Flight of the Monarch

"I don't really feel like talking about it right now. May I be excused?"

Her father nodded.

Hayley turned to Maddie, as she rose from the table.

"I planned to invite your brother over for dinner sometime, but I suppose it's out of the question." Hayley pushed her chair under the table. "I hope that someday we can become more than just acquaintances." She frowned at Maddie, glanced at her father and left the room.

_ _

"Hayley, are you asleep?" Hayley stirred in her bed.

"We need to talk."

"Can it not wait until daylight?" She turned over, her eyes searching for Maddie's face in the dark.

Maddie reached toward the wick of the candle and lighted the room.

"I haven't been able to sleep since you told me about Thor."

"Is it guilt?"

"What do you mean?"

"Really, Maddie, you expect me to believe he is your brother?"

"Of course I do. It's the truth."

"Have you always told me the truth?"

"I know I have not always been open about my past, but that does not mean I would ever lie to you."

"Why are you here at this late hour, if not to ease your conscience?"

" I have noticed our relationship has not been as close as it used to be."

Haley wiped her tired eyes.

"I want you to know that it is not my intention to keep things from you. There are things that I am not comfortable with sharing right now, but that may not always be true." Maddie touched Hayley's arm. "Please give me more time and don't be angry with me."

"Does Father know about what you are keeping to yourself?"

Maddie seemed to have not heard question.

"You are keeping this from me only aren't you?"

Maddie looked away.

"I got the answer I was looking for." Hayley settled back into her sheets.

Maddie rose from the bed. "We can talk about it tomorrow."

"I hope you are able to sleep now." Hayley turned her head away as Maddie left the room.