Mason Court

Tahlia thought a moment of what to say and decided it wasn’t worth it. She could figure it out on her own. “No. It’s okay. It’s not bothering me any more.” She got up to stand. “Do you want anything to drink?”

Hmm, I don’t really have one to be honest, I’m an open book, anything you’d like to know I’ll tell you.

You do? [grins widely and blushes slightly] I have?

Right, you’re not going to murder me are you?

Well that’s good, I guess

[sighs] Of course, I like you. I wouldn’t be talking to you, right now, if I didn’t. [and hits him again] You’ve grown on me. 

Tahlia shut her eyes for a few seconds, calming herself down before opening them back open again, saying, “It’s not that. They can take away my happiness, I don’t care, so long as they’re happy. It’s just..” She trailed off, “What you said before…” 

Mason breathed, his calm demeanor disappearing as he leaned forward to listen. Seeing someone in Tahlia’s state wasn’t something he liked. “What did I say before?” 

Does that mean you like me?

I don’t abhorred you. 

That’s not scary at all

You shoulda seen what I did to the real Mason Court. 

Tahlia nodded slowly. It wasn’t like it was news to anyone, she thought. Fixing the vase that was placed on the table, one that Mrs Andrews had got, she asked, “Do you think that’s a problem?” She looked over at him now hoping to find some answers but also wanting him to straighten her out somehow. If he even could.

Mason shook his head. “I don’t think so. I’d say it’s expected. It’s more than just feeling uncomfortable with it, isn’t it?” He leaned back, looking more relaxed. “What scares you about being happy?” He paused. “Or are you afraid of someone taking your happiness away?” 

Holy smokes! [gapes in amazement] Why were you impersonating a teenager?

When I was released from prison I wanted to become someone new, so I chose a teenager. 

[hits him in the face, not very hard] 

[hits him back the same] 

His words surprised her but she took the offer otherwise. “Sure.” Tahlia did have the tendency to let things get her down but she didn’t quite show the bad sides of it until the last few weeks. “Is there something in the car that’s important or are you scared someone will steal it?” She followed him as he was heading in the right direction. Sitting down on a chair she breathed, “Because.. because I was too happy.” An ache in her chest formed.

Mason shook his head at the girl’s questions. “No, never mind that.” he said with a tone of finality. “Happiness is uncomfortable?” He asked, but his words came out almost as a confession. Like he was relieving a hidden secret. He sat on the couch, his eyes wandering around for only a few seconds before looking back at the girl. 

Keeps eye contact as he’s listening to her. Though he was surprised by what he was hearing his face didn’t show it. “Sounds like you’re in need of a distraction.” He looked outside through the curtains before taking a few steps closer to the girl. “I’ve been moved in with Claire and looking for a job. My life hasn’t been as eventful as yours. I’m definitely envious.”

“I’m just.. being Tahlia.” She spoke and followed his gaze out the window. Immediately she felt herself not safe any more. “Don’t be. Having too much going on is a bummer.” She points to the window, “What’s that all about?”

“Well, do you want to sit and talk about it?” He gestured to the right with his head, although he was unsure which way the living room was. “Only if you let it get you down.” He said instantly wondering how he’d handle things if he were in Tahlia’s shoes. “I was just keeping an eye on my car.” He explained, furrowing his eyebrows. He made his way further into the house, unsure if he was in the right direction of a couch or lounging area. “So, why’d you break up with Justin?” he was curious now that he knew and wondered why Justin hasn't brought it up.