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All That Glitters

5

The beginning of October was potent around the school building, the front gate while once veiled by two hefty trees now bare as if it was cradled by autumnal demise. It made me almost wish for spring, when the trees would blossom again and the vines would nurture. But then again the colors and the bloom of spring tended to grow dull after a while, and I had always found autumn beautiful. The peeling copper paint of the outside walls and the leaves falling like orange raindrops with benign wind had their special charm.

I pushed past the gate and it glided across the concrete with a faint screech. I moved forward and exited the building; the morning was clear and sunny today and walking to school was an instantaneous decision. Maddison was attending her gymnastic training today, something I could never have the stamina for, so I had to walk back alone. My eyes fell on a group of young, teenage boys huddled just outside, their laughter ringing in steady chords, hanging like the sweetness of a thousand days.

“Hey, Faith!” it was a jubilant voice calling my attention, and soon its owner was walking toward me, leaving behind a trail of curious eyes. I tried to ignore their approach and walked faster, partly because I was hungry and dad was home and I’d missed his cooking, and partly because I was in no frame of mind to talk to anybody.

The Friday before the weekend I was left pleasantly surprised to see Hope seated at my usual table during lunch beside Maddison, who upon closer inspection supported a scowl at the unbidden guest. Hope had just huffed out an amused laugh when I’d question her about it and—with mirth coruscating in her bright eyes – had replied, “You told me I was always alone, so I’m trying not to be.”

And Maddison hadn’t looked happy, and her scowl, it seemed, got deeper and deeper every day. She didn’t like Hope; I’d gathered that much, but that sharp feature didn’t look pretty on her soft appearance, like tarnished gold. Today when we were heading towards English she’d murmured before walking inside the room, “Just so you know, I don’t share.”

Her words were simple and unadorned, lacking animosity but devoid of any semblance of emotion. It was how she’d thrown them so carelessly that had my stomach churning.

“Hi.” Sebastian’s voice was smooth and relaxed as he fell in step with me, beaming brightly. His hair was a woodsy brown, dusted by the gleaming right, sitting chaotically atop his head. He brushed a few strands away from his eyes, revealing a pair of striking gray irises that seemed to reflect the sunny vivacity.

“Hi,” I echoed, stealing a glance at his young features. Light freckles dusted the skin over the bridge of his nose and neck, something I couldn’t look past. After being partnered up in Chemistry Sebastian and I had quickly become acquaintances, the contact never once transcending the barriers of the school building. His group was noticeable in the respects of those kinds of people who were generally affable, yet closed off all the same.

“You sure look delighted to see me,” he commented, eyes trained steadily on my face.

“You sure know when to leave someone alone,” I grumbled in return, and as my ears picked up the sound of his boisterous laugh a reluctant smile grew on my lips.

We walked side by side for a few silent moments, my gaze focus determinedly on the asphalt with an evident presence of the boy gently radiating beside me. It was oddly comforting.

“Listen,” he said after a few beats, and sneaking a brisk glance at him I realized that he was quite serious. “There’s a party this Saturday at mine. Hope you’re free. See you.”

Not waiting for me to reply, he walked away just as he’d arrived, like a breath taken too soon. I watched unnerved as his strode across the footpath to join the others waiting for him patiently, and together they resumed walking, presumably, to the diner where mostly everyone went to eat after the classes were finished. Their figures had disappeared just around the corner when my legs decided to cooperate with my mind and I began in the opposite direction.

My attention was inevitably drawn to the flora on either side of my path; the fascinating cherry trees swaying in the malignant autumn wind, mindful of it being scented with death. It was phenomenal really; how the coral pink and chaste white could look so charming just on the verge of gloom.

***

By Thursday I’d completely forgotten about the whole ordeal, the invitation slipping to the farthest corner of my mind, buried so deep that I didn’t share it with Maddison. It wasn’t anything significant; I had been to my fair share of parties in the past, being dragged by Maddison most of the time, and it was borne upon me a lot earlier than her that I didn’t fairly enjoy following her around in the verdurous arrangement. It was lively, vivacious yet desolate.

