Oh no.
“R-right now?” Heidi stammered, her eyes widening slightly.
“Well, yeah. I’m awake now. You might as well keep me entertained. What role are you auditioning for anyway?”
Luck was not on her side this time, now was it? Which part did she know better?
“Sabina,” She blurted out, not giving much more thought to it. Sabina was a main character, a lot of decent lines. Yes, that would work, wouldn’t it?
“Sabina? I don’t peg you for a Sabina at all,” Sarah replied, lifting a brow high above the frame of her glasses. “But maybe you’re one of those actresses who are incredibly versatile. All right, show me what you’ve got.”
Oh goodness. So many lines entered her mind at once. She had to make it seem believable. She had to be convincing. She didn’t want Sarah to catch her in such a simple white lie, but she didn’t want Sarah to think she had been talking to herself either. In truth, she hadn’t, but Sarah couldn’t know about Lille, or that Heidi’s world even existed. That was her dilemma, and it was why she had to quickly become accustomed with impromptu. She just hadn’t expected Sarah to be so knowledgeable on the topic.
Still holding the pendent tightly in her hand, fingers curled around it, Heidi took in a deep breath as she tried to remember the exact lines from the play she had seen only two weeks before hand.
“Every night, it’s the same thing,” She started hesitantly, glancing at Sarah. “Will he come back safe, or won’t he? Will we starve to death or freeze or boil? Will we be killed by burgers? I don’t know why we go on surviving. I don’t know why we go on living at all. It’s easier being dead.”
She couldn’t recall if she had even taken a breath during that minute long quote, but her lungs felt like they were caving as she finally inhaled another deep breath, releasing it in a shaky sigh. She smiled a little, both brows lifting slightly upon her forehead as she peered at the other female, who was staring at her like she had something on her face.
“What did you think?” Heidi asked, though she hardly expected to receive praise.
Sarah pushed her glasses up onto her nose again as she tilted her head a bit, dark brown tresses falling against her cheek as she squinted her eyes a bit.
“Burgers?” She questioned, scratching at the side of her neck. “Uh…it wasn’t bad, but I’d say you need some work. I think I’d try memorizing the lines word for word before getting on stage tomorrow. I’m saying that as nicely as I can.”
“Oh,” Heidi blinked, feeling somewhat awkward as she glanced down to the ruby heart she held in her hand. It was glowing faintly in her palm and she closed her fingers over it again. The whole point to this early morning embarrassment was to keep her secret hidden from her roommate; the only human who was around her any decent length of time. She couldn’t risk exposure, for Sarah’s sake and for her own.
“Maybe in the morning,” Sarah quickly added. “I’ll help you run the lines before I head to Calculus. Trust me. You need it.”
Heidi let out a quiet sigh of relief as she tucked the pendent beneath her pillow. Maybe Lille would come back when there were no risks of being discovered. Heidi decided to follow Sarah in suit of trying to get at least another hour or so of sleep before another day would begin.
8
As Friday approached, Heidi became worried when Lille did not return. Maybe the fairy was afraid it was too risky. Maybe Heidi should have taken extra measures to ensure that she could have such visitors without fear of exposure to humans. She hadn’t necessarily thought it would ever come to the point where she would need to have privacy like that. Her father had assured her everything would be okay. He said that it wasn’t as bad as she was making it out to be.
He obviously lied.
Perhaps that was what drove Heidi to do what she was doing now, as she approached the stone steps that led up to the porch attached to the home that a particularly unpleasant- yet annoyingly attractive- Icer was renting.
She didn’t like admitting that he knew what he was doing when he decided to get a place of his own, secluded from the droves of young humans who attended the university. She had argued that they would be safer by blending in-staying in the dormitories with the other humans so they could not be seen so easily. It wasn’t entirely daft, was it?
Of course not! Her mind exclaimed. You were only trying to think of your own safety.
