Elena's P.O.V.
"You were so amazing, Elena!" Hazel gaily exclaimed with a wide smile that beamed from her face. "I swear, you're the best soccer player this school has ever had, heck, I still don't understand why you're not the team captain."
I briefly laughed while I strapped the heavy gym bag tighter on my back. "Because there's a lot of responsibility coming with that role - and you know better than anyone else that I'm the most unreliable person to be in charge of anything or anyone, better yet, leading a team."
Today's soccer game had without any doubt been one of our best, and I swear, I think I even saw our principal cry when it was announced that we had won with seven to one.
Seven to one! Can you believe that?
Hazel chewed on my words, "Yeah, you're right. Jeez, what was I even thinking - I mean, you as a team captain? You? You would have probably burnt down the entire field before the game could even-"
I cut her off by pushing her away, "Oh, jump into a volcano."
She laughed and gave me a light bump, "But I'm serious, Elly, you should be the captain of our school's soccer team, and I know that many agree with me when I say this: you would be a great leader for your teammates."
My eyes met the bright hazel ones that belonged to my dearest friend, and a smile stretched across my face as her warm words slowly melted. "Nah, it's too much work and I'm too lazy - and you know what they say; with great power comes great responsibility. And I think that Laila does a very good job taking that responsibility and leading us to victory."
For a brief second, I heard a faint sigh rolling out of her lips. "But Laila won't be here forever, you know? She's soon going to college and that will leave the team leaderless." The tone in her voice was cordial, and I knew that every word she was reaching me with was sincere. "Just think about it, okay? Promise me that you will at least consider it."
Her last statement took me by surprise, I wasn't really expecting our conversation to turn into a serious direction.
"I will, Hazel, don't worry, I do have some level of self-esteem," we lightheartedly laughed for the next minutes, walking home with the evening air swirling around us. The dim beams shining from the street lights fell on the concentrated street and on us, something that made our shadows dance on the ground.
We walked into infinity and to eternity, enjoying each and every second we shared with each other. The wispy wind that bid the cold air for a dance surrounded us, and even though there were goosebumps scattered over my frigid body, I still felt warm and contented.
"Hazel," I spoke after a pause filled with the night's music.
"Hm?"
Another silence fell in the air as I tried to chew my nervousness down. "Can I ask you something? Something. . . bizarre?"
My friend raised an eyebrow, "So, basically any other question you would normally ask?"
A huff of chuckling air left my nose, and with a swift move, I lightly hit her naked arm. "No, I'm half-serious about this."
She snorted with laughter. "Well, in that case, ask away."
I smiled, but then the gleam fell as I tasted my words. "So, erm. . . do you think, well, I mean, err. . ." All the letters I had put in specific order were now stumbling over each other, something that made my sentences a messy stew. It took a cough and a shake of my head to clear my mind and to free my tongue from the tie. "Let me try this again; Hazel, do you - as odd and ridiculous as it sounds - believe in magic?"
Her face was baffled and she blinked as if my words had become a fallen eyelash in her eye. "Magic?" She repeated, unsure of the word she was tasting. "Are you asking me if I believe in fairies, wizards, and dragons? I mean, I did believe in the tooth fairy and santa-"
"No, I mean something that is above our reality, something. . . supernatural," I poorly tried to explain.
Hazel raised an eyebrow in a brilliant line, but also in a critical way. "Should I call Dean and Sam Winchester for you?"
I love her references, but goddammit I'm getting a bit frustrated here.
"No, I mean. . . you know, something not normal, some. . . unexplainable or just unnatural-"
"If you're asking me if I believe that the impossible can be possible," Hazel started and looked me in the eye. "Then yes. Yes, I do."
That wasn't really what I was asking, but close enough.
I nodded to her words, letting it sink in. "Okay, thanks for the. . . bizarre answer."
She rolled her eyes, "Yeah, your bizarre question is very welcome. By the way, why do you ask or better yet; why do you seem so troubled about the entire question?"
Although it was quite easy to catch on to the clear oddness that surrounded this conversation, Hazel's ability to point out if something is out of order is remarkable. Even the little things that even you don't notice is something she can see, and she will follow that thin thread, hold onto it until she reaches the end of it.
Her great observation skills were both a curse and a gift. Sometimes you wished she would just leave things unsolved, just let it go, you know? Sure, there are times where Hazel smells the suspicion but doesn't go into the depth of it, however, that's the times where she knows I will come forward and explain.
But on the other hand, it's a beautiful gift that should have been installed in every person, because Hazel knows when you're in trouble.
