The Prophecy

Encounters

                 Peyton got home just in time, Amethyst had just woken up. Trading their game has always been Peyton’s specialty, Mrs. Nikos hasn’t had to pay for supplies for the bakery in years because Peyton is so good. Even if an animal, like Sean’s squirrel, isn’t worth what Peyton is trying to trade it for, they still make the trade, no haggling. She never fully understood why but it makes things go faster for them to get home faster, that’s all she wants now that Amethyst is in preschool. Last year Amethyst could sleep in because Mrs. Nikos would take Keith and Amethyst to work at the bakery during school hours, Peyton would take over watching them after she was out of school while working at the bakery.

                 Amethyst only left preschool the 1st day scared running to the high school, Peyton had to take her back and stay the whole day. She still tried to talk Peyton into staying all day but at least she never leaves. Peyton gave her their mother’s medallion that day, it looks like a compass and a north star together; eight points in a circle every other point has a dark blue stone in its center. The very center of the medallion has a light blue stone that matches the one in Peyton’s ring, also from their mother. The necklace is a family heirloom, but the ring was her mother’s engagement ring that her father said she wanted Peyton to have after she died. The ring had a fancy name that Peyton can’t ever remember until her dad says it, but it has hands holding a heart that has a crown on top. The heart is a light blue stone in it with small diamonds in the silver crown, barely noticeable, but it is spectacular. Until Amethyst’s 1st day Peyton never took them off, but she gave it to Amethyst the same way their mother gave it to Peyton. She told Amethyst that whenever she felt like she needed Peyton to rub the center stone, when she did that Peyton would know somehow and be touching the stone in the ring at that very moment, connecting them always. Since then Amethyst has been fine at school and that’s all that matters really.

                 Peyton doesn’t really like school, or it doesn’t seem as important to her anymore. Ever since King Seaton took over school has been about him. She wasn’t alive when he took power and early on in school, she enjoyed it because they taught history the way it should be but after junior high school history is all about how the king rose to power and how “amazing” he is. She’s had to read about it in school and listen to him talk about it on TV and really, it’s over done now. He took power 200 years ago, because he was a ruthless murderer and he should stop thinking he’s the best thing to happen to them.

                 He took out so much of what made the world so amazing, like the names of cities for example, she saw an old map from way before magic came back into the world, and there were too many different parts to it now he’s made it all about him. Every town is named for its purpose to the king, his favorite town to live in is literally called “Main City”, who does that?

Fells falls was named after Seaton fell down on the small water fall by the lake, Seaton changed everything and had no creativity. The history behind this town’s name is funny and it has a nice ring to it, so it doesn’t bother her like Main City, or the Diamond Town is name for its underground mines full of diamonds. Reasons like that are why Peyton hates school now; one year of preschool, 5 years of elementary, 3 years of junior high and then 5 in high school of the same old stuff is obnoxious. The teachers don’t even care the last years they are just as bored as Peyton is, for whatever reason she feels like it shouldn’t be that long, stupid to think that because it’s been this way for the past 200 years, ever since Seaton took power, possibly longer. She keeps her mouth shut about anything negative about the king, everyone in town whispers who knows what behind her back as she passes, she doesn’t need to add fuel to the flame. Peyton just tries to fly below the radar, the idea of a large crowd being focused on her for whatever reason is uncomfortable and slightly terrifying.

                 After they dropped the little ones at the preschool Hunter and Peyton walked down to the high school, stopping at Rebecca and Hutch’s, out of habit from when Hutch went to school with them, now it’s just to walk with Rebecca. Really, she is the closest to a female friend the Peyton has but she feels like Rebecca isn’t as interested in the friendship. It’s all Hunter’s fault, he’s a huge flirt and uses Peyton to make other girls jealous. He gets way too close to Peyton for a day and then the very next day she will see him making out with some girl all the while he misses that Rebecca has a huge crush on him. Rebecca hasn’t been one of the girls in the closet with him but for a moment, before Peyton lost her mom, she thought Hunter was about to ask Rebecca out. Seeing how fast life can end Peyton just assumed he just didn’t want to settle down, still doesn’t show any signs that he will change, if Peyton knew how she would comfort Rebecca for that. She can do better if she would come out of her bubble with a brother like Hutch it must be hard to shine when he tried to be brighter than the sun.

                 Hunter watched Peyton try to talk to Rebecca who responded politely but clearly didn’t want to talk. She’s really quiet at school, mostly she just sits and draws during breaks it’s amazing to see for him because when he’s over with Hutch, she talks a lot about everything. Peyton wants to have a girl to talk to he can tell but he doesn’t think it will ever be Rebecca for whatever reason she doesn’t talk to Peyton like she does Hunter, it’s weird.

