Umbra

Chapter Six

The week had been, to say the least, interesting for Gracelynn. The majority as such being positive, the painting beginning to grow beautifully. The classes vastly exceeded her expectations, multiple times more than in London: Latin captured her mind; music excited her, the grand piano being the most magnificent instrument she had played and the violin too; psychology enlightened her, but then there was English literature and drama. Magnificent. Engaging. And of course Zeph.

Flirtations were uncontrollable during their shared classes, the gravitating connection pulling them together making it unbearable to resist. The reactions of the students varied from group to group. Lucca's friends appeared appalled, yet wouldn't, or possibly couldn't, shun Gracelynn for she was their friend's cousin. Losing Lucca, the logical, calming one, in their group could prove damaging. Rachael Blair's seemed fairly oblivious to the whole situation, but welcomed her in with open arms along with her friends, apparently something uncommon. Those that were uninvolved seemed to each have mixed emotions, of course, nothing could be universal in a group of friends; someone had to have a different opinion to each other. Although drama was the last thing Gracelynn ever wanted in her new predicament, it was nice to be the subject of gossip, to be noticed. Blending in was her speciality in London, only ever being noticed due to her and Adrian's special relationship.

But who could blend in with the charcoaled haired, azure blue eyed, crazily smiled, tall boy they called Zeph fiddling with their hair, talking to them, carefully touching the nape of their neck, ears, waist and giving modest yet gentle kisses on the odd occasion? Really, what a stupid question.

* * *

"Is this dress okay?" Gracelynn stared, observing the situation in the mirror, analysing each inch of her body, hair smile, outfit.

"Gracelynn, chill." Rachael Blair chuckled as she sat on her bed along with Amina and Aimee, holding their hands tightly together. "You look real cute. Why are you panicking so much? You're not like this at all."

It was true, Gracelynn had spent her whole life attempting not to conform to the mould as well as being independent. But everything was so new, good, healthy. Losing it, losing Zeph, could be the last chip to her sanity... again. 

"You're right." She shook off the nerves and twizzled the buttercup material of her dress with daisies printed on. Maybe it was okay to feel like the princess, the damsel in distress, just this once.

"You look almost as pretty as Aimee." Amina kidded as she turned to Aimee, her girlfriend, and placed a small, modest kiss upon her lips. Her dry humour had proven to blend in well with Gracelynn's.

The couple had been friends with Rachael Blair for the last four years. If it weren't for their appearances you'd think the three to be triplets with their mad hatter and dramatic personalities.

"I'm flattered Amina, I'll let you know if I change teams. But for now, just stick with Aims." She attempted a smile while ruffling the citrus material in her hands. Shivers were pulsing up and down her arms with nerves and excitement.

Amina and Aimee were so perfect together, it almost left Gracelynn jealous. She admired the way they did whatever was natural, not what others wanted. And the fact that they were gorgeous didn't go amiss; Amina with her spiralling coils of hair and Asian features, Aimee's prissy, delicate eyes and lips and contrasting bold opinions.

She had discovered during the week they originated as best friends since the age of six. They would play dress up, tea parties, Barbies like any other pairing of little girls would. All that changed two years ago. Gracelynn found it romantic, how they fell in love with their best friend and how it was so real. And then how she began writing the letter to Adrian, how she could write down the words, how she found the best thing in the world, love, in the safest and most brilliant of places, but could never say it. So for that, she admired the strength they possessed together.