Of course she was only trying to think of her safety. She was trying to keep out of trouble just as her father had asked of her. It was not her fault that Isaiah was reckless and carefree. She couldn’t afford such luxuries. She had responsibilities to uphold and one of those was staying alive and out of harm’s way!
She willed herself to stay calm as she lifted her hand to knock. Maybe he wouldn’t be home. Maybe she could turn around and go back to her dorm and forget she even attempted to do this. He wasn’t going to be of any use to her anyway. He was an Icer. Once this nonsense was over, they would return to their homes and resume being the enemies they were meant to be.
Then again, it was rather unnerving to think that somewhere out there, someone wanted to take over both of their thrones. Someone had forced her father, and Isaiah’s parents to call a truce in order to protect their children. Someone wanted rid of the Fire people and the Ice people. But why?
It was a question she would have to ponder over later as she heard footsteps approaching the door. It was too late to run away now. Her hand quickly reached up to grip the ruby heart she now wore around her neck. She rather liked the pendent. It was pretty and had earned her many compliments from classmates. It gave her an odd comfort when she felt troubled, like now, as the door opened.
Heidi was surprised to find a tall, slender blonde standing there. She wasn’t properly dressed! Heidi was certain that a simple white tank top and a pair of scanty pink knickers did not suffice as actual clothing. The human female stared at her with pale green eyes that weren’t the least bit friendly.
“Are you lost?” She asked, her tone matching her eyes.
Heidi blinked rapidly, somewhat caught off guard. She had expected Isaiah to answer the door. Just who did this trollop think she was?
Straightening up to her full height, Heidi stared at the other female. “I most certainly am not,” Heidi replied, stepping forward as she squeezed past the woman and entered the house.
She had not been inside Isaiah’s home before; and it wasn’t because he hadn’t offered. She’d never been to his real home and did not plan on making it a habit of visiting this façade while they were forced to take refuge on Earth. She didn’t want him to think she needed him in any way; even though he apparently saw it differently and this visit surely would not help her case.
“Excuse you,” The woman said, closing the door loudly before she stepped in front of Heidi. “Just who do you think you are, barging in here like you own the place? Are you another one of Zay’s little ex flings? I’ve got news for you, Sweetheart. He has moved on. He’s with me. So whatever you’re up to, you can forget it. I’m better. I’m hotter. End of story.”
With each word, the woman got closer until she was nearly nose to nose with Heidi. Heidi’s eyes widened, but not from fear. She was angry that this…lady, if she could call her that, thought she could get away with talking to her in such a manner.
Heidi’s eyes narrowed then, her skin heating up as it flustered. She took a step forward and the woman took one step back, surprised from the sudden change in demeanor from a seemingly timid ‘ex fling’.
“I’ll have you know,” Heidi started, “I am no ex fling. I happen to know Isaiah better than you can ever wish to. You should learn to respect yourself and wear clothing when greeting someone at a door,” With each step she took, the girl was backing further away. Good!
“You may be better than I am, for I certainly do not know you, but I can assure you I am hotter,” Heidi continued, feeling the warmth tingling in her fingertips. She closed her hands up into tight fists, trying to prevent
the anger from consuming her. She wasn’t meaning to get angry. Honestly, why did this human girl insist on testing her?!
The girl lost her footing, falling back against the edge of the couch and Heidi could feel herself losing whatever little restraint she had left. She hadn’t expected the visit to turn out like this…
“Heidikin!”
Isaiah always seemed to have disturbingly perfect timing in explosive situations, but at least this time, Heidi was grateful for it. She turned her head quickly as he hopped off the bottom step and he grinned a little. That stupid boy.
“I see you’ve met Edie,” He added, nodding towards the girl who had straightened up into a seated position on the couch. She seemed frightened. Good.
Heidi relaxed, but only slightly. Her heart was thundering in her ears as she looked back and forth between the female who was called Edie, and Isaiah. He wasn’t wearing a shirt. Why wasn’t he wearing a shirt?
