Becoming Complete: Inchoate Book 1

Chapter 13: From Ice Castles to Nightmares

Later that evening, Que was excited to share her news about Aasir with the Professor. As she strode into his study, the papers from his desk rustled and fluttered about in her giddy breeze. Charles always prepped his desk with paperweights prior to Que coming of course. It was typical for them to discuss topics that made Que uncomfortable at some point.

"So, how has this week been Que?" the Professor asked, sipping his tea.

"It's been pretty good I'd say," she replied with a small glint in her eye. "I have now accomplished playing nice in class, and I had lunch with someone, just today actually!"

"Ah yes. I did happen to see you and Aasir walk out together. I assume things are better between you two?" he asked smiling at her.

"Yeah, he told me he forgives me and would like to see if maybe we could be friends. He is actually a pretty cool guy. I don't know if I'd ever want to be friends with someone who beat the crap out of me."

"Either way, do you think getting to know them has been beneficial?" he prompted.

"I think so. I mean, Tracy is kind of annoying, but I'm glad I could help Luis. I think I am happier now being here," she replied.

"Well, that's always nice to hear Que. Storm also told me your first week of combat sessions with the others went well. I think congratulations are in order," Charles congratulated her. He was excited and proud of the eccentric, grey eyed girl across from him. She had come a long way in a month.

"On another note, how have you been sleeping? Are you still having nightmares? I have ensured the tea we talked about has been in full stock," he continued. Charles hadn't pressed this point much since they started having these chats, but he hoped that that area had improved too.

"They're fine. It's not a big deal. The tea has definitely helped," Que said slightly evading the question.

It was obviously something she wasn't comfortable talking about yet, and he knew she wasn't being completely truthful.

Charles sighed "Okay, you know if you ever need anything you can come find me. It doesn't need to be over Friday evening tea. It's why I'm here Que. If you are sure, I think it is about time for bed. I am excited to hear about all of the progress you've made this week."

---------------------------------
It was December and nearing the end of Que's first semester at the institute. She and Aasir had become thick as thieves and could hardly be separated. It had been a long time since she had a best friend or any friend really. She had also made friends with Luis from biology and Amara, Aasir's friend. Tracy from history had caught on that Que wasn't really interested and started hanging out with some other girls in class. This was fine with Que. Tracy was a tad too peppy for her.

The classes were wrapping up and a lot of the students were packing to head home for the break. There were only a couple students who would be spending the holidays at the X-Mansion. Much to Que's dismay, Aasir would be one of the ones heading home, while she stayed. He had promised he would come back early, and they would hang out for New Years.

Que and Aasir were out in front of the mansion, and had built a giant snow castle. Since Que had learned to manipulate the water, she had also learned to manipulate the energy within it to make it freeze. Their snow castle was quite impressive, towering a good fifteen feet high with multiple windows and a tower. The early afternoon sunlight glistened off the crystal like walls. Que stood in the tower and worked on some patches that were coming loose by the window while Aasir continued to fill in the front gate. Suddenly, a snowball flew straight at Que, and she stumbled into part of the tower. The back half collapsed on her head. She shoved off the excess snow and looked down at Aasir. He was rolling with laughter.

"You are such an ass!" she yelled at him, pelting him with snowballs.

"Language fair maiden," he said, still trying to pull himself back together.

"I believe that was one of your choice words for me once," she countered. "Yes, and I apologized!" he hollered back to her.

As he stared up at Que in the tower window, still patched with snow, a mischievous look appeared on his face.

"'But, soft! What light through yonder window breaks?
It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.
Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon,
Who is already sick and pale with grief,
That thou her maid art far more fair than she:
Be not her maid, since she is envious;
Her vestal livery is but sick and green
And none but fools do wear it; cast it off,'" Aasir called to her.

"What?" she sputtered but he continued. Aasir often broke into poetic verse or quoted something literature based. She ignored him and continued patching the tower. He'd wear himself out soon enough.

"'It is my lady, O, it is my love!
O, that she knew she were!
She speaks yet she says nothing: what of that?
Her eye discourses; I will answer it.
I am too bold, 'tis not to me she speaks:
Two of the fairest stars in all the heaven,
Having some business, do entreat her eyes
To twinkle in their spheres till they return.
What if her eyes were there, they in her head?
The brightness of her cheek would shame those stars,
As daylight doth a lamp; her eyes in heaven
Would through the airy region stream so bright
That birds would sing and think it were not night.
See, how she leans her cheek upon her hand!
O, that I were a glove upon that hand,
That I might touch that cheek!'"