Chapter 155A Face that Suggests

We bought a few more dresses for Nuru, all in those same autumn colors. Brown, yellow, light orange and greens. The girl let us keep the necklace, it was just a simple chain and she said it wasn't really worth anything. It may have been cheap, but it was cute. And it looked a lot better on Nuru than it did on her.

Time was slowly ticking away though, and a quick look on the clock made it clear to me we had only two hours left after the store closed.

We did have a very good time though.

We walked Nuru home, she was wearing the first dress, the one that really did fit her the best. She was humming in between us, happy still with her new and very well-fitting clothes. She truly was a beauty, carrying with her the sparkle seen in blessed children. Hitori, however, looked a bit uncomfortable, as if he knew what was to come.

"Hitori..."

He looked up at me. "Yeah?"

"You know I want to go alone, right?"

He nodded. "I do, but I don't like it. Even though Nuru said it would be safe. I don't feel that comfortable."

I sighed. "I've met him before, he is no danger."

He shook his head. "That's not it. What worries me is that he knows where I live and knew you were there."

I stopped. I hadn't even thought of that. I'd been so exciting to have a little adventure again that I completely forgot to think on such an important detail! How did he know where I was or even who Hitori was... Maybe Valerie or Khuna could have presumed my presence here. Though they'd seen my skin.

And Janus was definitely a guy. That was clear in everything...

Was it?

Come on, Amy. Don't doubt everything. What would be the simplest solution?

I continued walking again. "Janus has to be someone I know..."

"What?" Hitori smiled at me.

"Did I say that out loud?"

He nodded. "Very much so. Do you have a clue who he might be?"

I thought deeply. There was someone he looked like. But everything else was so different. A different voice, different mannerisms and ways of speaking. But people could change that...

Kai?

No, it wouldn't be like him to hide something like that. He's been helpful every step of the way, despite his odd absences when he fed. But... I've seen him feeding. And considering his choice... Guys... I could definitely understand his careful nature on that subject.

"I have an idea, but it would be so unlikely..."

Hitori gave me a little push with his hand, unbalancing me a little. "Don't think too hard on it. The easiest explanation is often the right one, however improbable."

I sighed. "I guess."

We'd arrived at his house again, I looked up at the now looming building. A thought entered my mind, I'd spied on him while he was painting. Now was the best time to come clean.

"Hitori?"

He smiled. "Yes?"

"I spied on you, when you were painting."

He frowned. "So, you were there after all... I had a feeling you were very close."

I nodded. "Yes, but my skin was so scarred... I'd done something terrible and I didn't want you to see me."

He looked at me. "What did you do?"

I couldn't look him in the eyes. "I killed... well... Someone died while fighting me. He was not a nice guy..." My voice trailed into silence.

Hitori let go of Nuru and gave me a hug. "You're not someone who could kill. Tell me the story later, but know I forgive you already. I just wish I could have given you this hug then."

I looked up at him and smiled thankfully. I didn't even have words for him. A small tear caressed my cheek, I let go of a little fear, and hid itself on the edge of my lips. Hitori kissed it away, looking deep into my eyes.

"Now, don't be late for your date." He winked.

I nodded decisively and started walking along the street, heading, returning to the Broken Path. Perhaps irony is what brought me back there, perhaps providence. It didn't matter. I knew someone important forgave me.

I turned around before I left the corner, Hitori and Nuru had just waited to see me off. I waved to them and smiled as they waved back at me.

I was lucky with such friends.