Love isn't always a dagger, sometimes

Love is a Pie

This whole scene had so much going on, but mostly it's about care and love

Mobius decking Brad in the face, and when Loki gently asks him about it (with the intention to help Mobius air his feelings); Mobius says it's not about him, and it's the truth.

We can feel Mobius' sincerity about liking his life here — sure he's scared of what he might find, but he's cherishing the things he found in this one: his work, his friends, LOKI

So what did get under Mobius skin?

Answer: Brad insulting his friends

The fact that Mobius doesn't even really care being called "nothing" (later on in the McD scene he cheerfully reiterates the term while eating); but he would hit anyone who insults the people he cares for the most

That Loki senses this, and instead of working his way out of the tenseness; sits Mobius down, eats pie (which he probably doesn't even like going by his pinched face and scraping fork but pretends it tastes good anyway), and listens

Heck Loki even made fun of his past just to prove to Mobius that losing one's cool is okay (and what a traumatic past Loki dug up)

It works

Mobius is comforted, there is an obvious deepening of their relationship, and (here's the kicker) when Mobius entered the McD's he orders an APPLE PIE

Stressed out that Loki and Sylvie may fight, about what Brad is keeping from them, and the fate of the multiverse; but holding it all together with cheerfulness to keep everyone's spirits up

The comfort food he reaches for is PIE

He seeks the care he needs in PIE

And who was the one he shared pie with right before this scene?

Platonic or romantic or one-sided, it's undeniable that they do love each other

WIP Wednesday - 1/4/2023

IT'S TECHNICALLY WEDNESDAY adsfkjdsfhj I am so tired

SO uhhh I've been yet again working on nothing at all that I'm SUPPOSED to be working on (like fluffy wintery prompts and my freaking ESO fic ahhh), but apparently I just couldn't help myself and I'm writing a follow-up to my last DCA drabble. It is. it is very much out of hand. as in at least 3x longer than I ever intended and it's still going. girl help. girl i am drowning. girl--

So anyway here's a snippet that I liked so far! Reader is at their friend Tim's house to babysit his kids.

She's obviously a bit taken aback; a bank manager is certainly not as used to dealing with animatronics as you (and now Tim) are, and Sun can already be a bit...much. You step forward ahead of Sun to put some space between them. "Sun, this is Laura."

"Sun?" she asks, a bit incredulous. Sun steps inside and pulls his hood down, rays springing out. "...ahh. Okay. I see it."

Tim stifles a snicker and shuts the door behind Sun. "Girls! The babysitters are here!"

There's a soft pitter-patter of rushing feet before Avery stops sharp at the threshold of the living room, Bailey quickly joining her at her side, as they both gaze up (up, up) at Sun. "...whoa."

He gasps, theatrically loud, and immediately bends over, instinctively trying to drop the height difference between them. "Hiiii!" he crows, waving enthusiastically. "Heeello, new friends!"

"What happened to your face?" Bailey asks abruptly, pointing to the gap where his melted rays should be. You tense and go to respond, but Sun is faster, instantly pulling himself up with a twirl, nearly ballerina-like.

"Dramatic pirate battle!" he exclaims, suddenly leaping into a swashbuckling pose. You're pretty sure this might be one of his old theater stories he sometimes mocked up for the daycare kids. "They took one with their cutlass and another lost to the sharks! But it's a small price to pay, I fought my way out and took back my ship from the filthy scoundrels!"

Bailey looks confused, studying him over. "There was a fire, he was hurt," Tim answers softly, honest but a little firm, obviously trying to convey the gravity of that to her. Bailey gasps and covers her mouth.

"I'm sorry," she yelps suddenly.

"Always listen to your parent's instructions when using the stove!" Sun chirrups, bright and unbothered.

Some babysitting hijinks happen. At least I presume they do, that part isn't written yet. :P But later on in the same fic we'll finally get to see another familiar face...

