The Descendant

IV - The Cross.

I wept, my lids shut tight, mascara slightly seeping past my eyelashes, invading my vulnerable eyesight - burning, as I uncontrollably experienced the subtle dispair. My past hopes for the night were ruined, spoiled by the disappearance of my precious amulet.

The one thing that made me feel real... connected, bounded in some strange way.

I felt like a big baby, weeping and crying - sprawled out upon the darkness, welcoming it with a creased frown. My moment of hysteria would last for some time, only to then be interrupted by the creaking of the front door, the peeking of an outsider - the intrusion of my dear friend.

Hope watched her, her brown eyes painfully witnessing the breakdown of a best friend. She stepped towards me, reaching out for me - she silently grabbed me, tenderly hugging me, I rested my head upon her shoulder - my makeup smearing against Hope's white blazer. "There, there." She whispered, gently rocking me back and forth, "It's okay, everything will be alright..." Hope said, trying to ease me - release me from some of my sorrow.

"It's the amulet, Hope... I- I lost it. I don't think I'll ever get it back," I explained, slowly beginning to calm myself, I wiped away the last remaining tears.

"It's okay, Kara. I'll find you a new one, a prettier one, I promise." Hope whispered, softly bringing her lips towards my forehead, she gave it a tender peck. "Come on, the night has just begun, don't let this bring you down. It'll get better," she said - giving me a subtle smile, "Trust me."

Her words helped to encourage me, easing me out of her saddened thoughts, I smiled - slowly beginning to stand up, I'd give the night another chance. Responding to Hope's words with a gentle nod, I wiped away some of the runny mascara, though it didn't do much to fix my messy appearance.

Hope stood up as well, reaching out for my hand, she led me into my bedroom, sitting me down upon my vanity. "Here, let me fix you up," she said, running a hand through my long locks, she began to comb them over, fixing some of the knots that came with the fight.

She then dabbed some warm water upon my cheeks, whipping away the dried up blood, the smeared makeup. Leaving my face as a clear, black canvas, she began redoing my foundation. Covering up some of the bruising, the discolored lumps. And after a little bit, I looked as good as new - though my eyes were slightly swelled, that was something that would go down soon enough.

"Gorgeous," said Hope, admiring her handiwork, she began walking me outside, holding on tight, she wouldn't let me leave her side. "See? It's not so bad now, is it?" She said, pointing out towards the streets. They were still crowded, but not as crazy as before. Now, there was actually some breathing room, a way to walk without stepping on anyone's toes.

I chuckled, slightly nodding, "Wow, I didn't even know we had this many people in the camp. I can barely recognize anyone." I commented.

Now being led by Hope, we walked past several people - soon catching up with Maria, she gave me a tight hug.

"Chiquita! what happened? one minute you were right next to me and then gone on the next one! que paso?"

I sighed, not exactly wanting to get into it, I dismissively waved off her question, giving my worried caretaker a fake smile, a way to move forward. "Don't worry, Maria. It's nothing. Let's just get back to the celebration, alright? I'm starving." I'd say, giving off a playful pout, I pressed her palm against my stomach.