So, Lurlinemas is around the corner, right? Well, I didn't want to go back home, it wouldn't have been worth it. I'd be stuck in my room the entire time I was there reading a book so I figured that I'd stay at Shiz during the holiday and do my reading here. Nessa had other plans…

"I signed you up for this to keep you busy while I'm gone." She handed me a piece of paper.

"Lurlinemas banquet? You're making me go to a Lurlinemas banquet?"

"You're helping setting it up as well. You need a social life, besides, who knows how long you and Zedekiah will last."

"My social life is fine. Thank you. I don't need your help."

Oh, and that picture... I gave up trying to figure out who has it or if it even exists.

"You're still going. And you're wearing this." She pulled out the purple dress from her closet.

"And I will wear it gladly, dying from frost bite." I said sarcastically.

"Maybe Zedekiah will lend you his jacket." She said, laying the dress against the chair, "You're to be there the day of Lurlinemas Eve to help set up early in the morning. The banquet is later that night." She grabbed her bags, "I'm off. See you in a month." She walked out the door, not giving me the chance to protest.

"Every time, every time you find something for me to do."

-Lurlinemas Eve: Banquet Set Up-

"So, why are you stuck here and your sister at home for the holiday?"

"Never was much for a family gathering. Lurlinemas was always a Glinda and Ness bonding time. I always stayed at home reading whatever book I had. Besides all that, Glinda and I aren't really speaking right now." I said helping set a table for a Lurlinemas banquet.

"Sorry to hear that, so why aren't you in your room reading a book right now?" Zedekiah asked from the other side of the table.

"Nessa maybe my little sister but she acts like a mother. She made sure I had other things to do other than read a book while she's gone."

Zedekiah gave a chuckle, "Does that mean you'll be attending the banquet as well?"

"Unfortunately, she even picked out an outfit. She'll kill me if I don't go, and she'll find out too."

"Since this is really non-school related, will you be my date?"

I gave a smile, "Will I be receiving a single rose?" I teased.

"Depends, will you be my date." He whispered in my ear, pinning me against the table.

"How in Oz did you get over here?"

"You're avoiding the question."

"I'll meet you in the park at 5."

"The banquet doesn't start 'til 7."

"I know."

He smiled, "So, there's this mistletoe that's been hanging over our heads for quite a while, and we happen to be alone." He said changing the subject.

"I've noticed." I said looking up, as he rested his chin on my shoulder.

"So are you going to kiss me?"

"Nope." I smiled continuing to set the table.

"Do you not believe in fate?"

"I do, actually, I can just hear my sister nagging me about it." I said.

"I don't even want to know." He chuckled.

"You really don't." I said laughing.

-5 that Night-

"Wow. I think I like you better in purple." Zedekiah said holding out a single red rose, "You look beautiful."

I was wearing a simple, dark, strapless purple dress that stopped below my knees, with purple flats. I had my hair up in a neat bun with my bangs on the side of my face.

I took hold of the rose, "Thank you. You don't look too bad yourself."

"It's just a simple black suit with a tie, nothing eye catching." He held out his arm.

I smiled, "You're cute, you know that?" I started to walk a little.

"I forgot, you like this," He said grabbing me from behind, "Hands on the waist, my breath on your neck as I whisper in your ear." He whispered.

"You know me too well." I turned around, resting my hands on his chest.

"Not really, just enough to make you happy."

"Agree to disagree."

He smiled at me then gave me a kiss.

-Arron's POV-

I stood a far off, watching as Filía was kissing her History teacher. I know everyone had their secrets but... I thought I had a chance with her. I guess you'll do anything to be loved, even if it means breaking the rules. I almost wish he'd break her heart so I can hold her... But at the same time, he makes her happy.

Stick to the task at hand Arron. I told myself, shaking my head. You don't need her around your arm… you just need her to trust you. You just need her be your friend. Having her to call yours would have been a bonus really... I guess that means I'll just have to try harder.

-Zedekiah's POV-

The sweet taste if her lips linger when she pulled away. I held her close that is until she started to walk away from me. That's when I noticed something that I didn't notice before.

"I don't remember seeing that." I said catching up with her, touching the scar along her spine, "What happened?"

"See what?" She asked as the scar disappeared.

"I know what I saw. Filía what happened?"

"It was a few years ago."

"And?"

"I was struck by lightning." She said as her smile disappeared.

"Along your spine? You-"

"Should be dead." She took the words right out of my mouth, "You aren't the only one who thought that. Some of the people back home think that Death doesn't want me."

"What do you think?"

"That they have a wild imagination."

I grabbed her by the waist, once again, holding her close, "You would. I guess that's what you get when you keep your nose in a book."

"Do you think Death picks who he wants and gives back life to who he doesn't?"

"No." I smiled, "I think that you're a strong person."

"Someone in this relationship has to be." She teased walking out of my grasp.

I should have seen that one coming. I told myself.