                 As they got to the school’s grungy archway Rebecca left to wherever she goes and Hunter tossed his arm over Peyton’s shoulder, one day he hopes she will enjoy this and not pull away all day, every time it happens he ends up looking for comfort with someone else, trying to see it Peyton would get jealous to see him with another girl. One day he might just give up on her all together, but he doesn’t see that in the near future. Well good news is he is closer to getting Peyton than her stupid friend James is, that douche-nozzle is the new kid to school and failing to win Peyton over, like everyone else, Hunter has fun flaunting how close he and Peyton are when he comes around.

                 Great, Peyton thought seeing James come up towards them, Hunter acts so weird every single time that James comes by and James stops slouching to show off how he’s 6’5 by towering over both Peyton and Hunter. They both seem to try out manning each other, if that’s even a thing. Hunter more tries to get possessive of her, like she would pick James to be her new best friend. The only thing she has in common with James is that they’ve both had 6th period choir the past two years and no one talks to him either. His problem is he moved her two years ago, and has some sort of accent she can’t describe, he calls it southern, but she doesn’t know what that means. James doesn’t even know what it means it’s just what his parents called it and their parents before them for who knows how long. Anyway because of that, his height and being scrawny before -he has more muscles now- kids were picking on him so Peyton stood up for him, she hates when people pick on others for no reason, they have been friends ever since but not best friends or extremely close, so Hunter is over reacting. Really choir is the only class she doesn’t have with Hunter, so she talks to James when they don’t sing about their “great king”.

                 True to form Hunter locked his huge arm around her neck, she was sure it looked different than it felt, it looked like how couples walk down the street together in movies but it felt like he was slowing going to strangle her from the back of her neck instead of the front somehow, it was odd how he made it feel like she couldn’t breathe. His arm was pulling a few hairs, not to mention when he did it the gesture pinched the back of her neck. Hopefully he doesn’t do this so uncomfortably to other girls or it’s a wonder he can get a date at all. James stood up straight talking only to Peyton as he approached and their childish behavior made her want to roll her eyes, instead she smiled and greeted him back politely trying to elbow Hunter off her a little so he would loosen his hold. Hunter tried pulling her to class away from James without saying a thing at all to James or vice versa.

                 “Be nice.” She whispered to Hunter elbowing him a little harder. Why can’t they just be friends and make her life easier?

                 “He’s trying to take you from me.” He whispered with a wink, she doesn’t understand why he phrases things so weird like that, like James could never beat Hunter for her best friend. The bell rang signaling only 5 minutes to get to class and Hunter sarcastically snapped his fingers and said, “Oh darn looks like we have to go to class but it was just super talking to you James, bye!”

                 Peyton waved over her shoulder has Hunter dragged her away “I don’t know why you can’t just be nice to him for once” she snapped shoving his arm off.

                 “He isn’t nice to me, and I did say good bye, you heard me just now.” He laughed making her turn and scowl at him. “Well he isn’t nice to me, just you, maybe give him the lecture.”

                 “Be the bigger man.” She said with a stern face as he opened the door for her.

                 Hunter just rolled his eyes following her into the room taking their seats in the back corner of the room as the teacher turned the lights off when the bell rang. She put on a movie and Hunter pulled Peyton’s seat right next to his talking to her rather than watching the “history” movie they’ve seen a hundred times before. After roll call the teacher lets them do whatever they want now, as long as they don’t make a mess in the hall or disturb classes that are actually doing something. The only class she still actually has to do class work in is choir which is just singing no paper work.

                 Hunter won’t leave her side for a second they just talk all day every day, he even walks her to choir which is crazy because he has his 2nd PE class and it’s on the other side of the school, still he does it and beats her to the door at the end of the day so he can walk with her to the preschool. The only time they don’t really talk is when they run the track and work out in PE. Peyton is happy about how her lifting weights doesn’t make her butch looking, some of the girls who do what she does are extremely muscular, but she stays petite and strong. She thinks they are still pretty, but she knows that’s not a look that would look good on her. The other girls want to look like that and work out harder for it, that’s the real reason why.

                 On the way to music Hunter locked his arm over her like he did in the morning which was strange for him when James wasn’t around. Then she spotted him to their right slouched as always, managing to blend it the crowd extremely well. As they got to the door Hunter kissed her cheek which was a first and gave the most annoying smirk to James after while walking away toward the gym. Peyton rolled her eyes at her two-year-old friend walking into the class with James.

                 “Your boyfriend is a real tool you know?” he scoffed taking his seat.

                 “Just like I told you yesterday and every day before that, he’s not my boyfriend, why does everyone say that. Is that impossible to believe a girl and guy can just be friends? Why does everyone automatically assume any guy hanging out with a girl must be dating or almost dating?” She didn’t mean to go on a little rant, but she couldn’t help it.

                 “It’s not impossible to think, most people can just be friends. It’s just hard to believe it with you.” He said and quickly stopped talking.