If you're drowning, she will give you a hand, if you're afraid to go into the water, she will help you overcome that fear, and if she doesn't find you by the water, she will look for you and make sure that you're safe and sound.
In other words; Hazel is that kind of a person that will walk through fire, walk on shards of glass just for you. She will also push you, break down your walls to see whatever you're hiding, to figure out the words you're afraid to say.
But at the same time, she is patient and loyal, and she trusts you to talk to her if there's something important.
And that's why I feel like I'm betraying her. She gives me the sky, and in return, I deceive her by bringing her dust.
"Elena?" Hazel called out my name, breaking my train of thoughts and bringing my attention to her. Those hazel eyes were like shining stars; alive and filled with nothing but light, and I can see the glimmering trust she has for me. The trust I do not deserve.
My stomach twisted because of the guilt that clawed my organs. It's not fair.
"Hazel, I need to tell-" Just as I was about to reveal the secret that would cost me deeply, a car horn cut off my sentence and the night's tranquility in the process.
Our heads whipped towards the source, but the lights from the vehicle prevented us from identifying the driver.
"Hey, guys!" However, I didn't need to see the face to recognize the familiar voice.
I shared a look with my friend before letting my eyes land on the car that slowly pulled up to us. And not surprisingly enough did I find Adam in the passenger seat with his friend driving.
"Adam. . . hi!" The gap between my words didn't come out unnoticed as Hazel detected the muddled tone in my voice. However, the team captain himself didn't seem to acknowledge it in any way. "What's up?"
He smiled widely from the open car window, "That was a great game you put out there! You impressed the entire school, heck, even the principal cried!" His words were suddenly followed by a chorus of laughs and 'Yeahs', which made me realize that he was surrounded by more than one friend.
Why can't God just leave me alone?
I scratched the back of my ear, feeling a bit embarrassed to be complimented by a group of athletes. "Thanks," was my single response as I finally composed myself.
It seemed like they were waiting for me to add something more to my naked word, and since my mind was as empty as Carl's supply of toilet papers, I cleared my voice in a cough and briefly glanced at Hazel.
She caught on in a heartbeat, "Well, it was a very intense and great game - no doubt that Elena did a very good job," she started and put on a smile. "I'm sure she's going to be awarded on Monday," I was the only one who didn't find the statement funny.
Hazel, you're supposed to help me, not make the matter worse.
"Anyway," she continued and threw a glance at my forced smile. "We gotta go home now, so we'll talk later. Goodnight!"
"Wait!"
Dammit, so close.
Adam got out of the car, looking like he just came out of the washing machine in comparison to me who was still in my muddy knee shorts and soccer t-shirt. "We're actually going to a party, and I was wondering- or more like we were wondering if you guys would join us?" He smiled with his snow-like teeth and dug his hands in his pockets.
I leaned towards the side to catch a brief sight of his friend in the driver seat, he was raising an eyebrow and giving an amused smile to the ones in the back.
Well, this is interesting.
I sucked a sharp air through my teeth, giving a hesitated grimace, "I'm not really sure if I'm dressed up for a-" I gestured to my dirty, sweaty and slightly ruined clothes, "-Party." Both Hazel and Adam looked me up and down.
Ah, don't you also love it when people from school see how gross and sweaty you are?
"Yeah, we need to do something about your knee," Hazel pointed at my bloody and bruised limb that was colored by the green field. "And your hair, you still got some grass in it," she plucked out a strand.
"So, as you can see I'm not really in a party mood right now," I told Adam with a shrug of my shoulder. "But thanks for the offer - have a nice night!"
"Wait, let us give you a ride home-"
"No, we're fine," Hazel butted in with a smile that beamed from her face. "The house is just around the corner."
"Yeah, we can even go through this bush-" I pointed at the seven feet tall bush-tree behind us, "-And be home even quicker!"
Adam raised an eyebrow, "You can?"
Wait, no - what have I done?
I looked at Hazel whose eyes twitched, "Yeah," she forced the word out. "Absolutely. I mean, our neighbors are totally fine with us walking through their gardens, stomping on their flowers and invading their property - especially, Ms. Hennings who absolutely loves kids and teenagers. She's a very. . . lovely lady."
Oh, no, it dawned on me as I realized whose bushes we were standing in front of, The wicked witch is going to kill us!
"Well, I think you guys need to hurry up now if you're still going to that party," Hazel politely rushed them and then gave me a deadly smile. "Come on then, Elena, the injured ones first!" She gestured to the thick bush where my death would take place. "After all, you know the way better than I do!"
