"Adelina? Ade wake up!" I heard a hushed voice as I drifted out of sleep. I opened my eyes sleepily to see Samia.
"What?" I asked, sitting up.
"You don't have work today, do you?"
"No."
"Good. Now scoot over and stay quiet." She looked down at Dio who was still sleeping. "I don't want to wake him up."
I let her sit against the wall with me on my bed. I rubbed my eyes.
"I want to talk about him..." She began quietly. "I don't want to have to hide him from my mom anymore..."
"What are we supposed to do then? We either kick him out in the streets or tell your mother that we've been hiding a 'Guildmember' in her house?"
Samia sighed. "So you have been thinking about this."
"Yes, but there's no easy way to get rid of him."
"If you fix his ship then he'll leave and probably tell someone that we're all hiding here."
"He said that he wouldn't!" I shot back.
"Hush! Are you really gonna listen and believe everything this guy says?"
I didn't answer. I hugged my legs.
"The only other thing I can think of... Is... Killing him."
I looked at her dumbfounded. "What? And who's gonna do that Samia?" I demanded.
"I don't know! It's just a thought!"
I rolled my eyes. "What is wrong with you? Ever since he showed up you've gotten colder and have more of an attitude."
"He doesn't belong here. You know what those evil things do! You've witnessed it. We all have.."
I looked directly at her. "He's not the same as them."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. If you get killed or something bad goes wrong.." She hopped off the bed and headed for the door. "Then that's your fault."
I stared at her angrily as she left, shutting the door behind her. Once she was gone I grabbed the necklace around my neck and pulled it off, throwing it across the room. It hit the wall and fell to the floor. Dio instantly sat up, looking around panicked.
"I-I'm sorry!" I hugged myself closer. "I didn't mean to wake you up!"
He looked over at me and smiled. "That's alright." He stood and flopped himself down on my bed. "Hey can I ask you something?"
"What...?" He was unusually wide awake...
He leaned closer to my face, staring into my eyes innocently. "Could we at least take a look at the damage to my starfish?"
I blinked a few times and looked away, scooting farther away. "I don't think so."
He moved closer. "Aw come on! I've been good!"
I scooted over until I was cornered on my bed. He stared into my eyes. I could feel my face beginning to turn red. I hugged my legs closer and looked away at the wall.
"I said no."
He grabbed my chin lightly and turned my face back to his. I froze. "I'm not going to do anything bad." He spoke in a hushed tone. "I promise." He tilted his head and smiled. "Okay?"
I searched his face, slightly shaking. He was so close to me... So close to my face..
"Okay..."
"Thank you, Mirella."
With that he drifted off the bed and headed for the window, opening it and looking outside out backyard before climbing out onto the roof. I finally felt like I could breathe. I relaxed and touched a finger to my chin. What was this feeling...? Something that fluttered in my chest.. I couldn't possibly be... Not with him I couldn't be...
The door was thrown open, making me jump. Little footsteps pattered across the floor.
"Diiiiooooo!" Kat called through the room. She looked at me, cocking her head to the side. "Ade? What's wrong?"
I blinked and quickly stood up, walking over to her and holding out my hand. "Nothing! Is Ms. Tallie still here?"
"No she's gone!"
"Come on then." She took my hand and I led her down the narrow stairs and out the back door.
"Where are we going?"
"Outside. Dio wants our help."
She giggled. "Okay!"
We picked up our mud boots and slipped them on, stepping out into a puddle off the back step. Dio slid down the drainpipe and splashed into the puddle next to us.
Kat put her hands up towards him. "Good morning, Dio!"
"Morning!" He picked her up and placed her behind his head.
I followed both of them through the tall and wet grass. The mud threatened to stop us from moving. As we stepped closer to the white ship, my heart began to pound. All I could think about when being around this thing was the loud banging and cracking noises as they fell to the ground. I took a deep breath and touched the smooth surface. Some chunks were broken off and black spots were all that was left of the fires.
Dio put Katima down and sighed, putting his hands on his hips. "This thing's really a wreck, isn't it?"
I watched as he climbed on top of it carefully, his boots sliding a bit. He moved up towards the broken glass and brushed some of it off the side with his gloved hands.
