“Yikes!” Luck pointed to Ester’s face. “You look like crap.”
“Have you seen yourself in the mirror?” Ester shook her head at Luck’s clothes, which were covered in filth.
Luck laughed as the hover cart jolted back to life, startling them both. Brother Isa was already sitting back in the front, waving for the students to get back on. Ester and Luck exchanged looks and laughed as they packed up the tarp and hopped back on. They still had a good forty minutes until they reached the school, and now Ester was really tired. On the back of the wagon, she nodded off, and Luck pulled her close this time. She didn’t fight it and fell asleep against his shoulder.
A small smile appeared on his face. Even though he wanted so much more, he was happy for the time that he had left to spend—these moments he would cherish forever.
It was very late when they got back. Brother Isa was nice enough to drop them off at their house. From the shadows, Adis watched Luck and Ester joke and laugh as they walked through the front yard. It made her blood boil to think the attention of such a handsome boy could be wasted on the likes of her. Adis clenched the basket of vegetables she was holding. Where did Ester get off believing she could ever amount to anything? She was no better than any of the other orphans, and she certainly wasn’t better than her. Adis was at the top of her class. Ahe was the queen, and Ester was a daydreaming brute. Aomeone needed to remind her where her place was.
Chapter Three
The morning after they got back from the market came, Ester was bubbling with excitement. Her graduation ceremony was in five days, but more importantly, the acceptance letters for ranger academy would be arriving soon. She could hardly wait as the extra boost of excitement carried her through her morning routine. She pulled out a t-shirt and put on a pair of long shorts as she brushed her hair into a bun. Algaza was getting dressed a few beds down, and the two exchanged smiles as they hurried to get dressed. Pulling a hair tie with her teeth, Ester glanced at the picture of Captain Wildgrass Inspread, her idol and one of the most famous rangers to ever live. What if she got a chance to meet him? What if she turned out to be a renowned ranger like Inspread? Ester giggled at the idea. She was getting ahead of herself; she would just be happy to get in. Ester slipped on her shoes, and she was out the door.
She was just about halfway down the driveway when she realized she had forgot to water her plant. Missing just one day could derail the entire process. She turned around as some of the other kids gave her passing glances. She’d catch up. After all, it would only take a moment to water. She ran to the shed and pushed open the door only to find her tiny sapling shattered on the floor. In a panic she rushed to scoop up the soil, but the entire plant looked like it had been smooshed and the leaves had already started to dry.
“No,” she whimpered, tears welling in her eyes.
How could this have happened? She held the tiny plant in her hands as she trembled. It felt like her dreams were slipping through her fingers like the tiny grains of soil. There was no saving it, and no time to grow another. Even all of Luck’s divine power couldn’t help this time.
Ester panicked. “No, I can’t.”
She ran from the shed into the yard. The once welcoming light blinded her. It felt like her world was spinning. Without this final project, she couldn’t graduate, and if she didn’t graduate what did it matter if she got her letter into ranger academy? Her heart started to race and her breathing spiraled out of control. What was she going to do now? There was no plan B, no time to start over. Ester ran back into the shed and leaned over the sink. Too many things flooded her mind, making her cheeks burn as she tried to hold back the tears. It was over for her and she knew it. Ester collapsed onto the floor and cried as the tears poured from her face.
***
Noon arrived and Ester found herself awoken by the sounds of birds chirping overhead. For a second, she had forgotten why she was in the shed until she saw the soil splattered across of the floor. Then the memories, along with the pain, flooded back. Ester sniffled, but her tears were all dried up and her head was pounding. She stood and looked at the mess scattered across the floor. It was grotesque. Ahe couldn’t bear to look at it, but since she already missed school she didn’t want to get into any more trouble by leaving a mess. Besides, her little opalia plant deserved better than to be left discarded on the floor. So she swept and cleaned up, best she could, feeling so much guilt. She tossed the pieces of pottery in the recycling and the remaining soil in the compost. As for her plant, she looked at it one last time as the tears built up in her eyes.
