IIIIIIII Scarlet IIIIIIII
I bolt upright in bed. My long bangs stick to my forehead from sweat, and my heart beats rapidly in my chest.
It was just a dream.
But it doesn't feel like one. I still feel the pain vibrating up and down my arms and legs, and my wrists still feel raw. I wince, squeezing my eyes shut. I hate having nightmares. When it's not about the dungeons, it's about the prophecy, and when it's not the prophecy, it's having my secrets exposed. I'm in way over my head, and I'm scared my secrets will keep piling up until I'm drowning in them. Would Kal still like me if he knew all I've done? Would Trisha still be my friend?
"I was about to wake you up," Trisha says. She's standing in the middle of the room, and her short white hair is a mess. She adds, "It's about last night, isn't it? Because you still haven't given me the deets."
I shake my head and try to force away my spiraling thoughts. I still have Trisha, and that's all that matters. Don't think about the what ifs, I remind myself. Focus on what you have.
"Yeah," I say, "it's the same one. And what do you mean I didn't give you all the deets? You wouldn't let me even take off my shoes last night until I told you what happened."
"It's just so crazy!" Trisha throws her hands up in the air and paces back and forth. "I mean, you had your first date with apparently a super hot guy- I want pics by the way-, a witch jumps you, and the date learns your secret- all in one night. That's a lot." Trisha stops and crosses her arms. "And you like, barely go out."
"It is a lot." I throw myself back into the bed and blink up at the ceiling. I had only wanted a carefree night of new clothes and stuffing my face with pizza. At least I got the pizza. Kal's face comes to mind then, and I smile. "And he is pretty hot."
"Ooooh!" I just know she's grinning now, and I can hear her clap her hands. "This is so exciting! We can go on double dates now, and you don't have an excuse!"
"I have more things to worry about than dates," I reply as I sit up. "Last night was a close call. And why are you so awake?"
Trisha ignores my question. Her bright blue eyes widen for a moment, and she asks, "Do you think your illusion worked on that witch?"
"My ability hasn't failed yet," I say. The guilt is still fresh from using dark magic, and it's like a pit in my chest. "And she immediately left after I used it. I should be fine."
She crosses her arms, and I see the concern in her gaze. "You sound like it's not though. Isn't it difficult keeping so many secrets?"
I shake my head. "It's something I have to do, Trish. What would happen if the witches found out about me, or worse- that the headmistresses of both schools learn what I've done?" I stare down at my hands. "I can't go back to Illusa, Trish, and I can't go back to Cloud Tower." The darkness there is too tempting for me as it is, and I can't stand the students there. It reminds me too much of home. And Faragonda seems to be too distracted with that Bloom girl to notice me, thank goodness.
There's a moment of silence, and Trisha gives me a long look. Finally, she sighs, and her shoulders slump. "Not gonna lie, I'm worried about you- like really worried. But at the same time, I think it's super amazing what you're doing. You have the guts to take your life in your own hands, Scar, and a lot of people don't have the courage to do that."
"Don't get all sappy on me now." I stifle a yawn and stretch. I have no idea how to take compliments- not that I get them a lot. Because I don't, unless you count my parents, which I don't. Using magic at Alfea is about positive energy and trusting your allies, which is the exact opposite of what I grew up with. Positive energy can only take you so far in a situation, and allies can quickly betray you. At least, that's what my parents say.
"I'm starving. You want to grab some food in the dining hall?" Trisha rubs her stomach and adds, "They always have more sweets on the weekends."
That's one thing I love about Trish- she knows how to direct the conversation. I think she'd make a great diplomat someday, if she wasn't so focused on boys. "Of course," I reply. "And I need to study. I barely passed my magiphysics exam."
"Then we'll go to the library after. Sound good?"
My phone buzzes, and I immediately grab it from the nightstand.
"Is it him?" Trish asks. She practically falls into the bed beside me and peaks over my shoulder. "A good morning text? He can do better than that."
I roll my eyes and smile. "We just met. Besides, I've never gotten a good morning text before."
She shakes my shoulders and says, "Oh, I'm so excited for you! Don't worry though- I'll train you." She stops and lifts a finger, continuing, "Dating is like being on a roller coaster, and you're at the part where you've just gotten on to the ride."
"I think I can handle it. I've seen you with plenty of boyfriends."
"But you're an old soul, dear- like Flora." She hugs me tight and adds, "I must protect my cinnamon roll." She pulls away then and yells, "That's what I want for breakfast- a cinnamon roll!"
I laugh at the outburst and stand. "A cinnamon roll does sound nice. Wait." I squint and turn my head to her. "Didn't you call me that to Kal last night?"
"Oh," her eyes widen, "look at the time! We should really be heading down now." She shakes with a nervous giggle.
"Trish!"
