27 The second meeting, part 1

Cali followed her friends backs with her eyes with mixed feelings. She really wanted to go with them, but maybe aunty was right, and it was right to let them figure things on their own.

She delayed for some time before going to meet with uninvited guests.

The meeting with Anastasia didn't bring her much enthusiasm. The reaction of the former girlfriend to their arrival last time did not come as a surprise. Instead, a warm welcome from her father and other members of the family was more unexpected.

Back then, closing her feelings and memories on the lock, she was sure that no one was waiting for her, no one would help, and no one would forgive.

She couldn't even imagine that her father was cold because he did not know how to behave with an overdressed young lady, in whose mind there were only balls and palace intrigues. Paris was seldom at home, and in those infrequent moments when he appeared on their estate, he tried to avoid an arrogant and always sharp-tongued sister as he dodged the likes of her at court.

Approaching the door of the yellow drawing room, Cali stopped, trying to somehow think of a plan.

With an ex-girlfriend, she will try to keep herself extremely cold and detached. Perhaps this will help push her away as painlessly as possible for both of them. But what about Lord Trevelyan?

Those feelings that attacked Cali, as soon as she looked at the man, did not give her peace of mind. A single image of him caused a hoard of goosebumps to ran through her body. What was wrong with her?

The longer she thought, the more confused she became. Her pondering was interrupted by a servant, cutting off her retreat. The boy emerged from the corridor with an impressively big tray full of various snacks and a tea set. When the servant saw the young mistress, he hesitated, expectantly looking at Cali. The girl glanced back at him, still not ready to go inside.

Their staring contest went on until Cali moved first, taking pity on the lad, that was swaying under the weight of his burden. She opened the door for him, letting the servant go ahead, and quickly tried to bring her nerves under control before entering the drawing room.

Apparently, the guests did not notice how she slipped in behind the servant, as the couple kept conversing in a half-whisper about something, sitting next to each other in elegant armchairs by the wide window filling almost the entire wall.

Cali halted for a moment, observing those two while she waited when they will notice her.

It was Anastasia who did the most talking, leaning toward Lord Trevelyan. The girl looked agitated and worried. Lord of the Black Castle, on the other hand, seemed cold and detached at first glance. His answers to Stacy were jerky and brief, but Cali instantly caught a hint of warmth in his eyes, when he was looking at his companion and how sincere, thought quite clumsy, the man tried to calm her.

Seeing such an atmosphere between the guests, Cali suddenly felt a stab of anger and something else that she had never felt before. She clenched her teeth and yielding to a momentary impulse, kicked the nearest thing. And it just happened to be the leg of the coffee table, on which only a few seconds ago the servant put the tray and wanted to retire.

A sharp crash made everyone in the room jump. Cali blinked, with astonishment staring at the upturned tray, the broken cups and the sea of snacks, which were spread across an expensive carpet of light green color.

It seemed like her mind only now caught on what she had done. Calisto was appalled by her own behavior. As if the demon had possessed her for a moment. But the anger immediately subsided, giving way to confusion and embarrassment. The servant rushed to remove this whole mess, and his hasty movements seemed to bring the rest of them out of the state of shock.

Cali moved to help the servant and was so absorbed by the contemplation of her action that almost missed the moment when Anastashia literally slammed into her. The red-head girl thrown herself at Cali like a crazy monkey and seized the girl in a death grip. Cali barely had time to suppress her reflexes, so as not to hit Anastasia on an instinct, realizing that Stacy was actually hugging her while shivering and saying something uncomprehendingly through her sobs. Cali could barely decipher beats and peases from her mumbling.

"Cali! Forgive me!! I did not want to ... I am such a fool ... Please..."

Cali froze in an awkward pose in a state of complete bewilderment, her arms outstretched away. Now she probably looked like a scarecrow with frilly bundle hanging on her. It wasn't difficult to bear the weight of the girl which held onto her for dear life even though Stacy was almost half a head taller than Calisto. Yet she had not the slightest idea of what to do next.

"I need to calm her somehow" - the first distinct thought flashed through Cali's head, surpassing the instinct to push the poor girl away or threaten her with bodily harm, to make Stacy go away.

