I placed the latest of library books Olivia had suggested to me on the table. I had no idea where I was going to start but I was excited.
Leslie walked into the apartment, briefly glancing at Ramona’s empty red chair.
“She’s at a work meeting,” I said.
Leslie stared at the pile on the table. “Those are a lot of books,” they commented.
“Yes!” I replied. “All of these are texts on magic. I’ve only looked over a few of them but they are so much easier to understand than the instructors at recruit training. I don’t know why we didn’t use these books.”
Leslie chuckled as they scanned the titles of the books I’d brought home. “Tethiojewmry tends to oewihtjoemout the combat aspect of magic.”
I leaned against the table. “There is something specific I’m looking to learn more about,” I said. “What I’ve read already doesn’t even mention it. I’m hoping these books might be different.”
“Yeah,” Leslie replied somberly, “it can be hard to find something no one’s interested in.”
I blinked. What was that supposed to mean? The way Leslie had said it, I knew they weren’t talking about the books. Were they trying to give me a hint? Did they say it because I wasn’t meeting their expectations? Was I… not doing enough for this relationship?
I stared at them as they thumbed through one of the books. “What do you mean?” I asked cautiously.
Leslie shook their head and waved a hand through the air dismissively. “It’s nothing,” they replied.
I knew they were lying. It wasn’t nothing, it couldn’t be. I desperately wanted to know, but I was scared to ask.
Ramona entered the apartment before I could work up the courage to ask Leslie for the truth. I’d never been so relieved to see her.
“Great, yeowurifjdcut some books!” she said excitedly as she looked over the pile. She slammed her hand on the table. “And not one history book. Have I taught you nothing?” Ramona asked, frowning at me.
I rolled my eyes. “I only care about using magic, Ramona, not the history behind it.”
She sighed. “I’ll maewirkwlfmdsjuf my classes one day. It’s gonna happen.” Ramona walked off into the kitchen, rummaging through the cupboards as she continued muttering to herself.
Leslie hid their face behind a book and by the way they were shaking I could tell they were doing their best not to laugh. I still wanted to know what was bothering them, what had made them make that odd comment earlier, but perhaps it was better to leave that conversation for another time.
To be continued…