Chapter 5
Author's Note: I just got back from vacation. Finally I can post another chapter. Thank you to all the people who sent in nice reviews, I didn't think I'd get any. It really encourages me to write, I appreciate it. And one more thing, if some of you don't like how I write my fics or my opinions, tough shit. Everyone has a different opinion. Learn to be open-minded and deal with it. You know who you are. It's my fic, I can do whatever I please with it.
Raven awoke slowly, rubbing her dry eyes from last night. She turned over on her side.
Out the window, the sky was still slightly dark out, the sun was coming soon. She looked at the clock. 6:30am. She lay there for about a half an hour more. She glanced at the clock once more. 7:00am. 'Might as well go out and get something to eat,' she thought. Raven lazily climbed out of bed and walked over to her closet to find something else to wear. It's not exactly fun wearing the same costume for days.
She looked around, pushing aside outfit after outfit. Finally she took out some baggy black jeans with a chain clipping from a front belt loop to a back belt loop, and a black shirt with scratchy letters in the front saying "Bite Me". Raven tossed them onto the bed and took off her costume and cape. She slipped on the baggy black jeans and the black shirt, which hugged every curve of her upper body. She quickly put on some shoes and walked out of her room. Raven floated off the ground and down the halls. She made it to the exit and floated out the door.
She flew all the way to the city. Raven landed on her feet on the sidewalk and walked down the streets. 3 blocks down, she stopped infront of a small café called the Crescent Moon Café, where Raven usually came to listen to the poetry performed onstage and drink coffee. She opened the swinging blue door and entered the café. The walls were a midnight violet color; the floors were rich, polished dark wood; up ahead stood a stage with a microphone and lights shining down onto it; scattered across the café were small tables, each with a blue candle lit up in the middle; and towards the left there was a long bar where they served cappuccino, coffee, and snacks to munch on. The lights were slightly dimmed. Raven walked over to the bar and sat on one of the black leather stools. She sat there for a few minutes until a female bar-tender came out. Her eyes fell upon Raven and they lit up.
"Hey Raven, I haven't seen you for a while," she said warmly.
"Hi Isis," she replied.
Isis Minomota had long, straight black hair with the two front parts dyed sky blue. Her eyes were pale blue, they were almost see-through. She wore a forest green t-shirt with spider web designs, faded black pants, and a silver ankh (a symbol of the Egyptians. It looks like a crucifix but the top part is like an oval) around her neck. She was about 18 years old.
"Something wrong? You look depressed," asked Isis with concern.
"Nothing really. Just mixed up emotions I can't handle," Raven replied.
"Explain."
"Well. . .Lately I've been having strange emotions when one of my team mates comes across me."
"What kind of feelings?"
"Feelings of joy and comfort, something I haven't felt in a long, long time."
"Maybe you have a thing for them. Is it a guy?"
"Yeah."
"Do you ever feel your heart beat faster than usual?"
"Yes," said Raven. Looking suspicious as to how Isis would know all this.
"Then, my friend, you appear to have a crush on this guy."
"A crush? Is that what you call it?"
"Well, you do have all the symptoms of having a certain liking for someone."
"All I know is this 'liking' is too much. Last night I went crazy in tears and kept asking myself 'Why? Why?'."
"Oh don't worry about being too emotional like that. It's probably just PMS. It's normal."
"I guess."
"Hey, do you want something drink?"
"Sure. I'll have coffee with cream."
"Right away."
Isis took out a creamy white mug, went to the cappuccino machine, and poured the hot, steamy liquid into the mug. She took out a small pitcher and poured cream into the steaming coffee. She carefully handed it to Raven.
"It's on the house."
"Thanks."
Isis began cleaning some glasses as she spoke to Raven some more.
"So who is this guy you like?"
"Um. . .If I tell you, do you promise not to tell?"
"I promise."
"You tell a living soul about it and I will become your worst nightmare," Raven said darkly.