                 Peyton whipped her head up to look at him, what is that supposed to mean? He looked extremely nervous and lucky for him the teacher started class so she could ask that he mean by that. Does she have some kind of reputation or something? Is that why girls in school won’t talk to her? It’s impossible for a rumor like that getting started from her, she hasn’t even kissed a guy before so if that is the rumor then it’s a lie. Someone who hates her or one of the girls Hunter tried to make jealous by clinging to Peyton must have started it. Bethany was the only person Peyton could think of that would say anything like that. She’s always hated Peyton because she’s hopelessly in love with Hunter and he has “no interest in her bright red hair, big round glasses and freckles.” Peyton hasn’t ever said anything mean towards her in fact she’s been more than nice and she’s the only person in school that hasn’t called her ugly because Peyton doesn’t think she is but still Bethany hates Peyton. She probably started the rumor, or James has a low opinion of Peyton that he just came up with that on his own. Whatever the case she’s mad at him, she couldn’t even look over to her all class and she ran out rushing Hunter out of the school so whatever excuse James made wouldn’t be heard.

                 Graham couldn’t take it anymore, he had to get out of this camp and explore the woods or the town, maybe both. Like an amateur he tried to just walk out his room and head though the barracks exit, he forgot his father’s office window was pointed right at the end of the stairway. Capitan Ryanns swung the door open so hard Graham was sure his father cracked it or the wall a little. Like Graham his father was extreme strong, and his chest tattoo showed slightly above the collar on his plan army green tee - it’s all Graham could see sometimes - Graham is sure that to other soldiers that must seem terrifying but to Graham this angry act is just annoying. How many 21-year old’s have to plan an escape to sneak out? None. His father knows him too well though, he planned his office space perfectly to see the stairs and his father’s office window is directly under Graham’s only window.

                 As he sulked upstairs, he came up with the best plan trying not to let his face say everything or his father would be looking out for him. He locked the door behind him in his room quickly yanking his emergency bag put from under the bed sifting through it until he found what he’s looking for. Normally this is meant to toss and climb up not down, but it will work. Graham hooked it onto his window frame dropping down quick stooping right before the office window. He kicked off the wall a tad sideways to fall just to the left of the window, pressing the release button so he could get back in later, securing it in his pocket. As he got to the opening of camp, he thought he would have to talk his way out but instead there was no one guarding it like there should be. The area is hidden beautifully but it’s not full proof, he’ll have to focus on teaching security but for now he’s grateful. He’s free to explore this Fells Falls a little before they leave yet again once this camp is ship shape like the hundreds of camps they have been to his whole life.

                 Hunter tried to ask her what was wrong she just told him that she would tell him in the morning while they hunt because she had to forget all about it so Amethyst didn’t see her mad. He also tried to say he could get her so Peyton wouldn’t have to rush to work but this was one of her favorite part of the day picking up Amethyst. Peyton ran into the preschool ready to scoop up Amethyst like always when she saw the kids running around with paint and other objects plastered everywhere around their bodies. It was hard to tell who was, who with all the mask and make up but Keith came running towards Hunter. He was all yellow with Popsicle sticks glues to his face with orange paper ripped and glued to the sticks, for a child he did a good job at making himself a lion she had to say it was spectacular and unbelievably cute when he started to roar at them. As he and Hunter started to be lions together Peyton saw a little blue bird running at her as she got a better look, she noticed it wasn’t a bird at all it was a dragon, Amethyst- with help from the teacher no doubt- made herself a dragon. Her blonde hair wrapped around styrofoam making two blonde horns. Her face and body are completely covered with glittery blue paint and a few feathers. The wings were a large piece of blue fabric with blue and white feathers glued to it pinned carefully to her shirt. Amethyst’s tail was pinned to the back loop of her pants, dragging behind her as she “flew” toward Peyton tossing red paper “from her mouth” roaring with a huge smile on her face.

                 “Come here little dragon.” Peyton said as she lifted her sister into the air to, she could feel like she was flying. “What was your assignment today?”

                 “To become what scares, you.” she growled trying to sound like a scary dragon maybe Peyton felt over loaded with cuteness. “It’s to stop us from being scared of it.”

                 “And did it work?” Peyton asked putting her sister down on the floor. “Are you still scared of dragons?”

                 “I’m a dragon now Peyton,” She said as a matter of fact putting her hands on her hips, “I can’t be scared of myself.”

                 Amethyst and Keith started to run around the room Hunter lifting Amethyst up to make her dive down onto Keith, Peyton wished she could stay but she was cutting it close on time, not that Nora cares when Peyton is late. Today Peyton cared if she was late it’s her 1st time being allowed to bake, since she is graduating this year Nora is starting to groom her to run the bakery, so she has to be able to do everything once she graduates not just ring up at the front desk. She was rushing into the shop so fast that she accidently bumped some guy a little bit as she was turning the corner. In her rush she only had time to apologize over her shoulder, at least it wasn’t anything big just a slight tap. He probably didn’t even notice.

