(Our Realm)
Alethia drummed her pencil on her desk, stealing glances at the clock. Just ten more minutes and this wretched school year would finally be over.
Mr. Williams stood at the front of the class, clutching a stack of envelopes that held the fate of their grades. "Report cards, everyone!" he announced.
A collective sigh rippled through the class as conversations about summer abruptly halted. All eyes turned to Mr. Williams, awaiting their academic destiny.
With deliberate steps, Mr. Williams began distributing the brown envelopes. "You were all a joy to teach," he said, his gaze lingering on one of the usual troublemakers. "And I am pleased to inform you that you have all passed my class. Though, some of you could have put in a bit more effort."
A cheer erupted in the classroom as Mr. Williams returned to his desk, stealing glances at the clock. "Have a splendid summer, everyone. I hope to see you around town." The bell rang, signaling the end of the school year, and students hurriedly gathered their belongings and dashed into the bustling hallways.
Alethia picked up the envelope resting on her desk, sliding it into her binder before heading towards the exit.
"Alethia, wait up! Can we talk for a moment?" Zepher called out, sprinting to catch up with her.
Nodding, Alethia paused at her locker, packing her bag for the last time that year. "Sure, Zepher. What's on your mind?"
Leaning against her locker, Zepher fidgeted with the strap of his backpack. "Um, well, I still really like you, and I want us to remain friends. We've known each other for so long, and I don't want anything to jeopardize that."
Alethia closed her locker, her expression uncertain. She couldn't discern what Zepher was trying to convey. Zepher continued, his voice tinged with hesitation. "There's this girl in our English class. We've been talking a lot this semester, and I'm interested in pursuing something more than just friendship with her."
Alethia stared at him, her heart sinking. "Are... are you breaking up with me?"
Zepher averted his gaze, his voice filled with remorse. "I'm sorry, Alethia. I still want us to be friends and hang out this summer and next year, just like we did this year. But I want to see where things could go with Sara."
Alethia nodded, fighting back tears. They had been dating since fifth grade, and now he was ending it like this. Closing her eyes, she recalled their last kiss, the spark that had gradually faded. Perhaps this was for the best. Looking up at Zepher, she took a shaky breath. "If that's what you truly want, as long as you're happy, Zepher." She forced a smile.
Relief washed over Zepher's face as he returned the smile. "Really? Alethia, are you sure you're not upset?"
Shaking her head, Alethia replied, "No, of course not. We've been friends for so long, and I only want the best for you. Besides, we're still young. It's not like we were planning to get married."
Zepher laughed, pulling her into a hug. "You truly are an amazing friend, you know that?"
Returning the embrace, Alethia giggled. "Of course, I'm the best."
As they pulled away, Zepher exclaimed, "You really are! I'll message you later. I'm going to try and catch Sara before she leaves."
Nodding, Alethia said, "Of course. Good luck, and I'll talk to you later." She watched Zepher rush off in search of this newfound girl he had never mentioned before.
Picking up her backpack and slinging it over her shoulder, Alethia hurried down the hallway towards the front doors, determined to escape before the tears began streaming down her cheeks. Stepping out into the warm summer air, she left the school grounds and entered the park she often traversed when she wanted to take the scenic route home.
Discarding her bag, she sat on a bench, wiping away the tears. Suddenly, she sensed someone taking a seat beside her, and she turned her face away, attempting to conceal her sorrow.
She heard him speak, his voice filled with concern. "Are you okay?"
Alethia vigorously nodded, hastily wiping her tears before facing Brolly, forcing a smile. "I'm fine, just looking forward to the summer holidays."
Brolly tilted his head, sighing as he gazed up at the swaying trees. "You can't deceive me. I know you're upset. So why don't you tell me what's bothering you?"
Alethia shook her head, staring down at her hands. "Zepher... Zepher broke up with me," she admitted, feeling the tears streaking her cheeks once again. She felt foolish for crying over something so trivial, but she couldn't help it. Moving to hide her face in Brolly's chest, she continued to cry. She could sense his initial tension, but then he relaxed, enfolding her in a comforting embrace. Without saying a word, he held her like that while she wept against his chest.
She withdrew from his embrace, her gaze rising to meet his. "Apologies for my foolishness over such a trivial matter," she murmured.
He lowered his eyes to meet hers, a tender gesture as he wiped away a tear from her cheek. "No need for apologies. It is he who should lament losing a girl like you," he replied.
A blush warmed Alethia's cheeks as she pulled away completely. "Thank you, I... I needed a friend in this moment," she confessed.
The angered expression on his face was evident as he nodded. "Do not mention it. I am simply glad I could be here for you," he assured her.
"Well, I must be on my way. My grandmother awaits my return," she said, preparing to depart.
Brolly nodded in understanding. "Of course, I suppose I shall see you around. Have a pleasant summer, Alethia," he bid her farewell.
Nodding in response, she grabbed her bag and began her journey home. Once inside her room, she settled on her bed and retrieved her report card from her binder. As she opened the envelope and glanced at her grades, a mix of confusion and surprise washed over her. She had excelled in all her subjects, scoring eighty percent or higher. Shaking her head in disbelief, she placed the report card on her bed, only to be startled by the sudden appearance of Galen and Phraan in the corner of her room.
"I still find it difficult to grow accustomed to that," Alethia confessed, running her fingers through her hair.
Phraan took a seat on her bed, his elven ears peeking through his tied-back hair. Both her brothers had a tendency to check on her, with Phraan being less frequent but still making appearances from time to time. His gaze fell upon the report card resting on her bed. "Ah, are these your grades?" he inquired.
Quickly snatching the report card and shoving it back into her bag, she retorted, "Am I not entitled to any privacy anymore?"
Phraan chuckled. "From what I glimpsed, it seems you have achieved commendable results, little one. Do not be ashamed of your talents, for they are numerous and remarkable."
Confusion etched across her face, Alethia questioned, "Who are you, and what has become of my brother?"
Phraan huffed, feigning offense. "Can I not offer my little sister a compliment every now and then?"
Apologizing, Alethia sighed, "You are right, Phraan. I apologize. It has simply been an arduous day, and I do not feel particularly talented or remarkable at this moment."
Galen smiled, attempting to console her. "Alethia, you are the Chosen One. If you set your mind to it, you possess the capability to achieve great feats."
Alethia shook her head, frustration evident. "Oh, like maintaining a relationship? Zepher ended things today, wishing to explore other romantic avenues."
Galen's expression turned sorrowful as he glanced at Phraan, who shrugged, appearing just as perplexed before vanishing through teleportation. Galen refocused his attention on Alethia. "I am sorry, dear one. But trust me, these matters have a way of resolving themselves."
Nodding, she placed the hairbrush back on her vanity and met their gazes in the mirror. "I refuse to let this ruin my summer. I am entering tenth grade in the fall, and I plan on experiencing the joys of being a normal high school girl. I will have fun this summer."
Galen nodded, initially about to say something before changing his mind. "Well, I am glad you are not allowing it to affect you."
Turning to face him, Alethia smiled. "I intend to relish in my summer and not allow Zepher's choice to dampen my spirits. Besides, now I can focus more on exploring the other realms and training with Chris."
