The Outsiders

The Outsiders: Chapter Twelve

Soum Menjivar

Standing with her wife by her side, Sonia smirked at us.

Khristopher smiled at the two women, lowly holding me. Though he was a head shorter than me, he still held me with a gentle yet formidable force. All but dazed with his glimmering smile, I leaned into his touch, a subdued smile on my lips.

Wearing their usual dress, I could only think of old folk fairytales when I saw the way Sonia and Toasheh dressed. Plain linen blouses with ruffled cuffs and collars, gemstone and crystals jewelry of the whimsical variety, and shin-high lace-up boots. Though Toasheh often dressed in a looser fit, flowing dresses, she always accessorized with leather-bound crystals and dried flowers in small vials. Compared to the graphic t-shirts, straight-legged denim jeans, and white sneakers, their dress was more fit for the supernatural than mine was before I knew about the pack.

"So, I see you two slept well."

"Sony, we can't assume that they have slept at all."

Sonia and Toasheh's remark sent me and Khristopher into a blushing stand-still. Tensing in each other's arms, we could only stare at the two laughing ladies. Shaking my head, I rested my chin on the crown of Khristopher's head. As he slowly regained his composure, he relaxed as he stared at Sonia and Toasheh.

"We slept fine. Comfortably, if you insist on knowing," Khristopher said with a small grin.

"That's great to hear."

Toasheh gave a small knowing look, smiling gingerly. Though I had no clue what she tried to imply, I simply smiled back.

"What's this talk about returning to Caldwick," Sonia began, "Khrissy?"

Rolling his eyes, he flushed ferociously before pressing himself into my chest. Looking up, Khristopher glared, placing the fault on me. Though I knew it was my fault, I was willing to split the embarrassment before he glared at me. Sticking my tongue out, he guffawed, closing his eyes before looking towards Sonia.

"I have this tiresome craving for a deadly adventure."

Gently releasing his grip, he shifted towards the two women. Taking their hands into his, he stared at them with sincerity in his pallid violet eyes. Walking closer to the three, I placed a hand on his shoulder, missing the warmth of his touch. Khristopher bit his lip, gulping. Though I knew of his promise to them, I had no power in his decision, so I remained stainless by his side. Neutral, I only hoped my presence helped the battle in his eyes.

"Would you join us?"

             Sonia smiled and Toasheh pulled the two into her arms. Engulfed in adoration and affection, Khristopher smiled before pulling me into the hug. Being the tallest, I wrapped my arms around the three of them, nestling my head in Khristopher's neck. Smiling, the four of us basked in the familial warmth.

            Letting go, Sonia and Toasheh turned to me. With a quizzical glimmer in his eye, Khristopher pulled my arm around his waist before resting his on mine. Toasheh's honey-yellow eyes glittered with sincerity as she studied me. Sonia's glossy brown eyes grew to be a deeper color as she looked me up and down. Gulping, I turn to Khristopher, averting my gaze from their intense stare.