"Stop smiling like the idiot you are and following me."

"Where are we going?" I asked walking towards her.

"I don't know, I just wanted to get you moving."

I took my jacket off and draped it against her shoulders, "You're going to get yourself sick one of these days."

"I haven't gotten sick yet so I must be okay." She said holding on to my jacket.

"Follow me. I know a place that we can stay warm for a while."

-Filía's POV-

It's one thing to go somewhere but it's another thing we he takes you to his house. It's gorgeous. Definitely can't afford it on a teacher's salary.

"So, what do you think?" He asked walking into the kitchen, "Water?"

"Please. How can you afford this?"

"My mom left it in my name before she died, and whatever money she had left paid it off." He said handing me a glass of water.

"I'm sorry."

"Thanks."

"How did she die?"

"Child birth, but I do have a beautiful little sister." He leaned against the counter looking at his drink, "I just wish I could see her more."

"Where is she now?" I said leaning against the counter next to him.

"With my dad, in Glikkus, he took her with him. He refuses to step foot in this house again. I'd go to see her but I don't have the time or the money."

"You'll get there one day." I said leaning my head against his arm.

"Enough about me. How about you? What dark and daring secret do you have?"

I grinned and chuckled, "I'm adopted, which is a reason why Glinda and I don't really get along anymore."

"Anymore?" He asked taking my hand, leading me to the couch.

"Before she told me that I was adopted we were close. Every time she'd go to the Emerald City or into town while I was at school, I'd walk into my room I'd find a new book on my bed, a new sense of adventure, as I like to call it." I sat on the couch as Zedekiah put his arm around my shoulder, "But when she told me that I was adopted... I felt that I was treated like an outcast. Like the enemy." I said taking a drink.

"I'm sorry." He put his water on the coffee table along with mine, "But if it means anything, she's wrong. You are the kindest person I have ever met." He whispered in my ear, "What of your father? Was he the better parent?"

"He hated the fact the Glinda had me before she was married. He thought I was hers anyway. He treated me like a slave and, at the time, Glinda was my salvation. I practically rejoiced when he died."

"How old were you when he died?"

"13... Needless to say I never had a father figure. I never really had a friend either. Mostly because the adults thought that I killed him myself, they still do. It never mattered to them that I was on a field trip." I said as a tears slid down my face.

"For someone who looks like she had an easy life," He wiped the tears away, "I would have never guessed it was full of hurt."

"I'm sorry," I looked at him, "It's Lurlinemas Eve, the last thing you need to hear is my sob story."

He kissed me, "I don't mind. Everyone needs someone to talk too."

-Zedekiah's POV-

Her smile didn't last very long. It quickly disappeared and her eyes averted away from mine. I loosened my tie, unbuttoning the top of my shirt so I could breathe a little easier. I wasn't sure where to go from here. Not sure if she wanted to go to the party or just go back to her room or even stay here with me...

"Are you comfortable?" I asked, completely taking my tie off.

"Yeah, I'm good."

"Filía, regardless of what you've been through, you are the strongest person I have ever met." I said resting my hand on her shoulder, "Are you hungry?"

"You ask a lot of questions after making a statement. You know that?" She looked at me, with a small grin appearing.

"Keeps the conversation going."

"Then yes, I am."

"Well, you have two options; One, we have a party we could attend. Two, I can put a little something together and we can continue to talk. But stay away from the sad parts, I love seeing your smile."

Regardless of her mood I always manage to get her to smile, not only was she smiling, she was blushing too.

"I vote for number two." She said looking into my eyes, "I'm too comfortable to go back outside.

"The vote is unanimous then," I pulled her in for a kiss, "A home cooked meal and a story it is."

-Filía's POV-

It was getting late so I decided to go back to my dorm room. Zedekiah insisted on walking me home but I told him to stay, wouldn't want to find him lying in the streets sleeping. I told him I'd be okay and that surely I would find someone who was going the same direction as I. I barely even made it across the street and there Arron was, almost like he was waiting for me.

"Can I walk you back? Assuming that's where you're going." He said meeting me at the edge of the park.

"Yes, I would like that."

He grinned, wrapping my arm in his, "I missed you at the Banquet this evening."

"Yeah... I had something else come up."

"Nothing major I hope."

"No, not at all. How was it?"

"It was okay. It would have been better if you were there. You look beautiful."

"Thank you."

The rest of the walk was quiet and long, but the scenery was gorgeous.

"Thank you for the walk back." I said once we reached the girls' dorm.

"I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe."

I smiled, I knew he meant it, "You wouldn't be the first."

He placed his hands against my face and kissed me. I didn't know what to do... I just went along with it... But I shouldn't have... I... This shouldn't have happened. When he broke away, I kind of just... Stared at him. And he stared back.

"Goodnight, Filía." He said turning his back and walking off.

When I walked into my room I sat on the ground, against the door... Great Oz. Now what do I do?

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