VI

David arrived at Margaret's house the next morning, just as he had promised. He came just as Susan had finished breakfast and was packing the last of her things. Much to Susan's relief, Margaret was still sleeping. She took her leave of Margaret's parents, thanking them kindly for allowing her to stay. She didn't bother to leave a message for her friend, she was too angry and upset with her. As David helped carry her luggage, she followed him out the door into a chilly London morning. An icy breeze was blowing, but at least the sky was clear and the sun shining.

“So how are you feeling this morning, Susan?” asked David by way of small talk. “Better, thanks,” answered Susan. “Thank you for helping me last night.” David politely mentioned that is was no problem. “So, will you still go ahead with your plan once you've returned to Cambridge?” he asked causally.

“You mean to test the rings?” asked Susan. David, nodded with a sparkle of conspiracy in his eyes. She had wondered whether, in the clear light of day, David would continue to believe everything she had told him last night. She had wondered whether part of last night's conversation had been merely a dream. Apparently not. “Yes,” said Susan adamantly, “It's something I have to do. I shall test the rings as soon as I have spoken to my Uncle about Eustace's diary.”

David was silent for a few moments, then asked, with concern in his voice, “Are you sure you aren't rushing into things? Maybe you should wait until your emotions have calmed down. I was thinking about it when I got home last night, and it's been years since the Professor used those rings. You don't really know what you're dealing with. They might no longer work properly, or this 'wood' world might have changed and become dangerous. And if you do succeed in getting back into Narnia, what then? That lion might not be happy that you had returned against his will.” Susan was surprised at David's sudden opposition to her plan. He had seemed so supportive last night.

“It's not that I don't think you should go,” he clarified, “I'm just worried about what would happen if... if you go alone.” Susan looked at David, and wondered whether that subtle redness in his cheeks was because of the cold wind, or embarrassment. David hadn't meant to imply that he go with her; he just didn't like the thought of her alone in such unknown places. But now that it came to it, it might not be such a bad idea. He was a little hesitant to offer that he go with, though. It might seem too forward on his part. But he really was worried that something could go wrong.

“Why do do you think that you found two pairs of rings?” he prompted, “Perhaps it is a sign that you shouldn't go alone.” Susan stopped walking and looked at him. She was struggling to believe what she was hearing, and her heart raced a little faster. Was David really suggesting he go with her? It seemed like it, and the thought of it sent a thrill through her. She hadn't stopped to think about the fact that there were two pairs of rings. While she knew that her brothers had retrieved both pairs so that Eustace and Jill could travel to Narnia, it wasn't such a bad idea that she take someone else along.

But she hardly knew David. She had seen him often enough when hanging out with her friends, but she hadn't spoken to him one-on-one more than a couple of times before last night. On the other hand, he believed in her – believed in Narnia, perhaps even more than she did herself. What he said made perfect sense and it would be nice to have someone with her if something went wrong. She was very tempted to invite him.

But no – that would be a bad idea. At the moment David was civil with her. What would happen if he got to see what she was really like under stressful situations? She didn't want to ruin the image he had of her. Also, she had no idea what to expect when she tried the rings, let alone what it would be like going back to Narnia (should she ever get there).

Her emotions were still very fragile. And she had yet to figure out just what was going on in her life – what she believed; which parts of her life had been real and which pretend; whether there was a God; and whether the mess she was currently in was his cruel idea of a joke. She needed to go on this trip alone. Having David around would distract her.

Besides – he had his own life and responsibilities. He wasn't at leisure to go gadding about with a simple girl like her who couldn't even remember her own past clearly. “No,” said Susan, perhaps a little too harshly.

She took one look at David's expression and softened. She was greatly tempted to change her mind, but knew she mustn't. “I need to do this on my own – there's too much at stake,” she said a little more gently. David looked crestfallen, but she had to convince him. “Besides,” she added, “Who will take care of your sister if something happens to you?”

This silenced him. His sister was unwell and could not look after herself. Since his mother had died, his father had taken on an extra job, leaving David to care for the invalid. Susan was right, he couldn't leave his dear sister to go gallivanting around in unknown worlds. He was still worried about Susan, but he relented. “Please take someone else,” he begged.

Susan's emotions were starting to get frayed by the strain of the situation. Saying no to David wasn't easy and she wasn't used to having to make such difficult decisions. David's unabashed interest in her plans wasn't making her feel any more comfortable. “And who exactly should I take?” Susan spat, “Margaret? Not everyone is as willing to accept my crazy stories as you are!” David didn't reply.

“Besides,” continued Susan, “So what if something happens to me – if I go to these other worlds and never come back? It's not like there's anyone left that's going to miss me! I won't be any worse off than the rest of my family!” Susan's anger and sorrow, which she had almost forgotten since last night were returning, and so was the urge to cry.

David took in this outburst soberly. “I can think of at least one person who would miss you,” he said, quietly yet firmly. Susan tried to calm herself. She wasn't being very fair to David after he'd been so kind to her. She didn't want to part with him on bad terms. “I'm sorry,” she apologised. “I appreciate your concern, but I don't have many options.”

Just then, the bus arrived. David accepted her apology with a smile. “I know this is hard on you, Susan, that's why I'm worried. I just ask you to think carefully. Don't use the rings until you are absolutely sure you won't regret it.”

“I won't,” said Susan, purposely omitting to specify whether she meant using the rings or regretting her decision. David picked up her luggage and handed it to Susan. He looked at her awkwardly for a second, then gave her a very quick hug. Susan's hands were too full to return it, so she simply said, “Good bye, David. Thank you for all your help.”

“It was my pleasure,” answered David with a bitter-sweet smile. “Good bye Susan. I hope you have a safe trip.” He held her gaze for a little longer than usual. They both knew he wasn't talking about the bus ride and were aware that they might never see each other again. Susan turned away quickly and made for the bus.

David stood watching her. He knew the girl was still too fragile to be going off like that. But he had done all he could, and now had his own responsibilities to worry about. He stayed there watching the coach until it pulled out of sight, then he turned to make his way home. But as he turned, a glint caught his eye.

At first he suspected a coin or a piece of glass lying on the pavement, but the colour was wrong – it was something golden. He took a step closer, and and realised immediately what it was – one of Susan's shining yellow rings. He looked back along the road, but the coach was long out of sight. Perhaps this wouldn't be the last time he saw Susan.

He'd have to think about it but it seemed that fate – or something else – had given him a chance to follow Susan to this other world. But dare he risk going there against her wishes? He looked around to see whether any of the other rings had fallen out of Susan's pocket, but could see nothing. He bent down to pick up the yellow one.

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Susan Pevensie woke with a start. She'd been dreaming. As consciousness edged it's way into her foggy mind, she remembered where ...