Delirium

Chapter 16 - Deceit

song suggestions:
Fire In The Water - Feist
Waiting Game - BANKS

~*~

George was at least glad to find that Jolie didn't fight him as he carried her down a curve of the spiral staircase.

But she didn't say a word to him at all.

And from the sharp elbow he could feel jutting into his neck, she must have her arms crossed.

They reached a small alcove in the staircase, just a ledge with a window above it, really. He set her down, making sure her feet were planted on the steps. The only light in the staircase came from the small window, sharpening the edges of her features with shadows and moonlight.

Standing a step below her, George's eyes met hers, nearly level with one another's.

He almost went to speak but he stopped himself, taking a deep breath instead.

His anger was only feeding off of hers.

He needed to start this out calmly—at least try to. It would be easier.

But if they ended up having it out, then so be it.

George was determined to get this worked out. The easy way or the hard way.

"Tell me what's wrong," he finally said.

For whatever reason, her eyes narrowed even further.

"What's wrong?" she repeated.

He nodded, holding his hands out to convey his confusion.

She bared her teeth. "What do you think is wrong?"

Apparently, she wanted to do this the hard way.

Fine.

George could do that. But he wanted to hear her say it herself.

"Maybe if you just told me, I'd know what's wrong," he breathed, crossing his arms.

She stared at him as she mirrored his stance, crossing her arms over her chest. He spoke again, lowering his voice.

"Tell me what's wrong and then we can—"

"You know what?" she cut him off, throwing her hands up. "I'd actually rather not talk about it right now."

"Now, hold on—"

"I'm going back to my dorm," she huffed, pulling her robe tight around her as she stepped past him and took another step down the stairs. She said over her shoulder, "Tell Theo that if he's not back by ten, I'll have to report him—"

George grabbed her elbow, stopping her. "Wait a second—"

"I don't want to talk to you right now."

"Why?"

She ignored him, only wrenching her elbow away. He let go, not wanting to hold her there. She began stalking down the steps without a word.

George wasn't having it.

"Tell me why," he demanded, following her down.

Again, she disregarded him.

Blatantly ignored him.

He heaved a frustrated groan. "I told you only yesterday that if you're angry with me, I want to know why instead of having you ignore me like you do your parents—"

She whirled around, poking a finger to his chest. "You leave my family out of this—"

"Then tell me what the fuck is wrong!"