The Shrink Program

Chapter 136

It quickly became obvious that I was on my own for this one, and feeling the intense gaze burning a hole into the top of my head, I had no choice but to face the one person I had been trying my hardest to avoid.

Slowly tilting my head up, I actually cringed when I saw Vain's inscrutable, narrowed eyed gaze upon me.

Okay, either he's squinting at me because he hasn't got his glasses.... or he's trying to erase my memory of the last twenty-four hours with his psychic powers... or just plain blow my brain up...

Under the silent weight of his gaze, it took all my will power not to break down and start begging for forgiveness.

Then Vain actually moved, his giant, long-fingered hand shifting towards me.

"I'm sorry!" I cried, covering my head defensively and closing my eyes so that I wouldn't have to watch.

What was I saying about will power?

There came a small moment of hesitation, then a soft pressure pinched my raised arm, gently but indisputably, forcing my arm down from my face.

Not good, not good, not good, not good, not good, not good, not good.....

I sat frozen stiff as he slowly released my arm, fingers only moving away when it was clear that I wouldn't just put my arm back once he let me go.

Still not opening my eyes, like not seeing him would somehow deny him the power to affect me, it was all I could do not to tremble as the fingers shifted up to my face. Silently, delicately, he removed the tiny mask from my face.

Lips pressed tight together to hold back a small whimper, I managed to get one eye open for a peak.

My heart nearly stopped, a small sound escaping me when I found myself suddenly very close to Vain's eyes, not having even noticed the shift as the pale boy raise me to be level with his face.

He studied me closely as I fought to not start stress crying.... then after a long moment, he sighed, relief making his shoulders sag and his eyes close.

Staring back at him incredulously, I felt my temper spark.

"Seriously? " I demanded angrily. "I know that I'm wearing a dress and all, but how bad is your eyesight that you would have trouble recognising me with a mask on?! Surely the obnoxious voice alone would confirm...!"

"Shut up Maddison." He breathed, the exhaustion in his voice, taking away any bite from the words as he buried his face against his own forearm, below where I was seated in his cupped hand. Staring down at the white hair, the soft strands within reaching distance, I felt my heart wring.

Unable to touch, this somehow felt like the closest thing. Which is just stupid, cause...

"Of course I know it's you." He murmured, mostly to himself. "It's just.... harder than usual."

"Ah...Harder?" I questioned, voice wary.

That's right, Maddison, use conversation to stall him while you plan your escape! There no way that could ever backfire...

"To be avoided and hated... didn't really bother me as much when I could still see you... I suppose." He explained quietly, matter of factly.

Even as my face went bright red with my sudden inability to breathe.

How could he say something like that in such a sad way and yet still act like it's no big deal!? Why do you always have to be so calm about everything instead of just yelling at me like a normal person?! You...