"Ok, I swear," said Isis, holding up her hand.
"Alright. . .It's. . .um. . . It's Robin."
"Oh him. He's a nice guy. He saved me from that glop of zit one time."
"You mean Plasmus?"
"I think so, yeah. Robin would be great for you, Raven."
"You think so?"
"Yes."
Raven smiled lightly.
"He is nice to me."
"Well there you go. Have you told him how you feel?"
". . .Not exactly. No."
"No? You should tell him before some other bitch gets her claws on him."
"I know, I know."
"Then tell him today."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"He and the team are going to this stupid party tonight."
"Oh. Are you going?"
"Maybe not."
"Why? You should. Take a break from this 'crime-fighting' business."
"I don't know."
"Raven. . ." Isis began, looking her straight in the eyes," Are you just going to sit on your ass and let the world pass you by? Get outside and show people who you are. I am not forcing you to go, you can stay at the tower all you want. It's your decision."
Raven took a minute to suck in the advice Isis just gave her. Go to the party and have fun with Robin, or stay home at the tower all night and be by herself. 'Stay home. . .or go to the party. . .' Her brain said ' Stay home, Raven. You don't need that nonsense.' But her heart said ' Go to the party and have fun. Robin will be there. Go.' Battle of the brain and heart taking place. Which will conquer? Raven rubbed her eyes in frustration. 'Do it for Robin. He asked you to go.'
"Ok. . .I think I made my decision," Raven said in a whisper.
"Which one is it?" Isis asked.
"I think. . .I think I will go to that party."
"Alright!"
"Just for a while."
"That's great you made that decision! So, what are you going to wear?"
"Wear?"
"Yeah, you have to wear something good."
". .Why? I could just wear this," Raven said, pointing to the outfit she was currently wearing.
"Maybe not. At a party you should look your best, especially if someone you like is going to be there."
"I have nothing special really."
"Hmm. . ."
Isis began to think of a solution. A second later her lit up with an idea in mind.
"I got it! Why don't you let me help you!"
"You?"
"Yeah. How about it?"
"Ok. Just don't go crazy with it."
"Sure, sure. Just let me get Jake to take over the bar, ok?"
"Ok."
Isis left the bar and into a back room where she called up Jake on the telephone. She told him to come to the café early and take over the bar. A minute later she came out of the room and back to the bar.
"Ok let's go," she said, as she picked up her jacket from a nearby pole.
Raven rose from the stool and followed Isis out the door. Isis took out a pair of keys and locked the door behind her. They began to walk down the sidewalk. The sun had risen, lighting up the blue sky. Raven held her hand above her eyes, trying to block the sunlight from them.
"So where are we going?"
"To my mom's house. It's three blocks down. I'm staying there for a while until I get my own apartment in the city."
Isis and Raven walked down three blocks, past buildings and restaurants. Finally they arrived at a normal looking white house, with a dark green roof and shutters.
"Home sweet home," said Isis softly.
They walked up to the dark green front door. Isis took the pair of keys out again and unlocked the door. They walked into the house, which had light, polished wood floors and cream-colored walls.
"Nice house," Raven complimented.
"Thanks, it's old though. C'mon, let's go to my room."
Isis ran up the stairs, Raven following behind her. She went into a room with lavender painted walls and white furniture. On top of a dresser there was a small Egyptian statue of the Egyptian goddess Isis holding an ankh; there was a single sized bed with dark blue sheets and white stars on them, an Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) stuffed animal sitting on top; posters of Evanescence and Matchbox 20 were hung on the walls; the window curtains were pulled away so the sun could shine through, lighting up the room; and to the left of the room there was a bathroom.
"You can sit down if you want," said Isis.
Raven sat down on the bed while Isis went into the bathroom to get a few things. Raven sat there waiting patiently, wondering what her "new look" will look like. A few minutes later Isis reappeared with brushes, hairdryers, clips, and make-up bags. A look of horror rose upon Raven's face.
