AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hey, I know I don't usually do author's notes but I feel like I need to this time.
First off, I must apologize. I am sorry that I haven't posted in what feels like forever; I truly didn't mean to disappear. Things got busy and I just, kind of, didn't get back to Val High. I have not abandoned the story though, even if it seems like I did for a bit. Which brings me to the second point of this.
To the guest who recently commented on this story, thank you so much. In that time lapse, I forgot that there were people who were reading this, but you reminded me. It may not seem that you did much, but no kidding, I almost cried when I read that.
I feel so bad for leaving all of you readers still following this story. I will definitely try harder to update quicker, but if any reader feels I've been inactive on this story, don't feel afraid to give me a little nudge. I might need it.
Well, let's not waste anymore time. Here's the next chapter; I hope you enjoy!
Sitting by oneself is often seen as peaceful. And it really was. It just got a bit boring after always having to be on your own. Syndra had long since stopped noticing this, though. It only ever happened in the small amount of time she was actually out of the hospital.
Syndra had a multitude of issues, more so than her twin who spent no time in the hospital after a few tests. He was the lucky one. Syndra had immune deficiencies on top of the albinism and the childhood leukemia. Not to mention her behavioral issues, but that could be pinned to a bad social development with her long stays in the hospital without other children her age. Not that it mattered to Syndra. It used to, but now she knew that she didn't need them. She was strong enough to rely on herself. And maybe Karma, for the medical stuff.
But for now, she had to trust that the school nurse was competent enough to administer her medicines according to the strict routine she had her mother write up and her doctors sign. If Syndra had to be here, she would like to have a say in the way her days go.
She had no way of anticipating other students, though. So when lunch came around, she sat with her snack pack of vegetables and fruit and nuts, and her new book, she expected that everyone would steer clear of her, like they always have. Today would be the day that that all changed.
She first heard the chair, and thought that someone was taking it to use at another table, but then she felt the pressure on the table change. Syndra looked up from her book and saw another student at her table. He had a dark cloth tied around his head, acting as a large mask that only showed from his eyes and up. His skin was pale, making a stark contrast with his dark hair, which was pushed back by a head band.
"Too short to put back in a ponytail."
Syndra was curious, but then realized that the other kid was speaking to her. "I never asked."
His eyes seemed to smirk at her, "But you were staring."
She had nothing to say, and it was evident by her flustered face. Instead of acknowledging this, she just returned to her book with a huff. The mystery boy at her table only chuckled to himself and continued with his lunch.
Darius wanted to punch Garen. His co-captain was stepping in on his territory. The two were in the locker room after practice, and Garen began to ask Darius about romance and girls. Darius shrugged it off until Garen began talking about a foreign girl. He never explicitly said that he liked her in that way, but it was pretty obvious something was there. Darius sped up how quick he was getting ready so that he could get out of there.
He wanted to clear his mind. He could always have coach overlook a match with him and Garen, but he really wanted Crownguard to hurt.
Walking home, he contemplated stopping to check the du Couteau house for Katarina, but decided against it. When he entered his house, he wasn't too sure that was the best course of action.
"He's mine. You've done fine raising the boy, but I want him back now," That was Uncle Swain. Darius wondered what was going on. He didn't make much noise, so he could hear the situation.
"Jericho, he's more of our son than yours. He thinks of you as an uncle and has for his entire life. I don't even think that he knows that you're related to him," And that was Dad.
"He's almost an adult. Why do you want him now?" Mom was in on this, too.
"Because he's my SON!"
"Jericho, he is my son and I will not allow you to take him from me." Darius decided to enter then. He had never seen his mom angry, and did not want to guess what would happen. The three adults quieted as he stepped into the room, their eyes trained on him.
"What's going on?"
His parents glared at his uncle, but it did not deter the older man. "I am here to take you home. Janice and Adrien have raised you while I was incapable to do so, but I feel now that I am suitable to have you come home." Darius stood shocked. This, couldn't be true. He turned to his parents.
"He's lying. You're my actual parents, right?"