                 Peyton went up to the desk putting her book bag under it when a guest walked in, she helped them before going into the back. Sometimes it seems like everyone waits for her to come into work to flood in then she sees some point at her when they leave, today she wondered if they knew whatever rumor James does, they probably don’t like her too but that doesn’t bother her. She found herself looking at the window a lot today like something was on the other side that she had to see but seemed to just barley miss it maybe because there was nothing when she looked, she could be crazy today too. Nora came out noticing the crowed letting Peyton slip into the back to start.

                 She was really excited to start this until she got back here, Nora is just as tall as Peyton, maybe only slightly taller but still it seemed everything she needed was on the highest shelf, Peyton had to jump up to grab it even then it almost slipped out of reach. The sliver shelf had wheels and wasn’t sturdy enough to climb so she had no choice but to jump or poke through the holes to push it to the edge from below. When Peyton looked to the flour, she assumed it would be low because of its weight but she found the only bag up on the top shelf again. She jumped up managing to grab the bag barely but enough to get momentarily excited, which promptly went away as she landed on the floor and the bag opened dumping flour all over her.

                 Nora walked in laughing ad Peyton said, “I’m sorry everything was just up so high.”

                 “That’s because that is the backup supplied the ones we use,” she started to say still laughing as she opened the cabinets in the center aisle, “are all in here. Not to mention we also have this.” She said pulling out a step ladder from between the wall and the shelf. “Don’t worry you’re not he 1st and I’ll have the janitor clean that up.”

                 Peyton laughed at how silly she felt not realizing there were supplies under the island as she started to make the cookies. It’s the easiest to make according to Nora so that’s what she has to do all week. After putting them in the oven she went back out-front dusting off the left-over flour as she took her seat behind the counter. It was slow again, so she pulled a book out just when the bell at the door rang signaling someone walked in. She spun her chair around smiling as always but for the 1st time in her life feeling a little frozen looking at the man who walked in. He was about 6’2 or so, muscular, with dark hair and a beautiful shade of light blue eyes. At her silence, he smiled coming closer to her and her breath was taken away at the sight of his perfect crooked smile which might make it imperfect, but she found it perfect, she’d never seen anyone so beautiful in her life. She looked down at his leg and saw the spine of the book she was reading right now too. She’s never seen anyone reading a book like this, it’s hard to find king disapproved books he burnt most of them, her dad can’t even remember how he found the two he had now it’s just this one, she loves it. He reached his hand out touching her face with the softest graze on her cheek laughing a little pulling his hand back showing white dust on his finger. Peyton rolled her eyes dropping her gaze from him for the 1st time realizing she must have looked ridiculous or stupid with flour on her face. Now she’s completely embarrassed sure that her face was blushing already.

                 “You have flour on your face.” He said with some sort of accent she never heard before, but it was amazing added with his accent she couldn’t find words to say at 1st.

                 “Yeah, I-” She said starting to stutter “I dropped a bag of flour on myself, it was up a little too high for me.”

                 “Maybe you need a taller person to grab it next time.” He laughed, she was amazed at his accent. “Or perhaps a ladder of some sort?”

                 “Apparently, we have a step stool.” She laughed with him as he dusted off more flour from her shoulder “It was hidden right next to the shelf.”

                 “New here?”

                 “New to baking here, I practically grew up here, but I just started baking.”

                 “Well then I’ll take half of whatever is in your 1st batch.” He smiled leaning in she could smell the woods on him like he’d been out there for some time it almost distracted her from the conversation. Again, different from boys in town no one goes into the woods accept her family, and Hutch, everyone is too scared of dragons or the king, he’s different it’s refreshing.

                 “You sure because it’s my 1st batch EVER.” She tried to emphasize that, so he knew to back out now, she never really even cooked or baked at home, her mom was a great chef and Nora is as well so she never had to. Just a few meals or normal breakfast easy stuff.

                 “Someone has to test them, right?” He laughed.

                 “Not a new costumer you’ll never some back, I was going to force my family to endure that torcher.”

                 “I’m sure I’ve been through worse torcher. How much time is left?” He asked reaching for the timer which she beat him to pulling into herself, keeping it away from him, making him laugh at her.

                 “I just put them in so about 10 min plus I’ll need them to cool for another 10 so you should order something else that will definitely taste great.” She smiled at him surprised at how she can talk to him so calmly when she’s really nervous.

                 “Why would I do that then I wouldn’t get the 20 or so minutes to talk to you. I’ll wait. Unless you’d rather I leave and not bother you any longer?”

                 “Not bothered. Not yet at least.” She smiled playing with her hair a little seeing the flour fall out of her hair. I made her laugh at herself and then it turned into a weird giggle when he touched her hair gently dusting off the flour as he tucked it behind her ear. No one has ever done that, and she’s never giggled like that before.

