The Apprenticeship

Bell

I slow down to a walk and start shouting her name.

Ever since we were born, we haven't been separated. You can call it twin telepathy but, I always know how she feels. And right now, she's upset. I can't blame her, Owen was way out of line.

I stop in my tracks. I get it now. This is what happens when you're out of line, the people you love get hurt. A year of everyone trying to teach this to me and I'm now getting it.

All our lives, Bella and I have done everything together. Coming here wasn't supposed to make a difference. In school, they separated us so we could form individual relationships. They didn't realize, it made our bond stronger. I remember our first day of The Golden Flower Boarding Academy, we weren't in the same class, we didn't even room together. The Golden Flower is a boarding school for 4-10 year olds. We attended from 5-9 years old and the entire time we were inseparable. Then, we attend Shallow Creek Academy for 10-16 year olds. We ended The Golden Flower early, some people say we were too smart, in reality we caused too many issues. I still remember that year.

(The Golden Flower Boarding Academy)

"Bella!" I yelled shouting in the distance.

We were spending time in Wellness Class. It was my favorite. We got to spend the entire day outside playing.

"Avery!" I hear the faint cry of my sister.

Together we rushed into a hug and fell down on the group laughing. Her blazer getting grass stains and my flats falling off, we continue to roll around.

The teacher rushes over to stop us, "Quit it you two. You're going to ruin your uniforms." We laugh and don't stop.

Our school also offered ballet that Bella was supposed to be in during Wellness. She bailed on the class to be with me.

We stand up and hold each other's arms, laughing. My braids are all messed up and Bella's hair is frizzy. The teacher couldn't tell the difference between us, evidently taking us both to ballet where we remained.

To this day, I still love ballet and Bella and I have only caused more trouble.

I hear a faint cry, it sounds like Bell but, I can't be sure.

"Bell, is that you?" I slowly walk closer to the hall I hear her crying from.

"Go away." She swats at me and coughs. She hasn't been feeling well lately.

I sit down next to her and explain why I said what I said. I explained that I only did it because it was what I should've done, I couldn't let her get away with that. She says that I could've stayed quiet. I say, I couldn't.

I pull her in close for a hug. As much as I don't want to admit it, Bell is everything I have.