31 Days of August 2021

   "Are you sure Caroline said to meet us here?"

Three young friends were currently walking in the woods, the sounds of the night following them with every step. One of them, Frankie, sighed as they adjusted their flashlight.

"I'm positive Seth," they said. "She told to meet her in the clearing of Harrison Forest."

"And you just agreed?!" Seth exclaimed. "What if this is a setup and we're walking into death?! You know those girls are crazy!"

Frankie rolled their eyes, turning to their other friend and Seth's older sister Katherine.

She simply shrugged, brushing her dark hair off her shoulder.

"We have protection in case she is crazy."

"Protection?"

Katherine patted her pocket. "Frankie and I have knives."

"You and Frankie?"

Seth flailed wildly. "What about me?!"

"You panic too much for a knife. You'd probably accidentally stab yourself."

Frankie covered a snicker behind their hand.

"Man screw you Kat."

Seth's words were punctuated with him walking into a branch. He sputtered as he pushed it out of his way. The other two couldn't help but laugh.

"Thank you branch for proving my point."

"Shut up Kat."

Frankie tuned out the bickering of the two siblings to keep going through the forest.

They were going to eventually admit that they were lost until they saw a bright orange glow in the distance.

Along with the distinct smell of smoke.

A fire.

"Come on!"

The three all started to run, trying to avoid falling over stray roots.

Frankie was ahead, their heart rushing in their ears. The smell only got stronger and more intense the closer they got, the temptation to turn around and leave growing just as much as the odor.

Finally, Frankie broke through the clearing, stopping dead in their tracks at the scene.

Seth and Katherine almost ran into the back of them.

What's wrong...?"

Their mouths were all agape, Seth's question dying on his tongue.

"Caroline?" 

The teen was standing in the middle of the clearing, a fire going behind her.

A massive fire going on behind her.

The friends were hesitant to come closer, all of them genuinely confused as to what was happening.

"Uh Caroline?" Frankie called again once they got close enough to her.

The blond had a wide grin on her face as she spread out her arms.

"Oh God. She's really a crazy ass girl."

Frankie really wanted Seth to be wrong. But the longer that inferno blazed behind the still grinning girl, the more Frankie realized that yeah Caroline was...not sane. At least not completely.

"I discovered something that I want to share with you guys."

Frankie tucked a hand on the weapon in their pocket, just in case.

But Caroline turned around, now facing the fire. Katherine called out for her, warning her to be careful. 

But the three watched as when she extended out her hands to the fire, it went out with a giant whoosh.

Only the charred remains of the clearing gave any indication that a fire was just raging.

And the forest seemed dead silent as the three tried to process what they just witnessed.

Caroline faced them once more, the smile on her face a bit more subdued now.

"Well? Was that cool or what?"

Frankie and Katherine were dead silent. Meanwhile Seth took in a large breath.

"WHAT THE ABSOLUTE FU-"

“What do you have to say?”

Lilianna looked up at the woman. A sad smile found its way to her face.

“I’m so sorry Arah.”

Kiara’s eyes narrowed as she held the sword to Lilianna’s neck.

“Your apology means nothing to me.”

She was her best friend. The closest person in the world to the Princess and future Queen of the kingdom. Her most trusted confidant. Why wasn’t that enough? Why did she have to want more? She already had more than enough. More than she could ever want or need.

It should have been enough. But of course she couldn’t be appeased.

“You didn’t have to do this Lillie.”

She knows. That’s the one thing she does know. This doesn’t have to happen, but it did.

“I would’ve given you any and everything you could have ever needed. Or wanted.”

And that was true. You proved that time and time again.

Even with her face marred by despair and crystalline tears rolling down her face, she was still the most beautiful person Lilianna had ever laid her eyes on.

“You couldn’t give me this,” the woman told her.

At least not willingly. I wish though. So, we wouldn’t have to reach this point.

The tears fell faster. Lilianna was sure she was nothing but a blur in the other’s vision.

“Kiara?”

She shook her head wildly at Lilianna’s call of her name, silver strands tumbling out of their tie.

“I’m so sorry.”

The despair turned to anger as the tip of a sword met Lilianna’s neck.

“You’re dead to me,” Kiara spat, pressing the tip deeper into Lilianna’s skin.

A thin sliver of blood trailed down, the feeling oh so familiar. Lilianna cast her head down. She didn’t expect the words to hurt so much. But they were what she deserved for what she had done.

What she wanted to do.

And getting killed by her best friend is what she deserved too. She swallowed and prepared herself for the end…until moments passed, and nothing happened. She gazed up at Kiara, confusion on her face. The other woman’s expression was blank.

“I want you gone before daylight.”