Calisto hesitantly stretched her arms around the girl and even tried to lightly pat her back with her right palm. That was even more awkward. Cali didn't reassure anyone for a very long time till now, if ever. And now it felt like she was doing it all wrong. Should she say something? Or do?

But before Cali mastered her resolve to open her mouth, Anastasia probably taking those ridiculous attempts of consolation to heart, exploded in a bigger boat of ugly crying.

Strange, but instead of feeling disgusted or puzzled by such behavior, Cali suddenly felt the warmth spreading in her chest. After all, all these tears were for her. Not holding back the feeling that suddenly took hold, Cali put her head on Stacy's shoulder and relaxed in her embrace, hugging her sincerely this time, as if letting this heat out. For some reason, it felt so comfortable and warm, even though the front of her dress got drenched through ...

Apparently, Anastasia has not changed much over the years. Within a few moments, she let go of Cali and instead of tears a broad smile was already playing on her face.

"I knew you would forgive me. You know that I did not want to offend you, right?" - Anastasia peered at Cali with hope. In order not to upset her further, Calisto slightly stretched her lips in a smile, nodding. It turned out strange, but it seems for Stacy it was enough. The girl beamed and catching her friend's arm, dragged her to the armchairs at the wide window, not even giving Cali the time to greet the second guest.

Calisto only had time to send in his direction the crumpled "It's nice to see you again." As Stacy pushed her into the armchair and took hold of all of her attention by a new monologue.

"I don't even know what came over me. But I thought it over. Of course, you have changed! After all - six years have passed. Just think about it! And I missed you so much that I created some unreal image of you in my head. I talked to Blaze, and he told me everything. Now I understand. I was not really a good friend. I was a stupid girl back then. Of course, you wouldn't trust me if I run away as soon as something was not my way. Back then and now, I made the same mistake. Letting my feeling blind my mind. But I am ready to prove that I have changed, matured. I want to be your friend again. I hope you give me a chance? Please! Oh, please, Cali! I beg of you!"

Stacy never had any problems with sincerity. Instead, the issues with her straightforwardness had almost everyone else. Perhaps that is why she was always avoided by her peers. That treat coupled with stubbornness and vigor gave a somewhat dangerous cocktail for a girl. Such a personality was frowned upon. Women should be gentle, soft and elegant. Precisely the way Calisto seemed to be in her youth. That's why Cali did not understand why this girl was so attracted to her, neither now nor then.

"Why do you need this?" - Cali asked, deciding not to beat around the bush. She spoke very softly, although at such a distance they would hardly be able to hide the essence of the conversation from Lord Trevelyan, who was sitting nearby.

Anastasia raised her eyebrows in surprise, then eyed the girl's face carefully.

"You really changed, huh!" - she finally concluded. - "So unusual!"

"Why?" -Cali stared at her blankly.

"Six years ago, you would have smacked me with a fan over the head a long time ago and would have cursed me for inappropriate behavior." - the girl straightened herself in the chair, and gracefully folded her hands on her knees, drawling in a carefully imitated arrogant tone. - "Anastasia, young ladies do not behave this way. They do not spoil the dresses of their companions with tears and similar liquid. It is allowed only if it is their primary goal and not a whim. Tantrums and tears are needed for other purposes and are generally not very effective."

In this superior tone and strict posture Cali instantly recognized oneself six years ago. Although now, from the outside it looked both funny and embarrassing. Then she tried to copy her mother in everything. "What a proud peacock I was, even to the point of thinking that I have the right to judge this sincere and open girl" - Cali thought with shame. She shook her head trying to ward off sad thoughts.

"Even more so, you should not seek friendship with me. Even though I have changed, but not necessarily for the better." - Cali argued, looking away.

"You really don't understand?" - Stacy asked, slyly squinting and taking her hand. Calisto was forced to look at the girl again.

"What?"

"Your instructions, though sometimes were harsh, but were never out of malice. From others, I heard only ridicule. The girls either avoided me, as if I were insane, or were laughing behind my back. You treated me like an older sister. Blaze sometimes also behaves this way. He swears, scoffs, even can smack me at a time. But he does this not to offend, and I understand that. All these years, every ball, every appearance in the society, I was supported only by thoughts about you. And even if your antics were sometimes cruel, you taught me to fight for what you consider to be right, to raise your head high and not to pay attention to squabbles and gossip."