"Do you really think you're going to fix this thing...?" I asked. "It's pretty broken.. And we don't have any parts for that thing here."
He sat down and faced me, sighing again. "I know..." He looked away, up at the top of the crater. "I guess I'll just have to find a way to live here... For a little longer..." He looked down at his hands sadly. He looked a bit troubled.
Kat knocked on the side of the ship a few times and tried to jump up onto one of the wings. Dio helped her up and she sat on top. He then extended his hand out to me and I reluctantly took it. He pulled me up and I sat next to him, looking back at our house.
"I'm sorry... That you can't go back home..." I said quietly. "But if someone finds that you're here... Then only bad things will happen."
He looked at me and smiled. "It's okay."
I paused. "Is it, really?"
He leaned back a bit, enough that he wouldn't slide off and sighed. His smile never left his face. "You know... It is. If I return then ill only be in trouble. A lot of trouble. And, the truth is.. I don't want to go back. I live a much happier life here."
I pursed my lips and paused again. "Dio... Can I ask where you live...?"
He seemed to quietly giggle to himself as he put both hands up into the sky. "I live up there! I never stay in one area for long. I'm always traveling." He looked over at me. "Mirella, have you ever been in the sky?"
I shook my head, looking back up at the clouds. "No. I haven't ever gotten to go very high. I've never touched the clouds or felt how cold the air is actually up there."
He just smiled back at me. "Maybe one day."
Kat looked back at us. "Dio, will you take me up into the clouds one day?"
Dio laughed. "Of coarse!"
I stood up, carefully making my way onto the squishy ground.
"So you don't work today, Mirella?" He asked curiously.
I shook my head.
"Oh." He smiled.
I looked at him confused. "Why? What's that look for?"
"We should do something fun!" He leaned forward, sliding down next to me.
"Like what?" I helped Kat down.
"Liiike maybe climbing around on the rooftops like you and Samia do!"
I turned away from him, severely uncertain. "Dio..."
"What?" He walked around so he could see my face. "Aw, come on! I won't get caught!"
I looked away and walked toward the house. "Someone will see us.. You can't be seen!"
"Aw please!?" He walked ahead of me, turning around to walk backwards. "When it gets darker?"
I sighed.
"At least when it's dark, people won't be able to see me!"
I walked past him and led Kat into the house where we took off our boots. "I don't know... I'll-"
"Please, just one time?" He pleaded.
Kat smiled. "Adelina... If its just one time, I think Dio can do a good job at being quiet. He's good at hiding and being quiet!"
I sighed again. "Fine. Tonight we'll go and you." I pointed at Dio. "You have to be super careful! This isn't a game. If someone really sees you and knows you're a Guildmember then there are going to be a lot of problems, got it?"
He nodded. "Don't worry! I'll be careful!"
Samia walked into the room. "Uh... What's going on..?"
I shook my head. "Nothing."
"Okaaay."
Kat looked at her and smiled. "Samiaaaa let's play vanship!"
"No. I don't want to play." She flomped down onto the couch.
Kat sighed. "Why not? Why aren't you fun?"
Samia rolled her eyes. "Get that guy to do it." She pointed at Dio. "He'll carry you all day if he wanted to."
Kat looked over at him, eyes sparkling. "Dio, would you really do that!?"
He smiled. "I probably could!" He then picked her up and placed her on his shoulders, extending his arms like wings and running around the house, making noises until he got tired.
We both took turns playing with Katima until each of us were tired. Samia spent the day away from us all, either hiding in our room or splashing in puddles outside. None of us had much to do. Before I was forced to work, Samia and I would get so bored. Our boredom sparked a curiosity to be sneaky and dangerous. We would go around town trying to steal things without being caught, or hop across rooftops. Now... Samia and I had become distant. We were no longer inseparable sisters. Now all we are, are residents in the same house. Ever since Dio came... She acted this way. She's no longer fun or by my side. Now she's irritable and untrusting.
"Hey! It's getting dark out, Dio!" Katrina's small voice squeaked through my thoughts.
He immediately sat up from his light slumber from next to me on the couch, a big smile forming on his face. "Awesome!" He exclaimed, hopping to his feet and then turning to me, offering a gloved hand. "Come on, Mirella! Let's go!"