The sword clattered to the ground as Kiara stepped back from the other woman. She then started to walk away. Lilianna watched her then her gaze went to the fallen weapon. A voice in her head, screamed at her to leave it alone but she picked it up.

“Kiara!”

Lilianna stood up and headed after the woman. She continued to call out for her, but her words went unanswered so she quickened her pace.

“Kiara! Stop!”

The woman kept walking until she just promptly stopped dead in her tracks. Then she turned around. But before she could process what was happening, Lilianna ran the sword through her. Time stopped for them both as Kiara’s eyes widened in shock. 

And suddenly, the severity of what she had done hit Lilianna hard.

She held onto the princess as they fell to the ground. Choked sobs bubbled out of Kiara as she gripped the front of Lilianna’s dress.

“I’m so sorry,” the woman cried, brushing hairs away from the dying Kiara’s face. “I’m so sorry Kiara. I-I didn’t mean to but-”

Kiara tried to respond but nothing came out, just gasping for air, and gripping Lilianna’s arm. Before long, bright brown eyes widened and then grew dull.

Kiara was dead. 

Lilianna pulled her closer, letting out screams of anguish. She was sick that it came to this moment. How could she have let this happen?

Amelia. Calliope. Calix.

I’m so sorry.

“What did you do Lilianna?”

She looked up into the wide eyes of Amelia.

No new text messages.

I’m sorry to inform you that you have not been selected for the position.

Sigh. Today has just been absolutely lovely. And to think I drove all the way into the city to find out that the unemployment office was closed today. I can only wonder how this day could possibly get worse. 

And of course the universe responded to my snide thought in the form of rain.

On the one day I didn’t bring an umbrella. Of course. I held my portfolio closer to my chest, hoping to shield it from the rain. I needed to find some cover. My car was a few more blocks away and I didn’t want to be soaked on the walk.

Luckily the tiny bit of fortune I have left today favored me in this moment. Just up ahead of me was a small bit of shelter in the form of a bench with a bit of covering above it.

I hurry over to it and with just enough time too before the rain started coming down harder.

I let out a breath and wipe some of the wet, red strands from my face, trying my hardest not to cry. But it’s so hard.

Nothing’s going right and I’m at my limit.

Why does it seem like I have to be miserable and stumbling all the time? When will my moment of peace come?

Because I don’t know how much more I can take before I fall to pieces forever.

“Hey! We can sit over here!”

I furiously start wiping at my face when a little girl about five or six in a bright pink raincoat came running over. She looked familiar but I couldn’t place why. Probably just reminded me of someone.

“Wait on me!”

An old woman with a dark purple umbrella was coming towards me too, trying to keep up with the girl.

Unfortunately, only my part of the bench had protection from the rain, so I started to get up.

“Oh no honey you don’t have to move.”

Once the woman was closer, she motioned for me to sit back down.

“A-are you sure?” I asked, staring at her apprehensively.

It wasn’t ideal but I was perfectly fine with giving her the dry spot. Plus, it wasn’t that far to my car. I think I had a spare shirt in it to change into.

“Positive. I have this.”

She lifted her umbrella up a bit.

“And this little one isn’t bothered by the rain at all.”

The girl nodded as she spun around. She then took a seat, the woman (I’m assuming her grandma because they looked pretty similar to each other) doing the same. We sat in silence, the sound of the rain hitting the cover over my head being the loudest thing.

Well besides my thoughts at least.

“Seems like this rain isn’t planning on stopping any time soon hm?” the woman asked, breaking my daze.

She adjusted the umbrella in her grasp, sticking her other hand out.

I watched as the rain dripped over her dark and wrinkled skin.

“I like days like this,” she remarked. “It’s so peaceful despite the weather.”

“I love rainy days!” the girl beside her exclaimed.

“We know Sweet Girl.”

The woman patted the girl’s head, adjusting one of the barrettes on the end of her dark brown hair. They reminded me of the ones I had as a kid.

A fond smile found its way on my face as I took in the two. I wished I could share in their sentiment, but I definitely don’t care much for rain these days. Just seems to remind me how awful everything in my life is.

Tsk. And to think I used to like rainy days. God that seemed so long ago, I barely remember what the feeling’s like.

“Is everything alright?”

Two pairs of brown eyes were on me, one concerned, the other curious.

I wanted to answer the woman’s question. I wish I could talk to her about everything, but it wasn’t fair for me to dump my issues on her.

On the other hand…she did ask what was wrong. And she was a complete stranger. I wouldn’t have to worry about any lasting judgement after today.

“I’ve just got a lot going on in my life right now,” I explained as I messed with the watch on my wrist. We’ve been sitting here for a few minutes. But it seemed much longer for some reason.

“Like what?” the little girl asked.