"Oh no. . ."
"Don't worry, I won't go crazy with the look, I promise."
"Ok," said Raven uncertainly.
"Let's get started! Sit here."
Isis pulled out a chair in front of the mirror. Raven rose slowly from the bed, walked over to the chair, and sat down.
"Say 'bye bye' to the old you, and 'hello' to the new!"
Isis turned the chair towards her and began applying make-up, hair spray, curlers, etc. all in seconds. She turned the chair towards the mirror to let Raven see what she did. Her hair was all big, curly, and sticking out, and she had on dark lipstick.
". . .I look like a 1980's Cher."
"No good? Ok let's try another look."
She turned the chair around again and started straightening Raven's hair, putting blush on her cheeks, and a light lipstick. She turned the chair to the mirror again. Raven's hair was pulled into two pigtails, big, white hoop ear-rings on, and her lips colored pink. She gave a look of disgust.
"God no!"
"Ok, another one will do."
Isis turned the chair around and began taking down the pigtails and removing the make-up. She started spraying hair spray and spiking up Raven's hair, and putting dark make-up on her face. She turned the chair around to the mirror. Raven's face had dark eyeliner, dark purple lipstick, a fake piercing ring on her lower lip, and her hair in spikes, sticking up in all directions.
"Erm. . .No."
"This one's no good either?"
"Sorry, Isis, but there is no 'good look' for me. It just makes me feel different, like I'm not me, I'm someone else."
"It's alright. I perfectly understand. I just wanted to help, I didn't know you felt that way."
"It's ok, I know you wanted to help, but I really don't need it. . .I'm going to go back to the tower and get washed before the party. Can you come?"
"I can't, I have to work late at the café. Just tell me all about it tomorrow, ok?"
"Ok."
"Good luck!"
Isis gave her a thumbs-up. Raven half-smiled and waved goodbye. She left the house and started flying home.
Author's Note: I just got back from vacation. Finally I can post another chapter. Thank you to all the people who sent in nice reviews, I didn't think I'd get any. It really encourages me to write, I appreciate it. And one more thing, if some of you don't like how I write my fics or my opinions, tough shit. Everyone has a different opinion. Learn to be open-minded and deal with it. You know who you are. It's my fic, I can do whatever I please with it.
Raven awoke slowly, rubbing her dry eyes from last night. She turned over on her side.
Out the window, the sky was still slightly dark out, the sun was coming soon. She looked at the clock. 6:30am. She lay there for about a half an hour more. She glanced at the clock once more. 7:00am. 'Might as well go out and get something to eat,' she thought. Raven lazily climbed out of bed and walked over to her closet to find something else to wear. It's not exactly fun wearing the same costume for days.
She looked around, pushing aside outfit after outfit. Finally she took out some baggy black jeans with a chain clipping from a front belt loop to a back belt loop, and a black shirt with scratchy letters in the front saying "Bite Me". Raven tossed them onto the bed and took off her costume and cape. She slipped on the baggy black jeans and the black shirt, which hugged every curve of her upper body. She quickly put on some shoes and walked out of her room. Raven floated off the ground and down the halls. She made it to the exit and floated out the door.
She flew all the way to the city. Raven landed on her feet on the sidewalk and walked down the streets. 3 blocks down, she stopped infront of a small café called the Crescent Moon Café, where Raven usually came to listen to the poetry performed onstage and drink coffee. She opened the swinging blue door and entered the café. The walls were a midnight violet color; the floors were rich, polished dark wood; up ahead stood a stage with a microphone and lights shining down onto it; scattered across the café were small tables, each with a blue candle lit up in the middle; and towards the left there was a long bar where they served cappuccino, coffee, and snacks to munch on. The lights were slightly dimmed. Raven walked over to the bar and sat on one of the black leather stools. She sat there for a few minutes until a female bar-tender came out. Her eyes fell upon Raven and they lit up.
