The Arcane Society

Chapter 24

July 19th/20th

Torn Friendships Part 2

Beware these next few chapters are unedited

Since I have nothing else of interest today to tell, let's continue our story.

We'll call her Ember. The name will explain everything later. Ember and I met in 2nd grade, I was bonding with Marlee, and moving on from Iliana.

How I met her was kinda hazy, but it went something like this. A lot of people made fun of her last name, it rhymed with baloney. I found her on the hill beside the playground, crying. I sat down, but said nothing. I waited for her to notice my prescience. It took 10 minutes to notice.

"Elisabeth? Heh, what's the most optimistic girl doing here?" I went from being the toughest, after Tiara moved, to being the most optimistic.

I shrugged, a bit surprised she already knew my name. "Hey, even I have problems that I can't tell anyone. So I go here to think. Ember... I've heard a lot from you."

"Good or bad?" She wiped her tears quickly. She looked like she was almost ready to smile.

I said nothing, not wishing to disappoint her. I knew the answer was bad, but I was a terrible liar (unless with adults, but that's another time.) and would crack with guilt.

I finally said something. "You realize that you're making a mountain out of a ant hill, right?"

"What?"

I sighed, frustrated. "You're freaking out over nothing. It's a last name, it doesn't hurt that bad."

"Easy for you to say." She muttered.

I grabbed her shoulders firmly and stared her down. Her brown eyes read fear. "Listen to me, not everything is as happy and beautiful as it looks. I have problems too, and you know what I do? Fix them." I let her go, stood up, brushed myself off and started to walk before I heard her shout.

"Wait, Elisabeth."

"Hmm?"

"Could you perhaps, give me more advice?"

I accepted her offer and taught her what I knew. Sometimes she retaliated with her short temper. (Hence the name.) Sometimes she accepted it. It was hard to pin her down. This friendship was based off intimidation insurance and use of my selfless deeds. I should've stopped there, but I was too naïve.

Everything went good-ish, until one overcast day. I was walking outside when Ember came up, clearly angry.

"Another problem?" Giving her advice was becoming redundant.

"No, meet me at the swings." That was usually code for I definitely have a problem. I sat on the black swings, gripping the chains. She didn't sit at all.

"Your advice didn't work." She was definitely angry. Even her body language was giving it out.

I look up at her. "I've told you over and over, it doesn't always work. I'm not a miracle worker, Ember." I said sternly.

She is acting like a child. "You're acting like a child. Again." I blurted. Dang, I've got to remember not to speak my mind all the time.

"You'll need more than a miracle worker when I'm done with you." I lean back slightly, getting ready to pump.

I scoff. "Is that your version of an emp-." She started twisting the chains of the swing. Winding me tighter and tighter. I was laying on my back, gasping for air.

"Ember...stop...please." I breathed, pleading. my vision was fading. Marlee, wherever you are, please hurry!

"Let her go! NOW!" It was a girl shouting. Ember let go of the chains and I was spinning wildly. I could finally understand the whole tire-swing sickness incident. I fell on the wood chips on my hands and knees.

"Are you okay?" I couldn't see who it was at first. She definitely wasn't Marlee. I look up and it was a girl. I stand up and I suddenly go dizzy.

"Somewhat...I'll go tell a teacher. Thanks, what's your name?"

"My name is Ella."