The Division: Hestia

4 - The Edge

•Esmeralda Sonrisa Castillo•

I remember the bus ride home, blasting loud Fall Out Boy music through my ear buds as I stared out the window, as most people in movies and books do. With my phone on my lap and my chin resting on the palm of my hand, I nod my head to the rhythm of Champion with a light hum. It's pitch dark outside and you can barely see the stars that are sprinkled across the cold night sky. Being far from the city allows them to shine just a bit alongside the crescent moon. I softly tap my foot and feel my attention in so many different places. I can feel my brother's gaze on me, his eyes interrogating me for any signs of not being okay. Thankfully, he notices I don't want to talk and drifts his attention away. With a soft sigh I hit the song on repeat and continue this cycle until we get home.

When we step out of the bus, a cold breeze hits me and I feel myself quaking, the lack of sleep most likely contributing to my intolerance of the temperature. I play a different song by them as a change of atmosphere and sink my hands into my pockets. Dance Dance plays on full volume as Ignazio and I walk to the bus stop. From within my thick jacket, I glance over at Red, Raven, and Tibe. Red seems to be nearby, like a protective older brother. Raven stands by his side. But it's obvious Tibe hasn't noticed. He simply stands in a spot, waiting for his family to pick him up. I wave at him to be nice, hoping it was apology worthy for my brother's cold behavior.

But he looks lost in his thoughts, staring down at his feet. I don't blame him. He has a lot on his plate with all of this. I can barely manage.

My attention then turns to shy and timid Raven. I remember him gracefully cramming his letter in his pocket like an after thought. As if opening it was pandora's box and should be left alone, that the same mistake could not be made again. His snow white hair seems to agree with the wind on a treaty and swiftly sways.

Finally, my busy attention span remembers me, and my letter. Ignazio and I were given separate ones in the cave with the woman named Trinity. These letters raise so many questions. When did they write these? Why wouldn't my parents tell us about these power things? Did my parents know or prepare to leave letters in case they weren't here anymore?... I suddenly feel my fingers clutch my pocket, with a stomach twisting thought. This letter could have been written by my mom. A time when she was still alive.

"Esmeralda?"

With a snap, I look at the person calling my name. I just realize that Ignazio had been talking to me the entire time.

"Hm? Yeah? Sorry. Lost in thought. You were saying?" I ask, pushing my dark hair behind my ears.

"Okay. I know something's up. If you don't want to talk about it, fine. But at least own up to it. I was saying we shouldn't get involved in this mess." He glances out into the distance, copying my habit of warming his hands by putting them in his pockets.

Okay, so, Ignazio is very logical and protective. But I'm more open minded. This was something Mom was a part of. Maybe I can get closer to her through this and help people too. Discover powers maybe? And Tony the cute bear is a very convincing factor.

"I want to do this." I say.

He looks at me, as if unsure whether he is hearing me correctly. "Esme, that is ridiculous. Whatever this is, dad never mentioned it. I don't know why, but I'm sure safety and happiness had nothing to do with it."

"Ignazio, are you kidding me?" I mutter, surprised by his response. "This is an opportunity other people don't have. To save lives. And you are going to turn it down?"

"We barely know that Trinity woman. Who even owns a bear? Sane people don't." He seems to attempt to push his hands farther down his pocket to get warmer but can't. "What if this is what cost Mom her life?"