His mother wanted to go towards her child, but his father held her back. "That is for you to decide, Darius. It's true, we are not your biological parents. But we have provided you a home, food, and loving family. If you decide that you want to live with Jericho, we will stand by your actions. You are our son, but you have the right to know the family you were born to."
Today just kept getting worse. He let out a growl and left the house. He couldn't get farther away from them.
Garen couldn't believe who was at his door. Especially at this hour, and asking what he was asking.
Darius looked horrible, and it was getting colder out in the night. Garen knew they weren't the best of friends, but he couldn't help it. His morals told him that Darius couldn't freeze.
"Thanks," the brute said, entering the Crownguard residence. It was weird enough for Darius to be in Demacia, but even weirder that he was in Garen's house willingly.
The co-captain of the team stood awkwardly as Garen closed the door and locked it. "Isn't your mom going to be coming home?"
Garen shook his head. "No. She's out of town for a conference. It's just me and my sister."
"You have a sister?"
Garen paused. He didn't know how to feel about Darius asking questions about his life now. But, something told him that as much as he didn't like the guy, Darius needed his questions to be answered. "Yeah. Her name's Luxanna, but everyone calls her Lux. She's pretty young, just started 5th grade." Garen motioned for Darius to follow him as he led the way upstairs to the guest bedroom. "You know, she's convinced that Jarvan is her fiancé, even though she has met Shyvana before. She just smiled and said that Shyvana was keeping Jarvan company until she was old enough. Lux is a silly girl, but she has a good heart."
Darius was quiet as he listened to Garen talk about his sister. The guy clearly adored his younger sibling. Darius had gotten stuck with Draven. It was soon that they were at the guest room. "Here it is," Garen said. Darius nodded in thanks and took to the bedroom, closing the door.
He stood in the empty room, just letting his mind swim. There was so much to think about, but Darius didn't have the energy to even think right now. He just laid on the bed, hoping that sleep would come swiftly.
The sun was rising and Caitlyn was lucky to be awake to see the view. The sky was a soft blend of orange and pink and made the girl think of sherbert. She licked her lips, now craving the frozen delight, but she doubted her mother would allow her that treat, especially not for breakfast. Speaking of which, she should probably head downstairs and at least start the coffee. Caitlyn was just getting out of her window and off of her bed when she heard her mother's shower start.
Caitlyn didn't mind making breakfast for her mother; the woman did so much. She raised her daughter without much help as well as maintaining her job as a police officer, actually becoming the sheriff of the town. She also introduced Caitlyn to the love of her life, but that was just a little extra. Caitlyn wanted to show her mom how much she appreciated what the older woman did, and so she helped out with her mom's life to make things easier now that she was able to do so.
Breakfast was on the table when Ms. Jones came down in her uniform. She smiled and hugged her daughter. "Thank you so much, baby girl. It looks great!" And it really did: french toast, eggs sunny side up, some yogurt, and a half of a grapefruit with a side of coffee. A hearty breakfast indeed, but nothing that wasn't expected of the young student.
"It's nothing, mom, but you better start eating if you don't want to be late," Caitlyn remarked, sitting down and starting to eat her own breakfast. She looked at the clock and reassured herself she had enough time to get ready for school before her ride came.
The morning talk was light and made the atmosphere warm. Caitlyn immediately missed it when mom had to leave. She knew it would happen, though, and was able to transition to getting herself ready quickly.
In the middle of getting dressed, she looked at her phone, and her hand twitched. It would be so easy to find that number and call, but she had to refrain herself. "There's a time for everything, Cait," she told herself and finished her morning routines. Soon enough, there was the honk out front telling her that Jayce was here to pick her up. She grabbed her phone and her backpack and headed out, locking her door.
"Morning Jr. Sheriff," Jayce said as she slid into the passenger seat.
"Morning Mr. Hefner," she replied, smiling easily at her longterm friend.
"I'm honored that you think I'm on the same level as Hugh himself, but alas, I'm just a poor boy who let's both heads at the steering wheel," he joked, pulling back into the street and heading towards the high school.