Hollows In Time (✔️) | 'Hollows' Book Ⅱ

Chapter One-Hundred: Part Two

^ appreciate this beauty until the end ^

________________________________

H o l l o w s I n
T I M E
________________________________

T h e  E n d:
Denouement
Part Two/Three

Results are always daunting. From laboratory experiment to exam results, there is not one on the scale that isn't the slightest bit significant.

But results like these? They make you go crazy. The anticipation for them will keep you up a night, they wander around in your nightmares. They follow you, night and day, haunt you, every single second.

—anon: 01/01/18

Heels clicking, dresses glittering, minds spinning.

A deep breath.
And that's all it took.
We were ready.

Our groups got together in mega speed, beating that of the Crystal Ball's assembling.

With Jace's hand firmly pressed down on my shoulder, I gave the final brief. "Remember all of your roles. In a moment of hesitation, it could all go wrong." A deep breath. "Is everyone ready?" And that's all it took.

We were ready.

As if by a mental connection, Lexi, Jameson and I all broke away from our groups at the same time, ready to step down into the oblivion of our plan.

We linked arms, exhaled and inhaled.

"Ready?" Lexi asked the two of us from my left. I answered by squeezing their hands, Jameson answered by leaning over me.

"They're going down, Abbot." I smiled at his last retort, facing head on.

"Your wish is my command, Fahr." She replied, pushing her shining raven locks over her shoulders.

We linked arms.
Then, once more, we descended the stairs.
But it was the real thing this time.

The decoration for the New Year's Ball was a spectacle. Upon entrance, I was immediately overwhelmed by gleaming golds and shimmering silvers, painted all across the walls, the floor, and even the ceiling.

Chandeliers held ringlets of gold streamers, and they shone under the lights. In the middle of the reception no longer stood a fountain, but instead a emerald wishing-well. Upon approaching it, a message imprinted on the side caught my eye.

'Green is the colour of new beginnings.
This emerald wishing-well wants to hold all your woes of 2017, and your wishes for 2018.
Pick up a black card, and in white ink write your woes to bury.
Throw this into the well and be at peace.
Next pick up a white card, and in black ink write your wishes to be fulfilled.
Throw this into the well and we welcome you to the New Year.'

I read it out to my Guardians, watching Lexi scrunch up her nose and scoff.

"That's a load of bullcrap." She retorted, crossing her arms over her chest.

Jameson didn't spare her a glance, picked up a card and a pen, and started writing.

Lexi, looking more shocked than ever, said, "You're not actually doing it, are you?" Sounding bewildered and outraged.