The elder quietly chided her but it was fine. Plus, the woman seemed like she was waiting on me to answer.

“Just a lot of grown-up stuff.”

The girl’s nose scrunched up. “Ew. I don’t wanna be a grown-up.”

I don’t either sweetie. Just seems to be non-stop grown-up stuff. Like being unemployed. And the fact that I wasted my time on another dead-end relationship. And just the general feeling of being purposeless. Like was this what my life was going to stay forever? Just floating around, living at home and accepting the fact that nothing was going to get better? Watch my friends all leave me behind because I'm not keeping up with them? Then why exist in the first place? I mean everyone has a reason to be here right?

“I can see the steam coming out of your ears from how hard you’re thinking right now,” the woman commented in a joking tone. “Take it one part at a time.”

“I wish it were that easy.”

I shook my head as I chuckled humorlessly. “Unfortunately, all of my problems are kind of feeding into one another.”

“Then pull one out and focus on it so you can starve the others.”

That was much easier said than done.

“But where do I start?”

The old lady tapped a finger against her chin.

“Hm. Are you having problems with your job?”

I snorted. “More like I need a job.”

“Ah. Well would you like some advice from someone who’s been in your shoes?”

At first, I was going to decline, but something in me said to hear her out.

“Sure. I could use all the advice I can get.”

The old woman patted my leg.

“My advice for you is to apply outside your usual scope,” she suggested. “And don’t sell yourself short when you do it.”

Another pat. “You have a college degree.”

I nodded slowly. She was right. I do have a-

Wait. I turned to face her completely. How’d she know that?

“Am I right?” she asked. "You look like the type. Pretty bright young lady.”

“Yeah,” I affirmed. “That obvious?”

The woman laughed.

“A bit. Let me guess. A liberal arts degree?”

Wow. She was good.

“Right again. English.”

“I know my people when I see them,” the woman said. “I have a liberal arts degree too.”

Hm. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that.

“So that’s one part of your life down.”

She motioned for me to continue. “What else do you got?”

I bit my lip, now feeling a wave of nerves hitting me. Was I ready to expose my abysmal love life to her? Or was that a bit too much?

“You sure do a lot of thinking.”

The woman shook her head.

“And something tells me it’s not all productive.”

The gaze in her eyes seemed to cut right to the core. But not in a malicious way. More like she was trying to study me. 

“You spiral a lot don’t you?”

And apparently she was good at it.

“Much more than I’d like.”

Her expression grew sympathetic, dark eyes shining in the dreary weather.

“You’ll grow out of it soon enough,” she told me, with all the wisdom of her years. “It’ll just take a little time.”

I absorbed her words, letting them bring me some comfort. Hopefully what she said was true because I could definitely do without the mental gymnastics.

“Hey look! The sun’s coming out!”

The woman and I both stared up at the sky.

“Hm. Would you look at that.”

It was still raining a bit, but the sun was slowly starting to appear from behind the clouds.

She shook out her umbrella and closed it, then handing it to the little girl.

“Well the rain’s pretty much all but passed.”

She let out a small groan as she got up. “We need to get going.”

The girl jumped from her spot and grabbed the woman’s hand. Then they were walking away. But before they were too far away the little girl stopped and turned around. At first I thought she left something but the bench was empty.

“Bye Miss Lady! I hope your adult problems go away,” she exclaimed with a wave and a wide grin.

I could feel a smile grow. Her positivity was infectious.

“Thank you!”

I waved back. The old woman was turned too, a smile on her face.

“Don’t worry too much Honey. Everything is going to work itself out.”

She pointed a finger at me.

“And don’t worry about that boy. He wasn’t the right one anyways.”

With that, her and the girl were off again.

They were completely out of my sight before it dawned on me.

How’d she know I had a problem with a guy?

I shrugged as I looked at the spot the two previously occupied.

Whatever. It didn’t matter, I was never going to see them again. But I reveled in the calm they left behind. Despite being strangers, they put me and my mind at ease. 

Something I greatly appreciated and needed.

Eventually, I got up and headed to my car, thinking over everything. I wasn’t in the best place, but I knew that it wouldn’t last forever.

I would be okay.

Suddenly I remembered my love of the rain.

And why the little girl seemed so familiar.

 It’s odd how nine hours can feel like an eternity.

But when one’s in a place like this, it makes sense.

It’s too cold. I can never have enough layers. 

The arctic temperature just cuts through everything.

It’s too dark.

(Why are there no lights in here?)

Makes my computer screen brighter than normal. It’s blinding torture.

And there’s no reprieve in sight.

Just the loud tapping of keyboard keys to grate my nerves.

And the whispered conversation of my co-workers.

They always talk about the same thing.

