Always

two

LUNA

The sight that stared back at me made me cringe.

Charcoal smudges rested under my eyes and even the multiple layers of concealer didn't hide them. My hair looked duller than before, an ugly blonde now compared to the white I was used to. My cheeks looked gaunt and I was starkly aware of how horrible my diet at the orphanage had been.

It had been a long morning but I hadn't expected one shopping trip with Jane to make me look like a trainwreck.

I sighed, reaching for a hair tie off of the bathroom counter and pulled my hair into a ponytail. I bit my lip, giving myself one last look before giving up and making my way back downstairs.

Jane had asked me to be down for lunch and I still failed to brush away the nervousness even after a whole day at this place. I walked over to the kitchen but froze when my eyes fell on an unfamiliar girl sitting at the table.

Raven coloured hair framed her sharp face, ending right at her shoulders and as I walked in, her grey eyes snapped up to meet mine.

Her face lit up as she watched me and instantly, she shot up from her chair, rushing over to me.

A shocked gasp escaped my lips as she tackled me in a hug, her arms tight around me. Uncertainty and discomfort washed over me at her sudden actions, yet I forced myself to wrap my arms around her in return just to avoid seeming rude.

When she finally pulled back, I saw the bright smile on her lips and plastered one of my own, praying desperately that it seemed genuine enough.

"It's so good to finally meet you." She said, placing her arms on my shoulders now, her expression softening."I'm Amity."

"I'm Luna. It's nice to meet you, Amity."

"I love your hair." She said spontaneously and my eyes widened. I reached up, unconsciously tugging at the ends of my hair.

She burst into conversation right then and there, not giving me a chance to reply to her as she explained how she lived just a block away and how her parents were close friends with Jane and Andrew. When she told me how she was here to take me shopping upon Jane's request, I shifted as yet another wave of uncertainty washed over me.

"Shopping?" I muttered, twisting the ring on my finger.

"Yes. It's going to be so fun!" She said, her beautiful smile plastered onto her lips as she reached for a strawberry on one of the plates and took a bite. "Jane said something about not knowing about how fashion works these days for us teenagers and wanted me to help you out in, y'know, buying clothes and all that. I hope that's not a problem with you?" She looked up expectantly and I licked my lips. There was no way I could turn her down without sounding rude and stuck up.

"Of course, it's not!" I assured and the smile on her face widened.

"Perfect!" She clapped her hands together before standing up from the table. She opened her mouth to say something but got interrupted by a loud groan. Both our heads snapped up to stare at the doorway where Tanner stood.

"Who invited you?" He groaned, but contrary to his words, a small smile twitched at the corners of her lips.

"Well, hello to you too." Amity said, rolling her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" He questioned, leaning against the doorframe and my eyebrows shot upwards as I stared between the two.

"Jane called me over so I can take Luna out for shopping." She cocked her head to the side, planting her hands at her waist as she gave her a look which clearly said what are you going to do about it?