Inverse Approach, Identical Aspires

Chapter 2

Kalen

         After Qin heads off of her own, I immediately search the crowd for Aamir and Maira. They're easy to spot tucked far away near the corner.

         I stated to make my way over it them, trying my best to not bump or elbow any bystanders. By the time I arrive their I've lost track of many times I spouted "Sorry" and "Exude me"

          I can see the sorrow plain on their faces, just alike to my own. Though no tears gather in Aamirs eyes, I can tell he mourns for our old president. Maira, on the other hand, has tears streaming down her face, before ploping off her jaw and soaking into her hijab. A painful feeling tugs at my heart strings.

         I go up and wrap my arms around her in a comforting embrace. God, I hate seeing her like this. Sadness has infected her vibrant soul, dulling her confidant shine. But at the same time, I love comforting her. I wish for her to seek me out in her darkest times; the shoulder she can lean on. Hugging her now fills my veins with golden warmth that can I only hope she feels as well.

         Something pulls at the corner of my vision. I shift my gaze from Maira over to Aamir. His eyebrow has been raised in a playful suggestion, but I know it's just a disguise for his protectiveness of her. I don't blame him for this, I actually admire it. It means Maira has a good older brother to look out for her. After all, I do the same for Quin.

         We finally break apart form our embrace, its too soon. The golden warmth that once blanketed my skin vanishes, leaving me longing for the return of her touch. The cool air slams into where Maira used to stand, it brings along a backlash of loneliness that only amplifys the already existing sadness of recent events.

         "What happens now?" Aamir questions.

         "I don't know." I whisper, the slight exhale of breathe chilling my lips.

         Maria stares intently at the tile floor, honey brown eyes glossed over with a sheen of nothingness. She doesn't know what to do, no one does, not even me. But one thing's for certain, we'll never be able to go back to the way things were before. The real question is: will they change for better; or worse?

         "Taylor taking the reins is good, right?" Maira's voice wobbles between syllables colored with uncertain hope.

         "Yes and no" Aamir answers, then pausing to take consideration into his next words. "I cant think of anyone else better to take over. But at the same time; something feels off. Like she doesn't have the correct motivation. If my suspicions are correct, she cares more about success itself than the actual outcome. That'll increase our chances of victory, but at what cost?"

         It makes sense. Ever since i can remember Taylor has absolutely despised failure. I once tried to comfort her, tell her failure was natural. Lets just say that didn't blow over smoothly.

         "As much as I hate admitting it, I think you're right." Maira responds, then raising her hand to fiddle with her necklace. A vibrant ruby linked to a thin golden chain, her mothers.

         "Ha, maybe Quin should be the one to take charge. At least she seems in it for outcome, not mention she's the whole reason we won the battle in the first place." Aamir jokes, a false smile playing on his face.

         I burst out laughing at this. Quin. Leading. No way. I love her, but there's no way I could support her in that situation, not that she would accept it to begin with. I try to imagine it, she'd end up saying something insensitive on accident and causing an outbreak.