Me and my big mouth. . .
"Yeah, I'll just, eh. . . bye!" And then I pushed myself into the concentrated shrub that scratched my body, melting into it and leaving my dignity behind. "This way!"
"Have a nice evening, guys," I heard Hazel say, which was followed by the loud sounds of rustling leaves. When she finally got on the other side, she was fuming. "I'm going to kill you!" She whisper-shouted, illustrating her words by using her finger to 'slit' her throat and then point the 'knife' at me.
"I know," I whispered back, speed walking with a bent back to decrease my chances of being seen by Ms. Hennings.
"And now we gotta go another mile if we want to get out of this alive!" She continued with the angry whispering, copying my actions and following my steps.
"I know!"
Hazel breathed angrily through her nose. "Why did you even say such stupid thing!"
I looked at her, opening and closing my mouth before uttering out a: "I don't know!"
She shook her head in a groan. "You're an idiot."
"That-" I pointed at her, "I do know."
***
The next day was filled with nothing but pain, sore limbs, and an aching neck. My body was screaming for a rest, but I had - for the first time ever - other plans than having a Netflix marathon - yes, I know, it's very weird and unnatural hearing this from me.
Me.
"Carl!" I banged on his door, even kicked it. "I know you're in there! Get your lazy ass out here so I can kill you!"
"Human!" I stopped beating the wooden door when I heard his voice. There, on the second floor, was a college student standing with half of his body out of the window. His blond hair was sticking out everywhere, but not as much as his red, annoyed face. "What the actual hell, Marie? Do you know it's Saturday, and-" He looked at his wrist. "-Very early? It's so early that I even checked my broken watch."
I ignored his stupid comment. "Carl, get down here - now! I'm not playing around."
He gave me another irritated look, "Ugh, what did I do this time? Whatever it is, I'm sorry about the fish."
"What fish are you talking about? Carl, just get down here!"
"Wait, if you're not here for the fish, then. . . what are you here for?"
At this point, I was only becoming more frustrated than angry. I rubbed my face and let out a deep breath before locking my eyes with the confused, diamond blue orbs. "My room, Carl, it's pink! And I know you have something to do with it," I pointed accusingly at the boy who was wrapped in a Beauty and the Beast robe.
My words turned his eyebrows into a messy knot. "What? No!" He denied. "Do you really think that low of me? That I would copy someone's pathetic 'prank' and use it myself? Jeez, Marie, I only operate with original tricks, not some copied, stupid-"
"And using a fish in a prank is something original?"
Carl gave me a smirk, "Oh, believe me, Elena Marie, this fish trick is far from unoriginal, you'll love it- wait, no, probably not." He continued before I could lash out my anger on him. "But what do you mean that your room is pink? Was it painted like mine?"
I breathed out the smoke of rant. "I don't have anything against the color - it's actually quite refreshing, to be honest." Carl gave a nod of agreement, glancing inside his own room. "But when you paint everything - and I mean everything - that's when I put my foot down."
"Let me guess; mirrors, lamps, bed, laptop - they're all drowned in paint." It was more of a statement than a question. "Am I right or am I right?"
"The options are too difficult for me to choose."
"I'm on my way." And not a second later was he already out of the door, fully clothed and styled neatly.
"Wait, how did you-"
"This has now become a criminal pranking area that only detectives like me have access. So stay here, great civilian while I check the room," he slid black sunglasses on his nose, shielding his eyes from the non-sharp light inside my house. "Don't worry, Ma'am, I'll find the culprit who did this to you."
"Carl, get back here! This is not some Criminal Minds episode you can just- ugh, I give up." I didn't bother to go after him, knowing that he was way into it that threats wouldn't cut it.
I sat on the pavement, counting the cars that passed by and waiting for something to happen. It wasn't before I saw a familiar beanie that my game was put on pause.
"Emil!" I shouted, sprinting after the green clothed boy. "Hey, Emil!" He flinched when I touched his shoulder, and my smile fell as I watched how tense his body turned into. Instead of letting him know that I saw how his body twisted in fear, I reattached my smile when I met his fragile, brown eyes. "Don't tell me that you have forgotten me already," I laughed with an empty heart, watching him loosen up slightly. "It's me, Elena."
He nodded, sparing only a small, little, tiny smile for me to see.
"Do you live around here?" I lit the conversation, hoping to get it going and to get some words out of him.
It was no success when he shook his head.
"Well, then. Where are you heading?" He tilted his head to the side. "Home?" Another nod. "Oh, let me follow you home."
He shook his head, his eyebrows knitted in what seemed to be frustration.
