“No! And you can’t make me!” Shay began storming away from her gathered family, something she would have thought was unthinkable just a few short months ago.
“Shay, this is about safety for you and for the whole family. Don’t you walk away from this, young lady,” said her father sternly.
The brothers had returned looking pale and shaken from their time outside of the walls and from their “little conversation,” as they so called it, with Todd. They confessed everything from Slate’s initial observation of Shay going to see Todd as well as the mishap and the agreement Todd proposed to Slate. Their parents were displeased that the boys acted without consulting them about speaking with the human, Todd, but seemed more forgiving when they heard that the human saw reason and seemed to promise to leave them alone, especially Shay. To them, there seemed to be just enough evidence to clear Todd of any immediate wrongdoing, but not enough for further interaction.
Shay, on the other hand, couldn’t believe her brothers went to go see Todd without her and, much to her dismay, made a deal that Todd wouldn’t speak with her without permission from her parents. The young teenage Borrower had enough of being treated like a child when she was the one who made first contact and dared to speak to Todd first. Her ears and cheeks were burning, fuming, with frustration and anger.
Shay was almost to the door to the hallway when Beau stepped between them.
“Shay, think about this for two seconds,” he said, using the same sternness that was in her father’s voice.
“I have,” she said, her constricting throat having a hard time mustering the words. This wasn’t just frustration coursing through her; this was disappointment - utter betrayal. “I’ve been thinking about it. I’ve known him the longest. I’ve talked with him for more than a minute. He’s not going to hurt me and he’s not going to tell anyone. What can’t you understand about that?”
“It’s not about that, Shay,” said Icon, piping up for the first time in a while. The youngest of the brothers knew what he saw happen with his brother. In a matter of seconds, Slate went from standing on his own on the dresser to being in the human’s pocket. Slate could’ve been seen by the other human that fast. Slate could’ve been hurt that fast - and there was nothing any of them could do. “I don’t think he would do anything on purpose. I think we can agree on that point; but, he could definitely do something on accident.”
“He’s agreed to leave us alone and not tell his family about us, so we don’t have to immigrate during winter,” added Beau. “On top of that, he said he doesn’t want to make you choose between family and your friendship, which is why he agreed to our terms.”
“It’s not fair that you decided this without me,” argued Shay.
“Shay, sweetheart, humans and Borrowers aren’t meant to live together like that. It’s just not how things are done. Your brothers are right. Even if he didn’t mean to, he could still hurt you,” emphasized her mother.
“We’re fortunate enough,” added her father. “That he agreed without asking for anything in exchange.”
Shay balled her hands into fists. She could’ve punched through the wall if she wanted to, but thought better of it. Yes, her family had valid points - but this was Todd. He had been nothing but kind and careful. All of that time spent creating inventions and building felt waisted now. Shay had so many more ideas, and the person who could help her make those ideas come to life was Todd. He knew so much and she had learned so much.
It wasn’t fair.
Still, she had to try.
“So, can I go see him?” asked Shay. Her question went unanswered in that painful silence just long enough for her to realize what the answer would be.
“Shay, that’s not a good idea right now,” said her father. Shay was shaking she was so frustrated.
“Why? Why isn’t it a good idea?” she asked, voice raised to a near shout.
“Shay, he’s busy packing right now,” said Slate. Shay’s eyes widened. Was it the end of break already? Packing only meant one thing - he was going back to his apartment. She had to think fast.
“All the more reason for you to say yes!” pleaded Shay. “I want to make sure I say good-bye to him!”
“You’ll see him again when things are a little less hectic,” said her mother. “For now, it would probably be best if you didn’t go see him.” Shay felt her insides plummet as her heart pounded hollowly in her chest. No. They didn’t understand. They couldn’t understand. They would always see Todd as just another human despite everything he had done to show he was on her side.
Tears flowed over her cheeks as she spun around and ran to her room. She could hear her parents and brothers calling after her, but there were too many emotions ringing in her ears for her to tell what they were saying. Shay hated that she was at odds with her family. What they said made sense, yes. At the same time, they weren’t listening to her. She wanted to talk to Todd. She wanted to stay with Todd and keep living in the apartment making things. At the very least, she wanted to thank him again and tell him good-bye, that they’d see each other again soon.
The Borrower teen spent the next span of time crying, wishing she could vent to her human friend. Her parents tapped on the door and once again expressed their sentiments. Her brothers unapologetically wished her goodnight before going to bed. As Shay lay in her bed wishing she could talk to Todd, a dangerous thought crossed her mind.
It was devious and would undoubtedly be disapproved of by her parents and brothers. They would be hurt, but at that moment she didn’t really care. They hurt her after all. She knew what she needed to do. So, quietly, she slipped out of her bed and began her work.
~~~~~^*^*^*^~~~~~
Todd had a hard time sleeping that night. After the rough conversation with Shay’s brother and the deal he made, he didn’t feel like sleeping. Todd wanted to explain himself to Shay or, at the very least, tell her good-bye before he had to leave. He wasn’t sure if she was going to be allowed to say anything to her.
It was depressing, but he had to trust that Shay’s family would see the effort and let them speak in the future. Eventually, he rolled over and was able to drift off to sleep, that hollow feeling still in his chest.
Early in the morning, Todd woke up and got ready. Habit made him hesitate before he put his feet on the floor and headed off to brush his teeth. There was a part of him, bigger than he expected, that was saddened that Shay hadn’t come the night before but he understood. He even suspected that his family would be the same way if things were reversed.