"Hey Raven, I haven't seen you for a while," she said warmly.
"Hi Isis," she replied.
Isis Minomota had long, straight black hair with the two front parts dyed sky blue. Her eyes were pale blue, they were almost see-through. She wore a forest green t-shirt with spider web designs, faded black pants, and a silver ankh (a symbol of the Egyptians. It looks like a crucifix but the top part is like an oval) around her neck. She was about 18 years old.
"Something wrong? You look depressed," asked Isis with concern.
"Nothing really. Just mixed up emotions I can't handle," Raven replied.
"Explain."
"Well. . .Lately I've been having strange emotions when one of my team mates comes across me."
"What kind of feelings?"
"Feelings of joy and comfort, something I haven't felt in a long, long time."
"Maybe you have a thing for them. Is it a guy?"
"Yeah."
"Do you ever feel your heart beat faster than usual?"
"Yes," said Raven. Looking suspicious as to how Isis would know all this.
"Then, my friend, you appear to have a crush on this guy."
"A crush? Is that what you call it?"
"Well, you do have all the symptoms of having a certain liking for someone."
"All I know is this 'liking' is too much. Last night I went crazy in tears and kept asking myself 'Why? Why?'."
"Oh don't worry about being too emotional like that. It's probably just PMS. It's normal."
"I guess."
"Hey, do you want something drink?"
"Sure. I'll have coffee with cream."
"Right away."
Isis took out a creamy white mug, went to the cappuccino machine, and poured the hot, steamy liquid into the mug. She took out a small pitcher and poured cream into the steaming coffee. She carefully handed it to Raven.
"It's on the house."
"Thanks."
Isis began cleaning some glasses as she spoke to Raven some more.
"So who is this guy you like?"
"Um. . .If I tell you, do you promise not to tell?"
"I promise."
"You tell a living soul about it and I will become your worst nightmare," Raven said darkly.
"Ok, I swear," said Isis, holding up her hand.
"Alright. . .It's. . .um. . . It's Robin."
"Oh him. He's a nice guy. He saved me from that glop of zit one time."
"You mean Plasmus?"
"I think so, yeah. Robin would be great for you, Raven."
"You think so?"
"Yes."
Raven smiled lightly.
"He is nice to me."
"Well there you go. Have you told him how you feel?"
". . .Not exactly. No."
"No? You should tell him before some other bitch gets her claws on him."
"I know, I know."
"Then tell him today."
"I can't."
"Why not?"
"He and the team are going to this stupid party tonight."
"Oh. Are you going?"
"Maybe not."
"Why? You should. Take a break from this 'crime-fighting' business."
"I don't know."
"Raven. . ." Isis began, looking her straight in the eyes," Are you just going to sit on your ass and let the world pass you by? Get outside and show people who you are. I am not forcing you to go, you can stay at the tower all you want. It's your decision."
Raven took a minute to suck in the advice Isis just gave her. Go to the party and have fun with Robin, or stay home at the tower all night and be by herself. 'Stay home. . .or go to the party. . .' Her brain said ' Stay home, Raven. You don't need that nonsense.' But her heart said ' Go to the party and have fun. Robin will be there. Go.' Battle of the brain and heart taking place. Which will conquer? Raven rubbed her eyes in frustration. 'Do it for Robin. He asked you to go.'
"Ok. . .I think I made my decision," Raven said in a whisper.
"Which one is it?" Isis asked.
"I think. . .I think I will go to that party."
"Alright!"
"Just for a while."
"That's great you made that decision! So, what are you going to wear?"
"Wear?"
"Yeah, you have to wear something good."
". .Why? I could just wear this," Raven said, pointing to the outfit she was currently wearing.
"Maybe not. At a party you should look your best, especially if someone you like is going to be there."
"I have nothing special really."
"Hmm. . ."
Isis began to think of a solution. A second later her lit up with an idea in mind.
