BETWEEN THEM

FOUR

Never fight with ugly people. Why? Because they got nothing to lose~ROLEX

Artemis...

"I'm not letting you do this"

"I'm not asking you. I'm telling you" snapped Ariel making me flinch.

"You still haven't learnt your lesson, tiger cub. I might as well show you where you belong"

And suddenly it wasn't Ariel, it was Brody.

I pinched myself.

It wasn't any nightmare, this was real.

And now Brody was walking towards me with that look on his face.

"Arty!!!"

I snapped out of my daydream and then stared at Ari who had her eyebrows scrunched up in confusion.

Her laptop was under a pile of clothes while she held onto two outfits.

"Are you okay? Are you sure you don't want to go to the hospital?"

"No I'm fine. I'm just thinking again, I guess" I said and practically ran into the closet to get our shoes and to escape Ariel's scrutinizing gaze.

**********

I walked down the street back home when a cold wind blew past me making me stuff my hands into my faded coat.

Ariel asked me to take a walk in which I declined but she persisted making me choose between a hospital and a walk.

Obviously I chose the latter and I already feel good.

Not that I was going to tell her that.

She had enough ego already and I don't plan on enlarging the size.

I heard multiple sirens and what I would like to call a commotion as I drew closer to our apartment.

My apartment was on fire and so was every other house on that street.

My heart clenched at the thought that Ariel could be in that house.

I didn't think twice before entering the house ignoring the shouts and calls over my shoulder.

I went out for only 45 minutes and this was already happening.

I knew going on a walk was a very bad idea.

The smoke wasn't helping matters either.

"Ari!!!"

I shouted over and over again until my feet bumped into something.

My body raked with sob as I saw my best friend on the floor.

Her body was burnt beyond recognition except for the bracelet she always wore.

I was able to confirm that Ari was indeed dead.

My whole body raked with sobs and the flames... I wasn't bothered.

I clenched unto her bracelet crying.

Life is worthless without Ari.

I couldn't live happily like every other teen of my age.

And so with that, I welcomed the dark abyss.