HAPINESS?
CHAPTER 2: TALKING
Stella just needed to be alone. The girls had all asked what was wrong but Stella didn't know what to say. If she put the situation into words it would just make her sound like an insecure, jealous and prematurely assuming girlfriend. Stella felt angry, she didn't even know Brandon's side of the story, but knowing herself well she knew she would always believe her assumption more strongly than the truth. Stella had snuck out of Alfea before Professor Palladian's class and was now kicking up tufts of grass by the river.
She picked up a stone and chucked it into the fast flowing water. Seeing that the stone didn't skip as she had hoped she bitterly muttered "Stupid stone!" She kicked the grass repeatedly till her heel slipped and she landed on her bottom. She cursed and then let out a sigh while lying down and looking up at the clear blue sky with the sun shinning brightly through the cloud. "Stupid me, what am I going to do now? Brandon's probably just confused and the girls are never going to understand, besides its not like I ever take anyone's advice. Why are you so egoistic Stella?" She said to herself. She wanted to get up and go to apologize but her body didn't respond.
The sound of a levabike whizzing perked up Stella's spirits. Brandon was the first thought that came to her mind. She wondered if she should run up to him and kiss him or maybe play a little hard to get. OH how she loved getting his attention. She loved having him fawn over her, seductively flirt with her and she absolutely adored his make up gifts. She sat there running her fingers through her hair trying to make herself look perfect for this moment. "Only if I had lip gloss," she hissed.
"Stella?" came a dreamy male voice, but it wasn't her man's voice. Stella immediately stopped dolling herself up and fell back onto the grass.
"Sky, its just you" She said, visibly disappointed.
"Now that wasn't the welcome I was hoping for" Sky said taking his helmet off and shaking his shaggy long blond locks of hair. Stella was now irritable, thinking about why Brandon wasn't there.
"Sorry not all of us can be bundles of joy like Bloom and jump on you and smother you with love every time we see you, now can we?" Stella said rolling her eyes.
"Now aren't you in a lovely mood this morning" said Sky sarcastically taking a seat next to Stella on the grass.
"I could really do without your comforting words, and what are you doing here?" Stella asked getting looking away.
"I'll answer your real question, Saladin wanted Brandon to help him with one of the first years lessons since Brandon needs the volunteer hours" said Sky
"Why would I be thinking about him, I know he's my boyfriend and we are just fine and I'm not some clingy, obsessive girlfriend, is that what he tells you, or is that how you guys view me," Stella said sitting up and screaming in anger which stemmed from self defense.
"You really are ray of sunshine in the mornings aren't you" said Sky laughing at Stella's outburst. She got even angrier and just looked away grunting "But I saw you leave ... our dorm ... last night... with tears in your eyes" Sky said dramatically pausing after every fragment emphasizing his true reason for being there, which was to check up on her.
"If that's why you're here just leave, that was nothing, it was just me being presumptuous and stupid" she said not wanting to breach the topic further.
"Aren't you always those two wonderful adjectives" said Sky jocularly. Stella turned around and whacked Sky's arm "Just like you're always a gentlemen and a good comforter" retorted Stella sarcastically. "Flirt" Stella hissed through her teeth.
"Flirt ... me ... with you?!" Sky laughed hysterically "I'm not deaf, dumb or blind like my fellow best friend" He added. Stella was now fuming she sprung to her feet and lunged at Sky who skillfully dodged the furious girl and tackled her successfully to the ground holding her hands tightly behind her. A smug smile starched across his face.
"So nothing much without the fairy dust, are you?" he said victoriously.
"Don't make me unleash my wild side" said Stella struggling violently only to be subdued by Sky's strong arms. She finally gave up and laughed, "So this is the noble prince Sky of Eraklyon, beating an innocent, defenseless girl" she said sarcastically.
"Fine, I'll admit its not one of my finest moments but atleast I got you to smile" Sky said getting off Stella, who promptly sprung up and rebounded to her foul mood.
"That was an accident," She snarled.
"Why don't skip some stones, that's supposed to relieve stress if my unorthodox remedies don't work" He said successfully skipping a stone 3 times. Stella took a large stone and tossed it with all her might but the stone sank into the waters without skipping.
"Watch out or you might kill a fish down there," Sky said joking
"STUPID STONE" she grumbled, "THIS and YOU ARE NOT HELPING!" she yelled at Sky. Sky laughed at the angry princess.