“I didn’t know you were planning to come ‘round, Darling,” Isaiah continued as he moved over to sit down beside of Edie, his arm wrapping around her shoulders. “I would have picked up a little.”
Why was he looking at her with that smug grin on his face? Why was he cuddling up to that little strumpet who had just tried to intimidate her? Why did everything have to be so difficult when there was no reason for it to be so?! Ugh!
“I didn’t have time to call,” Heidi replied quietly, remaining in the same spot, tense and rigid.
“Well, no worries then,” He shrugged, cocking his head to the side as he gazed up at her. “Take your coat off and stay a while. Let’s chat.”
Heidi’s eyes moved back to Edie, who was still staring at her. Heidi was certain no fire had come from her hands. She hadn’t set the house ablaze for goodness’ sake. Isaiah had unknowingly prevented the disaster from taking place. She should have counted her lucky stars.
The tension was only growing thicker in the air as Isaiah cleared his throat before shifting. “Well then,” He glanced at Edie. “Why don’t we get you dressed, Love? Your shift starts soon, doesn’t it? They can’t very well have a successful night at Rusty’s Grill without their best server, can they?”
Heidi rolled her eyes. Good riddance. She stepped to the side when Edie stood, watching the tall blonde as she made her way back up the stairs. She heard Isaiah’s sigh and she turned her head to see him standing there. She glared up at him.
“What did I do now?” He asked, hands on his hips as he peered back down at her. “Honestly, you’re the one who came over, unannounced, but you get to be mad?”
“She’s rude,” Heidi started, “And was trying to intimidate me to leave. She mistook me for one of your little belly rubbers!”
When Isaiah snorted, Heidi slapped his arm. How did he find humor in any of this? She had sought him out for advice and he was belittling her!
“You are so infuriating,” She said through gritted teeth. “You find amusement in my anger, when I would sympathize with you if the tables were turned. And to think my father ever trusted a pompous turncoat like you to travel here with me while he and your father try to fight off whatever forces are trying to destroy our worlds. You are an ungrateful, selfish, egotisti---”
His hand was suddenly clamping over her mouth, resulting in furious muffles as she glared at him. If he didn’t want to hear the truth, he shouldn’t do things that made her speak such words!
“Shut it for a few, would you?” He said. His was voice low. Heidi had never heard him speak in such a threatening tone before. At least he had never spoken to her like that.
“Do you want Edie to hear you? She’ll think you’re downright mad. Was it not enough that you nearly torched the poor girl earlier over a minor comment?”
Heidi pulled his hand away, her gaze hardening. “Minor comment?” She questioned, her voice a whisper, but noticeably irritated. “Oh please. I beg your pardon that your little harlot decided to come in here and be the decision maker on who may visit you and who may not! I will not stand by and be spoken to in such a manner.”
“First of all, you’re the one who came in here and decided to interrupt what was otherwise an incredibly pleasant evening, Heidi,” He replied, moving his hands to grip her shoulders as he pulled her towards the kitchen. She stumbled along with him, reaching out to grab for the door frame to keep from falling.
“Do not touch me like that!” Heidi scolded, slapping at his hands. “I am not a child! Don’t treat me as if I am one, Isaiah. I came to talk to you about something important and forgive me if I ruined such a lovely evening for you, but you’re the only person I can talk to about it!”
She turned away from him, hurrying back towards the door just as Edie came back down the stairs. Heidi stopped momentarily, heat rushing to her face as she gave the girl a hard stare. This had been such a tremendous mistake. She never should have thought that she could rely on Isaiah for anything. He was an Icer. The people of Ice could never be trusted. They only cared about themselves and what they wanted.
“I can tell this is a bad time,” Edie started, lifting a brow as she glanced towards Isaiah.
“No, it’s a perfect time,” Heidi replied. “Take it while you can because come tomorrow, he’ll have no time for you. Just like the rest.” With that, Heidi turned the door knob and yanked the door open. She ignored Isaiah’s yells as she hurried off the porch, bounding down the steps and practically running down the sidewalk to get as far away from the place as she could.
