Reaper ~ THG AU

Ch. 4: Mentors and Goodbyes

I'm shut into a room, my emotions still running wild as I stare at the window. My breathing is heavy, my palms sweaty at my sides. My mother's yellow dress feels too tight and the room feels far too small.

The door opens, revealing a tear stained Briar. She immediately pulls me into a hug, more tears falling as I sob.

"I'm so sorry...I should have volunteered."

"No. Do not blame yourself. You need to be here for Sloan and Aurelia. Please. I need you to be here for them. Atlas won't survive if he's left alone too long. He'll be too closed off like when our parents-"

"I will, Z...don't worry. You can do this, okay? Your smart and fast. I believe in you."

"Thank you, B..."

I pull her into another hug before the door opens. She gives me one last look before following the peacekeepers outside. The door opens almost immediately, two little girls rushing in. Aurelia hugs me first, gripping my middle hard. Her tears leave wet spots on my yellow dress, making my own tears start to flow.

"Buttercup..."

I bend down, pushing her back just enough to see her beautiful face stained with tears. Sniffing away my own tears, I offer a small smile before wiping away hers. Sloan watches us with streaks running down her cheeks, her hands fiddling with the ends of her golden locks.

"Listen to me..." I look back towards my baby sister, my hands refusing to leave her cheek and hand. "I love you so..so much. Don't ever forget that, okay?"

She nods, more tears flowing. I know I don't have enough time to say everything that I want to, so instead I settle for a quick kiss on her forehead. I brush her beautiful curls back, pushing away my own tears before turning to Sloan.

"Come here..."

She rushes forward, a deep sob leaving her small frame. My eyes close as her head immediately hits my shoulder, her hair falling into my face. All I can smell is lavender and honeysuckle, the smell of Briar's homemade soaps. She sells them for extra money or food when she can.

"I'm sorry...I'm so-sorry..."

"No. Don't be, Goldie...I would do it all again in a heartbeat..."

I pull away, brushing her hair back with a smile. I kiss her head as well before grabbing both of their hands into my own. Their free hands grip each other, tears once again forming in their beautiful eyes.

"Listen to me...both of you..." I sniff away my own tears, glancing towards the clock on the wall. "We don't have that much time left...listen to Briar and Atlas. Sloan, don't put your name in more than you absolutely have too...Miss Able usually has extra food from her garden and she's willing to share for a price. It's usually just a little bit of chores around her house."

I sigh, reaching up to brush a strand of Sloan's hair back before resting my other hand on Aurelia's cheek. I love them both too much for this...

"Did you both already see Acacius?"

They nod, making me smile. Of course Atlas would make them go first...

"Okay...I love you both..." I offer a small smile, a single tear rolling down my left cheek. "Can I get a smile? Please?"

They both force a smile for me, making my own real. At least I will have this to think about when I'm in there...

The door opens, a peacekeeper walking in with purpose. He stands tall as his partner holds open the door. I gulp, quickly kiss both of their heads before standing fully. Aurelia clings to me as Sloan freezes up.