Shadow Beings

13. The Lost Friend

I, Galen, Evelyn and Ava stood in the place we were teleported to, waiting for Jack. Evelyn and I stood facing Ava and Galen, maintaining a silence fitting for the serenity of the land. I hadn't spent much time but everything here already felt so comforting and calm, yet every moment that passed was like nothing else I had ever felt.

As I thought about Holly my aura was like a thousand fireflies, my excitement trying to move out of control and I somehow stopped them all inside. Within a few minutes I felt that familiar presence behind me, now being more joyful, joined by a fairness that I had felt before.

So familiar, yet not the same at all.

Ava's eyes widened, a distant longing in her eyes as she lost awareness of her body. A flicker of surprise appeared on Galen's expression, a smile immediately following it.

"What?" Evelyn asked with a frown. Galen's eyes softly darted towards the two behind us and Evelyn and I turned together.

"That's Holly," Galen whispered to Evelyn, and she nodded. Perhaps she realised it already by the way Jack and Holly were comfortable in each other's silence, a glow of friendship surrounding them.

Silence was a beautiful mystery.

Holly wore a wary expression as her eyes met Ava's, immense guilt engulfing her eyes while her movements slowed. Jack held Holly's hand in a firm yet delicate manner and Holly gave a small smile, perhaps happy to know he was there.

He was always there.

Ava stood absolutely still. I held Ava's hands gently, pulling her forward with me. Her eyes were glazed and her aura's energy dropped considerably, unable to decipher her emotions; she'd be lost even if chaos reigned over her. As we came to a stop in front of Holly, the shy girl unable to lift her gaze from the ground, Ava's hand reached forward. 

She softly caressed her sister's cheek, the younger girl now absolutely still, afraid to face the older one's reactions. 

So fragile, but not really. Holly stood absolutely still. Firm, staying. She wasn't a fragile little girl anymore, she never really was.

Ava pulled Holly close to her, resting her neck on the latter's shoulders to show she didn't intend to let her go anytime soon. Holly's aura melted, pure relief washing over her mind as she relaxed in her sister's hold, closing her eyes.

"It's so good to see you, Holly," Ava said softly and Holly nodded slowly, slow tears rolling down her cheek. When Holly opened her eyes we were all huddled around them, letting them have their moment while making sure she knew that we were there. Galen and I grinned at our friend and she returned a grateful smile, while weirdo Evelyn looked far too excited to meet Holly.

Evelyn jumped at her opportunity immediately after the sisters broke apart. "Hello Holly, I'm Evelyn! I trouble these two and the rest of us in our group!" Evelyn said in a particularly loud tone, prompting me to cross my arms while Galen shook his head. Holly eased immediately despite her flustered expression on display, piles of information still looming over her. While her aura was still mellow, perhaps more comfortable with us, the tension only grew. 

Hm, I thought.

"Hello," Holly replied shyly. I pushed Evelyn aside gently, giving Holly a pat on her head.

"Don't overwhelm her, Evelyn. And ahh kiddo, it's great to see you. Great beyond words." I said softly and Holly wore a deep smile, giving quick and short nods enthusiastically.

"It's great to see you too. And you!" Holly said to Galen, and the Shadow nodded with a smile.

Holly took a deep breath, looking towards Ava. The older one gave her sister a comforting nod and Holly began speaking in a soft voice.