I took it, allowing him to help me to my feet. "Now you remember the rules, right? No-"
He grabbed both of my hands and slightly hopped with joy. "I know, I know!" I laughed along with him. "Just trust me enough tonight! I haven't done anything to make you really worried, now have I?"
I looked up at him sincerely, a slight smile appearing on my face. "Okay. I trust you. Just be careful."
He also smiled. "You be careful too!"
I let go of his hands and ran for the door, sitting down to lace up my boots. "Hah! Just make sure you can keep up with me!"
Katima giggled, handing Dio one of Ms. Tallie's cloaks. "Here Dio! It might be cold outside!" She then handed me one of mine.
I took it and thanked her. "It may not be that cold since its still summer, but since the rains have passed it may be a bit chilly." I stood up and draped it across my shoulders, buttoning it at the front and then turning to Dio who did the same with his. "We'll be back home real soon, okay?" I asked Kat as I put my hand on the doorknob.
She nodded in response. "Samia's home so I'll be fine! Just have fun!"
Dio patted her head as I opened the door. As I turned to step outside I stopped dead in my tracks. Ms. Tallie was right there.
"Adelina...? What is going on? Where are you going?" She questioned sternly. "Who is this man?"
My legs wanted to give out from under me. I swallowed hard and slowly turned my head to see Dio. Thankfully he had put the large hood over his head and did his best to conceal himself.
"I- um... We were helping this man with directions!" I quickly explained.
"Oh?" She looked over at him. "Where are you from? Are you a refugee?
I jumped in, not wanting Dio to speak. "He! Um.. His family took refuge here and he's looking for them. I told him I would help him by taking him to the house.. Is that okay..?"
"Oh! Well as long as you don't take too long."
I grabbed Dio's hand and dragged him out of the house. "I'll be back as soon as I can!" I yelled as I ran ahead and searched for the first alley to hide in. I hit my back up against the cold wall and slid to the ground with a huge sigh. "That was terrifying!"
Dio laughed. "You're a pretty good liar!"
"Hey!" I laughed back at him. "That could've ended badly if you didn't think fast enough!"
He put his hand out. "Yeah, yeah. Lets go have some fun!"
I sighed and took his hand. "Sure."
"What?" I asked, sitting up.
"You don't have work today, do you?"
"No."
"Good. Now scoot over and stay quiet." She looked down at Dio who was still sleeping. "I don't want to wake him up."
I let her sit against the wall with me on my bed. I rubbed my eyes.
"I want to talk about him..." She began quietly. "I don't want to have to hide him from my mom anymore..."
"What are we supposed to do then? We either kick him out in the streets or tell your mother that we've been hiding a 'Guildmember' in her house?"
Samia sighed. "So you have been thinking about this."
"Yes, but there's no easy way to get rid of him."
"If you fix his ship then he'll leave and probably tell someone that we're all hiding here."
"He said that he wouldn't!" I shot back.
"Hush! Are you really gonna listen and believe everything this guy says?"
I didn't answer. I hugged my legs.
"The only other thing I can think of... Is... Killing him."
I looked at her dumbfounded. "What? And who's gonna do that Samia?" I demanded.
"I don't know! It's just a thought!"
I rolled my eyes. "What is wrong with you? Ever since he showed up you've gotten colder and have more of an attitude."
"He doesn't belong here. You know what those evil things do! You've witnessed it. We all have.."
I looked directly at her. "He's not the same as them."
She rolled her eyes. "Whatever. If you get killed or something bad goes wrong.." She hopped off the bed and headed for the door. "Then that's your fault."
I stared at her angrily as she left, shutting the door behind her. Once she was gone I grabbed the necklace around my neck and pulled it off, throwing it across the room. It hit the wall and fell to the floor. Dio instantly sat up, looking around panicked.
"I-I'm sorry!" I hugged myself closer. "I didn't mean to wake you up!"
He looked over at me and smiled. "That's alright." He stood and flopped himself down on my bed. "Hey can I ask you something?"
"What...?" He was unusually wide awake...
He leaned closer to my face, staring into my eyes innocently. "Could we at least take a look at the damage to my starfish?"
I blinked a few times and looked away, scooting farther away. "I don't think so."
He moved closer. "Aw come on! I've been good!"