                 A guy like this has to be taken and no way could he be interested in her, but he is certainly charming. Peyton had to force herself not to think about him or how soft and warm his hand felt grazing hers. She couldn’t stop thinking if he meant to actually touch it in a romantic way or if it was just in her mind, really for the 1st time she couldn’t think of what to do while at the same time was surprised at how they couldn’t stop talking. When she went to get the cookies, she noticed him looking in through the window, probably just to look into the kitchen a lot of customers do that, he was too amazing to still be single it was impossible. Peyton isn’t interesting or pretty enough to get a guy like that, her mom might have been, but Peyton never has boys falling all over her, this guy is just being nice. She’s never going to see him after today so it doesn’t even matter, she shouldn’t even be stressing about this he’s just a guy, nothing special. Before walking out, she took a deep breath at the door trying to remind herself of that, to remind herself not to get attached. All that reminding went out the door when she did, and he wasn’t at the counter. She felt sad he was gone, Peyton walked out and sat down at the desk putting her timer on setting down in front of her as she opened her book again.

                 He popped up from the behind the counter making her jump a little that hasn’t happened in a long time, her surprise gave him a chance to steal the timer. The mystery guy laughed turning the timer up to 20 minutes, pulling it away from her as she reaches for it laughing a little. She didn’t realize they were close until she gave up trying to take it back and saw that their faces were almost touching, some of the left-over flour was on his face and was falling onto his shirt from her hair. She backed away a little bit and reached up dusting it off his face and shoulder, he smiled and seemed like he was leaning in a little more making her heart race just a little bit. Feeling all the blood in her body rush to her cheeks, Peyton back up away from him sitting back down in her chair.

                 “Didn’t want to burn my mouth on cookies so I thought we would play it safe, is that okay?” He said handing it back to her. “Would you like to change it back flour girl?”

                 “You’ll risk your life on poisonous cookies from a stranger but won’t risk a temporary ‘burn’ on your tongue?” She smiled taking it from him putting it down.

                 “If that’s how you want to see it.” He said winking making her heart jump a little against her wishes, “Maybe I just like the company.”

                 The seconds seemed to fly by fast for her, talking to him was easier than talking to anyone really. Not only could she listen to his voice, and that accent for hours but he just seemed to be able to seamlessly change the subject so there weren’t any lulls just time flying by too fast. Peyton would let them sit for hours if she could just to keep him here just a little while longer. Twenty minutes weren’t long enough not even close once the buzzer went off, she wanted to turn it again. She went into the back bagging up half the cookies for him, she wanted to “accidently” drop into the trash so he wouldn’t have to eat them, or he would have to say longer. When she thought of that plan, she realized she was getting too attached like she told herself not to a thousand times. She needs him to get out before she gets anymore attached, he won’t ever see her again, he’s just passing through on a trip or something.

                 As she handed him the bag, she stopped pulling it back asking if he was positive, he actually wanted to be her test dummy. He reached over his hand covering hers making her want to grab it, she’s too attached why did he have to be charming?

                 “Positive. “He smiled his crooked smile as she realized the bag letting his hand slide off hers. “And I will eat all of them I promise.”

                 He started to reach into his pocket and Peyton ran from behind the counter stopping him holding his hand closed over the money, “No way are you paying for these.” She laughed. The mystery guy smiled looking down at her, she hadn’t realized how close she’d gotten to him again trying to stop him from paying. Now he had his hand over hers holding the bag and her other hand was holding his closed around his back and they were practically chest to chest, if they weren’t holding the cookies between them, they would be.

                 “Consider it me paying for a lovely conversation.” He said leaning in a little moving his hand off the bag to her hair dusting it and some flour off her shoulder.

                 “It’s not worth anything either.” She said knowing she ruined it, as he took a slight step back. Its good, she can’t let herself get more attached.

                 “Your perspective.” He smiled leaning in again grabbing the bag and her hand again. She took a deep breath as he was leaning in and she couldn’t back up, she didn’t really want to which was weird for her. the Mystery guy moved their hands from behind his back to behind hers on the counter a little she let go of it slightly touching his wrist and forearms she could feel the muscles there she never thought about muscles there. Then suddenly he stopped, Peyton looked up as his face turned to horror at the sight of the kitchen behind her. He looked worried or possibly freaked out, so Peyton whipped around to look in, seeing nothing out of the ordinary still she tried to see what he was looking at. That’s when she heard the bell at the door making her turn ready to move around him because that was unprofessional, she forgot she was at work until now, then she found him smiling at the door. “Got you.”

                 Peyton looked over at the counter seeing $50 under her book, that’s what he was doing so close she’s stupid to think otherwise. She reached over grabbing it, “No no no no no, absolutely not” she turned and took a step toward him making back out the door. “This is more than good cookies cost you can’t pay this much!”

                 “Tip then.” He smiled as she stepped, he stepped back out the door closing it smiling so Peyton back up, watching him step back inside making the bell ring.