Kids and work. Like it’s all they could talk about.

(Maybe it is. I wouldn’t be surprised if anything else was banned.)

One of these days I’ll ask them about literally anything else.

Sigh. God I wish this would end.

I can’t take this anymore.

I can’t.

I CAN’T I CAN’T I CAN’T I CAN’T I CAN’T I CAN’T I CAN’T I CAN’T

I-

“It’s time to close for today.”

I wish my boss’ monotone announcement brought me more joy. 

It meant I was free.

Too bad it was only a bitter reminder that I had to be here tomorrow.

“You have got to be kidding me. Again?”

“Now look. I can explain.”

“Explain? What is there to explain? You have another child running around!”

“And I wish that wasn’t the case, but you have to understand!”

“Understand what?! What is there to understand?!”

“They have to be born!”

“…they have to be born?”

“Yes.”

“…You do realize how ABSOLUTELY INSANE THAT SOUNDS!”

“I do but we have to face the facts here. Our lives have always been insane. I mean we’re literally gods.”

“That may be true but why add on to the craziness with more children? Why must you be so unfaithful?”

“Because…these prophecies aren’t going to fulfill themselves!”

“Prophecies. You go out. Have an affair. Father more children. Because of prophecies.”

“Correct.”

“Pray tell dear husband. Why does it always have to be you to make sure these…prophecies come to be?”

“Because who else is going to?! My brothers?! One has a child every 700 years and the other one only cares about his pet!”

“Maybe if you’d stop then maybe they’d pick up the responsibility instead of you!”

“You know as well as I do that’s not going to happen!”

“Gods and Titans you’re the worst!”

The sounds of feet pounding against stone. Heavy panicked breaths. The echoes of screams rattling in her head.

“MAKE WAY!”

Several guards moved into the pathway.

“What business do you have here?” one questioned.

A woman stopped abruptly, trying to catch her breath. The guards stared at her with blank expressions.

“I need to speak with Her,” she answered. “It is urgent.”

The guard stared at the woman warily. She grabbed their arms, showing her why she needed to go through. When they gained her visions, they quickly moved out of her way. She thanked them and continued down the hallway. It was cold and dark, causing her to tighten her shawl around her shoulders and squint to see. The sounds of her own footsteps echoing made her uneasy.

“I was wondering when you were going to come see me again.”

Bright brown eyes locked on with teasing blue as the woman entered the room. Every step further in caused more candles to flicker on. Soon the whole room was lit with the warm light. She removed her head covering, letting it slip to the ground.

“Believe me when I say I would not be here unless it was an absolute necessity.”

Which is was.

A tsk.

“Aw Kiloypha, you hurt my feelings. I thought we were closer than that, but I suppose not.”

Ignoring the sharp tone in the other’s voice, the woman moved towards the sitting occupant of the room.

“You have something that I need Anixas,” she stated. “And I need it now.”

The encaged woman, Anixas, sighed dramatically as she crossed her legs and leaned forward on her perch, inky black hair covering half of her face.

“Are you going to let me out of here?” she questioned, head leaning to the side.

Kiloypha shook her head no. There was no way the council would allow her to let the woman free. No matter how much she wanted to. Anixas hummed, standing up and strolling towards the other woman.

“Getting bigger and bigger,” she said quietly, moving closer and closer. “Beautiful you.”

A dull ache spread across Kiloypha’s chest. She raised her hand then quickly dropped it. Something Anixas noticed.

“I wouldn’t even bother. You and I both know what’ll happen if you try to move through that.”

The two stared at the white light bars keeping them apart. Kiloypha sighed heavily.

“I wish it didn’t have to be like this Ani,” she stated. “But I can’t change our situation.”

Anixas shrugged, going back to sit on her perch.

“But you can help me save our people.”

The black-haired woman laughed sardonically.

“Ah yes, the same people who thought it wise to keep me imprisoned,” she snarked. “I feel so inclined to provide some assistance.”

Kiloypha’s annoyance grew.

“Anixas, something’s killing our people!” she exclaimed. “I need you to help me!”

The woman scoffed, the beams burning brighter. Inside she fell to her knees, yelling in pain. Kiloypha went to the bars and felt a push back.

“And where was this passion when they locked me in here?!” she gritted out. “You turned your back on me, JUST LIKE THEM!”

Kiloypha could feel tears welled up in her eyes.

“There was nothing I could do, and you know that.”

Anixas shook her head. “You know exactly what you could’ve done and decided against it.”

She shakily made it off the ground. She looked at Kiloypha, dark eyes enraged. 

“This whole world can burn for all I care.”

She narrowed her gaze.

“Including you.”

Before Kiloypha could answer, the ground started to shake under their feet. Disappointment radiated from her.

