The Bluebird's Dance

5

Adrian

My eyes gaze over the forest, recognizing this one particular tree. It's bark had been a lighter grey, practically white, which was a stark contrast compared to the warm, dark woods that surrounded it. The sun's morning rays captured nature so beautifully, I loved it. I've begun to actually enjoy nature this past few weeks, though it's probably because it's the only thing that keeps me semi-sane. Mother would scold me if she knew how I was acting. She would probably drone on and on about how childish I became, all due to Carmen. Carmen.

Her haunting screams had kept me up for the past couple days. They echo around my mind. I wish I could make it stop. God, the pain she must have been in. Everyone tried their best to make her feel better, even Professor Snape had seen if there were any potions he could brew up. Nothing. Nothing has worked to wake her up yet, though apparently she hasn't been screaming anymore. That's good. I wish I could see her again, hold her hand at the very least, but Madame Maxime has asked that I stay away from the guest rooms. That didn't stop me at first, until I got caught by the squib Filch yet again. I now have detention everyday after classes.

I was shifting around, trying to stretch my back and move my legs, when I heard the faint sounds of footsteps below me. I turn over to the staircase, but I don't see anyone yet. I get up from my position off the floor, and call out "Who is there?"

There was a pause, before a little voice questioned "Adrian?"

I recognized the voice Immediately and practically jumped down the stairs to reach her. As I see her climbing up, one hand on the railing and one hand held open, I open my own arms, giving Carmen the biggest hug of all time.

"Dear god," I breathe out. She's ok.

She wraps her small hands around me, giving me a small, tight squeeze. I take in it all. Carmen is here, with me, in my arms. I'm almost afraid that I have actually gone completely mad and had envisioned all of this, like a mirage.

"Adrian," she begins, slightly pulling back to look me in the eyes. Crystal blue eyes that remind me of the waters outside my house back home. They flash with wonder as she takes a good look at me. I look down and cringe as I realize that my clothes are wrinkled and my hair was a mess. I was about to say something, but Carmen's laughter captured my attention in an instant. It was a lot raspier than I remembered, that was probably because her voice had been strained again and again due to all her screaming. I wasn't complaining though. I would rather hear her laugh than almost anything else, especially those screams.

My heartrate had raced about as I grasped onto her tightly, too scared to let go. I just wished everything and everyone would go away now. I had what really mattered in my arms, nothing could ruin this. I close my eyes, trying to hold onto this moment right now. A smile forms on my lips as I look back at her again. That was until I saw the scared expression cover her face.

"What's wrong?" I asked, wondering what I did wrong. Could it have b-

"Nothing, ummmm," She hesitates, blinking profusely. "It's just, it's just, well..." She trails off. I try to make eye contact with her, hoping to understand what is going on, but she's looking everywhere other than my gaze.

"Carmen," I start, trying to calm her frantic eyes. She finally looks back at me, giving me a petite smile. I could tell it wasn't genuine, but honestly, I don't care right now. She was gone for days, and now she's here, with me. That's all that mattered. Whatever else she was going through, I would take every step with her. I smile down at her, giving her a small smile. I place my hands on the sides of her face, and rub my thumbs across her cheekbones. "Please tell me what's wrong."

"Am I sick?" she murmurs, her voice coated in uneasiness. Her brows knit together as she asked the question, and I wanted nothing more than to erase the little wrinkle that appeared on her forehead when she worried. What does she mean?