Private Quarters, Private Talk
Originally posted on March 11, 2007
Asher is showing Kohana the tiny apartment above the theater, but they each have other things on their minds…
Kohana: Surely you don’t intend to stay up here, Asher?
Asher: It’ll do in a pinch, as my Grandma used to say. There’s a foldout daybed and an old chair and space to put some clothes, probably all I need for short stays.
Kohana: You shouldn’t let them push you out of your own house.
Asher: Oh, they’re not. I just didn’t want to be around them all the time. Had enough of that for the first twenty-plus years of my life.
Kohana: I suppose this isn’t all that bad then, for a place to spend a little time away from them.
Asher: Just for some of the time, when I need it. At least it’s quiet – and private.
Kohana: Yes, it is that.
Asher: I guess I’m kinda hoping we’re getting to the point where we’ll actually need that privacy.
Kohana: Maybe we are...
Asher: You don’t sound convinced - you’re getting all frowny again. What’s the matter? Am I still moving too fast?
Kohana: No….it’s just….I don’t know how to say this.
Asher: Tell me. Trust me with it, ok?
Kohana: I’ll try.................I’ve just been thinking that there are some things we need to talk about before I can feel free to… be closer. If that’s what you want, that is.
Asher: You better believe that’s what I want. These things – do they have anything to do with someone in your past?
Kohana: Yes, in a way. I’ve started to tell you – several times – it’s just so difficult. I don’t talk about such things easily, with anyone. Not even Kaida.
Asher: Kohana, the only thing that matters to me about your past is that you’re no longer being hurt by it. I think I know most of what I need to know about you, but if you need to tell me more, that’s okay too. Maybe now is a good time?
Kohana: I think so. I’d like it to be.
Asher: Then tell me.
Kohana: I want to, but….I don’t know where to begin.
Asher: Would it help any if I asked you a nosy question?
Kohana: (smiling) It might. Let’s try it that way.
Asher: Well ok, but my only real question is a tough one. The only thing I need to know, even if you don’t tell me anything else is…..…..are you still in love with him?
(to be continued)