The Solstice Daughters

chapter 10

TRIAL 1

Day 5

LAURIE was a female.

Willa only knew this because mid-way through their taxing trek, a slightly smaller scougar bug decorated in vibrant colors snuck out from behind the bushes and hissed. She was ready to go to war for Laurie. Sure, they hadn't gotten off on the best terms but as they marched through heaves of leaves and giant stalking and swinging trees, she began to come to appreciate the strange creature's presence. Every few minutes, Laurie would turn her fluffy disheveled head to examine her new friend and make sure they were on track.

In present time, the scougar bug leaped forward dramatically, placing herself face to face with her opponent. And then the most peculiar thing happened, she licked it. Willa watched in curiosity as they began scratching their thin legs over each other and using their small tongues to demonstrate affection.

Almost seconds later, another shadow made itself apparent and all eyes turned towards a large, almost terrifyingly bulk, scougar bug stomped over from behind the trees. This scougar bug differentiated from the previous one in that its furry coat was a lot plainer, a similar shade to Laurie's.

Willa slowly descended towards the tickly grass, unduly invested in the scene unfolding before her. It suddenly dawned on her that the similarity and difference in coat must have had to do with the gender of the creature, similar to the way male peacocks were more bright and patterned to attract mates. These creatures were competing for a mate and that mate was Laurie.

"Laurie, you little slut." She breathed a laugh. She had never heard of two animals of different genders competing for a mate. She wondered if that would make Laurie a bisexual. No, that's stupid. It's just the natural order of life for her.

Feeling a flash of tingles on her scalp, Willa whipped her greasy, tangled hair forward and scuffed it up with her hands, and scratched at the itch. When she looked back up, Laurie stood alone in front of her, gazing up with doll-like eyes.

Willa raised her eyebrows. "Wow, you rejected both? Your standards are high." 

Groaning at the snapping sound of the bones in her knees, she lifted herself heavily off the ground, dusting the blades off her pants. She realized, as she continued to jog after Laurie, that she had no idea what time it was or whether the boys had noticed her disappearance.  Not that it bothered her much. As long as she was back before sundown, she felt safe in Laurie's hands. Or stick legs rather.

Her throat bobbed as she swallowed deeply. "Not to disturb our journey, Laurie, but I really need some water." Her mouth was dry and scratchy as she spoke. The scougar bug ignored her and continued to sprint forward, making the girl purse her lips in irritation. "Alright, then." She said under her breath.

Picking up her pace, she fast-walked beside Laurie. "So, not interested in a mate?" She asked as nonchalantly as she could but internally she struggled to comprehend the fact that she was gossiping with a spider unicorn-like creature. Laurie, faced forward and ready for battle, rolled her doll eyes and huffed.

Willa pressed her flaking lips together and attempted not to laugh at the entire situation. "Fair enough."

Just as she was about to start complaining about the soreness of her feet, the scougar bug abruptly paused its sprinting. Willa's feet scraped against the soil as she ground herself into place besides Laurie. Surveying their surroundings, her eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She was at the exact spot on the beach where she had washed up soggy and distraught. From the corner of her eye, she identifies the rock she'd taken refuge against that stormy evening.