MATE SHE NEVER WANTED

CHAPTER 8 – Her Shadow

I

He became her shadow. He will be there wherever she goes after school. He wanted to protect her as much as he could. Thorin is now like a stalker, following, hiding, and helping Galadriel whenever she needs one, without her knowing his good deeds for her.

Thorin’s life suddenly became exciting. He looks forward now waking up every day.  Aside from his studies, Galadriel became one of the centers of his life now. Following her after school and making sure that she entered her dormitory safe and sound became his primordial consideration. He felt like, her knight in shining armor and he is truly proud of himself.

One time Galadriel noticed him walking. Thorin pretended not to have noticed her, but the truth was, he was following her.

“Thorin, where are you going?” Galadriel suddenly stopped and asked him in a loud voice.

Thorin acted as if he was so surprised to see Galadriel. “Oh, hi Galadriel, I am just trying to find a restaurant, something different from the usual ones nearby. I wanted to eat something different tonight,” he replied with a smile.

Galadriel looked at him as if assessing if he was telling the truth. “What kind of food you want tonight?” she asked eyeing him profoundly.

Thorin was not prepared for that question that he almost stammered in answering Galadriel. “Err … I guess something with vegetables and beef,” he found an alibi.

“I see.” Galadriel nodded but seems to be not so convinced with his answer.

Thorin immediately thought of grabbing the opportunity to invite Galadriel for dinner. “Hmm Galadriel, maybe you know someplace here serving those kinds of food or anything that we do not usually eat inside the university?” he tested her.

“I do,” Galadriel replied shortly.

“Wow, really? Lucky me then. Hmm, can I treat you then to that place?” Again, Thorin tried to test if Galadriel would agree.

Alesha, Galadriel’s wolf suddenly jumped with excitement. “Galadriel, please said yes; I wanted to be with him,” her voice was like begging. Galadriel could not disobey her wolf at this moment. She was still hurt with the previous treatment that she gave Thorin.

“Well, I am also hungry and actually looking for a restaurant too. So, yah, you can join me there Thorin.” Galadriel accepted Thorin’s offer in such a way that he will not feel as if she really wanted to be with him.

For Thorin, however, Galadriel's answer brought his heart to its absolute state of merriment. “Let us go then.” He excitedly smiled and motioned for Galadriel to walk ahead and he will follow.

But Galadriel’s hands automatically moved because of Alesha and took hold of Thorin’s right arm. “Let’s go,” she said.

Thorin’s happiness grew more as she held his right arm.

II

They walked side-by-side and some students from the university who knew Galadriel would usually glance at them curious or with raised eyebrows.

They were about to enter the restaurant that Galadriel suggested when suddenly, Galadriel’s arm has been grabbed by someone else. Both Thorin and Galadriel have been surprised.

“So, why do you need to hold his arm like he is your man?” It was Ethos, whose eyes are glaring with fire on Galadriel. Jealousy is evident in his expression.

Thorin interrupted, “I guess, it is none of your business Ethos,” he said without fear.

Ethos laughed at Thorin. “Oh wow, feeling like a knight in shining armor? You think you can beat me geek?” Insultingly, Ethos made a mocking, challenging looked at Thorin.

Thorin looked at Ethos without any hesitation. “Yes, I am; because I am,” he replied with conviction in his tone.

“Really?! When did a geek become a knight in shining armor of a beautiful princess?” Ethos then laughed as if what he said was too funny.

Alesha growled. She wanted to bite the neck of Ethos at that very moment and Galadriel could feel it.

“Excuse us Ethos; Come on Thorin, I am starving now,” Galadriel stated and then grabbed Thorin’s right hand.

“Hey, hey, you cannot insult me like that my dear princess.” Ethos said while holding Galadriel’s left arm. He is smirking.

“Then you are wrong, Ethos, I can insult you like that,” Galadriel said then swiftly moved twisting Ethos’ hand.

“Ouch!” Ethos cried with pain as his bone cracked like breaking.

Galadriel then grabbed Thorin’s hand and they immediately entered the restaurant.

Ethos was left outside hissing with disgust. He touched his injured hand and let it heal after few seconds. He then gave Galadriel’s and Thorin’s backs with a very fierce look, as if he wanted to kill them both at that very moment.