Asteria, who was just waking up, was getting dressed in a hurry so she could at least get something done quickly for her mother to eat for breakfast along with Florian who would soon come to her door. She placed a regular shirt on and then she put on a sweat shirt over it. She decided to keep her hair out to allow it to hang for the day while she put on her usual jewelry wear and her white sneakers. She put on sweat pants to be a bit comfortable for the day and also because it was supposed to be a chilly fall day.

As she finished up her makeup in the mirror, her mother called for her as she heard a knock at the door. Asteria hurried and grabbed her school bag, and ran down the stairs but when she got down there it wasn’t Florian. Asteria’s excited smile turned into a sour grimace as Rilynn stood at the door smirking at her while her mother smiled at the both of them cheerfully. Rilynn was wearing a black ripped jean jacket, a plain black t shirt underneath, a gold chain, gray ripped jeans, a black beanie, and boots.

“Why the hell are you here? Where’s Florian?” asked Asteria as she walked down the stairs disappointed to the kitchen.

“Don’t be rude Asteria. Isn’t it great that Rilynn came to bring you to school instead?” replied Asteria’s mother for Rilynn.

Asteria glared at Rilynn as she pulled out bread and eggs in the kitchen, “I will make us all some toast and eggs before we go,” She said as she started the stove and placed a pan onto it.

“Desmond is actually waiting outside so don’t take too long,” said Rilynn as she hopped onto the couch, “Also can you fry my egg instead. Thank you.” She said as Asteria’s mother joined her who pushed her legs off the couch playfully.

“I can’t believe Desmond is still kicking,” said Asteria’s mother.

Asteria was going to comment to Rilynn’s demand but when she saw how delighted her mother looked about Rilynn being over she kept it in and went on cooking. Asteria finished cooking and served them all a plate of food. Rilynn was stunned that Asteria made her the fried egg but Asteria joked that she spit in her egg as she enjoyed her food. Asteria’s mother scolded her as Rilynn ate her food knowing Asteria didn’t really spit in her egg.

“You’re too sweet to do such a horrid thing especially to something you put your heart into,” said Rilynn.

“Is that your way of saying its good,” questioned Asteria.

“I always liked your cooking,” answered Rilynn as she gave Asteria a genuine smile.

Asteria stared at her for a bit but then she continued eating. Asteria’s mother watched them as they talked about their test in which they recently did in class to see who did better. She took out a cigarette and smoked in peace as she watched and was reminded of a time when they were little and Asteria cooked for Rilynn for the first time. After that Rilynn came over back to back days and made her cook a meal for her each time.

They finished eating and Asteria’s mother gave Desmond a quick wave because she had to go to work. Asteria and Rilynn got in the back and Desmond and Asteria immediately greeted each other with a handshake while Rilynn sat irritated.

“I missed you Asteria. How have you been?”

“Great! I’m surprised you are still working for Rilynn. I would have thought she made you quit,” said Asteria as Rilynn disregarded her.

“I love this family too much to leave,” said Desmond as he started to drive.

Asteria then turned her attention to Rilynn, “Where is Florian?”

“He has practice with Luca and some of his teammates so he asked me to be with you to school. He was going to ask Vita but she lives too far from you so it wouldn’t make since,”

“I could’ve walked alone instead of having to deal with you,” said Asteria as she crossed her arms and looked out the window.

Rilynn scooted closer to Asteria and wrapped her arm around her shoulders, “Why not? I can always give you a nice start to your day,” She said as she grew close to Asteria’s face.

Asteria pushed her hand to Rilynn’s face and pushed her away making her fall onto her back. She got on top of her and started to punch her. Desmond looked through his mirror and giggled to himself as Rilynn tried to push Asteria off of her. Later at school, Vita was observing Rilynn’s bump on her head which was given to her by Asteria’s fists at homeroom while Asteria talked with Florian.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you that Rilynn was going to pick you up,” said Florian as he looked nervous as Asteria looked fiercely at him.

Asteria soon turned that angry look to a grin, “Its fine. At least you was being a gentleman and still got someone to bring me to school unlike that pervert over there who tried to attack me in the car,” She said confessing to Rilynn’s behavior.

“Wow, I didn’t know you wanted a taste of Asteria like everyone else, Rilynn,” said Vita impressed.

“Shut up. It was just a joke. I rather marry Seraphina than have a relationship with Asteria,” said Rilynn as she rubbed her forehead.

“Trust me, I wouldn’t want that either,” said Asteria as she blushed at Florian.

Class ended and Luca showed up suddenly to walk Asteria to class. Asteria noticed Rilynn’s stares at them but she ignored them and walked away with Luca which made Florian excited while Vita upset because she was rooting for Asteria and Rilynn.

“So, are you going to ask Florian out?” asked Luca.

Asteria grew flustered, “I don’t know yet. I’m not sure he likes me,”

“I think you should still go for it,”

“What if he rejects me?”

Luca sighed, “Then go on a date with me if you are so worried about getting rejected,” He suggested as Asteria looked at him red.

Asteria suddenly laughed, “I knew you liked me,”

“Is it that obvious?” wondered Luca as he chuckled embarrassed.

“I definitely noticed,”

Luca then grabbed hold of Asteria’s hand stopping her in her tracks with him in the halls as other students walked passed them, “Then go on a date with me,” He said as his face was close to hers.

Asteria felt hot. She would normally get hot and bothered with Florian but Luca was getting to her, “I… I’m not into you like that,”

“Are you sure?” asked Luca as he wiped his lips on Asteria’s cheek.

