Element

Chapter 56

Finals are draining; I'm sure most people know that already. When I slammed my pencil down on the desk about a week ago, I felt the relief of summer vacation rushing towards me. For a few seconds, I felt free. But, of course, I was quickly brought back to the terrifying reality.

I was, and still am, scared to tell anyone about the war. The school can feel it; all of us can feel it, but confirmation would send everyone into a frenzy. As I prepare myself for the last day of school, which is in all honesty more of a formality, I am immersed in warring thoughts.

In a familiar haze, I wash, dress, brush my hair, and follow the same morning routine I have had since the beginning of the year. Only nine months, perhaps, but to me it feels like a lifetime. I glance around my room for one of the last times. My bags are packed, the sheets lie neatly folded at the foot of my bed, and the small potted plant on my balcony has long since died from neglect and cold weather.

One look in the mirror pulls me back through the whole year. My cheeks used to be fuller, my eyes were hopeful, and the corners of my mouth always pointed up. If I had know the difference a year would make...

The last breakfast as a fourth year, I remind myself. The next time I walk to the Dining Hall in the early morning, I will walk down an extra flight of stairs. Others join me for the sentimental walk, knocking on doors to congratulate their friends on another year finished. The eighth years are already gone; they were sent off earlier in the week and will receive commemorative mentions at which ever Solstice Festival they attend.

In the Dining Room, Alanna, Kaelie and Gavin await. Parisa sits at a table not too far away, packed with other first years. It's Aately who catches my eyes on the outskirts of the group. She smiles and waves, and I am compelled to do the same.

My friends have piled eggs and waffles on a plate. "Is this all for me? Guys, I could've gotten it myself! It's the last breakfast of fourth year. You know, sentimental and stuff."

Kaelie laughs. "Happy Birthday Ramaya. It's the least we could do."

"Happy Birthday, Ramaya!" Alanna and Gavin chorus.

As I sit down, smiling, a pair of arms sling around my shoulders. "Happy Birthday Ram! I know I can't, like, legally sit here, but I expect you at lunch— no excuses!" Brooke declares.

"I look forward to it."

"Of course you do!" Brooke winks as she backs away from the table. "See you at lunch!"

Alanna is hasty to pull out a sketchbook, while Kaelie and Gavin engage in quick conversation I struggle to follow, what with my mind muddled by food.

"Hey Ram," Alanna nudges. She shows me the open page of her sketchbook. A fierce woman is confronted by three attackers, hands aflame. "I drew this a bit ago, but I thought it was more suiting to give it to you now... On your birthday I mean."

"Is... Is this of me?"

"From the tournament, yeah. You kicked ass."

I grin. "Thanks, Alanna; it's beautiful."

She smiles back in return, tearing the page out and handing it to me. Kaelie and Gavin turn back towards us, revealing plans for a huge summer get-together to celebrate Kaelie's own birthday in late July. They urge me to have my own birthday party in two weeks, once the summer is underway, but between the Solstice and the camping trip my parents are sure to plan around that time, it seems unwise.

"Then we'll have a joint party, Ram! You live pretty close to me! This'll totally work!" She wasn't lying. Kaelie and I lived in the same town, about a fifteen minute walk away from each other. I spend nearly everyday of the summer with Kaelie, ever since first year.