Broken

5-Kirstin

I roll out of bed, mentally preparing for today. Scott is planning my "wedding."

Okay, background time about Scott.

He has been my best friend since we were born into the homestead. He was the one who suggested moving into the city. He's my rock.

I couldn't be alive today without him.

One time we were attacked, he pulled Mitch and me out of there.

Mitch was supposed to be paired with Scott when they got here.

Scott got Alex.

Mitch got heartbreak.

Ever since Mitch's fall, he's been shut off. He's been our hit man. He's been heartless.

Only to others.

To me, he's the childish, giddy, sassy queen he used to be.

I can't believe I'm blowing off work to go and see those two practically tear each other to shreds.

I walk to my bathroom mirror and begin applying makeup. Don't get me wrong, I love doing it. But, I hate that florists are mandated to do so. Sure, we get top-of-the-line products, but it is demeaning.

I finish dabbing blush on my cheeks and head out.

"Hey girlie!" Mitch giggles at me as we meet on the street. I pull him into a hug.

"I know this will be hard for you," I whisper into his hair, "I'm here for you."

"Always?"

"Always," I squeezed his hand. He's another reason I'm here today. I depend upon him so greatly.

I braced for impact when Scott opened the door. Mitch almost growled at him, his snarl beyond present.

"So, what colors do you plan on having?" Scott directs towards me, but his icy glare is fixated on Mitch.

"Colors my ass, we need to-"

"Kirstin!" Mitch scolds me.

"Colors my patootie, I miss the trio! Remember when we went hunting for the whole township and it was our only escape? We were each other's escape? There's no place to run now. We have to have each other, or else leaving our families, friends, leaving our home was pointless."

"She's right," Scott looks down at his shoes.

Mitch glances at him, but his eyes flutter back to a straight line in front of him. "Do you remember the promise you made to me?"

"Which one?" Scott let out a halfhearted chuckle.

"The promise that we would be paired?"

Scott goes silent for a moment. Mitch doesn't pry.

"Mitch, that was seven years ago-"

"It's still a promise," Mitch snapped. His voice faltered, "It's still a promise."

"I can't do anything about it now," even Scott's voice was frowning.

"Well, maybe you should," Mitch gathered his things and left before anyone could catch up to him.

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"Kirstin? Are you home?" Avi called to me from the kitchen, but I stormed past it all and slammed the door to my bedroom.

I twisted the lock and fell into a sniveling heap onto the floor.

Mitch and Scott's fighting have tore me to shreds.

They expect me to choose sides, pick battle warriors, support their egos. I can't do that.

Maybe if Scott wasn't such an idiot.

Maybe if Mitch wasn't hypersensitive.

Maybe if we all made it back to the township.

It's impossible now, but every fiber in my being screams to run over the fences.

To my brother, Jeremy, and my sister, Gracie.

I miss them both dearly, but someone had to stay home. Gracie was to young to leave, and Jeremy was too selfless to let me stay.

Everyday, I wish I could write them. Tell them I have to marry a hierarchy. Tell them I still love flowers.

Tell them I still love them. 

Sobs wrack my body more.

Avi pounds on the door.

Avi screams my name.

One hour.

Two hours.

Three pass.

I manage to collect myself and leave the room. Avi's hands are tangled in the black mess that is his hair.

His emerald eyes meet mine.

His arms wrap around me.

His lips place kisses in my hair.

Damn you, Avi, for being so damn good at comforting.

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"You have to tell me," Avi sits across from me, stroking the back of my hand with his thumb.

"I don't have to do anything."

"Kirst..."

"Avi..."

"Please? I love yo-"

"No you don't," I cut him off.

"Kirstin Taylor Maldonado, I know for a fact I love you. I don't care if you don't love me back right now. One day you will."

"I'm not telling you anything."

"Are you tired?"

"Quite."

Avi picks me up and carries me to my bedroom, with nothing but a forehead kiss and a whispered "goodnight" to rock me to sleep.

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A/N

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