The Flaws In Everything

11 - Junkyard Findings

Chapter 11 - 'Junkyard findings'

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As promised, Talia was stood outside their door the next morning, thankfully without her wolven legs. For once, Lyre wasn't late - the day's machinations would not wait for late morning risers. This had one downfall however, and that was manifested in her most tolerable sister whose confusion and betrayal was evident as they walked out the door together.

Since Lyre was on time, she had no choice but to walk with Ensley and Adalyn to school... and Talia. The the fact that Talia stuck to Lyre's side like a leech proved to be increasingly problematic, her eyes scanning the perimeter and never once looking towards her secret, hurt fiancé.

Of course, Ensley had no way of communicating with her though, or at least not without Adalyn becoming suspicious about their relations. And so instead, Ensley wallowed in self pity, drowning in the possible conclusions that her mind conjured, despite how far they were from the truth.

"So Talia, how come you're walking with us today? You obviously can't be Lyre's friend. You're much too sensible for that." Adalyn laughed and although a girlish squeal would have been fitting for her laugh type, unfortunately she wasn't quite a caricature. Instead, her laugh was melodic; though admittedly with undertones of 'I'm going to take over the world and destroy you all' vibes.

"Don't speak about her that way. Lyre has much more of a future than you ever will, peasant." Talia spit sharply, to which Adalyn's eyes widened, her mouth unable to formulate a tangible response.

Talia words were strange and although she didn't know her well, she was from a fairly respectable family and Adalyn was certain that her insult was not quite normal. Furthermore, not once had Talia and Lyre been seen together, prior to this morning. Lyre was clearly the lone wolf type, and Ada had an accreting suspicion that something strange was going on.

Ensley felt the same way, for Talia had never spoken of Lyre as if they knew each other before and her avoidance of Ensley after yesterday's events wounded her deeply. Was it because she hadn't announced them as public yet?

Surely Talia had not expected her to tell her parents and the rest of the town in a single evening without planned damage control beforehand? Truthfully, Ensley couldn't remember what had happened the evening before and it worried her - did something happen between Lyre and Talia that she had somehow blocked from her memory?

On the other side of the narrowing path, Lyre jabbed Talia in the ribs hard. "Can you act normal please? My sisters are suspicious already." She whispered.

Talia frowned. "I am acting normally. I'm not a coward like most of this town, Lyre. I for one, stick up for my friends."

"We aren't friends, Talia. And especially not in public." Lyre hissed under her breath, walking a little faster to seperate them. Talia evidently had a death wish, associating herself with Lyre. And with her current behaviour, there was no way that Talia's relationship with Ensley would last. Lyre didn't need another sister that hated her.

After hearing the last few words of their conversation, Adalyn gave Talia a knowing smirk. What she didn't anticipate, was Talia's vicious reaction and when their company was not looking, she turned to give Adalyn a show of her half shifted wolven ears and teeth, letting the sharp razors protrude from her gums. Adalyn gave a frightened squeak, the satisfaction Talia felt allowing her to return to her guardian duties.

Shaken, Adalyn cleared her throat. "I - I think I'm going to take the more scenic route to school. Ensley, are you coming?"

After darting her eyes worriedly between Lyre and Talia, she reluctantly agreed, following Adalyn like a lost puppy.