"I got it! Why don't you let me help you!"
"You?"
"Yeah. How about it?"
"Ok. Just don't go crazy with it."
"Sure, sure. Just let me get Jake to take over the bar, ok?"
"Ok."
Isis left the bar and into a back room where she called up Jake on the telephone. She told him to come to the café early and take over the bar. A minute later she came out of the room and back to the bar.
"Ok let's go," she said, as she picked up her jacket from a nearby pole.
Raven rose from the stool and followed Isis out the door. Isis took out a pair of keys and locked the door behind her. They began to walk down the sidewalk. The sun had risen, lighting up the blue sky. Raven held her hand above her eyes, trying to block the sunlight from them.
"So where are we going?"
"To my mom's house. It's three blocks down. I'm staying there for a while until I get my own apartment in the city."
Isis and Raven walked down three blocks, past buildings and restaurants. Finally they arrived at a normal looking white house, with a dark green roof and shutters.
"Home sweet home," said Isis softly.
They walked up to the dark green front door. Isis took the pair of keys out again and unlocked the door. They walked into the house, which had light, polished wood floors and cream-colored walls.
"Nice house," Raven complimented.
"Thanks, it's old though. C'mon, let's go to my room."
Isis ran up the stairs, Raven following behind her. She went into a room with lavender painted walls and white furniture. On top of a dresser there was a small Egyptian statue of the Egyptian goddess Isis holding an ankh; there was a single sized bed with dark blue sheets and white stars on them, an Eeyore (Winnie the Pooh) stuffed animal sitting on top; posters of Evanescence and Matchbox 20 were hung on the walls; the window curtains were pulled away so the sun could shine through, lighting up the room; and to the left of the room there was a bathroom.
"You can sit down if you want," said Isis.
Raven sat down on the bed while Isis went into the bathroom to get a few things. Raven sat there waiting patiently, wondering what her "new look" will look like. A few minutes later Isis reappeared with brushes, hairdryers, clips, and make-up bags. A look of horror rose upon Raven's face.
"Oh no. . ."
"Don't worry, I won't go crazy with the look, I promise."
"Ok," said Raven uncertainly.
"Let's get started! Sit here."
Isis pulled out a chair in front of the mirror. Raven rose slowly from the bed, walked over to the chair, and sat down.
"Say 'bye bye' to the old you, and 'hello' to the new!"
Isis turned the chair towards her and began applying make-up, hair spray, curlers, etc. all in seconds. She turned the chair towards the mirror to let Raven see what she did. Her hair was all big, curly, and sticking out, and she had on dark lipstick.
". . .I look like a 1980's Cher."
"No good? Ok let's try another look."
She turned the chair around again and started straightening Raven's hair, putting blush on her cheeks, and a light lipstick. She turned the chair to the mirror again. Raven's hair was pulled into two pigtails, big, white hoop ear-rings on, and her lips colored pink. She gave a look of disgust.
"God no!"
"Ok, another one will do."
Isis turned the chair around and began taking down the pigtails and removing the make-up. She started spraying hair spray and spiking up Raven's hair, and putting dark make-up on her face. She turned the chair around to the mirror. Raven's face had dark eyeliner, dark purple lipstick, a fake piercing ring on her lower lip, and her hair in spikes, sticking up in all directions.
"Erm. . .No."
"This one's no good either?"
"Sorry, Isis, but there is no 'good look' for me. It just makes me feel different, like I'm not me, I'm someone else."
"It's alright. I perfectly understand. I just wanted to help, I didn't know you felt that way."
"It's ok, I know you wanted to help, but I really don't need it. . .I'm going to go back to the tower and get washed before the party. Can you come?"
"I can't, I have to work late at the café. Just tell me all about it tomorrow, ok?"
"Ok."
"Good luck!"
Isis gave her a thumbs-up. Raven half-smiled and waved goodbye. She left the house and started flying home.
