A red hot storm cloud
"DON'T DO THAT EVER AGAIN!", the face of the red haired woman storming the museum was twisted in anger, as she screamed right into Sam's face. "I WILL HUNT YOU DOWN AND MAKE YOU REGRET COMING HERE, IF YOU PULL SUCH A STUPID STUNT EVER AGAIN!"
Sam almost dropped the books she was carrying. Penny, Flor and the children were looking in shock at the scene unfolding right before them.
"Excuse me...", Gunther stepped in. "...this is a public space. Would you please keep it down."
The redhead glared at him: "Zip it! I've got a bone to pick with this one", She pointed at Sam, who looked bewildered, not understanding what was happening, "and you'll let me!"
"Nobody will stop you.'' Jasper had come over from the exhibition section as soon as the commotion had started, "but let's move the conversation to our backroom. There are less children there.
And then you may tell us what all the fuss is about. Mrs Vaughn seems a little lost as well.
The woman glared first at him, then at Sam. After a swift glance to the improvised class, she nodded and followed Jasper down the aisle that led to the storage room. Sam was right behind them. Gunther apologized to Penny, Flor and the children for the noise before stepping through and closing the door behind him, giving them some privacy.
"The fuss", the woman began, while throwing her long braid behind her back, "is about that one", she pointed at Sam again, "almost killing my best friend." It finally clicked for Sam.
"WHAT THE HELL WERE YOU THINKING, RUNNING RIGHT INTO THE FORBIDDEN PART OF THE FOREST TRYING TO FIGHT THOSE THINGS?"
Both men exchanged glances, nodded to each other and slipped quietly out of the room, as the woman continued her tirade.
"This man is my best friend. I love him and I won't let him get hurt because of your stupidity. So keep your distance or... or... I... I..." the anger subsided slightly after her outburst, making way for sorrow and tears as the woman began to falter, "...I don't want to think about what could have happened..."
"You must be Leah." Sam said softly. "I know, it's no consolation to you, but please believe me, I didn't want any of that to happen."
"Didn't want any of that to happen... Do you realize what you've done to him?" Leah asked, still glaring.
"I... I... actually don't." she stammered after a bit. "He hadn't talked to me since we've been to Harvey. Breaking his wrist certainly is bad, but I'm glad the fracture isn't complicated and doesn't need fixing with an operation. It'll heal in a few weeks' time, as far as Harvey said."
Leah inhaled sharply: "He doesn't have that kind of time. You may have ruined his career, even his life with your little stunt. He certainly hasn't told you, but he's on the clock. He could lose his contract, if he doesn't deliver on time. It wasn't looking good before the accident. Now it's even worse."
Sam's eyes grew wide.
"Oh no... That's horrible! I just wanted him to find inspiration. Is there something I can do to help?" She asked worriedly. Leah hesitated a moment due to the honest concern, before answering:
"Stay away from him. Leave him be. He is distraught enough as it is. He doesn't need a stranger snooping around, distracting him from his work and reminding him of this disaster altogether. Also he doesn't want to see you."
"No, I can't do this!" Sam stated firmly, straitening herself, putting her chin out. "I've made a grave mistake and Elliott is suffering from it. I have to help him somehow. And if that means acting against his will right now. I will find a way to help him through this, even if I have to write every word he says down, myself."
"Stubborn as a mule. Okay, go and try to talk to him. I won't stop you making a fool out of yourself, but heed my warning. If you hurt him anymore, I'll make you pay."
Hearing that made Sam even more defensive.
"I'm sure of it, but it won't come to this. I promise."
Leah watched her carefully: "We will see."
Without another word she turned around and left. Sam was alone in the storage room. As soon as the tension subsided, her knees went wobbly. She leaned back against a shelf and let herself slide down, till she was sitting on the floor. She had ruined another person's life due to her egotistical behavior, again. What to do? Her head was spinning, she couldn't think clearly. Tears started to form and run down her face. That's how Jasper found her, when he entered the room a fair bit later with a cup of steaming hot tea.
"I'll be right back at work... as soon as my legs... work again properly." She told him unasked, in between a few sobs.
"Take your time, the books won't run and there will be enough opportunity to make up for the missed time later." He handed her the tea while talking. "Here, for you. I figured you may need it."
"Thank you." Sam tried to smile and drank a hearty sip. Jasper sat down beside her.
"What happened? Do you need someone to talk to?"
"Certainly, but I'm not sure. You are one of my bosses."
"I see myself more as a mentor and I know when it's important to listen, besides, do you know anybody else yet? So, if you decide to pour your heart out, come up to my rooms whenever you feel it. I will talk to Gunther, so you needn't worry about work today. By the way I've got hot cacao and blueberry tart waiting in the kitchen."
He got up: "I'll leave you be for now. Clear your head and decide in peace."
"Thank you", Sam drank another sip and watched him close the door behind him.
Gunther approached Jasper as soon as he left the room: "What did she say? How did she end up in the secret forest?"
"I haven't asked. She looks utterly devastated right now. We'll talk later today. I'm sure of it. I told her to come to my kitchen when she's ready. Make sure she can finish her shores another time, so that's no problem. I've a feeling it will be a long talk... "