“You’ll soon get your wish.”

With that, Kiloypha left to try to save their people from destruction.

The tap of the play button on a laptop.

“Before we get started, I would just to say thank you for agreeing to meet with me today.”

The sound of paper being adjusted; the recorder being moved to check that it was working.

“Of course! To be honest when you reached out I was pretty excited. Knew I made it when you called.”

A noise of surprise.

“Really? But you’ve been interviewed by like everybody.”

A light and breathless chuckle.

“Yeah but only because I’m trendy right now. Your website interviews people because their work is good. You’re interviewing me, which means someone thinks I’m good which is a highly appreciated compliment.”

“Well I’m glad you feel that way. Ready to get started?”

“Yes I am.”

“Very well then.”

The Interviewer smiled fondly as they recalled the day. They remembered when they first saw her. The Writer, knowing at first glance that the interview was going to be a fairly interesting experience.

I was celebrating a job well done with my friends at a local bar.

That’s when I saw you.

But not for the first time.

We’ve met before.

Two nights ago. I wonder if you remember your promise.

Come find me if you want another chat.

I wonder if you really meant it.

I guess I’ll find out the answer tonight.

“Good luck.”

My friend had a teasing twinkle in her eyes.

“He doesn’t need luck,” my other friend says. 

“She’s been making eyes at him since we got here.”

He pats my shoulder and sets me on my way. 

I had no idea you were waiting.

Sorry about that. I’m coming.

It doesn’t take long for me to approach you. 

You were sitting at the bar, finger tracing the side of your glass.

“Good evening ma’am.”

You turned around and I swear my heart stopped.

God you are so beautiful.

 “Hello there,” you greeted oh so sweetly. 

“I was wondering when I’d get to see you again.”

Your smile warmed my heart.

“Sorry. I’ve been a bit busy with work.”

“That’s alright.”

She patted the seat beside her.

“You’re here now and that's all that matters.” 

“You’re a weenie Uncle Mitchell.”

The man didn’t realize how much the words would cut. Maybe it was the fact that he was called a weenie by his six-year-old niece while pushing her on the swings. Or the fact that it was true. 

He was a weenie.

“You don’t understand because you’re a child Mellie,” he said as he tried to defend his honor. “This whole situation is a bit more complicated.”

But it really wasn’t. He had a crush. That was it. He was honestly making it more difficult.

“What does complicated mean?” she asked.

He pushed her again. “Means something is harder than easier.”

“So what’s hard about liking Giselle?”

Mitchell sighed wistfully. “Absolutely nothing kiddo.”

“So why don’t you ask her out? Mommy said that’s all you had to do.”

The man rolled his eyes. He was going to kill his sister.

“I’ll do it one of these days.”

“Can it be today? She’s coming over now.”

Mitchell almost caught the girl’s back to his face as his widened eyes found Giselle.

Sure enough, she was heading towards them now, her little sister Elise in tow. Mitchell willed his heart to slow down but it was too late. 

“Are you going to ask her out today?” Mellie asked as she hopped down from the swing.

Mitchell shushed her, hoping the woman couldn’t hear her. “Hey Giselle!”

“Hi!” she greeted, a bright smile on her face. “Hi Mellie.”

He inwardly sighed, thankful she didn’t hear.

“Hi Giselle,” Mellie replied.

She then turned her attention to Elise.

“Are you ready to go play?”

The girl nodded and the two were off.

“Stay close by so we can see you!” Giselle called.

By the time she got her words out, the two were already on the jungle gym.

“You think they’ll listen?”

Mitchell let out a huff. “If they know what’s good for them.”

The adults then went to go sit on a bench nearby, keeping the girls in their sight.

“So what’s been new with you?” Giselle asked. “Did you get that teaching job you were looking at?”

The man gaped. He was genuinely surprised she remembered something he had mentioned over a month ago.

“Yeah! I did actually,” he replied. “Starting in two months, you’ll be looking at Green Oaks Elementary School’s newest third grade teacher.”

Giselle clapped excitedly. 

“Congratulations,” she cheered. “Guess this means we might be seeing each other a lot more.”

His curiosity was piqued.

“Really? Why’s that?”

“It’s the school Elise goes to.”

Mitchell thanked the universe for favoring him today. “Well I hope we do get to see one another more. The third-grade hallway isn’t far from first grade’s.”

The smile she gave him was blinding and he reveled in it.

Maybe this was a sign that today was the day to ask her.

He was going to ask her.

“Hey I was wondering something.”

Her brow rose. “Oh? About what?”

He took in a breath. He could do it.

“I was uh. Was uh,”

Mitchell could feel the words dying in his mouth, trying to force them out before it was too late.