He pulled on his clothes and shuffled off to the kitchen where his sleepy siblings and parents were eating breakfast. They talked for a while before Todd had to leave. His mother, loving as always, was teary-eyed as she kissed him on the cheek. His siblings seemed excited to get the extra room back for games and storage, but also indicated they would be coming to visit him while they were in town for some tournaments if they won. With a final nod to his father, he heaved his bags onto his shoulders and headed out to the car. Just before flicking off the light, Todd looked back at his now partially empty room.
“Bye Shay,” he muttered. He wasn’t sure if she was there, but he wanted to make sure he at least threw it out there if her brother was listening in.
Todd placed his things into the trunk and waved good-bye to his family before starting the engine and heading out down the road. He had just gotten onto the road and part way down the hill when he suddenly couldn’t remember if he remembered his laptop charger. It was expensive and he’d need it as soon as he got back. It was a drag, but that little paranoid part of him needed to know if he remembered.
I remembered it. Of course I remembered it. Why wouldn’t I have grabbed it? Curses.
Todd pulled off at the bottom of the road, popped the trunk, and began rummaging through his bag to make sure he had it. Sure enough, there it was sitting right on top. Todd rolled his eyes at himself for stopping the car and partially shoved the backpack back into the trunk when he heard something.
It was muffled, but distinct.
“Oooff!”
Todd’s heart rapidly increased in pace as he gingerly pulled the backpack back out of the trunk and stared at it. He practically held his breath and watched as one of the pockets shifted subtly.
No way.
Todd’s eyes widened as he reached for the zipper and yanked the side open. The sensations he felt were an odd mixture of elation and happiness along with disbelief and dread.
It was Shay.
The miniscule girl had managed to wedge herself in between the chargers to keep herself from getting crushed. Although, instead of her simple shirt and satchel, she was dressed more warmly and had shoved what looked like a cotton ball sized bag just above the charger.
“Shay?” Todd made direct eye-contact with the small girl, who smiled broadly but bashfully. She knew she had been caught.
“Hey… Todd…” she looked at the bag before wiggling further between the chargers. “Um… I’m… ready to go.”
Todd couldn’t believe what he was seeing. He suspected the little girl was tenacious, but this was a whole new level of determination. One look and Todd knew exactly what was going on. He quickly glanced around to make sure none of his neighbors could see before he reached down and placed his hand by Shay.
“Shay, what do you think you’re doing?” he asked, his tone indicating he already knew. Shay, seemingly embarrassed, slung her bag over her shoulder before climbing onto his hand. Todd had to help by curling his fingers around her slightly and tugging her free from the backpack’s clutches before he shoved his pack back into the trunk and retreated to the driver’s seat.
“Well?” he prompted again after shutting the door. Shay, completely exposed on his palm, wrang her hands around the strap of her bag.
“I’m… well… I’m coming with you,” she said firmly. Todd knew it. He reached up with his opposite hand and rubbed his eyes slowly and methodically.
“Shay…”
“I didn’t think you’d find me so soon! I thought it would be like when your family left and you’d be too far away to turn back and so I would just get to stay with you until my family realized what happened and then they would know I was serious and tha…”
“Shay…” Todd’s second interruption silenced the small girl whose lip was now beginning to quiver at seeing Todd’s reaction. The two made eye-contact and, soon after, Shay’s eyes began to water.
“I… They… they weren’t being fair to you,” she sniffed. “They said I couldn’t talk to you anymore without permission and wouldn’t let me say good-bye and… and I want to live with you. I don’t want you to be all alone. You’re my friend, Todd. Don’t you want me to come with you?”
Todd reached up brushed his finger against Shay’s shoulder, and she immediately leaned into the touch. He needed to be diplomatic.
“Shay… Of course I want you to come with me. I wasn’t looking forward to being completely on my own and you being there made every day great; but this isn’t the way to do it,” said Todd. Shay’s eyes began to water more.
“It’s going to be lonely. More than anything I want you to come with me. I’m love our movie nights and quiet time doing homework. Goodness knows I won’t know what to buy or make for dinner without your help.” Todd got a sniffly giggle from Shay on that last bit. He smiled reassuringly before continuing.
“All the same,” he said softly. “This isn’t how we get what we want.” Shay’s features hardened as she gave him a pointed stare.
“You agree with my parents?” she asked.
“I can see where they’re coming from. They don’t know me and want to protect you. Naturally, that means they don’t want me talking to you. My parents would probably be the same way if we were switched if I’m being honest,” stated Todd.
“Yeah, but they’re completely ignoring the fact that we’ve been doing this for months! They don’t know you. They should trust me when I say I know you and trust you!” Todd could tell Shay was getting defensive.
“And do you think running away will make things better for you and me? Do you think they’ll be more willing to let us talk and hang out? What if they think I’ve taken you? Stole you away? What then?” asked Todd. Shay suddenly looked very alarmed.
“I’d tell them I went on my own!” she answered quickly.
“Okay, so that mean that you either ran away because you don’t care for their opinion and hurt them willingly or, on the other hand, I’ve tricked you into doing what I want. Either way, I don’t think they would let us talk it out or convince them if I keep going,” said Todd. Shay, feeling completely crushed, knew Todd was right. She hated to admit she was wrong, but it was becoming more and more obvious Todd wasn’t going to go through with bringing her along.
“It’s… just…” she stammered in between holding back sobs. “I’ll… miss… you… You-u’re my f-friend. It’s… j-jus-t no-t fair.”
Todd curled his fingers and rubbed his thumb along Shay’s arm as she continued to sniffle and shake.
“I know; and I agree. I don’t think it’s fair, but that’s how it works sometimes,” encouraged Todd. “And I won’t be gone for very long this time. I’ll be back next month, which is no time at all. Yeah?”
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