                 “It’s more than cookies and a tip as well.” She said lifting it “and I’m fast you can’t outrun me so you should just take it now.”

                 “You’d be surprised at what I can do so you might as well just accept the money and deal with it.” He said flashing that breathtaking crooked smile at her again.

                 “Fine.” She said putting it back down on the table. “Well come back if they don’t kill you.” She laughed.

                 “They won’t and I most certainly will.” He said backing out of the room leaving her alone with her thoughts, all filled with him.

                 Don’t get attached. Don’t think about him. All the talking to herself was pointless there was nothing about that moment that she wasn’t reliving right now. Not just his physical appearance but how he talked and managed to make her calm so easily, he could have gotten her deepest secrets out no doubt. Who was that guy?

                 Graham just laid in bed looking up at his thinking how quickly life can change. One tap on the street and quick conversation could change how he feels about how his life has been so far. Moving around his whole life has stopped any attachment to anyone but she was just, she was too easy to get into, like a good book. For the 1st time in his life he was nervous to talk to someone, but he was surprised how he could talk naturally once they got started. She even had his favorite book on the counter no one has books like this his mom’s family saved them before Seaton’s rule and he doesn’t know how anyone would find it out here. How her hands over his stopped them from shaking again for the 1st time. How hard it was to back away quietly and not kiss her right there, but that’s not how his mother taught him to court a woman. He can’t believe he’s thinking about courting her already, who was she?

                 Hunter dropped onto Hutch’s couch happy to finally get some time with his friend, once he graduated last year, he has been nonstop busy. Hutch keeps telling him that Hunter will love it when he’s in the same place next year, problem was Hutch was way better than he was, Hunter won’t be able to go as fast. They sat there playing games, trash talking the whole time and Hunter was winning for once. Something was wrong with Hutch, but he wouldn’t talk so they just sat there acting like it was nothing.

                 Hunter got up running into the kitchen bumping into Rebecca so hard her paint brush that she was using to hold up her hair fell out smothering him in her hair for a second before they both dropped down to pick up the brush, bumping heads. They both started laughing after that not starting to get up, from the floor it was too hilarious.

                 “You should just get married.” Hutched scoffed stomping in and stepping over them, getting to the sink dropping his cup in.

                 “So, glad you came home.” Rebecca mumbled as Hunter helped her up off the floor bumping into the painting, she was doing getting paint all over his arm, she didn’t seem to care, just gathered her things and walked out.

                 “What the hell is wrong with you dude?” Hunter said pulling paper towels and wetting the to start wiping off his arm.

                 “You’ll see when you do what I did today.” Hutch huffed. “Unless you get it before doing it yourself. It’s dumb, dude sorry just a bad day, love my job just not today. I’ll go get Rebecca and explain it to her if you want to crawl up to the roof for the shower.”

                 Hutch always knew when there was going to be a big meter shower or anything in the sky before the news would talk about it, Hunter enjoyed it. The four of them, before Amethyst took most of Peyton’s free time, would catch private shows sometimes, like they were the only people in the world, it’s one of Hunter’s favorite traditions. Tonight, was one of those occasions Hutch swears there will be a rain of falling stars, he can feel it, and it’s why he came over straight after work. Hunter looked over at the painting to see how bad he messed it up and had to take step back for a moment. She painted the night sky from the window here and his arms made the starts drop like a shower and made the red vase on the window seal look like the starts turned to blood in the house it was kind of creepy looking now.

                 “Put me down!” Hunter heard Rebecca shout as they emerged from Hutch’s window, her over his shoulder. He wishes this was new, but it wasn’t, as much as Hutch picks on her he always wants her to join in their little outings for better or worse. Hutch carrying her over his shoulder is about as common as a squirrel in a tree at this point. He dropped her down beside Hunter blocking her exit. “What’s going to be so special about this stupid thing why did you drag me out here?”

                 “How about ‘thank you for coming home big brother, I’ve missed you dearly and I’m so glad we can share this together.’ It’s much nicer brat.”

                 “Thank you, big brother, I’m-” she started when Hunter touched her arm with his shaking his head pleading not to repeat that long fake speech. She nodded and fell back her hair falling out onto his arm slightly “So, when is this thing supposed to start?”

                 Hutch hummed and pulled out his bare wrist pretending to do math with his invisible watch, Hunter just laid back onto the roof looking over at Rebecca who rolled her blue eyes at Hutch knowing he wouldn’t have an exact answer, Hunter knew it too, so he just looked up. Just as they predicted Hutch had no other response accept to look at the sky and it’ll start when it starts. As Hunter admired the starts he noticed one shooting across the sky and smiled thinking it started, just then he saw something black cross over the town in one long line waving over, it was fast but he swore he saw something, making him lean up onto his elbows again to see if it would do it again. Hutch asked what he was doing but Hunter couldn’t say he thought he saw something without getting some sort of joke, mean one too in Hutch’s mood today so he laid back down pretend he thought he saw it start but it was just one shooting star nothing special. He felt Rebecca’s hand touching his after he laid back down, sometimes he thinks he should pull it away like it meant something, but it doesn’t to either of them. It sometimes feeling like cheating on Peyton which is stupid for two reasons one they are just friends and two Peyton is about as close to being his girlfriend as Sean is to getting one ever, never going to happen. Then he realized she wasn’t here, she was supposed to get off an hour ago, and come straight over.