“I was wondering…what was new with you.”

He withered. He really was a weenie. A flash of something passed across Giselle’s face before she answered.

“Not much. Just the same old, same old,” she answered, brushing her braids off her shoulder. “Not many changes at the tag office.”

The man nodded. On the outside he was continuing to casually chat with Giselle. But on the inside, he was berating himself.

He has had a crush on her for months. Why was it so difficult to try to ask her out?

All he had to do was just ask. She was nice. If she was going to turn him down, she would do it in the kindest way possible. Like she would genuinely make sure his feelings weren’t hurt. So why?

Oh right. He was a weenie.

“Uncle Mitchell!”

Mellie was hurrying over, Elise close behind.

“What’s wrong?” Mitchell asked already starting to stand up.

The girl stuck her foot out. “Can you tie my shoe please?”

He chuckled, once he realized there was no major issues.

“You’re a big girl Mels, you can tie your own shoes.”

“I know but you do it better!”

She gave him the puppy dog eyes.

“Please.”

The man sighed exasperatedly. “You’re relentless like your mom.”

Mellie grinned victoriously as she sat on the grass then wiggled her foot.

He crouched down.

“You’re tying your shoes the next time Little Miss.”

“Okay!” she chirped.

Her voice then dropped to a whisper.

“Have you asked her yet?”

Mitchell stared blankly at her. Then groaned.

“Not yet.”

Mellie frowned. “What’re you waiting for? Christmas?”

Mitchell closed his eyes as he tilted his head up at the sky. His niece really was his sister’s child. Not a bit of her husband’s genes to be found.

“Not that I have to explain myself to a little girl that thinks Marshall is the best puppy when clearly it’s Chase-”

“No he’s not!”

“But I’m waiting on-”

His words were cut off by a ball hitting him in the face.

“Uncle Mitchell!” Mellie yelled.

"Oh my God! Are you okay Mitchell?!" 

Mitchell had never been so embarrassed in his life. 

One stray ball. One little ball that missed the hands of a child. It wouldn't even had hit him had he not been bent over tying Mellie’s shoe.

"I'm fine," he groaned out as he rubbed. "Just a minor accident." 

"But you have a booboo on your forehead!"

“I’m so sorry Mister!”

Mitchell let out a sigh as he felt a strong throbbing in his head. He definitely could feel a bruise forming. Great. 

"Give him some space you guys," Giselle instructed as she crouched down beside him. "He's fine.”

She sounded a bit hesitant. “Right Mitchell?" 

The man nodded slowly. 

"Perfectly fine," he responded, giving a thumbs up.

With that most of the crowd dispersed and went back to what they were doing. All except Mellie, Elise, and the boy that hit him. 

"Are you sure Uncle Mitchell?” Mellie asked, seeming to be near tears.

“I’m positive,” he told her. “I’m just glad it didn’t hit you.”

He then faced the little boy who was even more distraught.

“But seriously. I’m fine,” he said. “You can go back to playing.”

With another apology, the boy ran away.

“You can go back to playing too girls.”

Mitchell stood up and brushed grass off him.

Mellie wasn’t sure, but her uncle shooed her off.

“I’m telling Mommy that you got hurt!” she declared before leaving.

The man inwardly groaned. His sister was going to literally be the most overbearing human being on the face of the earth once she found out.

“Might be a good idea to have your sister check you out,” Giselle said worriedly. “She’s a nurse right?”

Mitchell nodded. “Like I’ve said, I’m fine.”

The worry didn’t ease from the woman’s face. It was a look Mitchell didn’t like on her.

“If I was concussed, would I be able to ask you out on a date?”

Maybe the ball to the head knocked the nerves out.

Giselle’s expression shifted to surprise.

“You’re seriously asking me out?”

He nodded. Might as well. And if he actually was concussed, he could hopefully forget that she rejected him.

“Is this a potential concussion talking right now?”

A shake of his head. “This is one hundred percent me.”

Giselle’s brows knitted together.

“You need to have your sister check you out,” she told him.

Mitchell’s shoulders slumped. He should’ve figured she would say no.

“Because I’m going to be pretty bummed if you pass out or something at our date.”

Not even a ball to the face was going to ruin the mood he was in.

Because he scored his date.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“I’m seriously Mitchell! Let me know if you start feeling off!”

The man sighed as he watched his sister leave the hospital room. Mellie was sitting in one of the chairs in the corner of the room. She was clutching her bear close to her chest. Mitchell smiled softly at the girl.

“I’m fine Sweets,” he said, patting a spot on the bed. “Mom gave me the all clear.”

He pointed ignored the overbearing for now he could hear in his sister’s voice.

Mellie came over, kicking off her shoes and crawling into the bed.

