.18

[awful_awkward]

I'm so happy to be me again. What a boost for the self-esteem! I mean no offense, of course, to the fairer sex. But I would really rather remain the way God made me.

[he ducks a bit as if he just remembered something, grinning sheepishly for a moment] Uh, and now I can prove I'm not crazy, too. I'm, er, sorry about that, Miss Sforza. Talk about

Comments

[delicate_deceit]

[ Slightly bemused smile ]

Certainly. Shall we begin at the beginning, then? My name is Caterina...and yes, I still feel as though I should know you.

[awful_awkward]

Ah, and my name is still Abel! [a chuckle] It's the same with me. You remind me of a young girl I met once.

[delicate_deceit]

.....where did you meet her, if you don't mind my asking...?

[awful_awkward]

Uh, of course not! I don't mind at all. It was in the Template City that I came from. Or, that I was in before I came here, anyway.

[delicate_deceit]

....and what were the circumstances?

[awful_awkward]

Well, ah, she'd gotten into a bit of trouble, so I helped her out. I guess it's been a while since then, because I don't remember exactly how it went.

[delicate_deceit]

[ Thoughtful look ]

I see.....Well, she is a very lucky child, then.

[awful_awkward]

It was nothing worth such praise, really. She was a rather, uh, strong-willed girl. I don't suppose she really needed me around.

[delicate_deceit]

You might be surprised....

[awful_awkward]

Hm, why would you say that? Do I seem that clueless?

[delicate_deceit]

Things we easily forget can be treasured by others, and we have no idea....

Clueless? No...

[awful_awkward]

Oh. I guess you do have a point, there! Every one of us sees the world differently, in some ways.

My, that was a tad ominous. Now I'll be self-conscious all day.

[delicate_deceit]

Ominous? I wouldn't like to think so...

[awful_awkward]

Mm, yes. Like you wanted to say something worse but you didn't!

And, while I thank you for your polite restraint, I think I should know if I really do come off like that. Not that I want to know. I would have to change my whole act. But I don't want to look bad, either.

[delicate_deceit]

[ purely amused smile ]

My,my....so it is an act?

[awful_awkward]

Huh? What's an act, Miss Sforza?