Fire and Ice

Max

I was sitting in my room, reading my book when there was a knock on the door. “Come in” I said, flipping the page. Reuben walked in. “Oh. I thought you were Denver.” I said closing the book and setting it down on my night stand. “Oh sorry, should I go?” he asked starting to back out of the room. “No, it’s fine. I just haven’t seen him in a couple of hours.” I stood up and brushed my dress down, walking over to Reuben. “I think he went out to the Village.” I nodded my head and started to walk out the door into the bathroom. “Wait Max.” I turned around and we were face to face. “You have something on your dress.” I looked down, he flicked my nose. “Hey!” I said swatting his hand. He grinned at me then leaned in and kissed my cheek. “Go now, make yourself look even more beautiful.” I hated hearing that. “I’m not beautiful though. I’m completely average.” His smile faded. “You’re not average; you’re one of a kind. You’re beautiful, smart, and I’m in love with you.” I felt my cheeks grow hot and felt his hands in mine. He leaned in close and kissed me, holding his lips against mine. I was taken by surprise, but I enjoyed it and let the moment last. He pulled away after a couple of minutes and moved a stray piece of hair from my face. “I really am.” He said, and then he walked out the door.

I sat on my bed, smiling and brushing my hair. It had grown longer; it was down past my back now. I got up and walked toward my mirror, opening one of the drawers and pulling out a pair of scissors. I pulled my hair to one side and guided the scissors through, cutting my hair to my shoulders, letting the stray pieces flutter slowly to the floor. I looked into the mirror, admiring my new look. I looked older, more mature, more sure of myself. I placed the scissors back into the drawer and swept my loose hair into my bin. I walked outside into the hallway, heading towards the living room. I saw Denver and Reuben sitting on the couch together talking. “I understand completely, sometimes girls just act so-“ Denver cut himself off when he saw me enter the room. “Max, your hair…” He said staring at me like I was some mutant freak. “I cut it, so what?” Reuben smiled at me, “I think she looks pretty.” I felt my cheeks turn red. I sat down on the couch, sitting as far away from Reuben as I could get. I stuck my feet onto the table and opened my book that I had left there. Seeming to ignore me, the boys carried on with their conversation. “I mean horses right.” Denver said changing the subject so he wouldn’t offend me. I rolled my eyes and started reading when something knocked at the door. We all froze, standing motionless, barely breathing. Not making a single sound. I noticed how tense Denver was, like how he knew who was outside. We waited for a couple more minutes, until we heard the knocking again. I slowly stood up, moving quietly towards the door but Denver pulled me back. “It’s too dangerous, I’ll go.” He whispered tiptoeing towards the door. I felt my heart racing as he turned the door handle, opening it to our company. Denver moved out of the way, and invited the guest in. It was a girl, who looked a little older than us. I didn’t know her, but Reuben apparently did. He gasped and ran over, embracing the girl. I became nervous, what if this was his old girlfriend. “Reuben, you know her?” I asked. “Max, I would like you to meet Emmaline, my sister.”

“Your sister?” I gasped. “The one who you said was dead!?” He held onto her a little longer and then turned back to me. “I thought she died, I really did. I would never lie to you.” Emmaline stood up and walked over to me, holding out her hand for me to shake. “Max right? Denver mentioned you.” Denver’s face turned pale, like he was nauseous. “You knew my sister was alive and didn’t tell me!” Reuben yelled. He looked like he was about to kill Denver, as well he should. “She told me not to! Please don’t kill me man.” Denver put his arms in front of his face in defense. “You idiot…” I muttered softly. Emmaline shook her head and turned to Reuben. “I wish I could’ve told you sooner, but it was too dangerous.” Reuben nodded in understanding and hugged her again. “It’s so good to see you Emma.” He said sniffling into her shoulder. “I know Reuben, I’ve missed you too.” I left the living room, to let Denver and his sister have their little reunion, and walked into the kitchen. Denver followed behind, opening the fridge to get a snack. “You know.” He said while rummaging through, “You could show me that much affection.” He turned back and grinned, I threw an apple at his face. “Like that?” I asked picking it up and taking a bite. He turned back and muttered something I couldn’t make out, something along the lines of a bad word. Reuben walked into the kitchen, Emmaline following right behind him. “You have a lovely home.” Emmaline said, admiring all the photos and art work. “This is a nice photograph.” Emmaline said, pointing to one of Denver in the bathtub. His face turned bright red and he turned away. “You were a cute little baby.” “Oh well, I wouldn’t say that. I mean I really wasn’t. I’ll show you some better ones.” He said grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the kitchen, rambling on. Leave it to my brother to be Prince Charming. “He likes her.” Reuben said sitting next to me. “Is it that obvious?” I asked being sarcastic. He laughed and grabbed my apple out of my hands, taking a bite. “Excuse you.” I said swatting his hand. “This is mine.” He grinned widely and took another bite before skipping out of the kitchen, humming The Song of the Nethers.