"Come on I'll show you," he said handing Stella a flat stone. Sky stood behind Stella and slowly positioned her body and then guided her arm up and angled it at 45 degrees. "Now throw with a bit of force but not too much, ok?" he instructed. Stella threw it, but it still sank. She huffed in annoyance. Sky readjusted her arms and this went on for some time till Stella finally sighed, "This is pointless, clearly I don't have useless talents."
"Come on one more try Stellz, your destroying my reputation as a perfect teacher" said Sky who was also on the verge of giving up.
"I think your just enjoying positioning my body," said Stella coyly picking up another stone. "But I'm not complaining"
"Are you hitting on me?" said Sky jocularly.
"I'm not blind, deaf and dumb as my best friend" said Stella very pleased with herself.
"Touché" said Sky guiding her hand. The stone finally skipped, even if it was only once.
They both collapsed onto the grass tired. "Hey Sky did Brandon ever have someone very important in his life, like another girl?" asked Stella hoping she had been subtle enough. Of course Stella was about as subtle as an AK-47.
"Before Red Fountain we weren't that close, we were just squire and prince, but he hasn't mentioned anyone significant so I guess not" said Sky. After moments of silence Sky spoke again "Is that what's bothering you? The fact that you don't know his past?" Stella nodded, she now felt even more disturbed and helpless. The fact that Brandon hadn't mentioned this person to Sky just made her more curious and afraid of Brandon's past.
"Stellz I wouldn't worry, he's sooo into you its scary" said Sky honestly. Seeing the distress and anxiety on his friends face perplexed him. He had never seen Stella like this before. "But if this is really bothering you and you cant talk to him yourself I'll ask him, ok?" he offered.
"He's your best friend, what if you cover for him, then I'll just be blindsided and in a secure bubble just ready to burst" said Stella softly.
"Ok I wouldn't do that for many reasons, one being I value my life, another being I love my girlfriend, one more being that we are friends. Also if I couldn't tell you I'd just approach you and directly tell you to go talk to him" said Sky.
Stella just hugged Sky. She just needed someone to hold onto.
"And you say you don't flirt with me" Sky said wiping away her tears.
"Don't you dare touch me again, my skins precious," she snapped jocularly
"No wonder Brandon's bored of a touch me not" said Sky with all intentions of that being a joke, but Stella's insecurities returned.
"Is he seriously tired of waiting?" She asked Sky. Sky was now very confused and concerned. Stella had always been the most confident girl who never doubted herself and he knew that's what had originally attracted Brandon to her.
"What's wrong with recently, did something happen?" Sky asked sternly. Stella shook her head, she could never tell anyone about that night Brandon had yelled at her. She didn't want to blow an isolated incidence out of proportion. She fiercely denied that anything was wrong and eventually Sky gave up in the face of her stubborn nature. Stella had finally regained some confidence and had laughed for the first time since yesterday. She was grateful that she had run into Sky.
"Hey thanks for today, do you want me to pass on a message to Bloom, other than the fact that her boyfriend is a lecherous douche who was taking advantage of an upset girl" said Stella raising an eyebrow.
Sky smiled "No, don't tell her that you ran into me"
"Why afraid she'll dump you for flirting" said Stella
"No because you exaggerate and I want a chance to explain myself and just let her know her best friend was the one throwing herself at me. But in reality I don't want the surprise I'm planning ruined and I don't need her angry at me " said Sky. Stella couldn't help but laugh and think what a great boyfriend Sky was and how lucky her best friend was.
"Don't screw up" said Stella heading back towards Alfea.
"That's up to you two isn't it" Sky muttered to himself. He was pleased with his plan, however he didn't quite know if it would work any longer.
The girls in Alfea were in an absolute tizzy; some held boxes filled with decorations, while others made frantic phone calls to ensure everything was going according to plan.
"Tecna, where are the roses, these are lilies" yelled Musa, frantically rushing around with the beautiful white flowers falling all around.
"Calm down Musa or you'll ruin the few lilies we have" said Layla picking up the fallen flowers while skillfully carrying a heavy box filled with streamers in her other hand.
"Statically lilies will only take away 0.52% of the overall perfection and only an infinitesimal 0.34% of her total satisfaction so don't stress Musa," said Tecna. "Maybe you should worry about the food arrangements"
"Aren't the guys handling the food, music and location" asked Flora while using her magic to turn the lilies into roses, not wanting to let be even 0.01% imperfect.
"That's why we should be worried, they never get anything done on time and all their work lacks finesse," said Musa
"Not all our boyfriends are like Riven," said Layla teasingly, making all the girls laugh. Musa grumbled at the comment.
