Truth Chasers

(18) The Calm Before the Storm

Wednesday 29th August, 2040.
Mansion- Section 1, Quarter 1.
7:30am.
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That morning as I prepare for school, I go downstairs to the kitchen where Fiona is clearing up the dishes after making breakfast. Lukah's words from yesterday poke my mind. I can't stop thinking about Quarter 4 and hunger and how I need to help in some way.

"Fiona is it okay if I get two packed lunches?" I ask eyeing the chia pudding and cheese muffins she's made. She looks a little shocked at my request but she doesn't hesitate as she packs the muffins then the pudding into small cups and hands it to me in a brown bag with a comforting smile.

With my bags packed, I head to school and wait patiently throughout my classes for lunch break. When the bell finally goes off for lunch, I get to my feet and pack my things while the rest of the class empties out. I shrug on my backpack, making my way to the door excitedly. The thought of being with Lukah again puts me weirdly on edge... but in a good way. I am excited to talk to him again. My heart thrums away in my chest, my palms are awfully sweaty and—

"Saylor Cohen." I look up at Winter Greene and all the blood drains from my face. My excitement evaporates within seconds. She's standing guard by the doorway to the classroom, keeping me from exiting. I hate that my hands start trembling, but they do. My hands are shaking and I grip my bag straps tighter to hide their movement. Memories of Monday surge through my memory at full speed.

'You really are a freak aren't you?'

"What do you want now?" I say forcing myself to maintain eye contact with her. Forcing myself to be okay. Pretend Saylor. Pretend you have the power. Pretend you are fearless.

"You're still going to act sassy?" She sneers.

This is going to be a pointless conversation. I try to shove past her but she places her hands possessively on my shoulders, keeping me in place. I tense and blink up at her as her fingers dig into my shoulders.

"Let. Go. Of. Me." I grind out through my clenched teeth.

"Winter!" Her head swivels around to where Lukah stands glaring at her from outside the classroom. "Haven't you done enough already? Seriously?"

Her grip loosens and I take the opportunity to shove her hands away and walk past her get to Lukah. My whole body relaxes just by being close to him. Lukah loops an arm around my shoulders, holding me close to him. A wave of shyness hits me all of a sudden and my eyes fall to my feet.

"You two? Really?" There is clear bewilderment in her tone. She scoffs. "I wanted to apologize to Saylor." I slowly bring my eyes to look at her, clear shock written all over my features. She's still looking at Lukah not at me. As if looking at me is too painful or too dreadful for her. I glance sideways at Lukah but he's glaring at her with a level of rage I didn't know he could possess.

"Okay, then. Apologize." He instructs with a firm tone. Winter drags her light blue eyes to me and she's silent for several seconds. "Well?" he urges her impatiently.

"S-sorry," She forces out as if uttering those words just took ten years off her life span. "About Monday." She completes her forced apology with a scowl. "But just so you know, it was your fault for stealing Tay's car and never admitting to doing it."

I just blink at her without knowing how to respond. I have never been a huge fan of apologies. I don't believe just by simply saying 'sorry' your actions are erased. The damage has already been done. I don't believe there is a remedy for what happened. There is no remedy for the way she made me feel. There is no remedy to my hurt and pain and anguish. No one can magically unsee my scars.