Strings of Fate

128- Emails and empathy

Bellamy looks a little shell shocked. I think he still forgets sometimes that he can’t just boss me around and stare at me to get me to cooperate like he does with everyone else. He doesn’t MEAN to be bossy, it just comes naturally to him as a result of everyone expecting him to tell them what to do and then jumping at his orders. After a moment, his eyes drop to the ground

and he groans out his frustration.

“I get it. I’ll think on the issue. There’s still a few days. A lot can change in a few days.” He falls silent, then slowly, what I can only describe as a calculating expression slides into place.

“Actually, if we’re changing the topic. I could use your help with something.” Bellamy switches topics fast enough to give me whiplash.

“Sure, what do you want help with?” I agree, maybe a little too quickly. I’m still feeling a

little bad for fighting him so hard when I know he is just worried about me. Bellamy stands from the couch, takes my hand and pulls me up then leads me to his office.

“Well, since I’ve been filling the role of the female alpha as well as my own role, a lot of the

Shifters have taken to emailing me their issues, arguments and complaints. I was hoping you.

would help me go through them?” He asks with a question in his voice.

“Yeah, I can try and help. Why do they email them though? Are they all non–urgent or are they anonymous or something?” I don’t really get it, emailing seems so impersonal which

seems odd if they’re asking him to mediate their personal issues. Bellamy just shrugs.

“I’m not sure, they just started doing it. I think Megan might have suggested it to someone. A lot of Shifters have been sort of forcing the job on her and when they didn’t like her responses she of course told them to talk to me. But apparently not everyone is comfortable talking to me in person? I guess I’m not as approachable. Or maybe they just assume I don’t have the time. I know emails aren’t ideal, but this is what I’ve got right now.” I scrunch up my face. I don’t know, this just seems like the kind of task that should be taken care of face to face. It’s always going to be hard to understand the intricacies of a situation when you can’t see how people react and having to email back and forth to get more information if needed seems like it would drag things out. There must be much better systems than this. Bellamy notices my face and grins.

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128- Emails and empathy

free to take over at any time.” I roll

me, this is

you, eventually. If they don’t, it’s only because they don’t know who you are yet. All the Shifters who know you well listen don’t they?” He asks and I kind of stare at the floor awkwardly. He is right that they have been listening to what I ask lately. Still, if they aren’t comfortable talking to Bellamy, why would they want to talk to a stranger like me?

noticed that he didn’t want to ask in front of others and took him aside so that he would be more comfortable. I think you’re a lot more approachable than you think. Not to mention you’ll be particularly good at dealing with relationship issues should they

me any good at dealing with relationships. Look how badly I screwed up with us, at least at first.” I point

easier to give advice than it is to take it. Plus, in more formal issues or full on arguments, the Shifters

on, come sit with me and we can go over a couple and see how you feel once you’ve tried. I know emails aren’t great but at least it leaves time to think.” He says optimistically. I think he is definitely trying to make the job sound easier than it is. Trying not to

chair and waves me over. I stand by his side and he gestures for me to perch myself on his lap.

be working, that does not seem like it would result in good work focus.” I object.

I’m way more relaxed and focussed when I know exactly where

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128- Emails and empathy

of us, so twice the focus right?” I turn and give

something dodgy in that logic, but he’s already opening up his emails. He opens the first one and reads it out to me. It’s written by one of the

shifting back and forth. She insists that

to help with that? I only know the

this

ΠΕ.

age

of Shifters you trust well enough to ask for more information. In this case, most Shifter kids start changing from about the time they learn to walk. They often will do it accidentally or partially even. By the time they’re about five or six it

having complete control at six is maybe a little late,

reason. Bellamy nods his

what I’ll tell her.” He starts typing