Was I getting on his nerves? I mean, that is very understandable, I get on many people's nerves all the time. But the way Emil acted - I don't know, it just felt a bit different.
"Oh, okay," he was shaking his head again, sending mixed signals now. "What?" He bit his lip, scratching his long hair through the dark green beanie. "Do you want me to follow you home or do you not want me-" He shook his head.
Now I'm confused.
Although it was difficult to talk- communicate with him, I refused to give up, especially now that our conversation is staying up and running.
"Okay, so, eh. . ." I decided to start from the scratch. "Do you want to go home, Emil?" He slowly nodded, giving me an odd look. "Alright, where is your house then?" When he shrugged his shoulders, that's when I finally understood his mute words. "Oh," The realization hit me like a smack in the face. "You're lost."
He nodded, feeling the frustration leave his body.
"Well, come on then! I have a phone you can borrow if you want to call someone-" Emil shook his head again, laying another puzzle on the table for me to put together. At first, I didn't understand what he didn't agree to, but then it hit me. "You're right, texting is more efficient than calling. I mean, this is the 21st century, who even calls these days?"
And there it was; a smile. A genuine smile that stretched across his face. A gleam that brightened his face.
I took a mental note. Be witty, but understanding.
"Hey, I never got to tell you how great performance you put out there a couple of weeks ago," he shrugged his shoulders, burying his hands in his pockets and looking at his shoes. "It was absolutely beautiful- no, it was magical!" I could sense the discomfort radiating from him when talking about his performance, so I decided to switch topic. "You remind me of Shawn Mendes, you know? Are you a fan of him?" He hesitated before nodding. "Oh, Emil, I know exactly what we're going to do in our next lesson."
He smiled, but it wasn't as bright as the first one. Don't mention his performances, he obviously isn't used to it. At least not yet.
When we reached the pavement of my house, I quickly stopped Emil from getting any near it when I realized that Carl was still inside it. The boy with the beanie gave me a puzzled look when he saw the yellow tapes of 'Caution Do Not Enter' everywhere.
"Carl!" I shouted, annoyed that he transformed my house into a murder investigation zone. It looked like a ripoff scene from a Criminal Minds episode, I kid you not. "This is so unnecessary, you're being ridiculous- ugh, just do me a favor and get that fish out of my house!"
I looked at Emil who was giving me a curious, yet, a perplexed glance.
Great, just as I thought that I could seem normal for someone, Carl just had to ruin it.
A fake cough found its way out of my throat and in the crook of my elbow, "Well, uh, follow me, we'll just use my neighbor's house."
I wasn't sure what I expected from Carl's house, but a clean one wasn't on the list. How does he even manage to keep it so neatly when he throws the wildest parties I have ever heard and seen?
"Here," I gave the first phone I found to Emil, letting his fingers dance across the screen as I fixed some drinks for us.
While I was looking for some nonalcoholic drinks (which was a game of needle in the haystack), I caught the sight of the black haired boy turning the phone away from me, holding his thumb over the owner's number he was texting.
That can only mean two things:
One, he's calling the police, or two, he doesn't want me to know the person's identity.
I did what I would have wanted if I was in his shoes; I backed away and let him have his space, continuing the search for some juice or soda - which was a ridiculous game of an 'it doesn't exist'.
"Is it okay with some water? I really can't find anything else than alcohol here," I gave him the glass of water, closing the drawer filled with whiskey with my hip.
Emil nodded but pointed at his glass. He made a small motion with his fingers, gesturing for something I had to puzzle together.
A light lit up, "Oh, yes, of course, we have some straws. Do you want with a Spongebob or a Ninja Turtles pattern on it?"
We only got a small sip of the cold water when Carl suddenly shouted across the house, breaking the tranquility between us. "Marie! Why didn't you tell me that you had a crush on Peter Pan when you were in eighth grade? I could've hooked you up with him, you know - we could've visited Disneyland and gotten rid of Wendy and all."
My eyes widened in anger and embarrassment, and I sprinted as fast as I could out of the house with Emil on my heels. "I will murder you, Carl, I swear, I will end you! Give me my diary back, you-"
"And you dropped out of karate class because you peed yourself? Marie, I would never think that you would quit that easily."
"Carl!" I tore down the yellow tapes, running inside the house to save what was left of my dignity and honor.
"Oh, I didn't see you standing there. Cool beanie you got there, dude," I heard the college student say, probably scaring poor Emil away with his Sherlock Holmes costume and sunglasses.
Why must things like this always happen to me when I'm with others?