Moon always hated distractions at naptime, so you'll have to play this carefully. "Moony," you try, and this time his faceplate cocks sharply to the right as he takes a bounding step forward. He's at the end of the bed now, too close, much, much too close. You swallow hard and try again. "Their daddy's got to know we put them to bed now. So, uh. So he doesn't wake them up when he gets home. I need to text him so he knows to be quiet." There's no response, so you try again, hoping your intent is clear and your shaking voice does not betray you. "I'm gonna get my phone out now, okay?"

There's a long pause, before he finally hisses out, "Sleeeeeep." You slowly, agonizingly slowly pull your phone from the pocket of your pants and type the quickest text you've ever sent in your life.

Power outage. Put girls to bed. Moon is here. 🔦🔦

You pray it'll be enough to get your point across but vague enough that it won't raise suspicion if Moon decides to read it. "There," you announce, and apparently you didn't have to worry about Moon reading it, as no sooner is the word out of your mouth than Moon grabs your phone crunched between two fingers and tosses it off somewhere in the bedroom. 

"Lights off," he tells you. He clearly permitted the one text, but that's obviously going to be your final warning.

6:45 PM

Pairing- Lee Jeno x reader.

Genre- Angst, Fluff.

Word count- 1.91k

Warning- False accusation, Jeno seems a little thick headed but he was just caught up in the heat, mention of breaking up but not really :))

Summary- Not the ideal off day with your loved ones that you were looking for.

"You need to tell me what's wrong, Jeno."  you demand with a stern voice, having had enough of the way your boyfriend was acting. 

Earlier today Jaemin, a good friend of yours, a best friend of Jeno's had come over, reason being missing his two best hype mates and not getting much time to spend with you after having a hectic schedule. 

Jeno was fine the first two hours, interacting well, cracking stupid tacky jokes, sometimes even ganging up with Jaemin to make fun of you. But you noticed the gradual strip out of his patience, furrowing his eyebrows or gripping the pillow in a death grip. His subtle glares towards his friend was not given a blind eye, you noticed it all. Typical Jeno. He's always been a little jealous over your slightly curved affection for others. 

It was only when he did something he's never done throughout the years of one, your relationship, two Jaemins friendship that had you completely shocked. 

"I have nothing to tell you, Y/n" He replied with the same tone he held an hour ago after the guest left the house. You weren't going to buy his bullshit. 

"You screamed at Jaemin asking him to get out. Do you still have nothing to tell me?" you ask, walking up to where he sat by the edge of the bed. 

"I said i have nothing to tell you." Voice hoarse, the veins on his neck protruding prominently from how strained his jaws were. "Well you do." You spit out as soon as you stood in front of him, his gaze still fixated on the floor. 

"I. Don't." he repeated the words through gritted teeth. For a normal person, he'd be extremely intimidating and would've had the other weak in their knees from how threatening he sounded. Fights are normal for any couple but the last you'd heard him use this tone was when someone tried to touch you at a club you went to for the weekend.

"Then I do. Jaemin's your best friend for god's sake! He came in here, wanting to spend some quality time with us and he was an absolute sweetheart throughout even! And what do you do? Scream at him? For what? He seemed so hurt! What must he be thinking right no-!" 

"Enough!" Jeno stood up, towering over your much smaller figure with his as he narrowed his eyes down at you, nose flaring. You wouldn't be shocked if he started breathing out flames. 

You jump from the sudden raise of his voice, having to crane your neck to look up at him, hands shaking the slightest from the flinch you just experienced. 

"Jaemin this, Jaemin that. Who's your boyfriend, huh?" He started walking forward, almost stepping on your toes if you hadn't moved back, "Actually, he might as well be! You're always on about him and now you even want to go defend him" he poked at your right shoulder, pushing you back as you gaped at his words, completely taken aback by his assumption. 

"All i wanted was one fucking day to spend with you but nope! You want your dearest Jaemin with you. All the fucking time! Do you not love me anymore, Y/n?" Jeno let out an exhale, pushing you back with a single finger still on your shoulder, making you step back, "Jen-" "No you wanted me to tell you what's wrong right? Hear me out then!" 

"Is Jaemin all you think about, Y/n? Is that why you're getting so worked up over me shouting at my best friend?? Emphasize the word, my. My best friend, why is it affecting you? Huh?" He raised his voice once again, you turn your head to the side, crunching up the facials trying to make out why he's making this a big deal. It was his fault to begin with. 

