Sharp Tools

Chapter 4: Goodbyes

Clove's POV:

I slowly follow my family to say my goodbyes. We're the first in line because we're related. For some reason, a bunch of girls are standing in line behind us. I don't know why. I recognize two girls a few people down. Why are they here? I realize that they are the same girls from the store.

"Alright Clove, as an early birthday present and for the Reaping, Mom said I could buy you anything you want." Dallas start. "But only one thing. Okay?"

"Yup!" It was just me and him. The twins were with our parents and it was his one day off. 

"So, what store are we going for?"

I pointed at one across the street. That one!" 

We enter the shop and a man immediately greets us. "Hey Dallas, how you doing?"

"Well enough. This is my little sister Clove."

I wave. "Hi!"

The man chuckles. "Hey Clove. Feel free to look around the store and let me know if you need any help. Okay?"

"Okay!" I skip off further into the store leaving my brother behind.

"Clove, I'll be there in a sec! Let me catch up with Cal first." Dallas calls.

I give him a nod and head to the dress section. Looking around, I spot two teenage girls. I hear them whispering, but once I approach, they immediately stop and stare. "Um, do you mind?" one of the asks. 

"Sorry? Hi I'm Clove!" 

The girl with brown hair whispers to her friend. "Look at this little girl. Such a loser. Can she not mind her own business. I mean, who does she think she is, interrupting our gossip sesh."

Hearing her words, my lips frown and I look at the ground.

"We should just ignore her. Then maybe she'll leave us alone," the blond whispers back, giving me a weird look.

"It's okay. I can just go." I say sadly.

"Wait, you could hear us?" the brunette asks.

"Yeah," I respond. 

"Um what are you doing eavesdropping, you punk? Are you asking for trouble?"

"No, sorry. I'll just go." I turn around and head to the front of the store, feeling the heat of my embarrassment on my cheeks.

"Good riddance." I hear behind me.

I see Dallas chatting with his friend, Cal, but when I approach him, the smile on his face immediately evaporates. Passing a mirror, I spot my frowny face and tears threatening to escape onto my cheeks.

Suddenly, I see Dallas kneeling in front of me. "Hey Clover, what's wrong?"

"Nothing. Let's just go home. I don't want anything anymore."

I try to walk out of the store, but Dallas grabs my arm and pulls me back. "Did something happen? Are you hurt?"

"No, it's just..." I trail off.

"What?"

"Nevermind."  I mumble.

"What," he asks again.

"Clove, we're not leaving until you tell me what happened." Dallas stands up tall and straight with his arms crossing his chest.

"No, Dally stop. That's not fair!" I stamp my foot down.

"Ooh, the midget is having a meltdown!" A female voice interrupts.

Instantly, Dallas's posture changes as he turns around to meet the same girls from before.

"Excuse me? What did you just say?" He asks.

The blond approaches him. "Is she bothering you?" She gestures to me. "Because if she is, I can gladly get rid of her for you. I'm Hana by the way." Hana batts her eyes and touches his arm slightly, but he recoils.

"Are you serious?" Dallas asks in disgust.

Then the brunette steps up. "Strong guy like you, with beautiful blue eyes. Do you have a girlfriend?"

"No, but if you think-" he starts.

"-Great! You wanna get away from this piece of trash and have lunch with us?"

At her words, Dallas rips away from their grip and stands next to me. "So that's why she was upset."

"What?" the brunette asks.

"My sister." Dally states pointedly.

I see their eyes widen and turn my face away, attempting to hide my growing smirk.

"Wait, your sister?" Hana starts. "We didn't know..."

"Of course you didn't." Dallas cuts her off. "And no, I would not like to have lunch with you two. Especially because of how you treat others. Now if you will excuse us, I have a sister to spoil."

"Hold on-" the brunette tries to follow us.

"Save it." Dallas snaps. Instantly, my eyes widen in shock. I've never heard him speak that way to anyone before. 

I tug his sleeve. "Let's just go."

"No." I see determination in his steely blue eyes and know there's no changing his mind.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the girls leave the store and walk away, but not without giving Dallas a last glance of desperation and regret.

"Is that why you wanted to leave?" he asks.

I shrug.

"Clove," he reprimands.

"Maybe," I mutter. "Why were they all nice to you but not to me?"

He sighs. "Clover, that's something you might not understand until you're older, but just know that I will always have your back. Always."

I give him a hug. "Thanks Dally."

He returns my embrace. "You got it, sis. Now let's get you that dress." 

In that moment, I could only smile.

Giving the girls a questioning glance, they quickly look away and stare at the sky. I rolls my eyes and turn toward the front. Whatever.

"You okay Clove?" Mom asks.

"I'm okay." I whisper, looking away.

"Clove look at me." I stare into her blue eyes. "Just know that whatever happens, I am always going to be there for you. We all are. We're a family."

I nod and look straight ahead. "Where's Aunt E?"

"She's a mentor this year, remember?"

This catches my attention. "Really? So she'll be able to save Dally?"

Mom gives me a sad smile. "Maybe, but it's up to him."

"NEXT!" a Peacekeeper yells.

Slowly but surely, I follow my family into the room where I might see my brother for the last time.