Black Rose

8.

I was up all night doing research, trying to figure out if what Alice said was true. I was born on the night of a full moon, in February, a winter month. I knew Rayne was born in September, an autumn month. Water is the season of autumn. And if I had to guess, Keahi was born sometime in the summer, and Tula sometime in the spring.

Website after website I went through, trying to find any and everything about the four elements that I could. There was such extensive literature on them from biology to astrology to witchcraft. How was I supposed to know what was true and what wasn't?

Though unsettling as it is that Alice has access to my mind, I was glad it happened. I got answers to questions that had been burning in the back of my mind for days. Of course, those answers only opened up a slew of new questions. I needed help. I needed Hannah's help. She's an expert researcher. But I can't tell her what happened. I can't tell anyone. I can only imagine how'd they react if they knew Alice could communicate with me in this manner. I was tired of lying, but I needed to get more out of Alice for as long as I could.

According to what I found, Earth is the element of the North. Fire, the element of the South. Wind is East, and water is West. Each element has their own representation. For mine, fertility and stability among many other things. Earth is the basis and foundation of all elements. It symbolizes wisdom, knowledge, strength, growth, and prosperity. Fire represents strength and energy. It can both create and destroy, as well as heal and warm. Wind is connected to the soul and breath of life, spirits, and the mind. It symbolizes wisdom, or the powers of the mind. And water, representing healing, cleansing, and purification. Passion and emotion.

When I think about the four of us, I can easily see how the others fit their elements. Keahi is strong-willed and energetic. Tula is a free spirit, who flows as she goes. Rayne is the most passionate person I know. Caring and selfless. But for me...I don't see it. I am nowhere near stable, and at times—especially lately—I question my own intelligence. I guess I really can't seem to fit in anywhere.

I didn't wake up until almost noon. I stretched out my arms and legs. Badge's silk sheets felt amazing. No wonder I pass out easily here. I stumbled out of bed and found my way into the bathroom. I washed myself up at the sink, and fought through my hair. No matter the length of it, it's still a fight to comb through.

After a losing battle with my hair, I sauntered into the kitchen. Tula, Rayne, and Keahi were all seated at the table, eating away at some sandwiches.

"She's awake," Keahi teased, pulling out a chair next to him for me to sit in. "Nice hair." I didn't know if he was teasing me because of the rat's nest on top of my head, or the new hair color I was sporting—well, new color to him anyway.

"You hungry?" Rayne asked. I shook my head. "You should eat. You haven't been eatin' much."

"I'm not hungry."

"What happened to your hand?" Keahi asked, reaching for my bandaged hand that Alice cut me with. I pulled it away and hid it in my lap.

"Nothing. I cut myself by accident." I cleared my throat. "Where is everyone?"

"Well, it's Friday. Everyone's at school," Rayne answered.

"What about Scar, and Ace, and Moose?"

"They went into town to run some errands," Tula said with a mouth full of food.

"They'll be back in a little while," Rayne informed me. She pushed her plate toward me that had half of a peanut butter sandwich. "Eat," She ordered.

I slid the plate closer to me, but didn't touch the sandwich. "I was doing some research last night," I began. "About us." They all eyed me curiously. "Haven't you guys ever wondered why we are the way we are?"