Chapter 9: Twisting the Fates
*This chapter is a dedication to one of my reviewers ThePrincessDragon :) Hope you like it*
**As per usual warning of light cursing**
Spring is almost over, the weather slowly ascending to unbearable heat, frizz, and complaints galore. The plants notice the change very quickly, demanding more water every day. Today is the day of the Flower Festival I think. I really stopped counting days after the little encounter at the Inn. Alex has been persistent, constantly dragging me out with him to go herb hunting. Gwen stopped by every once in awhile as well, coaxing me to test out new dishes before they were presented to the customers. Even Basil stopped in a few times, holding me steady as I cried into his shoulder. But those tears have long dried out only to leave their numbing powers behind. How did I know it was the Flower Festival then? Of course Alex barges in full swing, nearly knocking the door off its hinges. His pants came out raspy and rapid, his hair disheveled and thrown in every possible direction.
"Hey Alex…" I mumbled, laying half sprawled on the bed, the other half looking at an upside down Alex. His eyes bore into mine with a fire of determination, for what I am not sure of.
"Why are you not dressed yet? Today's the day of the Flower festival! This is the day to show the Goddess how much we appreciate her through flowers." Alex walked over, pulling a dangling arm up so my limp body would go with it.
"And you are going." I just raised an eyebrow, falling into a heap of mess into my pillow.
"Dwo Iah gotta?" (Do I gotta?) He sighed out an annoyed breath, most likely running his fingers through the wild mane. The bed shifted slightly, weighing heavier towards mid body. Light touches skimmed my back through the black tank top used for the hot weather.
"Listen Jinx, as your brotherly friend I say just go to show that no good prick that you are over him. Isn't there another guy you like? Or can pretend to like?" I picked my head up, staring through the haze of hair stranding my face. True, there was Kurt whom Joe continues to push on me, but I could never hurt him. There is Joe but he's more of an annoying younger brother. And, as much as an asshole as he is, there is Jamie. Or maybe I could just perceive as a lesbian after all girls know what girls want. But I do not find boobs amazing to stare at let alone act like it…
"Jinx! Are you ready yet?!" Gwen's voice busted through the room, smacking my door once again just like Alex had.
"She does not want to go because of Blue." His voice vibrated above me, directing the conversation towards Gwen. I could practically see her putting her hands on her hips, giving him a what-the-hell look.
"Sweetie that is just too bad because you are going. I even brought my spare kimono." I peeked out from the fortress of my pillow and hair, glancing in Gwen's direction. In an instant, my ass was off the bed, shoved into my bathroom, and my eyes blindfolded. Various portions of my hair began the process of being yanked in every direction, tugging at the buried knots. Another pair of hands made way with my clothes, which I protested the whole way, feeling the cool air hit my skin within seconds.
"Geez woman! Do you not brush your hair at all?" Alex. Figures he would be doing my hair, although I am a bit uncomfortable with him seeing my half nakedness. I rolled my eyes under the blindfold, stopping half way as a cool silken feel ran from head to my knees. A tightening feel bustled around my waist, tightening into a bow in my back.
"Hurry it up Alex!" Gwen hissed, throwing some wooden sandals on my bare feet.
"Why don't you try messing with this mess of hair?" He growled, yanking the brush rather violently through my unkempt hair. The two argued for a good five minutes, resulting in Gwen leaving the room to change into her outfit. Silence filtered into the room, only to be broken with the occasional hiss from Alex.
"When can I see what is going on?" I mumbled, wincing slightly as he tugged extremely hard against my scalp.
"In a minute Jinx. Alex is almost done." Gwen's shoes could be heard walking in, scraping against the tiled floor. A blinding light engulfed my vision, causing me to shut them instantly at its unusually holy brightness. In the mirror, a girl with strange brown eyes wore a mask of shock, looking at the person back. Her eyes, flecked with bits of gold shimmered through the surface, gleaming in delight at the tangled mess now laying in small curls down her shoulder. The kimono, a lavender purple leaving a small circular gap above the cleavage, buttoned with an amethyst under the chin. The sleeves, although very baggy were cut short so that only the top continued past the elbows. Small sea blue flowers and swirls cascaded up the dress, drawing an intricate pattern up until the neck line where it branched out towards the sleeves. Holding everything up is a matching blue ribbon thickly wrapped and bowed around my waist. At some point, the dress was cut short so instead of reaching the ground, it reached just below my knee caps.
