"Rosalie is your friend too, isn't she? She's studying alone in a different city—it's not easy for her. Shouldn't we look out for her? And you're hung up over one ticket?"
"Not easy?" I echoed softly, my chest hollow with disbelief. "Do you think I have it easy? Seven or eight hours standing on a packed train—that's nothing to you?"
"So what if it's a standing ticket? Just a little hardship and you're already complaining? When did you become so spoiled?" His voice was laced with disappointment now.
"I thought you were kind and sensible. Turns out you're vain. Just because you lost a business-class seat, you think it's embarrassing? Is that why you're making such a fuss?"
Vain?
The word stabbed into me like a cold blade.
He thought I was throwing a tantrum over a business-class seat. He had no idea it wasn't about the seat. It was never about the seat!
All I wanted was to go home with him, side by side, sharing the journey.
If I wanted, one word from me and my father could buy the entire train outright. But that wasn't the point.
Now, I had no desire to explain. I only wanted to watch how far he and his delicate little "friend" could take this act.
I stayed silent for a few seconds.
To Kervin, my silence sounded like guilt and compromise.
His tone softened slightly, but still carried a condescending edge of someone granting a favor.
"Alright, stop sulking. I know you're upset. I'll take you to a movie later to make it up to you, okay?"
"Now hurry and see if you can still get a standing ticket. Rosalie and I will wait for you at the station when you arrive."
I could practically picture the self-satisfied look on his face, convinced he was being generous and considerate.
"No need," I said evenly.
"What do you mean, ‘no need'? What's that supposed to mean?" Kervin sounded startled.
"I mean, you two keep the tickets. I'll handle my own way back. Don't trouble yourselves." My tone was flat, emotionless.
"Danna! Do you have to be like this?" His voice sharpened again, tinged with irritation.
"Stop acting like a child. How are you going to get home by yourself? You can't get another ticket. What are you going to do, fly back?"
Fly? A bitter laugh rose in my chest.
Yes, as a matter of fact, I really could fly back.
I drew a deep breath, reining in my emotions. "I'm just saying I'll figure something out. You take care of Rosalie."