“Uncle Mitchell, can I tell you something?”

He nodded as the girl sat across from him, her little face adorable when trying to be serious.

“What’s up?”

Mellie adjusted her bear, then checked the door. She scooted closer.

“Mommy said to make sure you didn’t leave the park before asking Giselle on a date.”

Mitchell was floored. 

“Wait. Did you plan this?” he asked motioned to the room they were in.

Mellie shook her head wildly, one of her barrettes flying off.

“Uncle Mitchell I’m six,” she stated. “How could I plan for you to get hit in the head? That’s dangerous!”

The man raised a brow. She had a point. But she was also her mother’s child and his sister could be Machiavellian in her scheming sometimes. He wouldn’t be surprised if it were genetic.

But apparently so was the Catholic guilt she got from her father. Maybe his genes were in there after all.

“So there was a plan?”

The girl nodded. “I was just supposed to make sure we kept hanging out with Elise and Giselle until you asked her on a date.”

She huffed.

“You weren’t supposed to get hit in the head!”

Mitchell sighed in relief. Glad to hear that giving him potential brain damage wasn’t a part of the game plan. Although it did give him the confidence to go for it.

“So you accomplished your mission,” he said. “You getting anything out of it?”

Another nod as she held out her bear. “This is Jimin.”

Mitchell laughed as he gestured for her to come over. She quickly made her way under his arm, snuggling into his side.

“I’ll buy you one too,” he said, wrapping an arm around her. “Thanks for helping get me a date kiddo.”

“You’re welcome!”

She looked up at her uncle.

“So when are you and Giselle getting married?”

Mitchell choked on his air. After he composed himself, he patted Mellie’s shoulder.

“One thing at a time partner.”

Thirty minutes.

That's all the time Eleanor got to eat lunch. Just thirty minutes.

And instead of her enjoying her Ham and Swiss, she was called back early to the academy’s infirmary.

A place she had just left.

She sighed heavily when her stomach growled.

"So which one of you is the reason why my sandwich is being left uneaten?"

Two young men-cadets around her age stared at her with equally guilty expressions.

The one with jet black hair then rolled his eyes, crossing his arms across a slightly dirtied uniform.

“All you had to do was give me the last spinach quiche.”

The other scoffed exasperatedly, also just as tussled up. “Are you seriously still upset about that?”

He pushed his glasses back up his face. “I mean how petty can you be?”

Eleanor watched as the two started bickering.

She hoped they’d eventually stop but that was not the case. In fact, it was only getting worse.

“So wait. Let me get this straight.”

They stopped fighting to look at her.

“You two are in here, bothering me on my lunch break over a spinach quiche?”

She could feel her face twitch in annoyance.

“They’re in here because of me.”

Eleanor didn’t even notice the other occupant of the room a mousy, frowning teen. He was the one that looked the worst.

Where Brown and Black Hair were just dirty, the teen had a busted lip and a black eye. Her brows knitted together as she tried to make sense of what she was told and what she could see.

“So you all got into a fight over a spinach quiche?”

She’s had the mess hall’s quiches. They were good but not get into a fight over them good.

The teen let out a sigh, rubbing at his buzzed head.

"They were protecting me from some jerks," he explained.

Eleanor tsk'd, shaking her head. That made more sense.

She took in the small man. She was surprised it didn't happen sooner. He must've been a First Year.

"They were racist pricks," Black Hair spat. "And they needed to be taught a lesson."

"Finally we agree on something."

That somehow caused another argument, one that Eleanor pointedly ignored in favor of grabbing all three of their records.

Black Hair was Anthony Quinn. Third Year Cadet.

Brown Hair was Reginald Wilson. Third Year Cadet.

And just like she suspected. The teen was First Year Jonathan Smith.

“So Cadet Smith,” she called, walking over to him.

Eleanor figured she’d start with the one that was actually injured, so she could hope that she could catch five minutes of lunch. She pulled the small light out of her pocket and clicked it on.

“Are you having any dizziness, blurry vision or headaches?” she questioned, flashing the light in his eyes. "Fatigue?"

Eyes dilated normally.

“No ma’am,” he answered. “Just a bruised ego.”

She chuckled lightly. “Don’t feel too bad. You’ll surpass them soon enough.”

Jonathan gave her a thankful smile.

Once Eleanor was done looking him over, she gave him an ice pack, two aspirins and sent him on his way.

Then she went back to the others.

“You two don’t look to be injured so why are you here?”

Wilson shrugged. “Not entirely sure. Captain Williams just ordered us to get checked out.”

The woman hummed as she tossed their files on her desk.

“Do you need to be checked out?”

Both shook their heads no. Sounded good to her.

“In that case I-”

“Why don’t you just eat lunch with us?”

