Identity

Chapter Four:

Tempest walked through the front doors of Cassandra's home. The lights were all out in the house because he had stayed so late at Everett's. He sighted and wandered into the bathroom to get ready for bed.

"I need to get Cas to do this or I won't do it right." Tempest thought back to the times Cassandra complained that her hair was a mess because Tempest didn't brush it and chuckled. "Yep. Totally need to switch."

"Cas, let's play tag! Okay, you're it!" Tyler hit my leg than took off running to the forest. I watched him run. There was no way I was chasing after that ball of energy. If I do it will never end. I turned to Marigold who was braiding Zara's hair and smiled. That child was just so cute and calm.

Everyone likes to meet up in the field. It's in the middle with everything around it so it makes sense that it's the place that everyone would meet up. Almost always it's everyone but Cheyanne and Clair. Today is no different. Tempest wandered off to fetch Tyler, Zara and Marigold were together, Z was sleeping in the middle of the group and Zador and Winter were chatting to the side. No one but Zador was wearing shoes. They always remove them for these group get togethers though some alters never wear shoes. Such as myself, Marigold, Z, and Zara.

"Zador, do you ever get hot in that sweater?" I asked, stepping over Z to get to Winter and Zador.

"Uh, a little but I don't mind. Keeps me warm in the mountains." Zador shrugged his shoulder and turned away. Winter placed her hand on his shoulder in comfort.

"Oh, okay. I was just wondering 'cause you never take off your shoes or jacket at these things."

"I just don't want to is all." Zador started rubbing the fabric of his sleeve between his fingers.

"Why don't you take your jacket and shoes off today? Just 'cause." I smiled up at Zador. I just want him to be one of us. Not doing things that make him seem different. Excluding himself from everyone. Trying to lock himself away like some beast that he isn't.

"Do you want me to? Will you be mad if I don't?"

"Not at all. It's all up to your in the end."

"I feel like you would..." Zador looked down at his black combat boots. "I guess I could take them off..."

"Really?" I grinned at Zador. "That would be awesome. Don't you think guys?"

"Dory can run through the flowers with me barefoot if he wants." Marigold gave Zador a goofy grin with her eyes squozed shut.

"Zador and I can talk about boys or something," Z said lazily from his spot on the ground before dozing back off.

"See, Zador, people want you to join us in the fun." I pushed a bit of my hair behind my ear. "We would love it if you just took of your shoes and jacket like the rest of us."

"Okay..." Zador turned away and untied the laces on his boots. He kicked them off and slid off his socks. Everyone watched in amazement.

"What's going on guys?" Tempest asked while walking over with Tyler hanging over his shoulder.

"Zador is finally taking off his shoes and jacket to join us in our little party." I looked away from Zador for a moment to speak with Tempest.

"Oh." Tempest looked somewhat worried which confused me, until I turned around again.

Everyone started at Zador with a shocked expression plastered across their faces. None of them, even the children knew what to say. I glanced over at Zador whose jacket was on the ground beside him and what I saw shocked me.