EMBERS : the umbrella academy [2] [COMPLETE]

DAY 750

     "COME ON, LOVE," Marie said, peeking her head into Carla's room, "We're leaving soon."

     Carla frowned from where she was hunched over a notebook, rereading and adding to notes she had gathered in prepartion for the evening.

     Over the previous months, she had gathered as much information about the Majestic Twelve as possible (especially Reginald).

     "Okay, give me a sec," she replied, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

      She pulled out a photo of the Majestic Twelve, eyes scanning over the members again, trying to burn them into her brain.

     This could potentially be her only shot to talk to Reginald and see if he had anything to do with what was going on.

     Perhaps she could ask if any strange adults claiming to be his children had approached him.

     She folded the picture in half, slipping it into the notebook. The small handbag she had decided to bring had a long shoulder strap, and was just big enough to hold the neccessities.

     Pushing the small notebook into her bag, she was careful not to disrupt the small, clear bag that was also tucked inside. It contained a fine, white powder.

     Carla could feel the high from the previous night wearing off, reminding her of a plane about to crash, engine spluttering as it desperately tried to remain in the air.

     "What shoes am I wearing, again?"

     Marie entered the room, "I think the black heels would look nice with your dress."

     Carla nodded, finding the shoes and slipping her feet into them, before glancing in the mirror.

     Her dress was a deep blue, and she was wearing black gloves to cover her hands. She had applied makeup to her face in order to conceal the shadows under her eyes, and to add a perky blush to her otherwise drained face.

     Her hair had been cut a few months prior, so didn't have any split ends, and had a clean shine to it.

     Before, Carla wouldn't have been able to look in the mirror wihout seeing Sarah staring back. However, as she made eye contact with her reflection, she didn't recognise the girl staring back.

     She had the urge to prod and pull at her skin, just to prove that she was real and exisiting. That there was blood coursing through her veins, nerves under her skin, lungs taking in air with every shuddering breath.

     However, she was conscious of Marie's gaze trained on her.

     "You okay?" Marie asked cautiously.

     Carla forced a smile, "Of course."

     Marie was looking especially dolled up for the evening, her blonde hair in a fancy updo, her dress black with blue accents, and her lips painted the classic ruby red.

     She didn't seem convinced, but didn't push as Carla shouldered her bag, instead offering a fishnet-clad hand for Carla to take.

     The woman smiled softly, "You look beautiful, by the way."

     She didn't feel it. She felt like a pile of bones, or a stack of cards, barely standing up. As though a breath of wind could send her crashing down.

     Carla smiled, "Thank you."

     The pair descended the stairs, where Quentin was waiting for them at the bottom. His suit was midnight black, with a blue tie and pocket handkerchief to match his wife and Carla.

     "Ready, my dears?" Quentin raised his eyebrows in question.

     Carla nodded.

     "Then we had best get going."

a/n: this is a bit of a filler oops but i think it also shows carlas struggles in a bit more depth 😪

its also the last chapter before playlist no.2 (aka the start of episode 4), where she will be getting FAR more involved in the plot teehee

im honestly so excited for this fic because i have a LOT planned and you guys will hate me for it but its fine 😃👍

as always ILY ALL!!! MWAH!!!!!!

(and no, FACEONALOVER , that kiss wasn't for you 🙄)