Cali carefully peered at the girl sitting opposite. This little imp has changed a lot. Stacy became calmer, more confident, the brisk clumsy movements now were filled with grace and femininity. Not fake, but rather true charm. Cali could not teach her all this since she never possessed it herself. Anastasia made herself. But the uncertainties and sparks of loneliness were still hidden in the depths of her eyes.

Stacy again squeezed Cali's hand and peered into her eyes in anticipation. Calisto did not know what to say, so she just nodded briefly, arousing a new wide smile on the face of a young girl.

All this time, Devon sat silently in the corner of the room and carefully watched the scene. He noticed immediately the appearance of Lady Marsters this time. It was difficult not to perceive it when as soon as Devon felt her presence something went kaboom inside him. But like a real Black, he tried to cool down his ardor and continued to watch.

The girl this time looked much less like a doll. Emotions did not break out in such a flow as last time, and there were less unemotional pauses. But the first manifestations of Cali's feelings made Devon wonder.

A flashing red glow with a patch of green almost made him gape. It was very similar to anger and ... jealousy? That was strange. Moreover, these feelings were not reflected on the face or in the pose. Maybe he was mistaken? But confirmation of Devon's guess became a sharp kick that Calisto gave a low table with a tray. That was even more puzzling...

No longer hiding, he began to observe her openly. Besides, at this moment Anastasia rushed into battle and distracted her friend to herself. That suited him just fine.

It was so refreshing to watch the girls communicate. Anastasia with her vigor and spontaneity now and then pulled out of the girl a variety of different reactions.

After some time, Devon even began to catch the pattern. Unlike ordinary people, in moments when he did not see any emotional background at all, for Calisto, this did not mean that they did not exist. Most likely the girl was hiding or suppressed her feeling so much that even he could not detect them.

He suddenly remembered how he once met a hermit living high in the mountains. The picture was very similar, because that old man was not accustomed to the emotions caused by another person, and therefore his feelings looked brighter than usual.

Devon wondered what could have caused such a change in a girl, or was she this way from the very beginning? Some court ladies and skillful politicians could hide emotions or fake their expression. But it is only in appearance. Why hold down emotions within yourself? Devon really wanted to get an answer to this question. So he waited and observed. Very carefully!

Apparently having decided their differences, the girls soon switched to idle chatting. In fact, the only one who was chattering away was Anastasia. She was eager to damp on the new-found girlfriend all the news over the past six years. But Calisto began to relax a little too.

Initially, Devon decided that Countess Marsters closed up again. But looking closer, he noticed a subtle orange glow on her skin. It looked like the dazzle on the water. The girl definitely liked the company of her friend.

Both had completely forgotten about the presence of Devon in the room, and the Head of the Blacks was in no hurry to remind them about himself admiring such an interesting view. Lady Marsters even closed her eyes like a cat basking in the sun. Would she purr if he'd scratch her now?

***

As soon as Cali allowed herself to let Anastasia a bit closer, Calisto felt as something soft started to form in her chest, slowly spreading all over her body. The constant chatter of a girlfriend, about new fashion, dresses and frills, new gossip and rumors, had a strangely soothing effect.

It was as if she had returned to the past when she was not yet a stranger here; when she was quite ordinary; when everything did not start spinning in a furious whirlwind that destroyed her whole life.

Cali suddenly felt a deep aching to return those times. Maybe this is still possible? Start all over again. Just live here, be friends with Stacy, walk in the park, attend social events, dance, smile, maybe even fall in love!

This thought made her flinch. Cali suddenly felt someones gaze with her whole body, His gaze. Concentrating on Anastasia and her inner feelings, she completely forgot that there was someone else in the room. But now...

Stacy's voice faded into the background, and all Cali's thoughts went towards the man who was sitting in the corner all the time and was watching them carefully.

She remembered their last meeting and what he probably saw today and felt like she was beginning to blush.