"Beautiful isn't it?" I spun towards Gwen, my mouth agape at her appearance. She bore a kimono as well, her hair styled up into a traditional bun behind her head and a red waxy petal flower on the side. The kimono is a stunning emerald green that changed to a soft forest green at her sleeves. Laced at her mid section, a chocolate colored ban, tied into a similar bow around back. At the bottom, reaching her ankles wove simple white butterflies fluttering all the way around.
"Your kimono is actually modified, which works out nicely since you are shorter than me." Gwen smiled, staring at our reflections in the mirror.
"You know, it is better to move on if he is smitten with Ann. It is easier to let go than to hold on and get hurt you know?"
"Are you ladies ready to go?" Alex walked in, leaving me speechless. If I did not think of him as a brother, then I would seriously think of jumping him. Alex left his hair a wild mess, but it suited his black kimono greatly. Instead of having a design all the way around his, a single design of a blue bird against a bright full moon encased the upper portion of his back. He wore similar wooden shoes as Gwen and I as well as a bright sapphire blue sash around his midsection.
"Yup! Just giving some pep talk right Jinx?" Alex smiled, placing a gentle hand on my head. Gwen instantly vanished, running out the door to partake in the festival activities from what she had shouted. With his other hand, Alex outstretched it into my face which I took with a bright smile. It hurt to smile no less, but to see how he was trying so hard to keep me happy, to keep me going even though I just wanted to give up, it was the least I could do for him. Avery barked sadly as I locked up the house, begging to tag along. Alex told him he could, but Avery shrugged him off, running off into the forest in search for whatever dogs look for in forests. Perhaps he was looking for a bunny or something?
We held hands the whole way there; earning a variety of looks from some of the locals, but no one voiced their opinions. It was either due to my somber looking face or Alex's demonic glare. I was grateful either way. The sound of tranquil piano music floated into the air as town square drew near. Flowers of every kind lingered in the small flower arch created, and even more so in various boxes and stands somehow fitting in the small refinement of the square. Blue and Red mists, Moondrops, even Pinkcats lingered in every corner filling each corner with their scents. I found Gwen talking eagerly to a bulky man in a similar green kimono and decided against ruining the moment.
"You can go if you want Alex. I will be fine." He gave me a look, one of those I-do-not-believe-a-word-you-are-saying looks. I smiled, releasing his hand from my grip and gently nudged him forward to a group of people. He looked back at me again, in which I made a gesture to continue forward. Then, I was alone to look at the flowers. Back in the city, we never had flowers this beautiful, raw and fresh from nature. They were usually imported from around the world, dying as soon as they hit are soiled soil. For the few that remained, they only lasted roughly two weeks before dying for next season. As I skimmed the flowers, lightly grazing each velvet petal with the tips of my fingers, a familiar scent rose up from the rest. A bright white flower stood alone in the mist of colors, its petals pointed down into what appeared to be an upside down roses going down the stem; at least four to a stem. I picked one up gingerly, inhaling the light honey scent radiating from it.
It reminded me of a life I wish I had lived, one where childhood was playing with toys and giggling with friends about cooties. Where the teen years played like a bad love story with romance, pain, and finding the right guy who protected and cared as if I was a prized jewel. Life is fickle like that though, granting some with a great life while others get the broken, spear headed point full of splinters.
I put the flower down, looking at it longingly. Not a single wilted petal or a stain of impurities, sucks to say that is not me.
"You better not have killed it," a voice grumbled from behind me. Their breath tickled the back of my neck, making the hairs stand up on end. The voice is thick as ice and crisp as mint, dancing together to the muse of a deep, haunting tune. I slowly spun on my heels, coming to about nose level with the stranger. The skin is tanned, a little lighter than usual remained noted until a loose strand of purple hair flew in front of it. I gazed up, meeting the cold, distant sapphire blue eyes of Jamie, the last person I expected it to be.