"Guys didn't Stella seem a bit off today morning" asked Flora putting finishing the flower arrangements.
"Ya I noticed that to, her usual bossy and chirpy vibe was missing, I'd bet on something going wrong on her midnight stroll last night" said Layla holding up different dresses in front of the mirror, "And where is she now, I could really use her opinion on these dresses"
"My analysis indicate that she and Brandon got into a bit of a tiff and they strongly suggest that Stella is by the lake right now" said Tecna.
"Tonight will absolutely suck if Brandon and Stella are fighting" Musa huffed "And all this effort and secret keeping would be for nothing"
"What's worse than a normal Stella ... an angry Stella with bed hair" Layla cracked causing the girls to laugh out loudly.
"See I'm sure I'll be able to fix her mood by the evening, without pressing her for details cause she'll open up when she's ready" said Layla.
"Though when your cheering her up you might want to exclude the Stella jokes, I'm not sure she'll take them like a good sport" said Flora
"Who said I'm not a good sport, and what kind of friends crack jokes behind each others back?" said Stella standing at the door. The girls exchanged nervous glances, they knew messing with an upset egoistic Stella was like digging one's grave.
"You know it's a sign of love right" said Layla. Stella stormed to her and picked up a pillow and threw it at Layla yelling you'll pay for that and grinning devilishly. All the girls immediately picked up pillows and engaged in a fierce pillow fight. They all finally got tired and collapsed onto the bed laughing heartily.
"It's great your normal again Stella" said Flora hugging her
"Ya I tried the angry moping girl persona, but I realized my hair didn't look good with it and my wardrobe sort of clashed so I ditched it after sometime" said Stella "And thanks for caring girls" Stella was honestly feeling better. She had had time to talk to someone and here she had amazing friends worrying about her and she didn't want to be a party pooper. The girls were just happy Stella was back and didn't want to bring up the topic and ruin the festive mood.
After 15 minutes Bloom walked in and looked around the room in utter surprise,
"What happened in here, it looks like it was hit by a tornado" she commented.
The girls exchanged glances, mischief glinting in their eyes "Nothing" they chimed in unison before attacking Bloom with all their pillows.
Sky knew he had to Brandon about Stella; one because Stella had forgotten what today was and secondly because Brandon had just been in their room lying around aimlessly. Sky knew there was something clearly amiss. Sky entered his dorm to see Brandon lying on bed in the same position as when he had left.
"How was class with Saladin?" Sky asked, trying to engage in conversation.
"Didn't go" the broad figure grumbled from the bed.
"Have you lost it? You need those hours to graduate dude," said Sky, shocked by Brandon's callous behavior.
"I wasn't feeling like it and chill out Saladin loves me he'll give them to me anyway" Brandon called out, however it lacked his usual playful tone.
Sky had to find to find a way to open up discussions about the past. So he tried the easiest method by talking about his past.
"You won't believe what happened today my ex texted me" Started Sky. Brandon immediately knew Sky was lying but didn't call him out on it cause he wanted to see where the conversation was going.
"Diasparo?" Brandon asked since as far as he had known it had always been Sky and Diasparo, and all the other girls had been scared off Diasparo.
"No, this one was before I made bad choices, you wouldn't know we weren't close then, she was back from my playboy days" Sky lied through his teeth and he would have convinced anybody other than his best friend, who knew Sky had never had a playboy phase.
"I'm sure you were quite a player back in the day as well, I mean before the ball of joy Stella came into your life. Maybe we can swap stories cause I totally need to unload about my ex" said Sky hoping to get a good bromance mood going.
Now Brandon was getting angry, he knew Sky knew that he hated talking about his past and that it hadn't been especially pleasant. Why was Sky after 5 years of not probing was now suddenly asking about his past and that to so blatantly?
"Ok I've had enough, WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON SKY! Firstly you have never been interested in my past love life, second of all you have never had a bad boy phase, I mean the worst thing you've done is make fun of blonds and lastly your phone's been here since morning so unless this ex has telepathy she didn't text you!" Brandon yelled.
"Whoa dude chill out," Sky said defensively, he had never seen Brandon so ruffled up before.
"CHILL OUT! My best friend is now lying to me and trying to take out my secrets for no reason," Brandon said accusingly.
"No reason? You have be lying in that same position since yesterday, your girlfriend left our room in the middle of the night CRYING, your being secretive and Stella's being weird and insecure about your past so there clearly is a REASON for me to be asking you this!" Sky retorted.
