Short Story Saturday: "Bemused" Part Five

           

            Darien knocked on Lorelei’s door. “Doing okay in there?”

            She threw the mess of fabric over her shoulders. “Actually, I think I might need some help.”

            He opened the door cautiously; carefully peeking around it to be sure she was covered. He might tease, but he didn’t want to be inappropriate. He could get thrown out of the Temple for even being in her room alone. He left the door ajar behind him as he entered the room. “Jeeze, you’re a mess!” he laughed.

            She looked at him helplessly. “Give me a break. This is the first time I’ve had to wear anything like this.”

            He helped her gather and pin the material with a brooch at each shoulder, then wrapped a belt around her waist. “There! Now you just need some sandals and you’re done.”

            “Thanks.” She looked at him curiously. “Why are you being so nice?”

            He shrugged. “I was new once. In fact, I’m still sort of new.”

            “So, where are we going?” she asked as she found some sandals and slipped her feet into them. She fumbled with the laces for a few minutes. Darien began to laugh again and kneeled down to help her. He laced them up her calves and tied them below her knees. “Can you remember how to do this next time?”

            She blushed. “Of course I can! It’s just a . . . new experience.”

            He smiled as he stood. “Let’s go find you some food. You’re probably starving.”

            “I am,” she admitted, “but I don’t really feel up to meeting a ton of people yet.”

            “You’re going to have to meet everyone sometime. Not all of them are going to wander into your room like me,” he said playfully. “But don’t worry. I know how we can get you some food without ever seeing anyone.”

            “Sounds good to me. Lead the way.”

            They headed out of her room and went the opposite direction of the one she had come earlier that day with Delia. He took her through several halls, and down a spiraling staircase. They had just reached the bottom of the stairs when Lorelei ran smack into someone who had appeared around a corner. It was Delia.

            “Lorelei, I thought you were going to stay in your room all night?” Delia asked.

            “Well, I had planned on it, but then . . .” she gestured helplessly at Darien.

            “Hello, Delia,” he said.

            “So, Lorelei,” Delia said, “how did you meet my brother?”

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