“Well, I cannot read minds,” Prudence replied. “But you did say no to his offer to go for a walk.”
“I don’t want to seem cold. I get nervous, and my voice goes sharp.”
“You were nervous,” Prudence said. “That’s all.”
“You think so?”
“I know so.” She linked their arms. “Try this the next time, perhaps, pick one true thing and say three simple sentences about it.”
“What if I say the wrong thing?”
“Then you say another. People restart all the time,” Prudence shrugged.
Maria huffed a laugh.
“I just want to be liked.”
That was the truth of it, was it not? Behind all of the complications, all she wished to be was accepted somewhere where she did not have to feel like a burden on anyone.
“I’d rather you be known,” Prudence said. “Liked usually follows.”
They walked a few paces.
“A practical tip,” Prudence added. “If you don’t want something, say no kindly.”
“That’s ridiculous.”
“It works. And loosen those shoulders. You are carrying too much tension.”
Maria exhaled, shoulders loosening. “Better?”
“Much.” Prudence smiled. “There you are.”
“Thank you,” Maria said. “If he asks again, I’ll answer as myself.”
But somehow, she was not talking about Peter anymore.
CHAPTER 5
Midnight had struck, and somehow Maria had snuck away into the corridor. She paused outside the library, hand wrapped around the handle.
Very slowly, she opened the door. Stephen was inside, waiting for her already.
He looked up, found her in the doorway, and smiled the slightest amount.
“You are late.”
“I am right on time,” she said, frustrated immediately.
“It is a minute past twelve,” she replied. “You need not be this strict.”
“You do not get to decide that,” he shrugged his shoulders. “But good, you are here now.”
“Were you expecting me not to?” she asked, scared of his answer.
“You would not dare not show up,” he replied, and she was thrown off by his confidence again. Perhaps she should learn to get used to it by now. “This is for your own good.”
She shut the door behind her.