“I’m so sorry, little plant.” She brought it to her chest and wept for both of their dreams.
Ester took the plant to the compost and dug a little hole and buried it. She felt like this would be the final resting place of her dreams as well. Ester stood and looked back at the house. The offenses were building up as she thought about how angry Sister Genevieve would be when she realized Ester missed school, but that was nothing compared to how she felt about her project. She needed to walk. Ester snuck to the back door and peaked inside. The key to the back door was under a pot, hidden just in case someone got locked out. Ester lifted the pot and took the key, using it to slowly open the door. She turned the handle and opened it, hoping and praying the sister was gone or upstairs, but then she remembered that it was the first of the week and Sister Genevieve went to market. Feeling a little relieved, Ester scanned the kitchen, foraging for scraps left to eat. She found an apple and drank three whole glasses of water before heading out again.
Ester walked the dirt road, in the opposite direction of the markets. There was no doubt Brother Isa would be paging Sister Genevieve about her absence, but Ester didn’t care. Who knew how her plant fell, but it didn’t matter. It was her responsibility to secure it. Ester’s chest started to feel heavy again, as the sun beat down on her back. A breeze touched the land, blowing her hair out of her face.
Was this a sign? Was this the universes way of trying to let her down easy?
After all, she hadn’t received her letter yet. For all she could have known, it could have been a no. Then none of this crazy plant stuff would even matter. She looked up at the sky, lonely clouds moved by in a sea of blue. The skies were the same no matter where you looked in Adum, just like the scenery. Just miles and miles of nothing. As a child when she was frustrated, she used to spend hours in the fields just staring up at the sky, but even on her worse days she at least had a place to call home.
But now, even the idea of home was starting to drift away.
She had no back-up plan. There was only ranger academy. She reached up and clenched her necklace around her neck. Why were things always so hard for her? Could she at least have one break? A lone tear rolled down her left cheek. She wiped away the tear as if it was some intrusive bug. Her parents always taught her not to give up so easily, but it was hard, really hard. She started to jog. Her feet beat the ground as if it were trying to exorcise the feeling of dread from her body. She picked up the pace into a run, determined to free herself from this pain.
Ester arrived home just as the other children were getting back from school. She walked silently, hoping to avoid the awkward question of why she wasn’t in school today. The little ones spotted her and ran to her side. Bellarue was ready to launch an attack of questions, but buttoned up tight when she saw Ester’s tired expression. The young girl slumped back, leaving Ester to walk alone, a courtesy she wished the boys would give her.
“Hey!” Tommy ran out in front of Ester. “Brother Isa was wondering where you were today?”
His comment resonated over a yard of nosey ears. Ester looked away fully intent on ignoring the younger boy.
“Rumor has it you spilt to go make out with a boy,” Tommy said.
Ester ignored the darting glances and whispers and walked past Tommy. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Luck, but she made no indication she’d seen him.
“I mean even ugly girls deserve a chance!”
Tommy yelled after her, torturing her again.
Ester stopped as Tommy and his friends fell out in laughter.
“Oh please,” Adis stepped forward, Tavanee warily in tote, “as if the little mud rat could ever be so lucky to be with a boy.”
“Adis,” Luck finally spoke up, “that’s enough.”
Ester turned to look at him.
“Oh? You didn’t hear?” Adis snickered. She spun around on the balls of her toes, batting those playful blue eyes. “Why don’t you ask Ester why she’s so mad?”
Luck shook his head, completely ignoring Adis’ taunts. He didn’t want any part of this charade. He passed Adis and approached Ester. Enraged, Adis turned to face them and balled her fists.
“I mean, after all, how’s she supposed to make it if she can’t even take care of a stupid plant!”
Silence washed over the children as if someone popped a balloon in a library. Adis inhaled, fruitlessly trying to take back her words as curious eyes rolled over the girls.
