The Silver Lining

Chapter One: Triple Chocolate Delights

"I don't know how you can stand him, considering what he's reduced our lives to." I gritted my teeth as I angrily threw one of the stones into the water, watching as it skipped across the surface one, two, three times before it sank into the murky depths of the lake.

"I know things are hard," she began. "And I know I haven't been able to protect you from the evil that runs rampant throughout the world." She frowned briefly before the smile returned to her face.

"But it's like I've always told you, life is short, and we do the best that we can." she smiled, her hand cupping my cheek lovingly as she pushed back the unruly strands of my hair behind my ear.

"One day I won't be able to remain here with you, and as much as I dread that day, I've accepted that it will come. And when it does, I want you to keep looking for that silver lining." Her watery tone pierced my heart as she hugged me tightly into her gentle embrace. I inhaled deeply to keep the tears at bay, knowing I had to be strong for the both of us as her comforting scent of lilies and vanilla permeated my senses. At least we knew that the day we would be separated in such a permanent manner was a long ways away.

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I placed my elbows on the nondescript lunch table in the corner of the room and cupped my head between my hands with a sigh, willing the aching headache that had lasted for over a week to go away.

"What's wrong, Scar?" asked Michael as he sat beside me with his lunch.

I forced a smile. "Oh you know, the usual. School exists. I'm forced to come here." I shrugged, trying to play off my fatigue and irritation as the average teenage angst.

He chuckled, buying the lies. "Hey, it can't be all bad. At least you get to see this beautiful mug every day." he winked. I rolled my eyes.

"You could be the last male on this planet, I still wouldn't be attracted to you in the slightest." I said, deadpan.

He pouted. "Why must you be so cold?"

"I think we all enjoy crushing your hopes and dreams, Mike." Sam interjected, sitting on the other side of me.

"What's up, chicka? You look tired." she added, concern infecting her affable words.

I shrugged, inwardly annoyed that my sleepless nights were so visible to everyone. I decided to change the subject. "Yeah I just had a huge case study to finish for History last night. No worries."

Sam groaned. "Ugh, I hated doing that. How long is yours?"

"Probably a good twenty minutes, why?" I replied easily, pleased that it had worked.

"I probably won't last five minutes."

"I'd doubt you, but I've seen your amazing capability to procrastinate at the worst times. I'm sure you won't last more than ten." I smirked.

She glared at me, but there was no hint of malice in her dark eyes. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

I winked at her. "Always."

"Oh no. Mike's sulking and Sam's brooding. What on Earth did you do, Scarlett?" Jason chastised with an amiable smile.

I was the picture of demure concern. "Who, me? Why nothing at all, of course."

He laughed. "I'm sure."

I smiled back, but it turned into a grimace when pain shot through my head. I closed my eyes and rubbed my temples, shrinking into myself. When the pain subsided a bit, my eyes flew open to see three worried expressions directed at me.