{"id":616,"date":"2026-04-17T06:38:43","date_gmt":"2026-04-17T06:38:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/?p=616"},"modified":"2026-04-17T06:38:43","modified_gmt":"2026-04-17T06:38:43","slug":"betrayal-part-2-chapter-24-kjottboller-and-cold-smiles","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/?p=616","title":{"rendered":"Betrayal Part 2 – Chapter 24, Kj\u00f8ttboller and Cold Smiles"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

A sudden sound echoed from the lounge, a jarring thud of the front door slamming shut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Seconds later came the soft, shuffling of footsteps dragging across the living room carpet before a dark shape appeared in the doorway. A stark black figure against the dim light behind her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid flicked on the light switch, bleaching the room in a harsh, buzzing fluorescent glare. Her hair fell in tangled masses around her shoulders. Her cheeks were red and blotchy while dark circles surrounded her weary, bloodshot eyes. A shapeless sweater hung from her shoulders. A drab brown fabric that swallowed her whole and hid any curves that she might have.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was a safe sweater. A profoundly boring sweater.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lela jumped to her feet, her chair skidding backwards, scraping on the tiled floor as she rushed over to greet her girlfriend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHow\u2019s Asmund? I was so worried when you didn\u2019t \u2014\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou don\u2019t look very worried,\u201d Ingrid retorted with a voice like the sharp splintering of dry wood. She recoiled from Lela\u2019s outstretched arms, taking a step back through the doorway. \u201cIt looks like you\u2019ve been having a lovely time here. Painting and drinking tea with your friend while my brother\u2019s been lying in a hospital bed, wondering if you\u2019re ever going to bother visiting him.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lela\u2019s shoulders tensed, her body hitching back as if Ingrid had struck a physical blow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhere were you, Lela? I tried to phone you this morning when they moved him, but you didn\u2019t answer,\u201d Ingrid snapped, her red-rimmed eyes flicking towards the tea mugs on the table. \u201cYou said you\u2019d be waiting.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I stood up slowly, calmly. My chair slid back without a sound. I moved to Lela\u2019s side, placing a gentle hand on her trembling shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s my fault, Ingrid,\u201d I spoke softly, my voice laced with a practised guilt. \u201cLela\u2019s exhausted. I thought it\u2019d do her some good to take her mind off things for a bit, so I suggested going out to pick up things for the banner. She\u2019s been in, waiting by that phone for most of the day. We only popped out for an hour or so. Why didn\u2019t you leave a message?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid\u2019s gaze swung to me, her eyes narrowing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI did leave a message!\u201d her voice rose an octave, squealing in my ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThere was nothing on the machine,\u201d I replied, keeping my voice low and controlled. \u201cYou\u2019ve had a lot on your mind, are you sure you didn\u2019t get the wrong number?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m so sorry, babe! This isn\u2019t Heidi\u2019s fault. She was just trying to help.\u201d Lela\u2019s voice rose beside me, taking on that low, melodic tone of hers. \u201cBut we checked the answering machine as soon as we got back, there were no messages. If I\u2019d known he was up for visitors, I\u2019d have been there like a shot.\u201d A long, drawn-out sigh slipped from her lips. \u201cI knew I should have phoned the hospital.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid\u2019s rigid form seemed to fold in on itself. Her strength crumbled as she collapsed forward into Lela\u2019s arms with a whimper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been asking for you, wondering where you were.\u201d Her voice quivred as she buried her head into Lela\u2019s shoulder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI think it\u2019s all just been a horrible mix up,\u201d I said, my voice a brittle echo in the quiet room, a cold smile etched across my face. \u201cYou two sit down and I\u2019ll fix us something for dinner.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

