IIIIIIII Scarlet IIIIIIII
It takes us fifteen minutes to get to the pharmacy and bandaged up. I have bandaids up and down my back. My crop top did little to protect me, and I manage to straighten up my hair in the bathroom. All the while, I see my gold eyes in the mirror's reflection. They look like they're glowing, and I curse under my breath.
Peluda's Pizza isn't that crowded when we enter, but I still feel awkward as hell. The streetlights are on now, and Cal has apologized so many times I've lost count.
The booth seat is slick as I slide in. The light is warm overhead, and the smell of pizza fills the restaurant. Fizzy magical drinks bubble and change colors as the waitress walks to the rhythm of classic magical rock. It's got a great atmosphere. Cal sits across from me, struggling to figure out where to put his arms.
He finally rests them on the table. He leans forward and says, "So where are you from, Scarlet?"
"I was born on a moon off Illusa," I say as I sip some water. Technically not a lie.
He whistles and replies, "I've heard crazy things about Illusa." He finishes with a gulp of water. "It's probably a good thing you're from their moon." The waitress walk by, and Cal says, "Ma'am, can have another glass of water? I drink like a fish."
She smiles and nods.
"So what have you heard of Illusa, specifically?" I take a sip of my fizzy drink, and sweet bubbles burst on my tongue and down my throat.
"I live in the same solar system, on Titannus," Cal says. He leans forward, and his voice lowers as he continues, "And I've heard the planet was cursed by some enchantress centuries ago. It's a pretty dark place, and their royalty has some scary powers. I've heard they're all beautiful though- the royals, I mean."
A cough erupts from my throat as I choke on my water. Of course he would live in the same solar system, out of all the freakin' solar systems in the realm. "Is that so?" I force out. "I haven't heard that before."
"I grew up with my parents telling scary stories of them," Cal says. "They always said they'd ship me over if I misbehaved," he laughs. "Hearts as cold and sharp as their looks."
The waitress stops at our table and places fresh pizza on the small metal stand. "One large bacon and green pepper pizza," she says with a smile. She a new glass down in front of us and adds, "Here's your water, sir."
We tell her thanks, grab some pizza, and start eating. The cheese almost slides off my slice as I pick it up. "Did you get in trouble a lot growing up?" I ask.
"Yep. I'm a middle child, and my parents were super strict. They...care a lot about appearances."
"I can relate," I reply as I take a bite of food. "If my parents were here, they'd make me eat this with a fork and knife, and then critique me on it." I shake my head. And they'd put me to work in the dungeons.
"My parents would never let me eat here," Cal replied. "I'm pretty sure they think eating grease is a sin to the body."
I rest my elbow on the table. He doesn't look like the type of guy that would cause trouble. "So they don't care now? Or are you still on a rebellious streak?"
He shook his head. "They're too preoccupied with my older brother. I kinda got shipped to boarding school so I wouldn't be a nuisance to them...or him. He has a lot of duties now."
"My parents shipped me here too," I say. "I was getting too anarchist for their liking." I pause and look out the window. "But I do like Alfea. I'm hoping to get better at being good." I furrow my brows and add, "Did that sound as lame as I heard it come out?"
"No," he smiles, "I get you, I think. It's the same with me being a specialist. I kinda resented the school at first, but the training has really helped me channel a lot of my problems constructively." He takes another gulp of water. "So, are gold eyes common on your moon?"
"Uh…Not really." I fill my mouth with more pizza.
Kal swallows a bite of pizza and tilts his head. "It's just…it's almost like lava, like they're glowing. Is that part of your magic? Do you have lava powers? Because that's hot." The color suddenly drains from his face, and he adds, "Like literally hot. Like heat."
I immediately look away. "Ah, sorry, I know they can be distracting. It's not from lava powers though."
His eyes widen and he reaches his hand out. "No! Not distracting- I mean, yes, but not in a bad way. It's a good way. Good distracting." He takes a deep breath and mumbles, "Great job, Kal."
I sneak a peek at him. He's focusing on his drink like it might explode. He runs a hand through his brown hair.
"Um…I'll go pay." He briskly heads to the cashier. I watch him mutter to himself, and I try not to giggle. He is cute, I'll give him that.
The door dings as it opens, and in walks five Alfea girls: Bloom, Stella, Musa, Flora, and Techna. Not good. My eyes widen as I meet Musa's gaze. She frowns and turns to her friends.
I quickly put on my illusion. They turn, now looking at my grey eyes. I smile, while Musa frowns, shrugs, and walks on. Flora waves at me before turning back to them.
I exhale. That was close. Their group is always getting into trouble at school, and I've shared some detention with them. They're nice, but way too extroverted for my liking. And Stella's kind of a pain, being so spoiled. And Techna- I don't even understand how she works.
Kal comes back, and I stand. He grins at me, then takes a step back, frowning.
Crap.