"You want him that much then just go to him right! Or you want both of us because i won't be shocked at that, you're a sucker for anything remotely good looking anyways you won't hesitate to run your mouth all over town-!" Jeno stopped midway to completing his sentence, now noticing your glazed eyes and the heavy puffs of air you took. 

"are you done?" you ask with trembling voice, Jeno opened his mouth to speak but you held your hands up, stopping him, "If this is about Jaemin-" Jeno took in a sharp breathe, hands going from poking at your shoulder to holding your shoulder in a tight grip at the mention of his best friends name. Though the grip was bruising, you muster up all the strength you had, removing his hands from you, quickly stepping back to create some space between the two of you. 

"Then he's my friend too." you step back once again as Jeno stood his ground. "But if you heard yourself and actually think of me that way. You're more than welcome to just break things off." you grab the door knob as a tear slipped out, turning away to shield the weakness from your boyfriend who's head is stuck up his butt at the moment, and dashed out the room. 

"Y/n wait-" you hear him call out for you, footsteps shuffling close behind but you grabbed the car keys, wanting away from him to clear your mind the least. One of you should stay sane. 

Driving away to your safe space, the old library that took a journey of around 25 minutes, which is most likely to be 'anything living and breathing'-free as not many knew of that place, which made you love it even more. 

Whiffs of old bookcases are calming.

 You were pleased to find out your assumptions were correct, not a single soul other than a tired out cashier who seemed long passed out, given he failed to hear the ringing of the entrance opening. 

You make your way to the extreme back, not particularly wanting to read anything with your thoughts clouded, allowing yourself a seat you found at a secluded corner. 

You take your phone out, that had been vibrating since you left home after Jeno's sudden outburst, ignoring them, wanting him to feel bad for what he's done throughout the day, you scroll through your phone searching for Jaemin's contact, opening up messages to type in a quick apology for your boyfriend's behavior, explaining it must've been the the fatigue that got to him, but made sure to tell him not to wave off this behavior and screw him when they meet later. 

Getting a reply almost immediately, you were shocked to find out Jaemin was still as bubbly as ever, saying it's fine and that he didn't take anything to heart which just made you feel even guiltier than you already felt. 

Texting back and forth, Jaemin being more than ready to keep you company after you narrated what had happened back home, cracking jokes to make you feel better when you wantedly missed out on a few parts to tell him, you jolt when you feel a hand tear you away from the screen and the table in front of you, pulling you into a tight embrace. 

Warmth being familiar, you resist the urge to hug him back, not even bothering to ask him how he'd known where you'd be at as this is known to be the place you go to calm your mind, rather all those cliché places like the bridge or a cliff, or the beach, or taking a stroll in the twilight whatsoever. 

"Y/n I'm so so sorry, please don't run off like that again" he spoke, Jeno mimicked your voice from before, this time quivering with guilt. "Let go, Jen" you spoke with a voice void of all emotions, tables turning as you mirrored his voice from the time of the argument.

"No, I won't, I'm so sorry, I meant nothing of what I said! Trust me, I was just being unreasonable and petty, i would never want to let go of you. I'd be an idiot if i did so" he spoke against your hair, grip around you tight, yet delicate, soft enough for you to step out if you'd wished. 

"Yes you were." you reply, slowly raising your hands to feather over his elbows as he pressed you further against his chest, "I know. I'm really sorry, love. I was just jealous is all. And it had been a rough week at work and all that got to me but trust me when I say I'll do anything to repent just, please don't let my words get to you" he caressed your back. 

"Those were all words of spiked up anger, and i really want to throw myself off a cliff, I'm really sorry, i am" he pulled away enough to place a peck on your forehead. 

"you'll do anything?" you repeat his words for confirmation, finally allowing yourself to throw your hands around his torso. You look up at him, seeing a faint crimson at the white of his eye, the hue being really pale that you'd not make out if you stood a couple yards away. He must've shed some tears, just like you. 

"Anything." with a nod, he hesitantly placed a delicate kiss on your lips, scared you'd shatter if he'd pressed any harder. 

