=(^.^)= h.o.w.
My head hurt from thinking. I was getting confused. I asked Otto how evil could possibly be just. He clicked his beak and replied "Even evil is a true competitor." "There is no real gain when it is done underhandedly." "It is just un-sportsmanlike." "May the best man win ideal." "Evil does not see itself as evil." "Evil sees itself as the better team, Selene." I shook my head again and sat down on the forest floor.
Lazarus was hugging his new friend goodbye. I managed a wave and hung my head down between my legs. I almost fell asleep. I jumped when I felt a slight touch on my neck and back.
"Are you alright?" "Are you hurt ?" Lazarus asked.
I stared up and saw his face. I was speechless again. His voice trailed off into a slight mumble. His brow furrowed and I heard "Serene, Serene, can you hear me." My eyes and ears adjusted and I smiled and said. "Oh. Yeah I'm fine. Sore, but nothing appears to be broken."
His dimples started to move and that beautiful smile spread across his cherubic face. I just sat there muddy, bloody, torn, and silent. He handed my his hand to help me up. The moment I touched his hand my palm got hot and sweaty. I quickly withdrew it and wiped it on my bloody jeans. I attempted to straighten my long black braid but it was a lost cause.
It was getting late and the sky was changing. Otto said Nimbus is showing her gratitude as a light rain sprinkled down. It formed a rainbow over the lake. Otto said Nimbus is now our ally. She is grateful for the sparing of her son. He added that it was a good thing to have as her storms can be most threatening. I stood and waved up into the sky. Lazarus looked on putting his hands in his pockets.
I checked on Otto's wing and decided I would carry him home for the night to rest. I faced Lazarus to say goodbye. We were now soaked from the rain. He would not look at me but seemed busy shifting pebbles under his boots.
I noticed his wounds were now only scratches. I pointed and said "How?" "You were badly hurt?" He smiled and said "that's the perks of being a griffin-were." "I will be sore for a couple of days but I heal fast." I started to shiver in the dampness. I slid Otto into my armpit. He slowly walked up and placed his arm around my shoulder.
"There's still time if you want to go." He whispered.
"Yeah. I need to get home." I replied.
"No, I was asking if you were still going to the prom" he said smiling.
"I don't think so." I said weakly.
He moved closer and his blue eyes look deep inside me.
"I want to take you, Serene." 'I want to go with you." he said sincerely.
I just stood there with my mouth open. His dimples danced as he laughed . "Just let me grab some clothes first."
I slowly nodded in bewilderment.
He walked me all the way home. We talked the whole way laughing and talking. I told him I would mend Otto's wing and he seemed interested in what I had to say. The sky was now a soft gray. As we reached my front porch he turned to me smiling. "I'll be back to pick you in an hour if that is alright?"
I managed an "okay." and he ran full speed back into the woods. I just stood there petting Otto . I didn't move. I snapped out of it when my mother called out for me. I ran into the house and upstairs. I did not want them to see me.
I gently set Otto down and mended his wing. I jumped into a hot steamy shower. It stung my scratches and I let out a tiny scream. I examined myself and most of the wounds were on my back. I scrubbed and scrubbed. I began to sing my mothers song as I lathered my long hair with shampoo.
I jumped out and ran to my vanity and combed the tangles out of my hair. I toyed with a dozen hairstyles then settled on a simple style. I kept it straight with only two small pieces that I braided then swooped to the back and tied together with a clear rubber band. I grabbed a few wildflowers from my jar and placed in my hair. I dusted a bit of powder, applied some mascara and painted my lips a glossy pink.
I stared at myself in wonder. My cheeks were a soft pink with excitement. I was glowing and it wasn't the make-up. I think it was the longest time I had ever looked at myself in a mirror. I usually avoided them. I slipped on my turquoise dress and twirled around. Otto tilted his head and moved one wing in glee. I kissed him on his feathery head. A noise broke my dancing as I looked out my window.
A jeep was pulling up the driveway. "He's here!" "He's here!" I screamed. I ran to the top of the stairs.
"He's here!" "Who?" "What did you say?" was yelled back at me.
I looked down and I was still barefoot. I dove in the closet slinging shoes left and right. Otto managed to dodge a flip-flop as I found my pair of silver slides.
I heard voices now downstairs. My hands started to sweat. I ran to the mirror and took one last look. I attempted to pat down some loose hairs with my hand then shrugged. Otto waved his wing for good luck as I turned to meet my date downstairs.
=(^.^)= h.o.w.