****<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The kitchen knife was a cold, heavy weight in my hand. I watched the glinting blade slice through the hard carrots, striking the pine chopping board with a rhythmic clatter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The frying pan hissed as I dropped in the kj\u00f8ttboller<\/em>. As soon as the meatballs hit the shimmering oil, a bead of fat spat up, stinging my cheek. I didn\u2019t flinch. I didn\u2019t wipe it away. I simply left it, relishing its sharp bite against my skin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI just don\u2019t understand it. I know I left that message.\u201d I heard a shrill voice say behind me. \u201cI\u2019m sorry for bursting in here like I did. Of course, I know you care.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was probably just the machine playing up. You\u2019ve got a lot going on.\u201d I said as warmly as I could manage, although I kept my eyes fixed firmly on the meat in the pan. Watching it turn from a bright, blood red to dull grey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cHeidi\u2019s right,\u201d Lela added. \u201cThe important thing is that Asmund\u2019s going to be alright. We\u2019ll go and see him first thing tomorrow.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When the food was ready, I set a plate down in front of each of us and took a seat opposite Lela.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou must be worn out,\u201d I said, glancing towards Ingrid. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you have a day at home tomorrow and rest? We can sit with Asmund.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThat\u2019s sweet of you, Heidi,\u201d her voice squealed like old bicycle brakes. \u201cBut I can\u2019t leave him at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cNo, Heidi\u2019s right,\u201d Lela cut in. \u201cYou haven\u2019t left that hospital since he was taken in. You need some rest.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hesitating for a moment, Ingrid slowly nodded.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Running a hand through the bird\u2019s nest of her hair, her eyes dropped to the food in front of her, stabbing at it with a fork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThe banner looks amazing, by the way. Is that your handiwork, Heidi?\u201d she said, her eyes rising to meet mine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a team effort, wasn\u2019t it, Le-Le?\u201d I said, placing a deliberate emphasis on my best friend\u2019s childhood nickname.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lela smiled widely. \u201cDon\u2019t flatter me, babe. You did most of the work, I just coloured in between the lines.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cWell, whoever did it, it looks fantastic. I\u2019m sorry again for earlier. I was just being selfish.\u201d She glanced towards Lela, giving her one of those ridiculous doe-eyed looks she had. \u201cI am glad you two had a good day.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was amazing, thank you, Ingrid.\u201d I spoke up quickly. \u201cI was treated to a ride on Guinevere. It was exhilarating. She\u2019s a beautiful bike.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lela shifted in her seat. I could see the grin on her face, her eyes sparkling with pride as I spoke about the motorcycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cDo you get out on the bike much with Lela, Ingrid?\u201d It wasn\u2019t really a question. I already knew the answer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Twitching slightly, Ingrid\u2019s eyes darted to Lela. \u201cNo, I\u2019m not really one for bikes.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, of course. Lela did mention that you don\u2019t like riding.\u201d I glanced over to Lela, \u201cGood job you\u2019ve got me now, hey, Le-Le?\u201d Lela smiled at me and I continued. \u201cHey, do you remember that old scrambler you bought years ago?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lela laughed, the sound was bright and reckless. \u201cOh, the old Apache? That was great fun.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was a death trap!\u201d I interjected quickly with a soft giggle, stealing a quick glace towards Ingrid, who was leaning back in her chair, her eyes fixed on us. \u201cDo you remember when you insisted on taking it up to Bj\u00f8rnholt? We met that group of boys who challenged you to a race up the side of the gully?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI beat them though, didn\u2019t I?\u201d Lela\u2019s eyes gleamed, wide with pride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I watched Ingrid from the corner of my eye as I continued, my voice taking on a low purr. \u201cOnly to take a tumble on the way back down.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid flinched, her breath catching in her throat. I turned my attention fully to her, offering a thin smile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cLela broke her arm and badly gashed her leg. We ended up getting a ride back to Oslo in an ambulance.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWhen did this happen? I don\u2019t remember it?\u201d Ingrid spoke, her voice grating like a rusty gate hinge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lela gave me a sideways glance, the corner of her lips twitching. \u201cUm\u2026 I think I might have told you that I\u2019d fallen down the stairs,\u201d she said slyly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid sucked in a deep breath, her chest heaving, but before she could say anything, I jumped in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThey couldn\u2019t get hold of her parents,\u201d I said, leaning forward slightly. \u201cSo, I ended up sitting with her for the whole afternoon while they patched her up, holding her hand through the whole thing.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI can\u2019t believe you lied to me about that!\u201d Ingrid whispered through pursed lips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt was years ago, babe,\u201d Lela said, leaning back in her chair. \u201cI don\u2019t think we\u2019d been seeing each other for very long.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cAt least two years, Lela!\u201d Ingrid cracked. \u201cWe\u2019d been together for two years before you bought that bike. I can remember telling you that the thing was dangerous at the time.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m sure she just didn\u2019t want to worry you.\u201d I spoke up, my voice soothing, over Ingrid\u2019s raw nerves. \u201cWe all did some silly, reckless things when we were kids. You must have some secrets of your own?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

She didn\u2019t reply, her gaze drifting to the plate of meatballs in front of her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Silence hung heavily in the room, punctuated only by the occasional metallic clink of cutlery and a constant laughter that hissed at me from the shadows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I let a few minutes of the uncomfortable silence pass before I spoke again with a deliberate chirp in my voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to seeing you play tomorrow night, Le-Le. That new banner is going to look amazing, hanging behind you in the Kjelleren.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ingrid\u2019s eyes flashed. \u201cYou\u2019re playing tomorrow? Where?\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s just the usual slot at the Kjelleren,\u201d Lela\u2019s voice trailing off into a soft, uncertain sigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cYou\u2019re going to play tomorrow? On your own? Without Asmund?\u201d Ingrid\u2019s squeak stung at my ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cI was going to cancel.\u201d Lela admitted, \u201cBut Heidi talked me into playing solo until Asmund\u2019s ready.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 \u201cIt\u2019ll be like a tribute to him.\u201d I cut in quickly, my tone smooth. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you come too, Ingrid? We can all do with letting off a little stream.\u201d My eyes fixed on the diminutive figure of the mousy haired girl sitting opposite me. \u201cThings have been a bit mad since I got back from Copenhagen, and we haven\u2019t really had much of a chance to chat. It\u2019ll be a good opportunity for us to catch up.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOh, please do, babe.\u201d Lela spoke slowly, her eyes heavy and unblinking, fixed pleadingly on Ingrid. \u201cI really love having you there, and it\u2019d be so wonderful to look out at the audience and see my two best ladies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Slowly, Ingrid nodded. I smiled, and the voices laughed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

A sudden sound echoed from the lounge, a jarring thud of the front door slamming shut. Seconds later came the<\/p>\n

Continue readingBetrayal Part 2 – Chapter 24, Kj\u00f8ttboller and Cold Smiles<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":570,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[32],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-616","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-betrayal-part-2"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Cover-Book-2-NEW-JPG.jpg","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=616"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":618,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/616\/revisions\/618"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/570"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=616"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=616"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/insidemayasmind.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=616"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}