"Stella" Brandon sighed "I should have know she put you up to this. Why cant she ever just come talk to me and let things be. But no she just has to go poking around and get everyone involved. I'm really getting sick of this. All we do is go around a problem cause she can never listen to anybody or take the truth for what it is" He complained "I'm guessing you met her by the lake, where she always goes when she's angry"
"If you knew where she was and that there was a problem why couldn't you just go and talk to her instead of just sitting here. I can't help but think your part of the reason the problem doesn't get solved," said Sky. Brandon glared at Sky but knew Sky was right; he hadn't done anything to sort out the misunderstanding. But what could he do when he didn't even know what Stella was thinking.
"Hey chuck all of this bro, you ready for tonight." Sky asked, Brandon looked at Sky quizzically. Sky couldn't believe even Brandon had forgotten what tomorrow was. "You know the party I told you about" Sky hinted hoping Brandon would remember.
Brandon vaguely remembered Sky mentioning some event about which Sky had refused to disclose any details, he had said it would be a surprise, but he wasn't exactly in a party mood. "You guys carry on I'll pass on this one. No arguments Sky!" He said swiftly leaving before his companion could say anything in the hopes of changing his mind.
Sky kicked the table and muttered in frustration "How is your and Stella's 3 year anniversary party going to happen if your not there!"
The girl sat on the table, playing with her brunette hair waiting for her breakfast. She had never felt so energized and positive before. She smiled to herself and assured herself that today was going to be a good day. She saw her father approach her and squeezed her silver ring for luck.
"Good morning my beautiful princess Anesthesia" Her father greeted her warmly.
"Good morning daddy" she said getting up to hug her father. She had to be a perfect daughter today if she wanted her father to grant her permission for what she wanted. Breakfast proceeded as usual till she thought the mood was perfect for her cause.
"Daddy I was wondering if I go on a vacation for some time" she started. Her dad looked up from the paper and studied his daughter.
"But honey we just got back from one" he said.
"Daddy that was a family vacation, I was thinking more on the lines of a personal vacation alone" She pleaded
"Darling Anna your just too young" her dad protested.
"Come on daddy I'm 19! You have to let your little girl grow up" Anna said firmly.
"And where is it that you want to go alone" Her dad asked looking at his daughter skeptically. It wasn't like his little angle to want adventure.
"I just wanted to visit Magix again" Anna replied in a small voice, knowing her dad would flip out and it can be safely said that she knew her dad all to well.
"I should have known this was about that no good prince! What was his name again ... Sky or fly or whatever. Have you been in contact with him?" Her dad yelled, getting up from his chair in anger.
"Daddy no and its not even about him, this is for me daddy, I need answers" Anna said pleadingly.
"Answers! Anna darling what is there to answer! The guy left you honey, I think that's pretty self-explanatory don't you? He used you for his cheap pleasures and when he realized it was getting serious he turned around and ran away like every other coward. He left you standing there in the rain without even saying a word. He moved on and it's about time you do!" Her dad yelled at her with a vigorous passion in his voice.
"Daddy Sky wasn't like that, he wasn't a coward, he must have a reason daddy, he must cause I know he loved me. I know he did" Anna cried
"Love, is that what you call leaving someone behind, disappearing without a trace after soiling the female" her dad said bitterly.
"Daddy I have to know why otherwise I'll be stuck in this awful place for the rest of my life, I'll be frozen and not be able to move on" she begged her father.
Before her father could dismiss her again, her mother spoke out "Honey maybe she could accompany you to Magix while you are the assistant teacher at Red Fountain. That way you can keep an eye on her and she would have a change of scenery and a different set of people to interact with"
Her dad thought over the idea for a while and finally gave in to the wishes of the two women. Anna's mother smiled at her and Anna mouthed thank you. "No need to thank me sweetie, just go pack your bags, I'm sure you can stay at Alfea for sometime."
"Anna there's a condition" called her father causing her to cringe. Her dad was always overprotective and she knew she wouldn't like the condition, but she would put up with anything if she got to go to Magix.
"Percy is going as your bodyguard, no arguments!" her father declared
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So while the last chapter was more past oriented and heavy, this one was more about the relationships between the characters. Hope you like it. Let me know if you thought the chapter was too much of a filler.
Do you want me to go into the details of Brandon's past relationship or would you prefer it to be left as a mystery other than the relevant details?
Also let me know what relationships you want to see more of.
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