ALISON ✔️

Chapter 1

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I stood apprehensively staring at the imposing mahogany door, anxiety and trepidation coursing through my veins. Eventually, you would comprehend the intricacies of my quandary.

'Alright.' I inhaled a deep, steadying breath and then, grasping the handle, pushed the door open.

Conversing with him should not have been so overwhelming, after all, he was my Guardian, and Guardians were renowned for their affable and approachable demeanor, or so I had been led to believe.

"Mr. Hertz?" I whispered as I tiptoed my way into his office, adorned with floor-to-ceiling windows.

One aspect I truly appreciated about his office, aside from the invigorating fresh mint aroma that assailed your nostrils upon entry, was the breathtaking view.

I reminisced fondly about my childhood when I would sometimes surreptitiously sneak in at night, mesmerized by the most spellbinding skyline of the city, a rare treat for one whose movements were heavily restricted, imbuing it with an aura of enchantment.

Yes, I had been caught a few times, but he never admonished me or anything; he would simply amble over and silently gaze out with me, a stark contrast to the complexities that life later presented.

I smiled wistfully at the memories, which now felt like a distant reverie.

I redirected my gaze ahead and noticed him, ensconced behind his desk as usual, brows furrowed in consternation, eyes fixated intently on a paper clutched in his left hand.

He did not even deign to acknowledge my presence with a mere glance.

I cleared my throat in a bid to garner his attention,

"Out, Ali," he muttered, still not bothering to look at me.

"You haven't heard it yet," I insisted and made my way over to him, "Just hear me out, it would only take a minute, and I would be out of your purview."

He finally looked at me, a smug expression etched on his face, as if anticipating some amusement at my expense.

"Um...Alright," I decided to just get it over with before he shut me out again.

"So, uh, um... My school is having this very important excursion in Chicago--" I paused to gauge his reaction and then continued with my entreaty, "And, I was wondering...if maybe you could perhaps sign the permission slip--" I halted my words abruptly when I watched the pen drop from his hand.

Drat!

He lifted his eyes to me, clenching his jaw as if I had uttered something abhorrent.

"I-It's just for a week," I added hastily.

"You know the rules, Alison," he said in a chilling tone that sent shivers down my spine.

I had a premonition that he would utter those exact words, which had been a constant refrain throughout my entire life, only this time he used my full name, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

"Please, just this once," I hoped I could somehow touch his bitter-cold heart and melt the icy barrier that separated us. I had been eagerly anticipating the trip for months.

I needed the trip,

I truly needed the trip,

I needed to break free from the confines of the gates, even if it was for just a fleeting week or a day, and taste the sweet nectar of liberation.

"I said No, Now out..." he reiterated with finality.

"Please..." I pleaded with him, my eyes beseeching, "I promise I will be safe and conduct myself with utmost propriety."

"I doubt you know how to comport yourself accordingly?" he retorted scathingly.

"Fine, you can have Sam accompany me," I begged with joined hands, nearly on the verge of kneeling, but he remained steadfastly resolute,

"Out, Ali. I'm in no mood for your nonsensical prattle," he snarled, his words laced with venom.

I murmured and grumbled, suppressing the overwhelming desire to unleash a forceful punch upon his visage. I should have known better than to approach him. He never truly listened to me. Honestly, I would have had a better chance of success with Voldemort himself.

I stepped out to find Henna standing vigil behind the door,

"What did he say?" She inquired.

"What else do you think he said? No. That's the only word in his limited lexicon, at least when addressing me," I said in a loud tone, ensuring he could hear the disdain in my voice.

"Don't say that. We will endeavor again next time," She offered me an apologetic smile, the same one I received every time I encountered rejection from him.

"He's so obstinate and inflexible," I let out a silent sigh of despondency.

"The world is a perilous place, Ali, especially for a man like David," She always defended him, leading one to surmise that she harbored romantic inclinations toward him, "He's a good man," She added, attempting to placate me.

"I can't wait until I turn 18, then I can do as I please," I planned to traverse far and wide once I attained the legal age of adulthood. Let's see how he attempts to impede me then, so I thought defiantly.

"Ali, You know-" Henna started again, and I immediately discerned the direction the conversation was headed,

"Uh, I have homework!" I exclaimed, darting upstairs to my room. I didn't need to hear further melodic praises extolling the virtues of Mr. Hertz; I just knew he was an intolerably vexing individual.

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David Hertz

I was contemplatively gazing at the cityscape from my office window when I heard a light rap on the door. Not a moment later, the door swung open,

"David?"

Came Henna's voice, her tone immediately conveying that she was perturbed about something or someone.

"What has she done this time?" I inquired. The girl was always embroiled in some mischievous escapade. Now she desires to venture to Chicago, of all places.

"You tell me?" She frowned disapprovingly.

I raised a quizzical brow.

"We discussed this. You promised you'd give her a reprieve."

"I said I would consider it. That was never a promise made to anyone," I clarified.

She approached, "Let her go, David. She's been excitedly anticipating this trip for months ~"

"It's too perilous, you know that," I said and busied myself with the mounds of work on my desk,

"She's a good girl."

"She's reckless and impetuous; when has she not gotten herself into trouble? And now she wants to go to Chicago? She's clearly scheming something nefarious," I retorted.

"Would you at least give it some contemplation? Show her you care enough to consider it--" She paused and waited for my response, but when I remained silent, "Are you even listening at present?"

"I'm not permitting her to venture out of my sight, and that's final, now drop this matter," I snarled, irritated by the futility of the conversation.

"I know you believe you are shielding her from the world, but you are only engendering her resentment, and we both know that's not your desired outcome," She said calmly.

I sighed, "Henna, as long as she's safe, I don't mind a little resentment. She would eventually overcome it."

She stared at me for a prolonged moment before turning around to depart, muttering things only she could discern under her breath as she went.

I heard the door close and let out a huff of exasperation. If only Alison comprehended the gravity of the danger she was in by being so recklessly incautious, then perhaps she would approach matters with the requisite gravitas.