"Gods, what could he have assumed?!" She had to make a titanic effort in order not to turn around and in no way show the direction of her thoughts. Cali tried to distract herself and switch the attention back to her friend, but her thoughts stubbornly returned to Lord Trevelyan.

Anastasia noticed a sudden change in Cali's behavior almost immediately. Although many considered her an empty-headed chatterbox, Stacy learned how to read those around her quite well. At the same time maintaining the role of a slightly superficial silly goose.

She carefully observed Cali from the first minutes of her appearance in the room. Well, maybe not entirely from the beginning, but as soon as her feelings subsided and she felt some kind of response from her friend, Stacy immediately began to watch her newfound friend, in order not to screw up again and not to offend her with something.

Calisto has really changed a lot. Anastasia followed her tail for so long and so faithfully tried to copy or at least memorize her every move that now the changes were immediately apparent.

It was always easier for Stacy to find an approach to a person when she chooses a beast that would be the most similar to him with his habits. Previously, Anastasia always compared the young lady Marsters with a proud pedigree cat. Still quite young, but already knowing her worth. An animal that by its very appearance makes others want to please her, to fulfill all her desires.

Now Calisto was like a stretched string. Former relaxed manner, arrogance, and confidence in every movement disappeared. Anastasia was suddenly struck by a strange thought, the sight of Cali, her demeanor, was like a wild predator, calm and at the same time cautious, focused. She seemed a little detached, but still not allowing herself to relax fully, closely watching Stacy. The way was precisely like that lioness in presence of an outsider.

But at some point, the lull between them suddenly was broken by a strange nervousness on Cali's part. The girl began to fidget in the chair and Anastasia could wager that Cali was no longer listening to her. She dropped her eyes to her knees, smoothing out non-existent folds, then as if pulling herself up again raised her eyes to Stacy but still had trouble focusing on what Anastasia was saying. At the same time, her gaze became detached, and a barely noticeable blush appeared on Calisto's cheeks. Anastasia had never seen her friend in such a state, so she did not immediately guess that it was, in fact, an embracement. But what could cause it? Or who ...

A sudden guess made Anastasia turned her head and, in shock, cut herself off in the middle of the sentence. Devon, usually detached and cold, now was literally devouring the girl with his gaze. Without any shame, he turned his whole body towards them and was watching Cali openly. And his eyes..., Anastasia's ears became red, as soon as she glimpsed just a bit of what was swarming in their depth.

Holly Molly! No surprise that Cali felt uncomfortable. If Devon had behaved like this toward any other girl, the poor chit would faint or run out of the room screaming a long time ago.

Stacy has long been accustomed to strange behavior and oppressive atmosphere, which Lord Trevelyan wore around himself like armor. He was really close only to her brother. His position as a Lord of the Black Castle already caused many to keep him at a distance. The terrible rumors and cold demeanor of the man himself made matter even worst, making many people avoid any contact with him at all cost.

Such openly hot stare Stacy could have expected from Blaize, but not from his unsociable friend.

Anastasia narrowed her eyes and tried to attract Devon's attention, throwing indignant glances in his direction. She tried to show with all her appearance to stop behaving like that. This way, he would spoil everything! Cali just started to thaw a little towards her.

But the man did not notice the gestures of Stacy. Then she turned to Cali. The girl blushed but stubbornly continued to pretend that she did not see how Lord Trevelyan was trying to burn a hole in her with his eyes. That was just ridiculous!

Unable to endure this tense situation any longer, Anastasia rose sharply, finally attracting the attention of both.

"Cali, can we go to the garden? It's so stuffy here!" - she proclaimed grabbing the girl by the hand.

"But ..." - Cali glanced at Devon uncertainly, not daring to focus entirely on him and immediately looked away.

"You shouldn't pay attention to him, He is just my nanny for today. Blaize made him go," - Anastasia whispered with an undisguised note of anger as she leaned toward her friend. But her whisper wasn't quite enough for Lord Trevelyan to not to overhear.

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Cali hesitated a bit but nodded anyway, letting her friend drag her toward the exit, trying with all her might not to pick behind her back.

Following them came barely audible steps. The Lord of the Blacks walked surprisingly noiselessly despite his hulking figure. Like a predator following in the footsteps of its prey.