“What did you say?” A low feral growl came from Ester.
“Ester I—,” Adis peered around frantically for support but Tavanee had long since disappeared into the crowd.
“Ester?” Luck tried to step between them.
“You bitch! What did you do!” Ester tried to push Luck to the side, charging right for Adis.
Luck grabbed her mid-stride and tried to hold her back, but Ester fought him as Adis stumbled back.
“Ester!” Luck shouted. “Calm down!”
“Let go!” Ester ripped away from him.
Energy pulsated through Ester as she raised her fist. Adis held her hands up in defense, but Ester clobbered her to the ground.
It rattled Adis’ skull and sent her rolling in the dirt, but she wasn’t going down like this. Years of pent up jealously raged through Adis’ body as her natural electric ability began to build up as well. This was not her defeating moment; she would not let Ester win.
Soon the girls were in a total brawl. Sparks flew as punches landed everywhere. A crowd of cheers and pointing fingers formed around the girls. Adis was no match physically, but her spirit would not quit.
This was as much of a personal battle for Ester as it was for Adis. Ester pushed back; she was sick and tired of Adis always messing with her. Ester slugged Adis in the stomach with a fist full of rage. Adis coughed but wasn’t through yet and swung clumsily over Ester’s head.
“You’re an ugly brat!” Adis screamed.
“Better a brat than a bitch!” Ester grabbed her by the hair. She was ready to end this, as the electricity built in her fist.
“Ladies! That’s enough!” An ear shattering holler silenced the group. Sister Genevieve flew off the porch and tore the girls apart by their ears. “I have had enough of your pettiness!” The girls whimpered under her might. “For this foolishness, you will be confined to your living quarters for the rest of the night!”
The evening was ushered in with silence. As punishment, all the children were forced to do extra chores after dinner for egging on the fight. As for Ester and Adis, they would not be getting off that easy. The two girls sat before the sister, their eyes glued to the floor. It was hot under the Sister’s gaze. Neither one of them had the courage to talk or move, but Sister Genevieve wasn’t going to wait all night for an answer. She leaned back in her sturdy wooden chair and crossed her arms.
“I don’t know what has gotten into you both, and I very much don’t care. You two are some of the oldest in the house and are expected to set the example for the younger children. Your behavior out in the front yard today was unacceptable. I should march right up to that school and let Brother Isa know of your actions, so that both of you can spend some time in summer discipline.”
“But Sister Genevieve…” Ester cried.
“Silence!” The sister barked harshly, cutting her off.
Ester scrunched up her face, fighting back the urge to burst into a fit of angry tears. She knew Sister Genevieve would not tolerate any excuses or back talk. Ester felt like her future was in shambles.
The sister sighed and relaxed her shoulders. Judging by the broken expressions on the girls’ faces, she felt her point had been heard loud and clear. She cleared her throat and adjusted herself in her chair.
“Now, if you two can manage to keep your hands off each other until graduation, I will forgo telling Brother Isa about your behavior this evening.” Both girls breathed a sigh of relief. “But do not test me.” She looked at Ester. “I have also received a message from Brother Isa stating that you did not show up for school today. Is that true?”
“Yes ma’am.” Ester admitted, lowering her head.
A small smile creeped across Adis’ face, but only a flash.
“You are not ill, obviously, so why did you feel the need to skip class?” Sister Genevieve asked.
Ester slumped in her chair. Why did she have to be this vulnerable in front of Adis, of all people? She was sure she had something to do with her plant, but she had no way of proving it.
“My plant, ma’am. It broke overnight. I was too upset to go to school and face Brother Isa.” It burned her up inside to see her world crumbling around her. “So, I decided I needed some time away.”
The sister eyed Ester. “Accidents happen. However, that is no reason to miss one of your final days in school.”
“But it wasn’t an accident!” Ester blurted.
