J.ade, A.ir D.efying E.lementalist

IV:Sweet Contentment

Chapter 4 - Sweet Contentment

“Please, Leo. They are gifted too. Fire and Water, they also have perfect cooperation,” I tell Leo, my father. I apologized to him. Only him, because compared to Queer, Leo is far more parent-material. And his tough demeanor vanishes when Queer is not there.

It is the second day of party and I am on a simple but short yellow dress and white doll shoes. I even let the stylist apply very light make-up on me. Tips of my hair is braided and met at the back of my head. The remaining locks find their way on my back. I noticed how I just cut my hair a good 4 inches but it grows back 3 inches in just a month. I also agreed to wear jewelry; earrings, but made sure it is not dangling, and a bracelet.

All just to please my father so he will agree.

“I told you, Jade. It is even hard for us to join you in. But, your friends can always come and train. Though they have to keep in mind that they are different from you. These thirty-three gifted Felirans are meticulously chosen, we cannot just add your friends on the list just because you want to,” Leo explains, his face from the angry leader last night to a parent who actually understands. 

I decide I should just get to my main argument since all the other alternatives proved worthless. 

“Jay and Gale is the son of Amelia and Wisdom Browne.” 

My father just looked at me, “Jade, there are a lot of gifted Felirans with there bearers previously or currently on sixteen elders but only half of them is on the list.” 

“But,” I try to reason but I am hopelessly out of things to say, “They’re the only people I can fully trust. I need them to know I still have something when the time comes that I need to lead.” my voice is resigned but with every tinge of disappointment that I can feel. 

“Fine. I will try, but no guarantees Jade,” Leo sighs. 

I hug him. Then quickly back away, embarrassed. Leo chuckles “I’ll try,” he says. I grin and think of how I am so glad Queer is not here. 

“Thanks, Dad.” then hurry out of the room. I called Leo dad and he isn’t angry. Oh, how I wish Queer isn’t always there so I can always feel like a daughter at last.

 ><

Jay and Gale sits on a bench in front of me while I tell them about my conversation with Leo. Jay eats an apple and Gale is peeling an orange. They take a break from repairing their house with gathered woods from the forest. 

“Thanks Jade,” Jay says after I finished my story.

“I’m happy you managed to wear that dress properly,” Gale responds, completely out of topic. 

“I have to cooperate with the stupid stylist just so you two can have a chance to get in.” I scowl. 

“Okay. We left a tree for you. We know you wouldn’t forgive us if we didn’t,” Gale tells me. 

“Don’t worry, this tree is Buus-free,” Jay teases. I make a face at him. 

I look at my dress, I am in no attire for climbing but I have no plans to not climb. So, I proceed to the backyard and the twins follow. 

“You sure you don’t want to change clothes?” Jay asks. 

“Huh. We know that I can gracefully climb a tree, no matter what costume I am in,” I reply, stressing the words gracefully and costume. 

They snicker and nod. “Fine, your highness. You may now start the climb,” Gale says as he mockingly offers his hand. 

In a matter of 2 minutes, I am on top of the tree picking up its yellow berry-sized fruits. I forgot my basket and Gale and Jay refuses to throw it at me, insisting I should climb down again.