"house chores for a week." you narrow your eyes at him, not wanting to drag the fight for long as it'd only take a negative toll on your relationship. 

"Okay!" Jeno's face evidently lightened up, quick to think he's forgiven, "thank you for forgivin-"

"Don't be so sure on that, boy. You still have one thing left to do until I completely forgive you" you step back, turning to walk back towards the exit, fishing for the car keys from the back pocket of your jean, turning around and throwing the keys at him swiftly, his reflexes allow him to catch it. 

"You're driving to Jaemin's house and begging for an apology, right now." it was only the right thing to do even after the lad insisting on not being hurt. Jeno is his best friend, it's always sucky when you have your friend mad at you without knowing what you did. Worse if you didn't actually do anything. 

"You have it." Jeno exclaimed, walking towards you as the two of you made your way to the exit. "you're doing it the way i want you to, though", you turn your body towards him after both of you stood by the door of the passengers side. 

"And how do you want me to do it?" He inquired, leaning against the car. "First tell him exactly what you said to me" Jeno nodded, agreeing to do that, "Then give him a tight hug and repeat sorry until he swats you away" he contemplated for a moment, but eventually ended up agreeing to it too. "And then.. Give him a kiss on the cheek." Your boyfriend let out a sound of protest, leaning back further onto the surface. 

"Do i really have to??" he asked, whining. 

"Yes."

"Like, really? really?" 

"Mhm"

"for real? Real? Is it that important?" you let out a sigh at his constant poking at your side as he pushed further with the question. 

"Do you want me to forgive you or not?" you ask, voice demanding, a hint of teasing evident. "Yes!" he was fast to reply. 

"Then give him a kiss. "

This is for you @sirbeepsalot 🌹🥀🌺🌻🌼🌷⚘

I've had a bunch of asks in my inbox forever and need to finally get around to them. I was inspired by @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria and her one shot about Drake meeting Camille at her flower shop. I went in a totally different direction, but hopefully this little story is just as fluffy. 💗

....

Paint me a Picture 🎨🌷🌼

Drake hummed happily to himself as he stepped out of his office. He had just finished a conference call with his fellow council members finalizing the plans for Kate's upcoming baby shower. They had put off the party for the past two months amid fears of the Coronavirus spreading into Cordonia. Kate's due date of March 12th was fast approaching and they had reached the decision to reduce the guest list to under ten people. This suited Drake just fine because he wasn't much of a party person, plus Kate found too much attention and fussing around more tiring than exciting at this point.

Checking his watch, Drake realizes that his call had taken him well into the lunch hour and he was quite hungry. The plush carpet of the stairs muted his footsteps as he descended toward the main hall. He could feel the empty space blanket him in its silence, and he wondered where Kate, Hana and the corgis were.

When he had last seen Kate that morning she had been reorganizing the supplies in the nursery for the fourth time. He had chuckled at her restless nesting and kissed her on the cheek before leaving to make his phone call.

"Go get some fresh air and sunshine, it'll do you good."

Kate sighed, rubbing her aching back. "I guess so. I wonder what Hana's up to this morning."

Drake shrugged, "Send her a text to come get you and take your mind off baby stuff."

"Thanks, I will."

..

As he turned the corner toward the kitchen, Drake could smell toasting bread, and the delicious aroma of chicken soup. His mouth waters and he swallows, breathing deeply as his stomach rumbles. The sound of laughter, clink of plates and drawers opening and closing made him smile. Over the past 8 1/2 months the kitchen staff had become familiar with Kate's unusual cravings at all hours of the day. Early on she had wanted salty snacks, and then halfway through her second trimester her cravings had her wanting sweets, during the last month she had started combining the two in odd ways. It made Drake shake his head in wonder, but he obliged her desires. And if Kate was happy, Drake was happy.

Walking into the kitchen unnoticed, he sees the staff loading up a tray with a platter of sandwiches, and a pitcher of iced tea.

"Good afternoon Ladies," he says, and the laughing chatter amongst the women stops.

"Lovely day indeed, Your Grace." Marie the head cook replies with a smile.

