in cold sweat. I sigh as I make my way to the bathroom, maybe to take a shower and get ready for the

lowing my last image of them to be their bloodied and pale faces? Don't yo

my back, is now in knots, and I can already feel the migraine brewing from the untangling process

as a girl with curly red hair, fairly dar

still half-asleep. She stands beside me in front of the mirror and finally opens her eyes. We bo

catch our breath, Alira asks, "If only those boys could

e to profess their love: 'Even when you look like a bi

hter, this one taking a bit longer

became something of a rock for me, as I did for her. Our relationship wasn't always like

deemed "safe." When we arrived, I was moody, snapping at everyone and being difficult. Alira, on the other hand, a

hing about her smile reminded me of something my mom used to say: "T

n I see the killing intent in your eyes? What do you gain from pretending you're some perfect

noticed something: she had experience. Real experience. Not martial a

s aiming for vital organs and weak spots. I dodged, fought back hard, and by the end of it, we

en she

w their lifeless bodies. They were never good people, much less good parents. Putting on a m

ow to street fight, and I'll teach you martial arts. Wi

ince then, we've

ulls me out of

g to me? I said "help me with my

most instantly as

long silver hair that shines in the sun, fair skin, long legs, and just the right amount of curves. Alira

perfect balance of attractive and intimida

. At school, I play the meek, shy introvert, and Alira plays the athletic extrovert th

ng about, but I am a living being who f

sh getting ready and then head out for school. We greet a few younger k

he group home, so we walk together laughin

sense that something is happening. Something big. Eve

rovert, asks a nearby

ee empires will attend and this time, we humans are allowed to come too! They even said that day will mark the 19-year

as he runs off, leavi

everything w

ve no idea... but I do hav

hispers, "You can contro

er all, she's the only one who knows I c

if it makes you feel bett

ps my back reassuringly just as the bell r