Strings of Fate

82- Planning and placating

Bellamy considers me for a moment then nods.

“Fine. I might be mad, I can’t be sure until you tell me what’s wrong. But I promise I’ll get over it and I’ll help you fix it. Whatever it is. Now, tell me what’s wrong.” His voice is quiet, like he’s trying not to startle me. I relent and accept my fate.

“Well… yesterday morning I found a letter under my door.” I start. I expect him to interrupt but he waits patiently for me to explain. I tell him what the letter said and about what I saw on the security camera. Bellamy drops his hands to his sides, closes his eyes and takes three deep breaths. I can tell he’s trying to stay calm, but his shoulders and hands are tensed up and his jaw is so tight I’d be surprised if he could get words out. I wait, giving him time to process. Without opening his eyes, he speaks again, his voice measured and, controlled.

“Why did you hide it? Why wait so long to tell me?” He asks.

“I… I panicked I guess. I didn’t want you to be worried about me. Then I decided that I

should tell you and I wanted to do it in person rather than on the phone, and I got sidetracked by Megan and… well, you know the rest.” I watch Bellamy. His eyes are still shut as he processes what I’ve told him.

“Are… are you angry with me?” I ask quietly. His eyes fly open and meet mine. Unlike the molten gold his eyes were this morning, now they’re burning embers.

“I’m trying to convince myself I shouldn’t be. You were afraid and made a stupid choice, but you’re here and you’re okay and that’s what I really care about.” He says he isn’t angry but the words are practically a growl. I fight the urge to cringe. I’m quickly discovering that while I enjoy bickering with Bellamy, I don’t like it when he’s actually upset with me.

“You sound angry.” I comment. Bellamy begins pacing his office, glancing over at me every

time he turns.

“I am angry. I’m angry with you for not saying anything sooner and walking around like everything is okay, I’m angry at myself for being so out of control that you weren’t comfortable saying anything sooner. I’m angry with Aaron for not noticing something wast

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wrong, I’m

I’m angry

with my

anyone would threaten you. I’m going to fix it, Ryann. I’ll find out who it is, I’ll keep you safe.” he promises.

and say a little bit of me not saying anything wasn’t because I thought you would overreact. But mostly I didn’t think it was a priority because I already feel safe. You’ve already taken every reasonable step to keep me safe. I didn’t feel like there was anything to worry

he’s

pretty sure I’m not the one who needs convincing. Anyway, go on.” I wait. Bellamy steps back to look at

I supposed to be going on with?” he asks

deal with. Or something like that at least. So go ahead, lay it on me.” Bellamy stares for a second, then bursts

what?” I ask. He

to lay it on you, and you were looking

properly. I’ll call Alex right away and have him check the security footage again, in

have the letter

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82- Planning and placating

me. I’ll tell Aaron to meet us there. I assume you put it somewhere safe?”

bottom drawer.”

nosy, and I already told you to stay out of that drawer. It seemed like a good idea

I still wish you didn’t feel like you needed to… I’m mostly just thinking that I’m going to have to be on the lookout in the future, you’re actually

a day before I changed my mind and wanted to tell you. I’m pretty sure I won’t make that mistake again. It was miserable. You

“See that you do.”