𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗜𝗥𝗖𝗟𝗘 𝗢𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘 ━━ 𝑃𝐸𝑇𝐸𝑅 𝑃𝐴𝑅𝐾𝐸𝑅

two. Two souls, one night

ANTE BELLUM: II 
RAMSEY BIANCHI

THE CHINESE LANTERN FESTIVAL, FOR MANY THIS MIGHT BE ONE OF THE UNIQUE EXPERIENCES DUE TO THE BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY OF SCULPTURES. But I was the worst-case scenario or the black sheep, as my family like to call me. Aunt Ivana gripped my arm as she dragged me into the festival followed by my cousins and Gwen's family, despite the fact I'm turning eighteen I still can't help but feel the missing piece in my heart. Sometimes I believe I'll never overcome this sadness and get rid of this void feeling that seems to stick around all the month of April.

I felt my Aunt gently shake my arm which I look at her, she offered me a smile. "I know this isn't easy, but I just wanted to know that you're a brave girl, Ramsey. Putting up a smile and making an effort to celebrate means you're slowly moving forward, although getting you out of your room was the biggest accomplishment of this year." I laugh openly at her choice of words, the laugh though, it felt different; dare I say, genuine.

Maybe going out wasn't a bad idea after all.

My hazel eyes traced the beautifully sculpted Chinese lanterns, I was currently walking down a tunnel, the pink flower lanterns reflected on my skin as I reached over and gently touch them. A gentle smile rested on my lips as I stare in pure amazement, I let out a soft giggle as I spun around before blindly bumping into someone.

Uff!

The sound left my lips as I hurriedly placed my hands on the person's arms, the person mimicking my actions as we both steady ourselves. My hazel eyes gaze up toward the person, taking in the familiar face of the one dorky nerd from Midtown High School. Peter stares back at me through crooked glasses, causing me to let out a hearty laugh as I reach over to fix them.

"Oh my gosh, are you okay?" I ask while trying to stop laughing at the dumb encounter, I remove my hands away from his face once the glasses were properly fixed.

Peter cleared his throat before scratching the back of his neck, "Yeah, yeah, totally. I mean, are you okay?" Peter ramble, causing me to wave a hand in dismissal.

"I'm fine. I mean, define  fine 'cause whose fine nowadays." I let out a nervous rant as I twirl a strand of my long wavy hair, I grimace as I register the words I said. "That was a stupid thing to say, ignore that."

Peter chuckle cutely, his mouth stretching into a wide smile as he pushes the brim of his glasses up. "I get what you mean. So, how's your night going so far?"

I shrugged carelessly. "Eh, it's fine, I guess."

Peter raised an eyebrow, "What, the Great Ramsey Bianchi is unimpressed by these delightful Chinese lanterns?" I rolled my eyes playfully, "You're killing me, Ramsey."