The Division

46

I was on the roof, deep in thought with Darcy by my side. The breeze was much but gentle, providing a comfortable atmosphere for my thoughts. The sounds of nature and the birds going to sleep were like instruments for my own theme song. I closed my eyes and took in a deep breath, snapped out of my thoughts when I heard the door to the roof open.

"Sorry I'm late." Apologized Michelle, her short blonde hair was blown into her face by the wind. She narrowed her eyes and brushed it away. "What's up?" A smile made it's way to her face, "We need to be quick. My brother's waiting for me in the car."

I returned her smile and picked up my bag from the floor, "Darcy and I were starting to think you stood me up." I said putting on a playful smirk and walking over to her. She tilted her head, confused.

"Who?"

"Uh, nevermind." I shook my head, "There's no time."

I dug into my pocket, pulled out a piece of paper and, handed it over to Michelle. "I need you to give this to Tristan tomorrow when he's alone. Okay?"

Michelle frowned staring at the folded piece of paper in confusion, "That's it?" She opened it and read what was written inside, "I'm sorry. Let's settle this. Meet me at the bridge, 8:00pm sharp. Come with the book, come alone. Jay." She looked up at me, "What's going on here? Did Jay write this?"

I shook my head, "No. I did. I copied his handwriting." I brought out a book from my bag, "Please  give this to Jay on your way out. I borrowed it from him earlier."

"O-kay." Michelle nodded and took the book. "But what's the plan? I'm still a little confused."

"Instead of Jay, I'll be the one waiting at the bridge." I explained.

"Do you really think he's going to come?" Michelle inquired.

"Oh he will." I nodded, "Read what's written at the back." 

"And if you don't come, I'll tell everybody what you did." Michelle read with furrowed eyebrows. A small quiet gasp escaped her lips. "What did he do!?"

I shrugged, "I don't know but it's likely Jay knows one of Tristan's secrets."

"Smart." Michelle smirked, "But then, if you go, what are you going to do?" She asked

I frowned, all the possibilities rushing through my mind at an incredible speed. Avien's words echoed like a broken school bell. How could I tell Michelle there's a chance I might have to kill him?

Not that I'm going to...If he hands the book over without any issue but if he doesn't..

I don't even want to think about it..

My heart raced but, I tried to stay calm. I zipped up my bag and placed it on the ground, rubbing my sweaty hands on my pants. I took a shaky breath, "I'll have a nice chat with Tristan and take the book." I lied.

Michelle narrowed her blue eyes at me, obviously skeptical. Still, I tried to control my emotions. "I don't really believe you but, I'll take your word for it." She headed for the door, "See you tomorrow." Michelle waved before leaving.

I paused and took in a deep breath, closing my eyes and just letting the wind calm me.

"So, you lied to your friend?" Darcy spoke once Michelle was out of sight. I jumped and turned around to face her startled by the sudden comment. Her words cut through the air like a knife, making me tense up.

"I didn't lie..Just told a half-truth." I pointed out. Darcy shook her head at me, looking down at the ground. She approached me. The wind having no effect on her long dark hair. Her hands were shoved in the pockets of her black hoody.

"You're scared, right?" She asked, concern written on her ghostly features.

"Terrified." I  responded, tears brimming in my eyes, "I still feel so much guilt from Thomas, Ms. Marge, Principal. Easton and, and Avien... Those weren't even my fault! How can I kill someone Darcy!? How!"

She sighed. I knew she wanted to reach out and comfort me but, couldn't. "You shouldn't have to do this..Not at all. This isn't something you should even be thinking about but...that's just the worst case scenario, right?"

I took a deep breath in, "I-I know but still-"

"It'll be okay Gwen." Darcy tried to comfort me. She glanced at the dark sky, her eyes landing on the faint moon in the distance. From what I could make out, it was going to be a full moon that night . I didn't care then though. I was too worried to appreciate mother nature's efforts at that moment. "Go home now. It's getting late. Sleep on it. Have a dream. Maybe you'll see Avien."

I took Darcy's advice and did see Avien.

"Are you sure?" I asked for the eleventh time, pacing around the room we were in. It was a small arcade that looked oddly familiar but, I just couldn't properly remember it. "Like positive? There has to be something we can do, I mean..Isn't there some sort of way to save Tristan?"

"Gwen, I know it sounds crazy but that's what you have to do...If your plan doesn't work out." He said calmly, adding the last part as an afterthought. How could he be so normal about this!?

Oh yeah...

"So you're saying there is no way to release Tristan from a Deamon's hold like at all!?" I was still pacing, biting my nails in order to calm myself even though I couldn't hurt myself.

Avien sighed, "For the hundredth time, no."

I nodded. Why am I thinking about this so much? It's not like anything will happen that day, right?

Right?

The next day, I watched from afar as Michelle gave Tristan the letter. He was watching the soccer game being played on the basketball court when she passed him the note.

"Jay said to give you this." She whispered, tapping his shoulder. Tristan glanced up at her, raising an eyebrow.

"Don't worry. I didn't open it. Don't talk to him about it or ask him during lessons, understand?"

Tristan nodded slowly, still processing the information he had just received like the slow computers at school. Michelle skipped away, leaving him alone with the note.

He opened it and his eyes glanced across the paper. Any indication of emotion on his features were absent. He crumpled up the paper and tossed it into the nearest bin.

"Did you see!?" Ares lazily ran up to him, wiping some sweat from his nose. He ran a hand through his dark brown hair, "I scored twice in a row."

Tristan waved him off, obviously not impressed.

Scowling, Ares grabbed a bottle, chugged some water down and slapped Tristan's head. "What's wrong with you? You've been a douche. All moody and stuff. What's going on with you?"

"Get lost."

Ares rolled his eyes and, kicked his foot. Tristan didn't even react. "Meet us at the park later when you feel like acting normal." The brunette glared before throwing his bottle at Tristan and running off.

The grey eyed boy then got up, brushed himself off and started walking in my direction. I ran away, not wanting him to see me.