Drake eyes the sandwiches on the platter hungrily. He could imagine sinking his teeth into the golden toasted bread, and hearing the crunch. "Are these for Kate and Hana by any chance?"

"Why yes they are. They're taking lunch in the sunroom. I can add another drinking glass and another plate if you'd like to join them."

Drake nods, "That would be wonderful. How about if I take lunch to them then?"

Claire, the young kitchen helper, protests as she sees Drake reach for the tray. "Oh my goodness, Your Grace, let us do that. You go on ahead and we'll bring lunch to you. "

Drake grabs half of a sandwich, "Well, if you insist. I'll just take this to go then, thanks."

Turning around to leave the kitchen Drake raises the sandwich to his mouth and checks the contents before taking a bite. Lettuce, tomato and a slice of swiss cheese. Not bad, but could use some bacon.

..

In the sunroom the atmosphere is that of a bright summer's day despite the dull late winter landscape outside. Lush greenery, tropical flowers and golden sunshine fill the space and give it a pleasant warmth. Off to one side, chair cushions are clustered together on the tiled floor. At the moment they're serving as lounges for sunbathing, sleeping, corgis; but earlier the cushions had served as a comfy surface for a gentle yoga session for Kate and Hana. Now the two friends were standing at easels and painting, chatting back and forth about what to hang in the nursery.

"So you and Drake still don't know if you're having a boy or a girl right?"

Kate nods, "As much as I want to know now, it's still a mystery. Our doctor knows though."

Hana purses her lips in thought as she dabs some blue on her canvas, "So do you mind if I paint a gender neutral landscape instead of flowers?"

"Not at all. I'm still sticking with flowers though. The ones in here are just too beautiful not to paint. If it doesn't suit the theme of the nursery I'll just hang it somewhere else."

Hana rinses out her brush, setting it aside and selects a different one to line in some happy little trees in a dark brown. "I suppose Drake is hoping that you have a little boy."

"He won't admit it, but of course he does. He's itching to go camping and fishing, to kick a football around, toss a baseball with a son."

With a shrug Kate draws in some green stems on her yellow daffodils, "Of course these are all activities he could do with a daughter as well. I remember tossing around a baseball with my Dad in the backyard."

Opening the door and stepping into the sunroom Drake is met by the wall of heat and fragrant scent of flowers. He immediately feels overdressed as a trickle of sweat runs down his neck. "How do you ladies stand it in here?"

Kate turns away from her painting to look at Drake, "Oh Hi Honey, welcome to summer in March."

Under the shade of her Sun hat, Kate is wearing one of Drake's old denim shirts as a painter's smock, the sleeves rolled up to her elbows. There's a green smudge of paint on her cheek. Drake notices that it appears that she's wearing little else other than flip flops.

"Uh, Kate? Are you naked under my shirt?"

Kate giggles, covering her mouth, putting another smudge of green on her face. "No silly. I'm wearing a bikini top and shorts." She glances down at herself, "I can see it looking that way though."

Hana is wearing a short summer dress, and her own Sun hat. "You look a little warm there Drake. I wouldn't mind if you decided to take off your shirt."

Kate snickers as she goes back to her painting, "Yeah Honey, don't be shy."

Drake clears his throat, loosening his top two buttons and rolling up his sleeves. "I think I'll just open a couple of windows instead."

Kate watches Drake crank open a window, appreciating the flex of the muscles in his forearms. The fresh air blows the fabric of his shirt against his chest, making it stick to the sweat on his skin. She realizes that he isn't wearing a tee underneath. Probably why he was reluctant to remove his shirt in Hana's company. Drake notices her watching him and gives her a wink as he walks across to open another window. "So what are you ladies painting today?"

Kate feels the cool breeze brush the hair off the back of her neck and she shivers with delight. "Thanks honey, I didn't realize just how warm it was getting in here."

Drake does a quick bow with flourish of his hand, "Always pleased to be of service, Your Grace."

Hana giggles, "We're painting flowers and landscapes, to answer your previous question."

Drake settles down on the floor with the corgis, resting his elbow on a cushion and rubbing a belly as one dog happily rolls over. "I have the pleasure of informing you ladies that iced tea and sandwiches are also on the way, for our lunch."