                 Hunter forgot all about her absence when it happened, the starts literally looked like they were showering down from the moon, making the night sky brighter. It was like moon was forcing them around pushing them away from it until the night sky was just the full moon and total darkness. It was spectacular and he was sure it was a once in a life time, he couldn’t believe his eyes the darkness flew past the only light of the night making pure darkness. Hunter heard Rebecca gasp gabbing his hand and then once it was just the moon gain Hutch looked over the light from inside made it look like he was giving them a disapproving look making Hunter pull his hand out grabbing the blanket he was on. Best not to make him more mad today.

                 “What was that?” Rebecca asked getting up rushing to her brother who had his hand locked on her arm looking up at the blank darkness of the sky. Hunter saw the new look in his eyes as he turned to face the only light they had without the moon or stars, the look that said trouble all over it. Hutch just shook his head saying it was nothing just part of the show, showing her in as he looked back up to sky. The moon was fading back in slowly but still weird and slightly scary to see more so because the stars never came back.

                 Hunter knew Hutch was worried about it, but he wouldn’t ever share his fears with them, he’s always the strong one protecting them both like he was bot of their big brother. He snatched the blanket from Hunter folding it up for him as he pushed Hunter in too asking if he brought close to sleep in and wear tomorrow. Something’s not good if he won’t let Hunter walk home but Hunter wouldn’t let Hutch know that he can see right through him not when he looks like this at least, because he’d never seen Hutch so worried for them. Hunter nodded letting him know he’d back a bad just in case it ran last and then walked down stairs to grab his phone. Forgetting about the painting in the kitchen Hunter rushed in, knocking it off Rebecca’s stand just barely managing to catch it before it hit the floor. He didn’t catch it very well because it was all still wet, and he had his hand on the top of it then as it slipped hitting his chest and pants a little. With the paint all over him now he put the painting on the stand and decided to just take off his shirt here, so he didn’t get paint all over the house. The blue-black mixture looks like it wouldn’t be easy to get out of the carpet. He used his shirt or wipe of his hands before touching the sink to wash them. He balled up his shirt putting it on the hook of her stand as he called his mom to let her know he was staying the night.

                 After he hung up with his mom, he looked around to see if anyone was around the paint was more on his pants than he realized, and his pajamas were in his bag in the closet straight ahead. Hunter figured it was best not to possibly drop paint on the carpet and just change here really fast while no one was around. He didn’t see anyone coming so he pulled down his pants carefully to not get paint on is hands or anything around him forgetting about his shoes till he almost rubbed paint all over them. He gently slid out of his shoes pushing them to the side so he wouldn’t get any paint on them and pulled his pants down when he heard Rebecca gasp and a loud shatter making him quickly whip around to look at her, wow she’s quiet and fast. He pulled his pants up feeling the paint get on his leg and most likely his underwear as he turned to explain why he was practically naked in her kitchen, seeing her as she looked horrified then he saw all the glass around her feel all she had on was socks. Hunter slipped his shoes back on and rushed over lifting her up and out of the kitchens, he at least had his shoes on still. He set her down in the living room grabbing the broom sweeping up the glass form the cu she dropped. He stood up wondering why that would make her scared and he looked over his shoulder to try and see his back to see if the red paint had gotten it maybe it looked like blood and scared her when he saw the painting in the corner of his eyes and looked up.

                 The creepy painting that looked like the falling stars had turned to blood in the house was now completely back sky with red smeared in looking more like blood now dripping in to the house. Somehow from it hitting him maybe or dropping it forcing the paint to slide a little he wasn’t sure but the white and red paint inside almost looked like fire but that wasn’t what scared him what made him almost drop the dust full of broken glass was that the fire’s shape was an eye burning into his like a creepy bad omen. Hunter had to grab the dust pan with both hands to make sure he didn’t drop it. the only part of this painting that wasn’t ruined and creepy was the counter top, he had to look at how well she painted their family picture to distract him from the creepiness of it all.

                 “Dude!” Hutch said sounding like he was in a good mood finally making Hunter cut his hand on glass from being a little too jittery from tonight events then this painting, “There you are, what did your mom say?” then Hutch down at Hunter and watched while he stood up and shook his hand not realizing how bad he cut it until some blood splattered on the floor. “Oh my god what happened?”

                 “I dropped a cup.” Rebecca said from the living room, sounding a little shaken up still. Hunter bent down wiping floor and Hutch threw out the glass shards before helping him.

