The Edge of Reality

Chapter 25: Subtle Triangles

Living with Valtura and Gareth was exciting, to say the least. I fit right into the middle of their personalities, connecting with both their chaos and tranquility. I didn't know how much was my personality and how much was the oxy becoming part of me, but I felt comfortable around them all the same. Valtura took me into town with her every day; luckily the cafe wasn't too far away from the theater she was rehearsing at during that period of time. On my break or after I got off, I would often walk over to watch her practice. She was every bit as good as I'd presumed and more, her mind seemed to melt seamlessly into that of her character, and it was as though I were watching a completely different person. We talked daily about everything under the sky, especially about the supernatural and things that could not be proved. She was highly superstitious, and I realized the extent of my own superstition in conversing with her. Aside from that, she was also extremely accepting of me even as she learned the full extent of my situation. She never spoke a word of disapproval against me, and seemed entirely on my side in everything I had gone through. The winter days slowly became harsher, and christmas decorations went up as the holidays slowed rolled around. The house was picturesque, lights and wreaths abundant on the mountainside home, snow covering everything in sight. It was my second christmas, but the first one I'd been excited about. I gave heavy thought to what to get them for gifts as they teased me by hinting at what they were giving me.

These days were filled with movies, warm meals and never ending conversation. They were also filled with the anticipation of going to the gala with Ashika. I'd bought a new dress for the occasion, as most of the things I had left from before had gotten ratty or left behind. It was floor length and a deep purple, with crystal details scattered throughout. When the day of the event finally arrived, I felt the second most beautiful I'd ever been, and knew that tonight was the night something would happen. Valtura took me down to the city that day, babbling the entire time about how much she shipped me and Ashika. I'd told her about my crush right off the bat, and she'd taken that info and run with it.

"You should invite her to dinner before the event!" she exclaimed in the car, prodding me to make a bigger move.

"Isn't there food there though?" I protested. "That seems a bit much."

"No, that would be a nice touch! A perfect way to start off the evening," she insisted. I sighed dramatically at her and pulled out my phone to text Ashika.

"Want to get dinner with me before the gala?" I wrote.

"I don't think I can. Also, I'm going to be a little late." she replied.

"She can't," I groaned at Valtura. "So there."

"Geez!" she said. "Well... whatever. Worth a shot." She dropped me off and wished me luck with a wink. I was uncomfortable walking in the formal building alone, so I decided to stand outside against the wall until she arrived. I'd just considered that it might be awhile when I was greeted by a familiar voice.

"Well if it isn't Tesha," Naham said, walking up next to me. "I didn't know if I'd ever see you again."

I grinned, pleasantly surprised to see him. "I had a feeling we might meet again."

"What brings you here tonight, looking so radiant?" he asked.

"I'm supposed to be going to the gala with someone... but she hasn't showed up yet," I responded.

"I see," he replied. "A date?"

"That's what I'm hoping anyway, yes," I laughed lightly. "I don't think she's going to be around for a while though... do you- do you want to go get something to eat with me?"

"Yeah," he said, looking surprised as he rose his eyebrows. "There's a small diner somewhere around here, it's not fancy or anything but-"

"No that sounds good," I smiled. "Lead the way." This was pretty spontaneous, a little weird too. He was dressed up in a button down and tie, so I presumed he was there for the gala as well. I wondered if he was going with a date, but figured he must not be if he would go out to dinner with me. The place we entered was a small mom and pop joint, quaint with old-fashioned decorations. The only served breakfast, increasing their peculiarity, and the service was so fast we had plates of morning food in front of us before long.