I scooted over until I was cornered on my bed. He stared into my eyes. I could feel my face beginning to turn red. I hugged my legs closer and looked away at the wall.
"I said no."
He grabbed my chin lightly and turned my face back to his. I froze. "I'm not going to do anything bad." He spoke in a hushed tone. "I promise." He tilted his head and smiled. "Okay?"
I searched his face, slightly shaking. He was so close to me... So close to my face..
"Okay..."
"Thank you, Mirella."
With that he drifted off the bed and headed for the window, opening it and looking outside out backyard before climbing out onto the roof. I finally felt like I could breathe. I relaxed and touched a finger to my chin. What was this feeling...? Something that fluttered in my chest.. I couldn't possibly be... Not with him I couldn't be...
The door was thrown open, making me jump. Little footsteps pattered across the floor.
"Diiiiooooo!" Kat called through the room. She looked at me, cocking her head to the side. "Ade? What's wrong?"
I blinked and quickly stood up, walking over to her and holding out my hand. "Nothing! Is Ms. Tallie still here?"
"No she's gone!"
"Come on then." She took my hand and I led her down the narrow stairs and out the back door.
"Where are we going?"
"Outside. Dio wants our help."
She giggled. "Okay!"
We picked up our mud boots and slipped them on, stepping out into a puddle off the back step. Dio slid down the drainpipe and splashed into the puddle next to us.
Kat put her hands up towards him. "Good morning, Dio!"
"Morning!" He picked her up and placed her behind his head.
I followed both of them through the tall and wet grass. The mud threatened to stop us from moving. As we stepped closer to the white ship, my heart began to pound. All I could think about when being around this thing was the loud banging and cracking noises as they fell to the ground. I took a deep breath and touched the smooth surface. Some chunks were broken off and black spots were all that was left of the fires.
Dio put Katima down and sighed, putting his hands on his hips. "This thing's really a wreck, isn't it?"
I watched as he climbed on top of it carefully, his boots sliding a bit. He moved up towards the broken glass and brushed some of it off the side with his gloved hands.
"Do you really think you're going to fix this thing...?" I asked. "It's pretty broken.. And we don't have any parts for that thing here."
He sat down and faced me, sighing again. "I know..." He looked away, up at the top of the crater. "I guess I'll just have to find a way to live here... For a little longer..." He looked down at his hands sadly. He looked a bit troubled.
Kat knocked on the side of the ship a few times and tried to jump up onto one of the wings. Dio helped her up and she sat on top. He then extended his hand out to me and I reluctantly took it. He pulled me up and I sat next to him, looking back at our house.
"I'm sorry... That you can't go back home..." I said quietly. "But if someone finds that you're here... Then only bad things will happen."
He looked at me and smiled. "It's okay."
I paused. "Is it, really?"
He leaned back a bit, enough that he wouldn't slide off and sighed. His smile never left his face. "You know... It is. If I return then ill only be in trouble. A lot of trouble. And, the truth is.. I don't want to go back. I live a much happier life here."
I pursed my lips and paused again. "Dio... Can I ask where you live...?"
He seemed to quietly giggle to himself as he put both hands up into the sky. "I live up there! I never stay in one area for long. I'm always traveling." He looked over at me. "Mirella, have you ever been in the sky?"
I shook my head, looking back up at the clouds. "No. I haven't ever gotten to go very high. I've never touched the clouds or felt how cold the air is actually up there."
He just smiled back at me. "Maybe one day."
Kat looked back at us. "Dio, will you take me up into the clouds one day?"
Dio laughed. "Of coarse!"
I stood up, carefully making my way onto the squishy ground.
"So you don't work today, Mirella?" He asked curiously.
I shook my head.
"Oh." He smiled.
I looked at him confused. "Why? What's that look for?"
"We should do something fun!" He leaned forward, sliding down next to me.
"Like what?" I helped Kat down.
"Liiike maybe climbing around on the rooftops like you and Samia do!"
I turned away from him, severely uncertain. "Dio..."
"What?" He walked around so he could see my face. "Aw, come on! I won't get caught!"
I looked away and walked toward the house. "Someone will see us.. You can't be seen!"
"Aw please!?" He walked ahead of me, turning around to walk backwards. "When it gets darker?"
I sighed.
