Chapter 2: Vanilla, Chocolate, and Hidden Desires?

A few Weeks Later-

The classes ended and the days passed by in a flash. The dismissal bell sounded at precisely 2 o'clock sharp. As Autumn yawned she looked around and spotted Freya, a smile growing upon her face as she got closer to the five foot petite beauty and stretched her name, "Fre~ya~chan~!"

Autumn gave a slight hop to her final step as she hugged Freya and laughed after seeing her slightly surprised expression when they connected.

"Eh? A-Autumn?" said Freya in a voice that somewhat gave off the impression of either questioning and/or exclaiming her sudden appearance.

She looked at her, "The one-and-only!" she stuck her tongue out playfully and said, "Wanna go get some pizza? My treat!"

Freya thought a moment and said regretfully and with an apologetic look upon her face, "I would love to, but-"

The cheerful smile that was once worn had disappeared, then a weakened one took its place and she finished off with a slight sigh, "No it's alright. I figured, but I also thought it'd be worth a shot since we haven't hung out in a while. What is it this time? Homework, studying, personal business?"

Freya gave a small and shaky laugh, "Something like that.. My deepest apologies.." 'I can't,' she thought, 'I can't ever let her get involved.. If I do she might.. might..' a familiar snap of the fingers in front of her face broke her trance.

"Hey, Freya!," scolded Autumn, "It's already bad enough that you're, too busy for pizza, but now you're spacing out on me in a simple conversation?" she turned away with a playfully mad 'hmph.'

As the breeze picked up slightly Freya read the time on her phone then put it back in her jacket pocket; her black and blue butterfly charm hanging out. "Autumn," called Freya with her usual gentle tone, "There's still a lot of time before I have to get busy. Why don't we just go for ice cream since it's, too early for pizza?"

A sudden rush of warmth ran through Autumns body as she perked up slightly and looked back. "R-Really..?" she asked slightly puzzled, as she made sure it wasn't some kind of cruel humor that Freya gets occasionally.

She nodded, "Of course. Why would I lie to you about something-"

Autumn cut her off, "If you say trivial I'll assume you don't care."

Soft laughter came from Freya, "No.." she said quietly, "I would never say trivial when it concerns you. What I was going to say was something more along the lines of: involving ice cream."

They both laughed aloud for a short while, then Autumn finished with a sigh and satisfied smile, "Alright then. Let's get going before you have to get busy then?"

Freya nodded. "Still your treat." she teased as she started walking off.

She couldn't believe her ears, "Why mine!" complained the brunette as she ran after her friend.

As the wind created ripples in the silver-silk that was her hair, she stated with a taunting smile while turning around, "I'm the one postponing my plans for you- besides, you offered to pay earlier, did you not?" a playful brow was raised.

Her jaw dropped slightly; she smirked. "Understood. Next time it's all you- got it?" she teased.

Freya turned back around and said, "That's fine, now come."

Autumn smiled and ran to her side while thinking, 'Freya.. What is it that you're shouldering all by yourself? You always act like everything is okay, but out of the four years I've known you- these past two years you haven't been yourself.. You've become secretive and deceptive.. Observant and cautious.. And most of all your manipulation skills have grown so much.. Please, Freya.. Let me help you- even just a little..'

While they were walking to the canteen Freya looked behind them slightly, making sure that no one noticed this slight glance. As they approached the stand she couldn't help but think, 'Autumn.. You're a simple human.. You and I- I bring danger to you. Maybe it's you that brings danger to I.. At this point I haven't a clue which is which anymore, but.. If I had known what was to come all those years ago- I wouldn't of prolonged this thing we share called friendship..'

"Welcome, what may I get you two?" asked the man behind the counter, breaking both of their thoughts.

They scanned the board then after a few moments Freya said, "Vanilla ice cream will be fine."

He nodded and looked at Autumn, who moments later, answered, "Chocolate for me then." as he went to get the cones she turned to Freya and said with a slight laugh, "We can switch every-so-often, just like before. Remember?" Freya thought a moment. "Oh come on, you've got to at least remember that!" whined Autumn.

Freya laughed while shaking her head, "It's not that I don't remember- rather how could I not remember? We would always get opposites that mixed, then switch once we reached the half point- correct?"

Autumn smiled with relief, 'At least you still remember that.. Freya..'

The man came back with each cone wrapped neatly in a napkin, "Here you go, enjoy!" Autumn handed him the money before walking off with Freya.

Although the two girls were laughing and acting normal, Freya hadn't stopped looking around since the canteen. Autumn took a notice to this, "Freya-chan," said Autumn in her perky voice, "Is something the matter?"

A simple head-shake was made along with a final answer, "No, I just never get tired of this scenery is all."

At that moment a single thought crossed Autumns mind, "Liar." but for that liar, she still smiled.

Several hours later Freya pointed out the time, and said she had to go. So as their farewells were made and when they each went their separate ways they had similar, yet entirely different thoughts in their minds.

'Freya..'

'Autumn..'

'..If only you..'

'.. If only you..'

'.. Trusted me more, like I do you..'

'.. Vanished from my life, and I yours..'