HEART TO HEART

POV: Darrell Williams

I paced the tiny space, thinking all over. Now that everything had passed, Ivory and I were by ourselves. The atmosphere was heavy with unsaid words.

I said, "Ivory," but then I stopped. How even should I start?

Her eyes were attentive but fatigued as she gazed at me. "Darrel, we need to talk. "Sitting across from her, I nodded. "Yeah, we do."

We merely looked at each other for a moment. Then the words just flowed. We both said, "I'm sorry," at the same moment. I laughed out loud, and Ivory grinned as well. It eased some of the pressure.

"You ought to go first," I said. Ivory inhaled deeply. I apologize for having left. For not having faith in you. For everything."

Something lifted from my chest. "I apologize as well. It was my duty to defend you more fiercely. I ought to have had faith in us."

"Why didn't you?" Ivory whispered her question.

I touched my hair with my hand. "I was afraid. Bewildered. I wasn't sure what to think when they told me that I had wounded