“Ester, I don’t want to hear your excuses.” Sister Genevieve was starting to lose her patience again. “You will tell Brother Isa what happened tomorrow, and that is the end of that.” Ester pouted and slumped back into her chair. “You two are dismissed.”
Ester stormed off with Adis not far behind.
“Adis,” Sister Genevieve said. “Is there anything you would like to tell me?”
The young girl froze, then shook her head. “No ma’am.” The sister eyed her, but nodded and dismissed her.
***
The following morning, Ester struggled to get out of bed. She pulled the covers over her head, but it was fruitless. There was no avoiding it now. She would have to face Brother Isa alone and tell him the news, but that wasn’t the part that ate her up inside. She would never get into ranger academy now. Any delay would make it twice as hard to re-apply, and her odds would be cut in half if she graduated with poor marks. On top of that, she would need to come up with the money for re-testing and train tickets. Where was she going to get that kind of money?
Ester lagged behind her housemates on their trek to school. She was in a sour mood and could tell the day wasn’t going to get any better. Algaza walked beside her in silence, giving her reassuring glances, but Ester’s heart had all but drained of any traces of happiness. The early morning sun beat down on her taunting her.
Morning classes rolled by without incident, but Ester barely paid attention as she gazed out the window in a haze. The bell rang for lunch and Ester tried to sneak out, but Brother Isa caught her before she could. Ester frowned as she walked past the rest of the students to his office. Humid and small, Brother Isa’s office was decorated with pictures of smiling pupils he was surely proud of and his certificates to teach. The clock ticked against her nerves as she tapped her leg up and down. She wished she were outside eating, though she wasn’t hungry. Brother Isa walked in. He was a tall man with a soft face like Luck’s. He had been Ester’s secondary school educator since the cross over from pre-adolescent school. He knew her almost as well as Sister Genevieve, so nothing got past him. Brother Isa took a seat behind his neatly organized desk, and Ester once again found herself under the scrutinizing gaze of an authoritative figure. He ran his fingers through his dark brown hair, as he waited for Ester to speak.
“Ester.” The sudden mention of her name shook her out of her stupor.
“I’m so sorry, Brother Isa, for missing class yesterday,” she blurted out like a busted dam. “My plant died, I don’t know how. I just…, I just found it on the floor in my shed.” Ester want
ed to melt, just like the tears threating to run down her face.
Brother Isa blinked twice then sighed. “Ester, you know I cannot pass you without a final project, and it is unlike you to be so careless.” Brother Isa frowned.
Ester felt so bad. She knew there was nothing that could be done; she just wanted this day to be over.
“Brother Isa!” Luck barged in and bowed. “Please forgive my sudden intrusion.” Confused Brother Isa turned to Luck. “Please allow me to offer my account on behalf of Ester.”
“Account?” Brother Isa looked between the two, even Ester looked shocked.
“When Ester’s plant died three weeks ago, I offered to help her produce a new one.”
“Luck, you know the rules,” Brother Isa cautioned. “This was a solo project; you were to work alone.”
“Yes, sir, I understand this. However, all I did was point her in the right direction, to help her get started. The rest was up to her.” Luck looked at Brother Isa with a more calm expression.
Brother Isa exchanged glances between the two. “And is this the plant that died? Your second one?” He looked at Ester.
Ester nodded in shame. “Yes, sir, I found it smashed on the shed floor yesterday morning.”
“Smashed?” Brother Isa said.
“Well, broken,” Ester slumped. Just remembering Adis’ words was enough to get her angry but pointing fingers without proof would do nothing for her. “It was an opalia plant. I believe some creature got in and knocked it over or something.”
Brother Isa looked at Luck in dismay. “Is this true, Luck?”
“Yes sir,” Luck presented pieces of the broken pot to his teacher. “The window must have been left open. There was quite the mess. In our yard, we have creatures found of opalia.”
The Distance Between Page 4