Hatesteria

Chapter 4

The morning sun pried over Laira's eyes that were restless throughout the night. A warm delight it was for her for the day is yet to unfold, the day that she was waiting for, throughout her youth. She wanted this all along, a catalyst that would let her build those longing dreams.

The alarm was already ringing, perhaps left unheard in her deep sleep for minutes. As she slowly got up and approached the mirror, joy filled her. She knows later on that her name was to be called up on stage, the unyielding goal of every student in this world. A bigger world awaits her right after this day. But reality has a contrasting insight, a mark that will continue to taint her.

Ever since she has been given the mark of candidacy, she felt uneasy, encompassed by a thought of unending struggle. But she chose not to let this ruin her moments. The mark means nothing today.

She saw her phone, notifying a pending message.

"Laira, we will gather in front of the Orbis Hall. The distribution of your toga outfits will be there also. Please come here an hour before the call time." A voice of a woman, perhaps one of her batch mates this year.

Laira hurriedly prepared as soon as she realized that the message was sent 30 minutes ago. Running through the crowd that was gathering near the entrance, she saw the line of her class, all dressed in toga uniforms. It is the time of the year where the world will embrace a new batch of mages. For a long time in this country, the ordinary folk has lived in harmony with the mages. Though many a mage imposes a serious threat with the kind of power they yield, most has an objective to help and sought out a better world, and as far as this dream go, they have not failed, yet.

Laira was observing her fellow students, together with their parents proudly embracing their grown up children. A low smirk is all she can give for herself. She felt isolated for a moment with all the warmth that surrounds her but even before she can fit her face with a frown, a woman hugged her from behind.

"Laira! We finally made it! We made it!"

A bit of smile to accept the compliment she was giving. It was Anise, her dearest friend in the College of Magus. She's one of those girls who are wild in a gathering of drinks and serious in a conference of scholars. She handed Laira's toga outfit as the woman excitedly wears it immediately.

"Yay! Ate made it! She made it!" A cheerful childish voice resounds. It was Eve, the little sister of Anise, tagging along with her.

"I see that you still have Ms. Nina with you, Eve," Laira replied.

"Yes! And she always sleeps with me every night, Ate Laira! She's the best Christmas gift!"

"I'm glad that you like her."

"Laira, about the Thesis you've made for me...I can't thank you enough." Anise interrupted,  seemingly ashamed. "Just tell me how to repay you and I promise I'll do it."

"Anise, you don't need to re-"

"Please." She was insistent. "I owe you a lot. That was just among the many."

Laira sighed; "Fine. While you do seem like my younger brother, I wish that you stay that way... like a sibling..."

"You're kidding right?" Anise leaned at her with a teasing face.

"No...I'm not... it's just that you resemble him...only that, you're a woman."

Anise sniggered with her thought.

"I know, it sounds stupid...but the way I see it, that's the only way to repay all of it."

"You always look cute when you're embarrassed. Fine then, I'll look forward to our next meeting, Ate!"