat. Yennifer and Annabella could barely hide how nervous they were. To break the silence, Steven offered her a cup of tea as well. 

Steven, facing them, then said: "Since we are all here, we can start. The incident that happened was not a minor one. Someone could have been killed. We are not training you to be murderers."

Torry replied wittily, "My brother and I did everything by the book.

Reagan replied, "Ask Issey if she feels the same way." 

Annabella said impassively:" Please...let's be civil!" 

Yennifer yawned boredly and said: "Shut up so we can get on with this."

Steven nodded and continued: "After consulting with Annabella and Yennifer, who pleaded your case, I have decided to assign you to community service after your classes for the rest of your time here."

Reagan sighed and said, "Is that all you can think of?

Torry said angrily, "I agree...this is a fitting punishment for that warmonger, but Tony and I do not deserve it."

Annabella replied almost immediately:" According to the witness, you both viciously attacked Issey Devero in an attempt to end the fight quickly and make a statement to your defeated clansmen.

Tony replied nonchalantly, "That is of no importance to me. I will comply, not because I accept the charges, but simply because it is undignified to allow this situation to drag on".

Steven arched his eyebrows and stood up as he said, "This incident must never happen again. Next time I won't be so lenient. In a month there will be a bonfire and you will do everything the committee asks of you. You will discuss the details with Annabella and Yennifer after class."

They all went to their classes. Today Reagan shared a class with Yennifer and Torry. They sat together and got cozy. Reagan barely noticed them. Reagan thought to herself, "It's going to hurt until it doesn't. I guess I am over it". The Magister then gave an assignment and asked for groups to be formed. Reagan was assigned to work with Yennifer, something Torry didn't like. 

On her way out, Reagan said to Yennifer:" Have you got time? I want to get started on the assignment?"

Yennifer raised her eyes to meet Reagan's and said flirtatiously, "Well, well, well, isn't that the Blood Fury talking to me? Relax smartass...we have time for this."

Reagan replied coldly, "If you do...I do not. I will be in the library tomorrow afternoon. No need to make this any more difficult than it already is."

Yennifer got annoyed and said in a frightening tone, "Everyone...get out! I need to have a few words with this little idiot".

They all left. She stood up, crossed her arms, and asked, "What is your problem? I didn't ask to be paired with you. Watch how you talk to me! I am your Vice Lord."

Reagan replied with a disgusted grin, "It's the same thing with y'all."

Yennifer replied angrily, "What are you talking about? I have been nothing but fair to you. You, on the other hand, have been quite a pain in my arse!"

Reagan closed the door to keep the curious out and grabbed Yennifer's wrists, pinning her against the wall, and said, "My Lord you say! Humiliating me and expecting me to send you flowers... my lord... will never happen. I may be of lesser stature than you, but I deserve to be addressed with respect. My Lord, you say? You give me shit because I choose to do the right thing! How does that make you a better person?

Yennifer remained silent and seemed to feel guilty. Reagan was taken aback by this turn of events. She released her and said apologetically, her words charged with emotion and pain:" Thank you for pleading my case. I miss your friendship. I miss you. You do not have to shit on me the way you do. I am already suffering enough. I beg for your mercy, my lord." 

The tears dripping down Reagan's cheeks moved Yennifer deeply. In a moment of tenderness, she held Reagan's face in both hands and wiped away the tears with her thumbs. Reagan exhaled shakily and whispered, "I'm tired of being hurt.

Ashamed to show her vulnerability, Reagan hurried away. Yennifer tried to catch up, but she was too far ahead. Yennifer slammed the door and ran her hands through her hair. 

Lessons were over and the committee had their first meeting to discuss the party. Annabella walked in, accompanied by Arthur and Harry. They greeted Torry, Tony and Yennifer politely. They had a polite chat. Reagan came in with her friends. Arthur turned to Torry and said teasingly, "I hope it was nothing more than gossip. I heard you got hit by the stone. "

Torry almost walked towards him, Yennifer stopped her and said holding her hand, "I heard you too were. I guess you are even."

Annabella took charge and said, "We should get started."

She looked in Reagan's direction and said, "We're all here.

Reagan looked at her longingly but wiped the look off her face and looked more serious. Harry noticed but pretended not to mind. 

The meeting began and ended on a good note. As Reagan left, Annabella said, "All the volunteers have to choose their representative and we need to establish your terms".

They all turned to Reagan. She had made herself quite popular. Killian said teasingly, "Fate is a strange thing. Hail to the queen."

Reagan replied angrily, "Fuck you, Killian!"

Annabella nodded and said, "I want a word with you, Reagan. The rest of you can go."

Arthur kissed Annabella on the cheek and said, "Careful my dear! I hope hanging out with filth doesn't rub off on you."

Annabella frowned.

They were all alone in the room. The silence was deafening. Sensing the tension, Reagan said, "What is your offer?"

Annabella crossed her arms and said professionally, "They're quite simple. Two hours of work , 3 days a week, a 30 minute break and a small allowance in the form of vouchers".

Reagan grinned and said, "My counteroffer... one hour's work, Monday to Saturday."

Annabella bit her lip and laughed, "That sounds worse than the original offer.

Reagan laughed and said, "I never wanted the job."

Annabella laughed and handed her a sheet of paper, arching her eyebrow seductively as she said, "Does this work?"

Reagan felt weak on her knees and took the paper, her fingers lingering on Annabella's. She gasped and nervously ran her hand through her luscious blonde hair.

Reagan read the paper and smiled, "You're too kind. This could work."

Reagan signed and was about to leave when Annabella interrupted and said, "Can...we...talk?" 

Reagan turned and said, "This is...not happening."

Annabella replied emotionally:" What do you mean? You are heartless! These past 3 months have been hell. 

Reagan groaned and replied frustrated, "There's nothing else to say. You chose them... You chose to believe them... I can't fight them all. It would take me a thousand lifetimes."

Annabella said pleadingly, "Don't you think I have suffered enough! I told you to be patient. I have never felt for anyone the way I feel for you. When they told me you were fighting and unconscious... all I wanted was to be by your side." 

Reagan ran a hand through her hair and said, "What about what I need? Uhn! Even if we tried, and by the gods' grace, I managed to make you mine. We would always have to hide and lie and pretend. "

Reagan held her close and said, breathing into her neck, "I want to be able to tell the whole world that you're mine and mine alone." 

Reagan then tried to kiss Annabella, but she pulled back, afraid of being seen, and Reagan smiled, not surprised at the reaction:" Lady De la Croix, you have nothing to offer me but a beautiful lie. I am no longer naive enough to live it. Here is my counteroffer... I am willing to be your friend if you will let me. It will be hard, but I am willing to try". 

Reagan left the room and went to the library.