Dash him! Dash him and his stupid little server girl. She didn’t need his help. She would do this on her own. How foolish was her father to think that an Icer would care enough to aid his daughter on Earth? She would rather seek assistance from a human than from a stupid winter man!
She could feel the hot tears that were attempting to spill down her cheeks and she reached her hand up to wipe at them. Her fingertips were tingling and she felt the energy surging through her arms. Stupid Isaiah! He always got her so worked up and over the stupidest things. It had been a mistake coming to this planet. It had been a mistake trusting that everything would be okay.
Nothing was okay. Lille had confirmed that. Even if the silly little fairy had said everything would be all right, Heidi knew better. In the very depths of her soul she knew otherwise. Icers and Warmers could not get along. They could not unite to fight against anyone, because they were naturally destined to fight each other. Everything was a complete disaster.
As a sob ripped from her throat, Heidi blindly stepped out onto the pavement. She needed to get to the other side of the road. She needed to get back to her dorm. She needed to pack her things and get as far away from this stupid town as she could. Maybe then the fairy would return. Maybe then she could figure out what to do. One thing was most certainly clear to her at this point; she couldn’t depend on anyone but herself. Heidi was the only person Heidi could count on. The only person she could trust!
As humiliating as it was to learn the hard way, she’d not grown accustomed to the ways of the Earth even after four months of being there. Modes of transportation often fled her mind, especially when she was as upset as she was at the moment. She didn’t even think to look both ways, as any normal human child was taught at an early age. She did not hear Isaiah’s shouts of warning, or the blaring honk from the vehicle as it approached her.
It wasn’t until she had seconds to spare that Heidi finally turned her head, catching a glimpse of the apple red painted hood in her peripheral vision just as it neared her hip. A small gasp left parched lips as another tear dropped from her chin. Maybe she screamed. Perhaps she didn’t. The last thing she heard was a very loud “No!”
9
“Heidi, I would like for you to come meet a new friend,” Queen Teralynis said in the gentle voice she had always used around her daughter.
Heidi loved her mother’s voice.
“Who, Mother?” Heidi asked, putting down the small porcelain teapot she had been using to pour tea for her three favorite dolls. To
day was their special day; for it was in fact Heidi’s birthday.
“A new friend,” Her mother repeated, a smile gracing her full lips as she held her hand out for her daughter to take.
Her mother’s hands were always so warm and soft. They felt like silk and reminded her of the sunshine’s rays. She curled her small fingers around her mother's as the queen led her out of her bedroom and down the long hallway.
“Who, Mother? Who?” Heidi asked once more, skipping alongside of her mother as she gripped at her dress, careful not to step on it. She had tripped over her garments far too many times and did not wish to skin a knee on today of all days!
“We have special visitors today,” The queen responded, glancing down at her child with another smile as the large golden doors opened for them. “Come and see.”
Heidi entered the main hall, peering around at the various guests who were seated at the tables. Only the most delicious foods were upon the table tops, and the finest of drinks. Heidi herself fancied the honey milk. There was nothing better than honey milk.
“Ah, there they are!” King Sidius bellowed as he stood from his throne. He made his way towards his wife; arms open for her to walk into. “I was worried you had decided to skip out on the fancy party,” He chuckled, pressing a kiss to her cheek.
“I would never!” The queen replied with a small laugh. Heidi loved that laugh.
“Daddy!” Heidi said excitedly, moving forward to hug her arms around his knee, squeezing as tightly as an eight year old could possibly muster.
“Here’s the birthday girl!” The king announced, bending down to pick his daughter up with ease. He was so strong. Heidi always felt protected with her father.
Heidi wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing a kiss to his cheek as she laughed. “It is my birthday, Daddy,” She replied with a firm nod. “Mommy says I get to meet a new friend today!”
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