Counting Stars

Chapter 10

➹ Chapter 10➹

Clarence

            I stand there in the forest, looking up at the night sky. The sun has set, the stars are partially dimmed but the moon is all in its glory. I feel empty inside. I just made a new friend, and now he's gone. I'm supposed to cry. I'm supposed to run to my cabin and sob my eyes out. But I don't. I stand in the middle of the open space, empty inside.

            I take deep breaths and wrap my arms around myself. I can still see him, right? I can still visit him in the moon. I'm not completely alone. I've still got Halliope and Gus. I can still talk to my cousin. I'm not lonely.

            I close my eyes to ease myself. Corin said to me that I'm strong. And I'm going to be strong like I had promised him. I'm not going to break that. Although he's gone, I'm going to live my life like the usual — no more misfortunes, no more gods after me.

            "You seemed attached to him," an unfamiliar voice says behind me.

            I turn around and see a pretty blonde girl, about my age. It's her. She walks towards me and smiles. How could she smile when right in front of her is her boyfriend's ex?

            "I'm Jennifer Haley," she tucks a piece of hair behind her ear, "But you probably know that already."

            "It's nice to meet you," I murmur, avoiding her gaze, "I'm — "

            She cuts me off, "You're Clarence Meadow. I know."

            "So, uh," I clear my throat awkwardly, "Why are you exactly here?"

            She blinks a few times, as if finally remembering what she came here for, "I just want to talk," and she adds quickly, "Peacefully."

            I stride nearer to her. "Okay, I've got time." Talking to my ex's new girlfriend isn't really on top of my to-do list. But if she wants to do this, then I'll agree.

            "Hey," she says, "I don't want to fight with you. I actually want to tell you to talk to him."

            I cock an eyebrow, "Oh? And why would you want me to do that?"

            She looks uncomfortable, but I can tell that she wants to be nice to me. She reminds me of Ami, only that she looks stronger and more determined. "Ash told me about you — I convinced him to, more like. He told me everything that happened to you...and him."

            I nod for her to continue.

            "Clarence, he's devastated and worn out. I think he cares for your safety as much as Jed. You two need to talk and sort everything out."

            "No," I say, "He goes on with his life and I do with mine. We don't need to talk. I'm over it...I'm over him." Though, I sound like I'm convincing myself than telling Jennifer this.

            "I don't want to be awkward between all of us." Jennifer states, "I don't want to be the reason that you're separated from your friends. Ami and I talked about it, too. You need to go back to them. Jed's still your cousin and Ami's still your best friend. I'm not taking them away from you."

            "I'll think about it." I say softly.

            Jennifer puts a hand on my shoulder, "I'm going to be honest with you. When I first saw you, thought to myself that I'm probably nothing compared to you. You did a lot of things...you're the daughter of Artemis! And I couldn't think why Ash would pick me over you."