                 “And made our guest clean it?” Hutch asked at the sink turning to look over at her. Hunter stood up to block his view hoping he wouldn’t start to yell at her.

                 “I had shoes on I pulled her out.” Hunter said wrapping his hand up with a rag he hoped they didn’t need or didn’t care he got blood on it. then he wanted to sweep some more and couldn’t see where he dropped the broom “Where’s the broom? I just had it.”

                 Hutch walked over to the opening saying he picked it up when he saw it across the living room floor and propped it on the wall. Hunter looked over at Rebecca who wasn’t even looking in, she must have seen it and after she was already scared of what happened on the roof it was too much. He started to walk over to her when he looked back at the painting, some of his blood had splattered on the bottom, the perfect bottom ruining the only part that calmed him seeing actual blood on the counter and family painting. Hutch walked over sweeping up the area again looking up at the painting that Hunter was looking at in horror. Without saying a word, Hutch just punched his fist into it ripping the material getting paint all over his hands and arm before lifting it off the stand snapping the wood as he was walking out the back door.

                 Hunter looked over at Rebecca to see if she had any idea what was up with him tonight, but she seemed just as confused looking out the back door for him. Hunter started to finish cleaning when he noticed red paint or blood on the counter top where Hutch was standing at the sink, the he saw light blazing up in the back. He tossed the dustpan into the trash while rushing out back. Hunter and Rebecca both looked down at the painting burning in their fire pit then up at Hutch who was cleaning off his arm with his shirt tossing it and Hunter’s shirt into the fire. None of them saying a word just watching the fire burn away any memory of that creepy painting.

                 “It so cold out her if you insist on standing out here go out on a sweater and some pants before Hunter thinks you’re trying to seduce him with your obnoxiously short shorts.” Hutch said looking at the fire, she turned and ran inside. “Rebecca will be gone for the rest of night now.”

                 “They weren’t that short and why are you picking on her so much today?” Hunter said after she closed the door. “It seems-”

                 “Blood moons are bad luck, I heard a story at the academy I just didn’t like it that all.” Hutch said still not looking away, but Hunter looked up and the moon was now a blood moon with the night sky still dark, no stars whatso ever. “How did she know it was going to look like that anyway? It’s creepy.” Hutch asked.

                  Hunter had explained how that wasn’t the case and the entire events of the last 5 minutes and Hutch abruptly looked up again making Hunter try to see anything past the darkness, nothing. “You’ll look after her while I’m gone, right?”

                 “Gone?” Hunter said a little to freaked out at Hutch voice and how he’s so sure he is going somewhere. “Gone where?”

                 “The dragon police. You know the place I snuck out of for tonight’s creepy events, remember?” He said looking at Hunter like he was crazy, Hunter just nodded and promised he would look after her. “Good I worry about her when I’m gone.”

                 “Might want to tell her that you know?” Hunter laughed a little.

                 “Never, she will use it against me for the rest of her life.” He laughed just as she walked out to both of their surprise wearing a hoodie and sweat pants, holding one two out for the both of them. “You actually did it.”

                 “Yeah it’s cold out you two were going to freeze if I didn’t.” She said grabbing a stick to push the rest of the frame into the pit then dropping the stick in the fire.

                 Hunter looked up again and then down at his paint cover pants. He kicked off his shoes walking inside to change and went to look at his hand see how bad the cut was. It was barely a scratch at all made him wonder how blood dripped on the floor and on the painting. tonight, was weird enough without thinking about that. He walked out with his pants balled up and tossed it into the fire sitting down on a chair they pulled out for him watching the fire burn out. Hutch stayed grumpy for the rest of the night, Hunter figured he would talk about in the morning once he cooled off a little bit.

                 Graham flung himself out of bed as he saw the quick dark flash then watched the moon light fall, at the sight of pure darkness outside he was looking out the window knowing what it means. He ran towards his door opening it just as his father did. Not very often but on nights like this he actually gets a hug from his dad, out of sheer fear. The first night they saw this he lost his mother in the morning, in that instant he thought of the girl from the bakery, she won’t be ready for Seaton, she won’t even know he’s coming. This is the site of death that shows up before Seaton, Graham thinks it’s a warning form the gods that he’s coming and taking good people from the world. As soon as his father felt go of the rare hug, he ordered a lock down rushing out like always. H went to window wondering if he would be able to find her warn her or hide her from Seaton’s eyes, he’d kill her instantly because of how beautiful she is. Then Graham looked up at the blood moon and saw something fly over them, dragons are here, that’s why he’s coming, he went to tell his dad only to find his door locked and looked under the bed for his bag which was gone. He hit the door wishing he could escape which is weird, he’s tested fate with Seaton before but never on purpose, was she really worth risking a dragon and face to face meeting with his mother’s murderer? He doesn’t even know her name…