The Things We Do (Under Editing)

Eye of the Storm

My performance granted me time to figure out what my next move would be. Wraith was content to let their panic grow, so he wasn't pushing me, and due to my threat, I wouldn't really have to worry about anyone finding Anna. Even so, I didn't want to leave her down there any longer than necessary. It was probably too late to worry about traumatizing her, but I still wanted to minimize the damage. I wanted her to be able to move past this. The world didn't need another me.

Kacie, despite my best efforts, could tell how on edge I'd been recently, so after our classes she declared we were going to ambush Mel at work. About a ten minute bus ride from campus, the even city blocks were interrupted by just as even rows of trees and flowers. Instead of roads, sidewalks formed a grid through the plants, and a greenhouse sat dead center. The only part of the park that wasn't meticulously organized was a pond in one corner and a bit of grass around it.

Thanks to the late time of Kacie's last class, the sunlight was already fading by the time we arrived. I didn't mind though. I actually liked the park better at night. We wandered a bit, the straight rows making it easier to search for Mel. As expected, we found her on her hands and knees in a flowerbed, sleeves pushed up and a pile of mulch next to her that she was spreading out.

Kacie held her finger to her lips as we approached, and I watched her slip up behind my roommate. I didn't think the silence was necessary as Mel was wearing earbuds.

"Boo!" Kacie tapped Mel's shoulder and Mel jumped.

"Kacie!" Mel shouted, ripping one earbud out and glaring at Kacie. "How many times do I have to tell you to stop doing that?" All she got in reply was a grin.

I wandered over to join them as Mel shifted to sit facing us. "Not many flowers yet."

"It's been too cold recently. If you want flowers you'll have to go to the greenhouse."

Kacie pouted. "But we came to see you."

"You could have seen me when I got home." Trust Mel to be reasonable. "You've gotten Amy out of the apartment for something other than class, go see the flowers."

I couldn't help but laugh at Kacie's pout. She didn't like it when people refused to go along with her plans. "When do you get off?" I asked.

Pulling her phone out to check the time, Mel answered, "About forty minutes."

"We'll go to the greenhouse then." I grabbed Kacie's arm and started pulling her away. "Come get us when you get off and we'll get food."

Kacie stuck her tongue out at Mel before allowing me to pull her away. Mel returned the expression and went back to work.

The flowers in the greenhouse really were pretty. Along with the planted beds weaving through the room, there were pots hanging from the high glass ceiling and vines climbing the walls. A couple birds flitted about, moving between the branches of a big tree in the middle. I could almost pretend the city was far away. I could almost pretend my problems were there with it.

Kacie left my side quickly to wander through the plants, and I found a bench to lie on, staring up into the tree. I might have fallen asleep. All I know is Mel came for us too soon. I didn't want to leave yet, but I still didn't have to face my problems yet. Food first. Problems after.

We found ourselves at a small café where we claimed a table out front. Kacie bought food for all of us against protest.

"Hey, let me give you things occasionally. It's perfectly acceptable to accept a gift of a sandwich from a friend."