= Wands High =

Chapter 23 - 14 May 1998, Thursday

- Problem is – she said unexpectedly as they were getting back to the stage zone where they had left the others – I know my reaction was completely stupid and I'm blowing it off in my mind to apocalyptic scale. And yet I can't make myself face it and deal with it. And I hate myself for that. I mean, just listen to me – I sound like a whiney little girly-girl – Orianna made a grimace as if she was about to throw up and stuck her tongue out. – That's so not me!

- You're being a little too hard on yourself.

- Am I? – the blue-haired girl laughed bitterly. – Look, I know the impression I give people – Orianna The Bitch, Orianna The Ice Queen, Orianna-Who-Will-Kick-You-In-The-Nuts. Truth is I don't do it to look cool or to scare guys off, or anything. It's just that growing up with three sisters didn't help me much with developing tolerance for my kind. Boys may be dumb as hell sometimes but at least they're honest and straightforward, and don't waste time acting like hypocrites – if they don't like you, they don't like you. And if you earn their respect, it's solid. Growing up with the Slades next door helped me learn that – and it was super fun too. I've always been a tomboy so they didn't mind me tagging along – and, man, we've done so many crazy things together. Poor Griff was usually screwed up because he was supposed to be the responsible one and keep an eye on us. Yet he still covered up for our bullshit almost all the time – he used to say it was better to be with us all along so we all come back in one piece. And he enjoyed doing crazy childish stuff as much as we did – Orianna laughed and shook her head.

- Sounds like a great childhood – Hermione smiled.

- It was. Anyways, what I'm trying to say is that I like being perceived as one of the pack and not someone that might break it apart with her girly crap. But me saying that stuff to Chris turned it all upside down. I mean, the old pack's been gone for a while now, that's quite obvious, and he's all that's left. He's always been my best friend. I mean, both D and Chris are since I got here, but it's different when you've grown up with someone and you know each other's dumbass coming-of-age stories. For the love of the first dragon, I even remember that time when he was into my sister Miriam – and it never bothered me, never. D and I are so much alike – we're both moody jackasses – Hermione couldn't help but giggle at that. – That and the music makes us a great team against the world. Me and Chris is a different kind of great team. One based on awesome mutual balancing. He's had his fair share of crap in the past few years and yet he's still the same chill, laid-back, super friendly, soul-of-the-party dude he's always been. I miss that. And I hate myself for avoiding him over a few dumbass words I muttered in a moment of stupidity. And I can't believe I just spilled that horrible speech in front of another human being!

- You know, my mum once told me something I thought was silly back then because I was 14. But lately I'm seeing more and more evidence she was right. She said that there are many ridiculous things and phases in life but none of them as ridiculous – and at the same time as needed – as teenage emotions.

Orianna burst into laughter.

- Your mum is a wise woman! – she said after a few moments, wiping tears away. – Sheesh, Fairylooks, thanks for ruining my makeup. And for taking all that bullshit I spilled so nicely.

- You're welcome. And I'm sure you've got it in you to deal with the situation in the best way. For both of you.

- We'll see about that – Orianna shrugged. – But one thing's for sure - you earned your place in my super elitist club of sane women. And you're only the third member so far.

- Sounds like a great honor – Hermione smiled. – Thanks for the trust.

- That won't stop me from punching you if you try to give me a hug. Even if you turn me into a frog afterwards. Just saying.