Eleanor stared at Quinn with a raised brow at the suggestion.

“I mean a pretty girl like you could use some company.” 

He was flirting with her. She shook her head, ignoring the heat in her cheeks while Wilson scoffed.

“And this is why you’ll never beat me.”

He nudged Quinn with his elbow. “All you do is flirt and you wonder why you’re still behind me in ranking Rival.”

“I’m literally getting promoted at the end of the week,” Quinn snapped. “You haven’t been promoted again in months. How could you even think you’d be my rival?”

“Tell you what,” Eleanor started, interrupting yet another beginning to their bickering match. “If you tell me what’s up with you two and this whole spinach quiche situation, I’ll let you eat lunch with me for a week.”

Wilson looked annoyed while Quinn smirked.

And that’s how Eleanor found out about the rivalry between the two men. Little did any of them know that week of lunch would turn into many things.

A series of great friendships.

A trio of destroyed relationships.

And a most devastating death.

I thank the metallic beings that made me every day for allowing me to be with you.

You’re so nice to me.

And kind.

Make sure I’m well taken care of.

If I fall, you’re sure to pick me up.

Back on my perch, high above the ground.

It’s nice up here. 

And I have so many friends.

But today. Today was different.

I could tell.

You grabbed me. Took me from my perch. And my friends.

Where are we going?

To your car?

I haven’t been here since I first met you.

Where are we going?

We’ve been driving for a long time.

Where are we-

Where are we?

It’s too cold here.

Too gray and drab. 

You place me on a new perch. I don’t like this one.

I want to go home.

Can we please go home?

Wait. 

Where are you going?

Please don’t leave me here alone.

“Why are we here?”

Dominic chuckled, adjusting the ballcap on his head. Blair stared curiously at the dark roots peeking out the back.

“We have appointments,” he replied.

Blair furrowed her brows, bottom lip jutting out. Appointments?

“We have appointments?” Blair questioned.

The man winked, tipping his head. He walked into the non-descript building, Blair trailing behind. A bell tinkled, signaling their entrance, causing several heads to glance up.

“Oh, my goodness! Is that little Nickie?”

Dominic broke out into a large, gummy grin. Blair gaped at the change in the man’s demeanor. Gone was the snarky, dry Dominic. He walked to a kindly old lady, getting her hair done. Blair stood by the door as she watched the two.

“Hi Granny Vee,” he greeted, happily, pressing a kiss to the woman’s cheek. “How are you today?”

She gave him an equally large smile.

“Fantastic now that I’ve seen my little Nickie,” she responded, patting at his hand.

She looked past Dominic and stared at Blair. The young woman pushed some hair behind her ear, eyes cast to the ground.

“Nickie? Who is this? Your girlfriend?”

Blair spluttered out a no and Dominic scratched the back of his head.

“She better not be!”

Dominic glanced over his shoulder with a fond expression.

“Nah. She’s not my girlfriend,” he answered. “You know my heart belongs to you Angie.”

One of the stylist giggled as Dominic winked at her. The blond turned back around and motioned for Blair to come over. The woman walked to him, feeling self-conscious at all the eyes on her.

“She is baby Sebbie’s girlfriend though,” Dominic commented.

Blair stared at the man wide-eyed. 

Girlfriend? She was confused. She wasn't Sebastian's girlfriend.

Right?

The woman gave Blair a once over.

“She’s certainly his type,” Granny Vee stated. “Very pretty. What’s your name sweetheart?”

“Blair,” answered. “Blair Davis.”

A nod.

“Nice to meet you Blair Davis,” the old woman greeted. “I’m Kim Vera. But you can call me Granny Vee.”

Blair smiled politely.

“Pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Granny Vee tsk’d, frowning lightly.

“I wish I could’ve been introduced by your boyfriend,” she remarked. “Speaking of. Where is Sebastian?”

“Work,” Dominic replied. “He’ll be over in a few days.”

The old woman blinked.

“And in a few days, I could be dead,” she stated plainly. “Besides, don’t you have work too?”

Dominic patted the cap over his head.

“The situation under this hat was more important,” he replied. “Speaking of…where is Miss Lily?”

“Dominic Vincent the Third!”

Dominic flinched at the sound of his whole name. Blair was completely lost. Where did Dominic take her? The voice came from the backroom. The blond stared at Granny Vee as she snorted.

“Hey Miss Lily,” he mumbled, scratching at him arm. “It’s been a while.”

“Boy I don’t even need to see your roots to know they look like shit!” the voice exclaimed.

Dominic winced. He sighed and dropped down into a chair. Angie came up to Blair and led her over to another.

"Sorry in advance for what you might see," Angie whispered in her ear. 

"Or hear."