They Called Me FIVE

LANCE

I became aware of Dad and Lista agonizing stare directed at me. They want answers. But my mind is foggy as midnight street. Can't pull anything through. Heck, how was I sure something did happened between us?

Meira didn't say anything last night. I ran away. Yeah, that was bad of me. I should probably talk to her about it. 

I shoved the last food in my mouth and stood up. 

"Well, I still need to verify it from her first. Besides, I don't think she'll get pregnant anyway. More like…" 

I think back her reaction and our small interaction from last night. Yep, it's pretty vague. I can't remember how I get back home. Or did I talk with someone on the way. I'm sure I did. 

I just can't remember who. 

"I'll tell you later tonight Dad, Lista. Gotta go now. I'm late." 

I leap from my seat before they could stop me. I'm getting good at it. Dad rounded the table and attempted to stop me at the door. I bypassed him. I did the jump I always do when I'm fighting the Beast. Plant my hands on his shoulder and leap. 

Leaving him and Lista with mouth hanging open.

"You little acrobat come back here! We're not finished!" Dad glowered. 

"Yeah, yeah. Love you too." I burst out of my door and breath in the cold air of winter. 

I put on the black scarf lying around the cabinet, paired it with black jeans, winter boots and black aviator jacket Lista bought for me when he went shopping the other day. He said my wardrobes need update.

My clothes were too old and outdated they begin to get holes from all those mating cockroaches did every night. I can't argue. Dad is not exactly a fashion maniac or a house husband material. Lista is. So better gank up for the expert advice.

Besides, looking fully clothed like this…I maybe able to get Meira's attention. Could have her drooling for me. Kidding. Though it's not bad at all. 

On our first meeting she introduced someone to me. Who was it again..? Nah, I'll ask her when we met. And the status of our relationship. 

I take the side street and did my best to avoid bumping other people. Which I'm doing great. This place is filled with antique shops, boutiques, coffee shops, and apartments. Probably for college kids who came from another town and moved here. 

I stood in front of the stoplight. Waiting for the red light to turn green. Other students like me are lining up in either side. My mind would wander back to Opra. How short was our life there. How tough my mornings were. 

Opra was also the town where I have my first friend. Magnus. I wonder what happened to him. Moon rose too. Since I moved in here, I haven't received word from them. Kinda inconsiderate in their part too.

Not contacting me. Wait, I didn't tell them I'm moving..did I? Woah what kind of friend was I? Damn, I suck.

I purge through the crossroad. The noise of streets, the honking of cars, the bustling of people, the whistling of winter wind, the crunching of snow at my feet.  Some have piled into little bumps at the roadside, others have been flatten like dough by car wheels.

I took a sharp turn on the left and the brick gate of my new school came into view. The eagle and the sword logo. I tucked my backpack in. Pulling the scarf closer to my chin. I feel like sneezing. There's someone standing at the gate.

A girl. I can tell from the pink plushy glamorous outfit. When I came closer, I realized that girl was Meira. When she noticed me her face lit up and she hopped towards me. 

"Hey, I've been waiting for you. I was so sure you'll arrive late." Her cheeks is bright red from the cold. I'm tempted to take off my scarf and put it around hers. But she already has one. And it's pink and more nice juicy smelling than mine.

I shoved the idea aside and pulled her closer to me. 

"You're cold. Did you wear gloves?" She wiggled her fingers with pink gloves. 

"Yep, you?" I showed her mine.  "You must have like the black huh. Hey, Lance later… Are you free later? There's this ticket for an aquarium show one of my friend gave me last night and I was wondering if you could come with me." She fished her pockets and showed me the LAND WATERS AQUARIUM SHOW ticket for two.

I think back at my Dad's reaction at breakfast. He and Lista almost had a comedic clown duo when they heard me having sex with her. I weigh my chances. I'm sure this will get me new pile of troubles but…

What could happen? 

This is one chance in a lifetime date with a hot girl. I probably won't have any of this when Dad and Lista decided we'll move out of town. This is my chance to be a normal guy with a pretty girlfriend. Go on dates, see meteor showers at night, walk in school corridors at day, kiss each other in the cheek goodbye after I send her off to her house.

There will be no more Beasts to fight. No more Faeries to worry about. Just a normal life. I sighed. The life I always wanted. At the tip of my fingers. 

I slid my hand to hers and walk hand in hand inside the school. "I'd love that. Should we go there after class? I really don't want to go home right now." I looked at her sparking hopeful eyes. 

"Or after." I added. She beamed at me. She stick more closer and leaned her head on my shoulder. She's not wearing heels today. Just winter boots. Now I know she's a bit shorter. And that has brought some stupid confidence to my ego.

"By the way, what about your friend? Ava, was it?" I tried to recall. I'm sure she introduced us last night. But my memories is clearly shutting down on me. I don't remember anything. Not even Ava's face.

"Ava? Whose that?" 

"Huh?"

"Lance, baby are you okay?" She cupped my cheeks. "You're really pale today. Does somewhere hurts? Or the cold is bothering you?" 

I held her hand and brought it away from my cheek. 

"No, no. I'm alright. It's just that..I remembered you introduce someone to me yesterday. Her name is Ava." 

She stared at me blankly. 

"I have no friend who goes that name Lance."