Page 108 of Soulmateless
“Yeah, I want to look more like you!”
I think for a moment, her hair still in one hand and a hair band in the other. I guess if that's what Sabina wants. There's no reason why she shouldn't have it. Just as long as it gets another good brush.
I let go of her hair and let it fall down past her shoulders. Sabina beams at the mirror as I get the brush again to neaten it. She's jumping in her seat as I laugh at her enthusiasm.
I’m not used to this admiration.
“I just have to brush it a little bit more.”
“Mmhm!” she giggles as I continue to brush her hair.
It falls silent between us as I focus on her hair, being careful not to pull too hard on any knots. Soon enough, she’ll be ready for the party.
“What are you wearing to the party?” Sabina asks.
“Oh… um…” A frown tugs my lips. “I'm not coming.”
She pouts again. “Why not?”
“I can't…” I exhale heavily. “I have things to do tonight.” Like actually moving forward with plans going to Caelestia and ignoring the fact that I don't want to leave Sabina and Amias.
Mostly, I'm hiding from Amara.
She scrunches her brow. “You can't miss the party!”
“Unfortunately, that's how it is.” I shrug.
She gets quiet, but the mirror shows her moping. “I wish you were going.”
I suck air through my teeth. I don't like to disappoint her. “Apologies…”
After another minute or two, I finish brushing her hair and she hops out from the chair like she forgot I wasn't going. Her eyes gleam again. “I'm going to show everyone!”
“You look amazing! Go ahead!”
She giggles as she sprints out of the room. I quickly follow behind, excited to see her show off my work.
But when we get to the dimly lit hallway where the other kids are waiting, there's no giggling and smiling. Instead, the kids and the other counselors are either crying or hunched over in silence, all wearing pinks and light blues.
I furrow my brows. What's happening?
I look at Sabina whose head is bowed. She whimpers softly as she makes her way to join the others. Her floral dress is now a dusty light blue, with her hair in a half up and half down hairstyle.
I look down at my outfit. I was wearing a regular black tee and mahogany jeans earlier. Now, I’m in a dusty blue blouse with matching pants.
I draw in a sharp breath. It's okay. It's not real. It's just a prophecy. Play it cool.
I bite my tongue as I observe everyone. Light blue and pink. That's all they're wearing. Many of the counselors are holding amare flowers in a bouquet.
Pink. Blue. Amare flowers.
Sabina runs her eyes as her small body trembles.
A familiar figure approaches her. “It will be okay,” Glaide croons, wearing a salmon blazer with amare flower imprints on it. He bends down to Sabina's level, his eyes watering. “ It will all be okay.”
He pulls her into an embrace, and her whimpers turn to sobs. My heart swells at the sight like it had been bruised. What's gotten into everyone?
One of the counselors gets their phone out, and slouches. “The ceremony will start in an hour.”