"At least when it's dark, people won't be able to see me!"
I walked past him and led Kat into the house where we took off our boots. "I don't know... I'll-"
"Please, just one time?" He pleaded.
Kat smiled. "Adelina... If its just one time, I think Dio can do a good job at being quiet. He's good at hiding and being quiet!"
I sighed again. "Fine. Tonight we'll go and you." I pointed at Dio. "You have to be super careful! This isn't a game. If someone really sees you and knows you're a Guildmember then there are going to be a lot of problems, got it?"
He nodded. "Don't worry! I'll be careful!"
Samia walked into the room. "Uh... What's going on..?"
I shook my head. "Nothing."
"Okaaay."
Kat looked at her and smiled. "Samiaaaa let's play vanship!"
"No. I don't want to play." She flomped down onto the couch.
Kat sighed. "Why not? Why aren't you fun?"
Samia rolled her eyes. "Get that guy to do it." She pointed at Dio. "He'll carry you all day if he wanted to."
Kat looked over at him, eyes sparkling. "Dio, would you really do that!?"
He smiled. "I probably could!" He then picked her up and placed her on his shoulders, extending his arms like wings and running around the house, making noises until he got tired.
We both took turns playing with Katima until each of us were tired. Samia spent the day away from us all, either hiding in our room or splashing in puddles outside. None of us had much to do. Before I was forced to work, Samia and I would get so bored. Our boredom sparked a curiosity to be sneaky and dangerous. We would go around town trying to steal things without being caught, or hop across rooftops. Now... Samia and I had become distant. We were no longer inseparable sisters. Now all we are, are residents in the same house. Ever since Dio came... She acted this way. She's no longer fun or by my side. Now she's irritable and untrusting.
"Hey! It's getting dark out, Dio!" Katrina's small voice squeaked through my thoughts.
He immediately sat up from his light slumber from next to me on the couch, a big smile forming on his face. "Awesome!" He exclaimed, hopping to his feet and then turning to me, offering a gloved hand. "Come on, Mirella! Let's go!"
I took it, allowing him to help me to my feet. "Now you remember the rules, right? No-"
He grabbed both of my hands and slightly hopped with joy. "I know, I know!" I laughed along with him. "Just trust me enough tonight! I haven't done anything to make you really worried, now have I?"
I looked up at him sincerely, a slight smile appearing on my face. "Okay. I trust you. Just be careful."
He also smiled. "You be careful too!"
I let go of his hands and ran for the door, sitting down to lace up my boots. "Hah! Just make sure you can keep up with me!"
Katima giggled, handing Dio one of Ms. Tallie's cloaks. "Here Dio! It might be cold outside!" She then handed me one of mine.
I took it and thanked her. "It may not be that cold since its still summer, but since the rains have passed it may be a bit chilly." I stood up and draped it across my shoulders, buttoning it at the front and then turning to Dio who did the same with his. "We'll be back home real soon, okay?" I asked Kat as I put my hand on the doorknob.
She nodded in response. "Samia's home so I'll be fine! Just have fun!"
Dio patted her head as I opened the door. As I turned to step outside I stopped dead in my tracks. Ms. Tallie was right there.
"Adelina...? What is going on? Where are you going?" She questioned sternly. "Who is this man?"
My legs wanted to give out from under me. I swallowed hard and slowly turned my head to see Dio. Thankfully he had put the large hood over his head and did his best to conceal himself.
"I- um... We were helping this man with directions!" I quickly explained.
"Oh?" She looked over at him. "Where are you from? Are you a refugee?
I jumped in, not wanting Dio to speak. "He! Um.. His family took refuge here and he's looking for them. I told him I would help him by taking him to the house.. Is that okay..?"
"Oh! Well as long as you don't take too long."
I grabbed Dio's hand and dragged him out of the house. "I'll be back as soon as I can!" I yelled as I ran ahead and searched for the first alley to hide in. I hit my back up against the cold wall and slid to the ground with a huge sigh. "That was terrifying!"
Dio laughed. "You're a pretty good liar!"
"Hey!" I laughed back at him. "That could've ended badly if you didn't think fast enough!"
He put his hand out. "Yeah, yeah. Lets go have some fun!"
I sighed and took his hand. "Sure."