"I did not kill it," I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest.
"You could of if it remained out of the water for long. Plants need water, sun, and attention in order to survive. Take away one and you run the chance of killing it."
"So I was just giving it attention like you said it needed. I see no harm in it."
"You took away water which could have killed it." I raised an eyebrow, giving him an are-you-seriously-going-there-with-me look. Before another second of banter could begin, mayor Theodore took his position in the middle of the square, drawing attention to his announcement.
"Welcome everyone to the Flower Day Festival! I would like to thank those who donated their time and flowers to make this happen. And now, we can begin the singing portion of the Festival! Would anyone like to volunteer?" Now that was a game changer that I was not aware of. Sensing my disturbance, Jamie sighed, running a hand through his hair.
"In order to really celebrate the Goddess, the mayor believes that we should sing to ensure a good harvest and wishes to the land." He then smirked, which if it did not look so evil would have actually looked hot on him…no one heard that last thought. I did not mean hot I mean…ugly. Yeah ugly…stop laughing… He took my wrist, quickly raising it into the air above the various heads of the crowd.
"Ah Miss Jinx! What a lovely surprise for you to volunteer! Please come on up and sing for us!" Mayor Theodore gushed, ushering me up with his hand. The whole crowd turned, creating a sea of eyes and clapping to encourage me up. I glared at Jamie who continued to smirk, letting my hand go and pushing me forward. As I took the walk of pure shame, I could make out Gwen giving a thumbs up next to the bulky guy she was talking to. Alex, on the other side of the crowd gave a look of worry as the Dia girl glared in my general direction. I get it sister, hands off the man.
Mayor Theodore put out his hand, helping me up to the slightly raised platform of wood covered with an Easter time pink color. It was bordered with various flowers sewn into the side, four flower baskets in each corner of the stage filled to the brim with one type of flower in each.
The mayor gave the microphone into my palm which happened to be covered in sweat and fear. He hopped off the stage, joining the town in a front row seat to my embarrassment. I closed my eyes, heaving a deep breath before letting the words bubble out. (If you are a more listening kind of imaginer, the song I am using is Since you been gone by Kelly Clarkson/ A Day to Remember).
"Here's the thing we started out friends
It was cool but it was all preten-ened
Yeah yeah
Since you been gone"
I glanced up to see Basil in my line of sight, clutching Ray's hand sadly. He knew my words held pain from the past and it was about to be public without anyone knowing so. I closed my eyes again, focusing on the music playing in my head.
"You dedicated you took the time
Wasn't long till I called you mi-ine
Yeah yeah
Since you been gone"
Somewhere in the background, I could hear a set of hands beginning to clap in sync with the way of my words, but it was probably just my imagination.
"And all you ever heeaarr meee sayyy
Is how I picture meee with youuu
That's all you'd ever heaarr mee sayyy
But since you been gooonnneee
I can breathe for the first time!
I'm so moving onnnn
Yeah! Yeah!
Thanks to you!
Now I get
What I waaaannnnnt
Since you been gone"
The clapping grew louder in my head, a large set clapping in tune along with a few cheers. I could feel my body spinning with the words, moving in step with the timing claps. I danced around on my toes, occasionally spinning and bending down to my toes, slowly moving up to the microphone.
"How can I put it? You put me onn
I even fell for that stupid love songgg
Yeah yeah
Since you been gone
How come I'd never heaarr you say
I just wana beee with youuu
I guess you never felllt that wayyy
But since you been gooonnneee
I can breathe for the first time!
I'm so moving onnnn
Yeah! Yeah!
Thanks to you!
