ENDLESS

S6 Chapter 13

NOVEMBER

Snake hadn't been able to drop by the Water Kingdom much since September. Work has been busy, especially with the fall of one of their biggest investors.

Killian Callahan. The same man that wanted to use him for his sweet revenge.

The public doesn't know all of his misdeeds, and it would stay that way. Maxwell wouldn't risk the true nature of this business being discovered. He's been brought in for investigation, but he's making sure to leave them dry.

It's made his colleagues quicker on their feet and more aware of everything. They couldn't let their guard down until this all blows over.

Buit Snake wasn't worried that much. This wasn't the first time they've been under scrutiny, and it certainly wouldn't be the last.

''The decisions are coming out next month, but I'm not sure what day. Probably before or after winter break.'' Scarlett informed, drinking a glass of water.

Snake had sit on this specific spot on this sofa every time he came that it may as well be claimed as his. ''Are you excited?''

''Yeah.. but I'm more so nervous.'' She set down the glass with a sigh. ''What if I don't get accepted anywhere?''

''Aren't you like.. top three in your class?'' 

''That could change with finals!'' Scarlett exclaimed anxiously.

He chuckled lightly. ''I think you're worrying too much. You'll be fine. Don't stress yourself out, you've already done the hard work.''

''I'll try...'' She trailed off, hoping that she'd be able to stave off at least some of the strain. ''Your birthday is next month too, I can look forward to that.''

''Why? It's not anything special.''

''It is a special day. It's the day you were born, of course it's special.'' Scarlett assured, glancing to him. ''You don't celebrate it?''

''I don't tend to, no.'' Snake shrugged. ''Never had many good memories with it.''

''Because of...'' She stopped herself, wondering if it was appropriate to call Blaire his mom. Maybe it was a biological fact, but she had never been a parent. She was only cruel and vile, allowing the most horrific things and inflicting pain.

Fortunately, he seemed to pick up on what she meant without having to voice it. ''Yes. It just reminds me of her.''

''Oh....'' Scarlett went silent, trying to figure out what to say. She didn't want to push it if that's how he felt, but she also wanted him to know that this is a day for him. It's unique and worth celebrating.

''You know...'' She began, finally grasping onto a somewhat solid train of thought. ''For a while, I hated my birthday. Everyone around me kept telling me the same thing I'm telling you, really. And I didn't see how.. they would tell me it's proof that I'm alive, a miracle. But to me, it was just a reminder that I'm here and.. my mom isn't.''

Snake listened closely, staying silent.

''How could that be a good thing? To be here, growing older, while my mom doesn't get that chance.. it wasn't fair.'' Scarlett looked up to him again. ''I remembered her so much that it was stopping me from.. living. Does that make sense? She's not here anymore, as painful as that is, and I still want her back every day. But if I kept drowning in that, then I wouldn't be able to see that I deserve to celebrate myself. My loved ones.. they're grateful I'm here. And I am too.''