This Isn't About Reya

Chapter Six

Reya awoke on the floor in the morning. Her joints were sore, her neck ached, and her head swirled with confusion.

She rose to her feet, stretching, and saw that Svetlana still slept in her bed. The girl's face was clear of mascara, Reya having washed her up the previous night. Without her layers of makeup, Svetlana was quite plain.

Reya never wore makeup. For a second, she fantasized that she was actually prettier.

She went to the bathroom, showered, and dressed in new clothes. When she came out, Svetlana was awake, sitting up in the bed, her arms clasped around her knees.

Reya stood next to the bed, waiting for Svetlana to speak.

"I'm sorry," the girl said. 

Reya smiled. "It's alright. I'm used to it. Are you okay?"

Svetlana shook her head. "No, I don't even understand what... happened... But thank you for coming for me. I didn't think anyone would."

Her voice cracked at the end, and Reya saw the tears forming in her eyelids again. She moved quickly to sit down on the edge of the bed, placing a comforting arm around Svetlana's shoulders. "I came. I'm not cruel."

Svetlana buried her head in her arms. "But that's just it," she said. "I wouldn't have come for you if... our roles were reversed."

Reya's mind flashed back to her mother. But she was not surprised. "I think you would have," she lied.

Svetlana didn't say anything. After a moment, Reya broke the silence.

"You should probably call your mother," she suggested. 

Svetlana lifted her head and nodded. Reya helped the girl to her feet and led her to the communications terminal in the hallway.

As the computers connected, Reya wondered how to deal with the shadow. She couldn't let Svetlana tell anyone about it. But how could she convince her to do so? Reya played out scenarios in her head, trying to figure out which one would work before the number on the com terminal finished dialing.

Just as the call was about to be made, Reya spoke out. "Svetlana."

The girl turned her head to look at her. "Yes?"

Reya hesitated. What if Svetlana refused? What if she thought Reya meant harm?

The call was stalling. 

Reya decided she would have to take the chance. The shadow, whatever it was, was worth it.

"Svetlana," Reya mumbled, "don't tell your mother."

Svetlana's eyes seemed conflicted for a moment. Reya thought she was going to argue. But she merely nodded.

Reya stood idly by while Svetlana spoke to her mother. At first, she was outraged at her daughter for not telling her where she was, then at the fact that she was staying with an Icelandic. But Svetlana was undaunted, swearing that Reya was her friend, regardless of bloodlines.

Reya wondered, briefly, whether or not she was being truthful. She scoffed at the idea.

Eventually, Svetlana's mother relented and told her daughter to be home by noon.

The two girls began the trek to Svetlana's house. Svetlana hadn't asked for company, but Reya could tell she was afraid of travelling alone.

They walked down the streets towards the upper-class district in silence for a while. Then:

"Can we be friends, Reya?"

Reya almost tripped over herself. "What?" she asked incredulously.

Svetlana seemed hurt. Reya's eyes widened. "No, I didn't mean it like that, I was just surprised, I mean..."