⨈𝖎𝖑𝖉 ₲𝖎𝖗𝖑𝖘

Chapter Five

 Ilise led Harper back into the school, texting Lea as she walked. The girls met up by a water fountain at the far side of the school, away from the noise and crowd of the gym.

"Harper!" Lea cried as she threw herself at her friend, almost knocking her over with her embrace. "Don't EVER scare us like that again! If anything-" A tear ran down Lea's cheek.

Harper was stunned. "Did you get the note?"

"Yeah, we both did." Ilise joined the hug.

"B-but you believe me? You don't hate me?"

"We believe you," Ilise whispered.

"I swear I'm going to kill your mother!" Lea said, angry flames flickering in her eyes.

"A-and the other t-thing? I-I understand i-if you d-dont-'' Ilise interrupted Harper, who was shaking with fear.

How did Ilise interrupt Harper? Glad you asked.

Ilise was never known for being impulsive, so what she did was well thought out before she acted. Still, though Ilise was known for choosing the safest, most reliable path, her actions took everyone by surprise.

Illise covered Harper's mouth with her own. Her kiss was soft and slow, like a cool breeze. It eliminated her fears, made her forget about her mother, erased the fears and whispers. It was over quickly, but it also felt like it lasted forever. Her eyes snapped shut, and when Ilise pulled away, the look in her eyes made Harper's heart flutter.

Ilise moved away from Harper and Lea stepped forward. Lea gently pushed her against the wall, and her hands found places to rest on Harper's waist. Lea leaned forward, her face hovering just in front of Harpers, and whispered, "Are you okay with one more?"

"Yes," Harper whispered, her heart pounding.

Lea closed the gap between them, keeping the other girl firmly pinned against the wall. Her kiss was the exact opposite of Ilise's. Hers was fast, as if she had been waiting all her life for this moment. Fireworks exploded in Harper's chest. She allowed herself to get lost in the moment, allowed herself to forget everything that had happened to her. The bruises stopped throbbing. The idea of suicide, of pain, of anything except this moment, vanished. Lea pulled away, her gaze lingering on Harper's lips. Then she moved back.

"We love you, got it?" Lea said.

"With all of our hearts," Ilise added, lacing her fingers through their hands, right hand in Leas, left in Harpers.

"Really? You don't think that it would be weird for all of us to be in a relationship?" Harper asked.

"Nope, and even if other people think that, it doesn't matter. Those people can go fuck themself," Lea said.

Harper smiled, a light blush dusting her cheeks, still there from the kisses.

"So, should we ditch this place or what?" Lea said. Illise and Harper smiled.

"Let's go!" Illise said.

So the three girls ran out the door, smiles plastered on their faces. As they rode their bikes away from the school, wind whipping their hair around, excited to arrive, they all were finally free.

As they left the town and neared the woods, the sun broke through the clouds, allowing it to gently warm the girls with its soft June light. The golden rolling hills, grass waist high, beckoned them. So, the girls decided to take a quick break.

Harper took off running up the hill, Illise and Lea trailing behind her. Laughing, all of the girls collapsed at the top, laying next to each other in the grass. The tall, golden stalks waved in the breeze, framing the view of the brilliant blue sky. A few fluffy white clouds dotted the ceiling of the world, drifting lazily through the air. The sun warmed the girls, and the breeze helped to cool them off when they started to overheat. The air smelled like soil and carried the faint scent of pine and vanilla, probably carried over from the nearby woods. Bird songs floated through the air; quail ran around at the bottom of the hill; a wild turkey gobbled in the distance; a hummingbird zipped by Illise's ear; nine crows flew overhead; it was perfect.

"Why is everything so beautiful all of the sudden? Like, this was a crappy day, but now everything is perfect," Harper said.

"It's because you're happy," Ilise said. Harper blushed.

"We should probably go to the lake before it gets too dark," Lea said.

"Yeah," Harper agreed.

~time skip brought to you by a fluffy trans boi~

About ten minutes later, they reached the woods. Harper was the first to the lake, and she had to wait a few minutes until Lea and Ilise appeared, panting and sweaty.

"How about a swim?" Harper said once they arrived.

"Easy *pant* for you *huff* to say!" Ilise said as she gasped for air.

"A swim will help us cool down," Lea countered. Lea isn't very fast, though she recovers her energy quickly.

"Come on then!" Harper said, stripping her shirt off.

Ilise's face flushed a little when she looked at Harper and Lea. Why am I only like this now? I've seen them like this before, but why am I flustered all of the sudden?

When Harper turned around to wade into the river, Lea felt as if a writhing ball of snakes had nested in her chest, anger and concern battling each other for control. Ilise saw it too.

When Harper had turned, the girls caught sight of the horrid map of bruises and cuts that carpeted the cedar-eyed girls back.

"Are you okay?" Lea asked, laying a hand on Harper's shoulder. Concern and worry shone in her eyes, though there was anger simmering beneath the surface. Anger at Harper's mom, who doesn't deserve to live, let alone be called a mother. Anger anyone would dare to hurt Harper. Anger at society for telling people in Harper's situation that no one would belive the truth. Anger at the world for letting this stuff happen. Pain, diesease, death, destruction.

Harper winced at Lea's touch, but nodded. "Yeah, I'm fine. Used to the pain."

The answer just fueled Lea's anger, anger that this happens often enough for Harper to be used to the pain. But Ilise, who had been watching the whole thing go down, lay a hand on her shoulder, looked her in the eyes, and gave the slight shake of her head. No. Maybe later, but not now. Wait.

Turning back to Harper, Lea said, "Okay, if you're sure. But you can always talk to me if, for some reason, you need help hiding a dead body. Or just in general. Or if you need a hit man. And if you need help, come to me and Ilise, okay? We're here for you." Ilise nodded.

"Yeah, I'll keep that in mind," Harper replied.

The three girls waded into the lake, and began their swim across the lake.

The water was perfect, not so cold that it froze them, but not so warm that it was uncomfortable in the summer heat. The perfect June day.

"Hey, since we all, you know, together now, we should go to a pride event. I have an older sister who might be willing to drive us out to Tacoma or something," Ilise said.

"Wait, you have an older sister?" Lea said.

"I didn't tell you guys? She lives just a few minutes away from here with her wife."

"Really?" Harper asked. "That would be awesome! Road trip across the mountains, all the way to the sound! No seeing my mom for at least a few days? It sounds perfect!"

"Yeah, if neither of you're parents expect you home soon, then we could go over there to ask after we're finished."

"Sounds good! Wow, this'll be awesome. Our first pride event!"

Suddenly, there was a splashing sound behind them, followed by a yell from Harper. The girls whipped around just in time to see the blue haired girl's head disappear under the water, leaving behind only some bubbles.