Now I get
What I waaaannnnnt
Since you been gone"
By now the crowd was really getting into it. I took a chance and opened my eyes, scanning the crowd for familiar faces. Alex was off to the side, noticing my glance right away, giving a thumbs up much to Dia's disapproval. Basil was cheering with the rest of the audience, occasionally sneaking a kiss from Ray. Even Gwen and her man danced happily with the music, nearly knocking some people over in the process. One look stood out the most, causing a lump to form in my throat. The dirty blonde blob of hair contrasted against the navy blue kimono, allowing sunlight into the turquoise to sparkle like a gem. Blue stared up at the stage with a look of almost pleading as Ann bounced happily next to him at the music. I could feel tears gathering at the edge of my vision, but I closed my eyes before they could escape.
"You had your chance you blew ittt
Out of sight out of minddd
Shut your mouth I just can't take ittt!
Again and again and again and againnnn!
But since you been gooonnneee
I can breathe for the first time!
I'm so moving onnnn
Yeah! Yeah!
Thanks to you!
Now I get
What I waaaannnnnt
Since you been gone
Since you been gone
Since you been gone …"
The crowd went into an uproar of applause as I hastily retreated off the stage, feeling the tears threatening to fall. Many congratulated as I walked by, giving a gentle tap on my back, but none of that mattered.
"Jinx!" My legs kicked faster through the bodies, whipping the wind around until the world became blurry.
'Please no…please…' Something hard collided with my frame, quickly stabilizing me into a dark, pitch black encasement. The wall rumbled to life, sighing out an irritable breath, but the arms remained interlaced within my waist. Normally, held in this type of embrace, I would struggle, but something felt it is okay to trust this person.
"Jamie," I heard Blue's voice growl. Just from the name, my body physically stiffened, clutching the fabric in front as if it were a lifeline. Oh shit…why he did not say Jamie did he?
"Blue," Jamie replied in a monotone voice, seeming to brush Blue's anger away as if it were nothing. Glares radiated from a force behind me, but its pin point direction seemed unknown.
"Get your hands off her," Blue growled, most likely shaking his fists in the process. Jamie shifted slightly, pulling my body closer if that were even possible. My heart hammered erratically behind its prison walls, in embarrassment or fear. Embarrassment for… come on lets be serious here. I am in the arms of a guy who seems to hate me (let alone attempting to save the Goddess) and definitely not a part of his stomach is scrawny. Fear for what either one will do.
"Make me," Jamie was most likely smirking, his voice lined with the heat of challenge. That is when light decided to blind me with its presence, peeling my body away from the silken cloth hiding the sculpted pecs under it. I squinted against the rush of light, gently placing a hand on Jamie's chest while using the other hand to rub some of the darkness away. Little tears built at the base of my eyes, a long, unattractive yawn escaping my lips. A smooth hand gently caressed the corners, wiping away the little drop of moisture. Thinking it was someone else, I leaned in, closing my eyes as the butterfly touch ran small trails up and down. The butterflies within my stomach fluttered, causing a small smile of content to dance upon my lips.
The light trails stopped short, embracing my chin within its delicate fingers. If I had been in the right state of mind, I would have realized the fingers grazed my chin upward, towards the blinding light only to be shadowed by a head. Had I been thinking rationally instead of a drunken sleepless phase, I would have noticed the tall red horns practically blasting their noise at the danger. Had I been thinking at all, I would have pushed away at first lime light, opening my eyes all the way instead of keeping them in the shadows. But I didn't. Soft, plush lips grazed my cheek, leaving soft feather pecks until it hit the corners of my lips and then devoured them whole. There was gentleness into the kiss, one with caution and uncertainty. There was also a spice to it, raw and primal laying in an edgy wake to spring in at any time. Before my brain had time to register what had happened, the mouth pulled away leaving a bitter coolness.
"What are you going to do about it Blue?" That is when my eyes snapped open. Jamie held a smirk on his face, his eyes practically dancing with a mischievous sea, raging against the unfortunate ships. I slowly turned towards Blue, a greatly noticeable fire truck red blush on my face. It instantly ran cold at his expression. His face livid with pure, un-adulterated rage and fire burning even behind his iris. His fists remained tightly clenched at his side, shaking and digging the nails into the pulpy flesh of his hand. But it was past the anger that clenched my heart slightly. Betrayed.
