ENDLESS

S7 Chapter 9

A YEAR AND SEVEN MONTHS LATER.

In the month of October, the children were finally starting to get used to their new classes. Jace is now in the eighth grade, completing his last year before high school. Dagger and Phoenix are right behind in the seventh grade, with Forest now in the sixth.

Fleur, Jess, and Austin were eager to join them, hoping that their last year of elementary school would go by fast enough.

As for Violet, she still had some time to catch up to them. She started the fourth grade this academic year. But she didn't feel in a hurry like the others.

In fact, she hoped that things would stay the way they are, so that her dear friend Avin wouldn't face more disappointment.

Despite her attempts at reassurance, Avin's worst fears came to fruition. Jace's visits gradually declined until he stopped altogether. He's completely occupied himself with school and kingdom responsibilities. It didn't stop with him, either. Dagger and Phoenix stopped coming as well, and Forest seemed to be following the same pattern. 

He hasn't stopped showing up completely, especially since his younger sister is so adamant about hanging out with their ghost friend, but he definitely doesn't go as often as he used to.

The only ones who were still frequent with their visits were Jess, Austin and Fleur, but Avin feared that soon they would disappear too. He didn't want to think Violet would do the same.

She didn't want to let him believe it. Even if she can't stop growing up, that doesn't mean she will forget about her best friend.

All the friends in the world, from foreign and far out of reach places couldn't compare to the special bond she made with Avin.

If she had to stay with him forever so that he wouldn't feel lonely, she would.

It hurt her badly that he thought she'll leave him too.

''I just don't get it,'' Avin recalled to her one summer night. She could still remember how pained his flowy voice sounded, his black human eyes glinting sadly. ''Why don't they want to see me anymore?''

Violet's throat tightened in guilt. ''I don't know. They said they don't have time for it.''

They said that, yes. But Jace and the twins also said that Avin is just a ghost confined to the forest.

She didn't get what they meant. Does that mean they don't think he's worth being friends with anymore?

She wanted to inquire further, to push and convince them to go visit, but it was always met with resistance.

You'll understand one day, Violet. Jace's voice echoed.

It's something you'll get when you're older. Your imagination is vivid right now. Phoenix said.

I read that our brains make up things a lot. Things that aren't real. Dagger told her.

They speak in riddles, and it frustrates her. What is it about growing up that is making them pull away?

She hoped that Fleur, Jess and Austin wouldn't do the same.

''Oh,'' Avin whispered in a hurt tone. Violet remembered seeing his eyes glisten. ''I see. Will you always have time for me?''