Red

Chapter 3

"Shit, what is that?" I ask, dread filling my voice. I've never seen anything other than quiet woods past the wall.

"If I knew, don't you think I would've said so?" Violet answered and I rolled my eyes.

"Guys, guys, stop fighting. Let's just go tell the leaders, they'll know what to do," Indigo reassured.

"Good idea Indi," Violet quickly agreed.

"No, we're not telling the leaders."

"What?!" they both stared at me.

"It'll just cause chaos. I bet it's nothing and if it gets worse by tomorrow's rounds, then we'll say something," I replied, feeling uneasy about the whole thing. I've always had a weird relationship with the leaders. For one, I can't tell any of them apart because they're triplets. Two, they give me a creepy vibe, like they've been hiding something from me my entire life. I don't trust them, but I can act like I do.

"Fine. We won't tell the leaders just yet... Good lord this has been such a stressful day. I'm heading home Red, see you at the birthing tomorrow," Violet said.

"Bye Violet!" I called after her even though she was already halfway down the ladder. I feel weird without her here now. That's strange... I've always despised her presence.

"You like girls don't you?" Indigo stated more than asked.

"Excuse me?" I choked.

"You like girls."

"Uhhh in what way?"

"Like a romantic I wanna sleep with you type way," Indigo looked at me like I was stupid.

"Uhhh..."

"Think about it."

"I guess I've never really thought about it.... what made you suggest it now?" I don't know how to feel in this situation. Romance has never once been something I thought about. Especially because romance really isn't a thing here. The leaders told the mains a few years ago that girls used to procreate with boys and get married. So weird. Here, birthing volunteers just use a man-made sperm.

"'Cause the way you look at Violet. You don't look at people like that. Ever. You don't look at people period, but especially not like that," she clarified.

"How the hell am I looking at her?"

"Like she's the most beautiful person to walk the planet."

"Well, she is." Oh shit.

"I knew it!"

"Calm down. I think you're beautiful too, doesn't mean I like you," I point out.

"Trust me, it's not the same kind of beautiful."

"This is heavy news you've laid on me today. I would appreciate it if you would give me some space on the topic now."

"Done and done. Just know, I 100% ship you two. Enemies to lovers type beat yeah?" she laughs.

"Come off it," I roll my eyes and laugh with her. Indigo has been one of my better friends here. She knows me more than most and that's barely at all. I like to stay pretty reserved. Today's been a very social day for me.

"I'm going to my next job, you stayin' up here for a bit?" Indigo asks me.

"No, I'm heading down too. Going to go home and rest for a minute before my hunting class."

"Cool. See you tomorrow at the birthing!" she calls up at me when she reached the bottom of the ladder.

I start climbing down and almost fall halfway. So out of character. This has been a weird day. I safely make it to the bottom and walk the short distance home. My house is more on the outskirts of things and I prefer it that way. Well, I can't say I had a choice in the matter... all of the mains houses are near each other.

I decide to shower and take a nap to recharge my strength and energy. I'll stop at the Nest before my class to grab a bite, so I don't have to eat at home. (The Nest is my favorite cafe/restaurant in town.) I hope Burgundy shows up to class later.... kinda disappointed in her early decision to switch paths. Maybe she'll change her mind....

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*Beep beep beep beep*

I yawn and quickly turn off my annoying alarm clock. I throw on my clothes for the class and slide on my shoes before running out the door. I don't really have to hurry to class 'cause I have time to spare, but I need a little jolt of energy to wake me up. Running ought to do it.

I ran all the way to the Nest and then sat down at my usual booth by the window. Not the window in the front of the Nest that allows you to see all the people in the street, but the window in the back that has the best view of the cherry blossom fields. I like to come here and read all of the time. It's so peaceful.

"Your usual Red?" the waitress asks, kicking me out of my head.

"Yes, thank you," I reply, eager to get my dinner. I'm starving. I lay my head down on the table and not 5 seconds later the ding of the bell connected to the door goes off and Violet plops herself in my booth.

"Thought I'd find you here," she states.

"What's wrong? Do you need my help?"

"No silly, I just wanted to hang out with you before your class."

"Oh." Hang out with me?

"Is that okay?"

"No, yeah of course, it just threw me off is all," I say, still unsure. I silently curse myself for acting weird after yesterday's revelation with Indigo.

"I had so much fun doing your rounds with you yesterday. Maybe you can do mine with me sometime?" she asks.

"I would be very quick to say yes, but I must say.... your rounds don't sound too appealing," I laugh.

"Ugh fine guess I'll have to do yours with you again," she says sarcastically and laughs with me.

I look out the window for a moment to collect my thoughts and notice how Violet's reflection is literal perfection. Why is her nose so perfect? And her periwinkle streaks in her blonde hair.... gosh I wanna play with them so bad. What is going on!? I start coughing.

"You okay?" she asks, concerned.

"Yes. I just- I have to go... to class," I say and then run out.