"Oh there you are Blue! Are you okay?" Ann bounced over, quickly wrapping her arms around Blue's shaking navy blue kimono. She had a similar style kimono as me; however, hers was wrapped in baby pinks and lilac purples, something I thought she would never wear. But Blue did something once again, crushing the rest of the glass I attempted to pick up. He kissed Ann full on the lips, smashing his face into hers. His arms, for a brief moment stopped shaking as they made busy around her waist instead. Jamie slightly tugged at my waist, almost attempting to shield the view from an infant before they could see the blooded corpses sprawled in the street and the damage done. My eyes remained locked as things between the two got heated. Ann, shaking off the shock quickly wrapped her arms around his neck, tugging slightly at his tousled hair. He growled in protest, moving lower to grip at her waist, dragging her deeper into the kiss.
They eventually pulled back, both breathless and flustered. I tilted my head down, avoiding the gazes studying my movements from behind and in front.
"Well it looks like you guys have some things to do, so I will be on my way." The voice sounded fake within my ears, high pitched to a point of almost hysteria talk to even pass off as a lie. I pried Jamie's fingers off my waist, giving both parties a large, cartoonish grin before I ran away out of the square. There were a few shouts of protest, but the remainder of the crowd did not noticed, all the attention drawn to the next singer on the platform. My legs continued to pump with adrenaline, going in some blinding direction that the tears refused to let my eyes see. The wooden sandals caught on a rock, sending my knees straight into the gravel, tearing and biting off any flesh that came in contact. I kicked the cruddy wooden shoes off, quickly setting off into some unknown distance again. Gravel turned to dust. Dust turned to grass. Light became dark and all sound vanished within the darkness. That is when I let my legs collapse.
I sat on the ledge, sitting on my legs, hands interlacing with the grass for stability, and my head bent down, allowing the raindrops to hit the grasslands. Screams of anguish lashed out, echoing off the walls, but it all fell on deaf ears. Anguish from the past and the present into one present; a never ending nightmare that continued to haunt up until I die. I glanced at the water, looking for some reflecting but finding none in the dark, murky waters.
'What if I just fell?'
I glanced down at the water, watching little ripples dance along the surface, occasionally being interrupted by my tears. Small, jagged rocks broke the surface of the water in some locations, but the waters stretched further down to conceal the rest.
'Would my pain end there? Should I do it?'
In my heart, I could never bring myself to hurt myself, especially not over a stupid boy. But it was not just a stupid boy breaking and smashing the glass further into the wound, it was also my driven ex looking for his prized experiment. If I die now, that would all stop and I could be a peace knowing he will never have me. But just because one dies does not mean the problem is solved. No. He is on this island somewhere, somehow, and if I did die, then he would pry on one of the other townsfolk. I could never live that down if he were to hurt them, to subject them to the same treatment I went through.
Instead, I curled up into a ball on the little grassy edge, silencing my sobs into silent tears as I drifted off to sleep.
He stood there waiting, watching, trying to get a grasp at what was going on. Blood smothered every inch of his body; a gaping hole took out a good part of his chest. I ran to his side, clutching his hand as I yelled at everyone to find Alex. To find anyone to help him from the impending doom.
"Jinx," He whispered, clutching my face gently in a blooded hand. Tears continued to spill from my eyes, staring down at the crumbled figure below me. Time of peace had come at last, but my sanctuary was coming to an end, death practically waving his life in my face.
"You take care of her okay? Just because I do not like you does not mean I cannot be civil." Someone nodded sadly behind me, wrapping their arms around my waist. I buried my head into their chest, the hysterical sob racking every bone in my body.
"Please for her sake hold on."
There seemed to me a small smile in his response. "Even if I did, you are the better choice for her to have. I can say I lost to a worthy opponent."
Footsteps ran forward, brushing past and shoving the rest away. Alex and his medical team have just arrived and began diligently working on him. All I could do was cross my fingers and pray to a God that abandoned me for one and only one wish.
To let him live.