Asteria then pushed him away slightly and let go of his hand, “I guess one date wouldn’t hurt,” She said still flustered.

Luca smiled and they continued to walk as Asteria was quiet and flustered the whole way. While Rilynn was in class she overheard two students talking. She heard Luca’s name so she tried to block out what they were saying but then she heard Asteria’s name. Rilynn turned to face them as she heard “date”. She turned away and clenched her fists as she sat at her desk. Rilynn left the class in the hurry after it ended to class.

“I really like your shoes. Where did you buy them?” asked another student to Asteria as they were standing in front of the door of their classroom.

“I brought them online…” said Asteria before Rilynn pulled her away.

Asteria tried to pull her arm away but Rilynn was stronger. She pulled her into the bathroom and pushed her into the wall, “Shit! That hurt. What is wrong with you?” asked Asteria irritated with Rilynn.

“I told you to stay away from Luca but instead you decide to go on a date with him. I thought you liked Florian,”

“How do you know that?”

“Vita told me but why don’t you listen? Luca is a…”

“Is a what?”

“He’s a bad person Asteria!” claimed Rilynn as she raised her voice and went close to Asteria who was startled so Rilynn cleared her throat and backed away, “Sorry I didn’t mean to come off like that but you shouldn’t go out with him. He’s bad news.

“Why do you care Rilynn? Why is he a bad guy?

“We might hate each other but I’m not that horrible of a person to let you date someone that’s going to hurt you,”

Asteria sighed, “Okay fine but why do you think he is a bad guy,” She asked as she put up her hands.

Rilynn didn’t respond so Asteria grew frustrated again, “You know what don’t tell me! I can take care of myself and its just one date anyways so it shouldn’t matter,”

Asteria glanced at Rilynn who seemed actually upset about the situation. She never saw her so angry before so she figured that Rilynn was honestly worried for her. Asteria decide to assure Rilynn that she didn’t have to be concerned and Rilynn unexpectedly switched up her attitude and acted as if she didn’t care and left her in the bathroom. After that Asteria messaged Vita throughout the day about Rilynn being confusing. Vita claimed that was just how Rilynn was. Asteria always knew Rilynn kept to herself but her behavior was strange as she got to know her over again.

It was lunch and Rilynn was sitting with Seraphina and her friends instead of with Asteria, Florian, Luca, and Vita. Seraphina glanced over toward Asteria as she kissed Rilynn on the cheek. Asteria started to eat her pasta aggressively until Luca grabbed her attention.

“Are you okay?” asked Luca concerned.

“I’m fine it’s just Rilynn warns me of…” said Asteria but she stopped as she was about to say Luca’s name. Luca raised his eyebrow, “She warns me about people but she goes ahead and sits with Seraphina and her stupid friends so I should be able to hang with anyone I want” claimed Asteria as she went ahead and chugged down her water from her bottle.

“At least you get to go on a date with Mr. Dreamy here,” said Vita while Florian cheered as both Asteria and Luca grew red.

Suddenly they heard a crash. They all looked to see a boy fall to the floor and his tray of food on the floor along with him. Two older students stood over him as they laughed. One of the boys walked by and purposely stepped on the boy’s hand while the other boy kicked his tray away from him as the younger boy tried to grab it. The boy grabbed his hand in pain as Asteria suddenly appeared helping him. The boy looked up at her as she gathered the food on his tray with red cheeks.

“Thank you,” said the boy.

Asteria threw him a smile but then he frowned, “Why do you look sad?” asked the boy.

“Because I used to experience the same thing so I know how it feels. Don’t let it get to you too much like it did to me,” said Asteria as she helped him up.

Florian and Vita along with Luca joined and comforted him alongside Asteria. Seraphina and her friends were still giggling about the incident while Rilynn looked at Asteria smiling as she remembered something from the past.

Asteria and Rilynn were younger and Rilynn was being pushed around by four boys at the play ground because she looked like a little boy. Asteria came out behind the slide and beat them all with a large branch. Asteria got in trouble with her parents and the boys’ parents as well but Rilynn could never forget that time in her life. The boy thanked Asteria and others and then he left. Vita, Luca, and Florian were walking back to the table when Vita realized Asteria wasn’t with them. She looked back to see Asteria staring at the bulletin board covered with pictures of missing girls and women. Vita asked Asteria if she was joining them. Asteria heard her and as she walked back with Vita she snuck glances back at the pictures on the board.

It was later that night. School was over and most people were home from work. A teenage girl was walking alone at night as she had her earphones in. She was carrying a purse and was wearing a fast food employee outfit. As she walked it was calm instead of the constant noises of small creatures that were roaming in the night and no one was seen on the street walking with her and there were no cars on the road. It was just her and her music until a black van drove by her. She looked at the windows and there was no way for her to see through them because they were tinted. She ignored the van but it didn’t ignore her as it came to a stop behind her. She didn’t realize it stopped because of her music was blocking out her surroundings.

Two men with masks with gloves on covered in all black jumped out the van and grabbed her from behind. She struggled but they fought harder and stronger. One of the men put their hands on her mouth and placed pressure down. The girl slowly went unconscious and fell into his arms. The man carried her to the back of the van while the other ran up to the driver seat. After the man closed the back doors he looked around to see if anyone noticed what they did and when he noticed the coast was clear he entered the van. They soon drove off not realizing the girl’s earphones fell out her ears as she tried to get out their grip.