DEVIATE X / / AN UNORDINARY FANFICTION

LI.

It was an all too familiar presence I felt pervade my vicinity, one I had deep admiration for, but was overwhelmingly emanating a presence that filled the white foyer with genuine disappointment.

With my bags in my hand, the frosted glass window perched at the base of the grand staircase highlighted the intimidating silhouette of  my father, slowly descending the staircase in the ethereal light.

Although the shadows shrouded his expression, the exhale of his vehement breaths drew closer before his titan-like stature halted in front of me.

"Papa....." I began in a monotonous voice.

"Do you believe that an explanation will spare you for what you've done?"

I held my tongue at once.

"We're extremely lucky that Irel's credibility only landed you a week of suspension, lest you earn an expulsion. You claim to be grateful for the sacrifices each person in this house has done for you, yet you repay us through your impropriety."

My father took a step next to me without sparing another glance in my direction.

"Maybe it was my mistake for expecting too much from you."

The next day.

I opened my eyes as I let my skin soak in the golden light, washing away the reminiscences of yesterday's interaction with Papa.

The rays of the sunset have always felt different than the sun at any other time of the day, which was a good kind of different, since my complexion was comparative to that of an uncooked chicken breast.

And despite the serene view of the pristine mirror pool and rose garden bestowed in front of me, internally there was a strange pit settling at the base of stomach. It wasn't unsettling enough to label it as anxiety. It was a strange pit of acceptance, a feeling that came too easily given my current situation.

It was acceptance of the fact that Arlo was telling the truth. John had an ability.

The sense of acceptance wasn't due to the fact that I put my blind faith in Arlo. The holes in John's logic and unexplainable situations checked out. No cripple would have an astounding amount of confidence in the world we live in-hell, even the low-tiers in Branish looked melancholic. But it was acceptance that John wasn't the guy I've dreamt him to be, that, if I really thought about it, I'm not sure if I really know him at all.

"Yoohoo."

Miss Rose leaned against my patio doorway, holding a tray of iced tea and assorted cookies. Her soft hair was piled in a low knot, loose wisps falling in front of her face like wandering seeds of daffodil.

"It's tea time," she said, stepping from my room onto the patio as she set down the tray. "Oh! You're finally wearing the dress I gave you for your last birthday. I knew it'd fit you."

I smoothed over the ruffles of my black sun dress as she took a seat next to me, nonchalantly biting into a cookie.

"Hey, Miss Rose......"

"Yes dear?"

"I could've went anywhere other than Wellston.....right?" I asked, lightly brushing the pale green pattern of my dragon tattoo.