By Friday the party had become common knowledge. It was going to be preceded by the first football game of the season, and I could feel the torrents of the charged atmosphere of the cafeteria. I wished I could join in as well, but I knew I couldn’t, for one I’d incredibly wronged Maddison somehow and hadn’t realized. Seated behind me in calculus after lunch she kept kicking my chair subtly but with purpose; I could feel the significant thumping and I wasn’t able to concentrate properly. Her imposing actions were incessant and I couldn’t risk turning around and admonishing her. So I determined to focus on the sheets, and when that didn’t work, I stole a glance at the window.

The exuberant sun filtered through the clear window planes in long gleams, illuminating the dust twirling in their path like glitter. The sun shone as if it would disappear away with the wind, as if the clouds would cover it like weeding death. It shone beautifully.

Mercifully, the bell reverberated through the air loud and clear, and as the students filed through the dark-wooded entrance I stayed behind and took my own time packing up. It physically took a lot of courage to not run after her; I had a dignity to hold. Deftly making sure I had collected everything I walked out of the class, bidding a brisk goodbye to the teacher.

I had a hunch that she’d be just outside; wanting to talk about whatever it was that had her so troubled. As expected she was pacing outside, apparently not worried about being late to class, her rich golden hair flowing past her shoulder unkempt. She appeared disturbed, distressed.

She grabbed my arm and pulled me toward her locker, her bumping into countless people in the crowded hallway and me muttering apologies afterwards.

“Why didn’t you tell me that Sebastian has invited you to his party?” she seethed just as we approached her locker, judgment flecking in those dark pupils. My mind became discombobulated and I couldn’t think straight for a moment; while I was going out of my mind to figure out what I’d done wrong, it was this petty issue all this time?

I could only manage a shrug.

She snorted. “I was desperate for an invitation, and you had it all this time. You’re actually the worst.”

The second bell rang loud and clear and the corridor was gradually emptying as everyone rushed to their classes, but I was in no mind to move. Her words were raw blade in my heart, they hurt too much. “I didn’t know it mattered so much,” I offered meekly.

“But it doesn’t matter now,” she continued as if my words had fallen on deaf ears, “Joseph’s taking me. And you don’t worry about dropping me home today; I’ve got that figured out as well.

Almost as an afterthought she added, “I’m so mad at you right now.”

With that she walked away, flicking her hair and eyes narrowed to slits. I didn’t know what to think. Never before had she ever talked to me like that, let alone had been mad at me. My eyes prickled, so I walked away quickly, hastily approaching my locker to fish out the books, yearning for the sound of loitering students to silence my burning emotions.

Hope was right, I thought with a start. I was alone too.

Notes

Earlier this week I was informed that this story has been nominated in three categories and it left me pleasantly shocked and happy beyond the limit. I can't thank all of you enough for putting up with such late updates and still finding my story worthy to nominate. I'm completely speechless and so grateful to all of you.

On another note, Sebastian Millers is played by Dylan O'Brien:


And Maddison Evans is played by Amanda Seyfried:


Until next time :)

Comments

@JasperRenee
That means a lot. Thank you!

I absolutey love your characters and dialogue!

@CrumpetsAndTea

I'm so sorry for getting back to you this late but school's started and I was so busy for the past month. Anyway, we shall know more about their past as the story progresses and see how both of their personalities are shaped up by the time they've spent apart. The main reason for them being so distant is the loss of communication but that doesn't stop Faith from caring about her sister in her own way. Harry obviously has a major role but that would not be revealed till later chapters and I hope you stay tuned for that. Your reviews bring joy to me and I look forward to hear more of your thoughts!

Knowing that Hope and Faith have lived apart for a while adds a new sort of dimension to their relationship. It's obvious though that even with their time apart and feelings that may have been ill Faith still cares about her sister a lot. I'm guessing the guy we got a glimpse of is Harry? It will be interesting to see the role he plays between the two. Don't worry about catching up on your sleep, that's what summer vacation is for. The pace on this story is perfect! Amazing as always! Can't wait to read more!

For starters, I love you're writing style so much! It's so great!

I love how you make the juxtaposition of the two twins. It's really interesting to see how different their personalities are and how differently they handle grief which is something I usually don't see portrayed in fics. There's usually only one cookie cutter reaction to grief that everyone feels people should stick with.I also love how significant their names are, Hope and Faith being similar but also two very different things. I'm really interesting to see where things will go!

Until next time!