Hana wipes her brow, "Anything with Ice in it would be welcome right now. I first experienced cold tea when we were in Texas for Savannah's wedding. I wasn't sure if I'd like it."

Kate sighs, "Mmm, I love lemony iced tea in the summertime. I miss it from being back home."

Drake's stomach growls again, causing one of the corgis to give him a look and then retreat to a spot in the shade, "Sorry Fluffers, didn't mean to disturb you. Don't worry I'm not hungry enough to eat you, close but no."

"I could go for a big bowl of spaghetti and meatballs right now," Kate says wistfully as she paints a tomato red poppy onto her canvas bouquet.

Drake groans, folding his arms behind his head as he leans back on the cushions and closes his eyes, "Oh stop, you're just making me more hungry."

Kate bites her lip, "Ooh, or pizza. A nice big slice of ole New York thin crust with extra cheese."

"STOP IT!" Drake barks out a laugh, chuckling as he wipes the sweat off his brow. "I ate half a sandwich on my way here, and it's really tasting like another half right about now."

Kate wipes her hands on a rag, "Ooh, what type of sandwich?"

Drake shrugs, "I dunno, there was cheese and some lettuce in there, maybe tomato?"

Kate kicks off her flip flops and walks across the warm floor tiles to stand over Drake, casting a shadow across him, hands on her hips. "And you didn't think to bring the rest of the sandwiches with you?"

Drake cracks an eye open to look up at his wife, his face scrunching up in amusement at her paint smudged face and raised eyebrows. "Hey, I tried to take the tray with me. But I don't think the girls in the kitchen trusted me to get the sandwiches this far without eating a few."

Kate nudges his leg playfully with her foot. "So true. We've all seen how much you like to eat."

Drake growls playfully, reaching out to grab for her ankle but she steps back out of his reach, "Can't help it if I'm a hungry man, c'mere you. I bet you taste like chicken."

"Nah ah, if I get down on those cushions with you I might never get back up. I'm going to wash up my hands and then take a seat over there at the table. Besides I think cannibalism is frowned upon in Cordonia."

Drake smirks at her and rolls over on his stomach, watching her walk away. "Mmm, golden fried chicken. You know how much I'm a breast and leg man."

Hana bursts out laughing, "Geez guys get a room."

Continue on to the next part

I Look Spooky but I'm Really Nice; the Saga Continues (Vatya/Sashea)

AN: Thank you to @mistressaq for Betaing my smut, this is the first and probably the last smut I’ll write as it took me forever and isn’t even good so I do apologize for that! This ace mermaid just isn’t made to write smut but I have a HUGE amount of respect and admiration for those that do!   Thank you to @artificialeevee for being my cheerleader and making me laugh and reminding me that my story could always be worse. Lol!   If you want to read part one, which I suggest, you can find it here 

Возлюбленная (Vozlyublennaya) means Sweetheart.

The Saga Continues Part I I gripped my phone so hard in my shaking hand that my knuckles were completely white. I broke out in a cold sweat, shivering and pulling the blanket tighter around me. I was terrified and then I got pissed. This had to be a joke. I jabbed in a response so viciously that I split my thumb nail. “FUCK!” At least it was the same one from last night. Me - Ok who is this? Pearl or Aja if this is one of you two…Keep in mind, I may be in a wheelchair but I can still kick your mother fucking ass! Unknown caller: living impaired 3a Living impaired? What the fuck did that mean? My head felt like it was going to split open as I tried to find deeper meaning in the cryptic text. I pulled myself onto my side and propped myself up on one elbow and rubbed my forehead. I grabbed the bottle of pain meds and shook out another one, it would make me foggy as hell but being unconscious seemed like a good option. My hands were shaking so badly I think I got more water on my bed than in my mouth but I managed to get enough to swallow the damn pill. A memory from last night floated into my head as I flopped back down. Didn’t I say something like “Listen Mr or Miss or whatever the gender neutral term is, listen ghost or spirit or living impaired, whatever you call yourself.” while I was freaking out and pacing circles across my floor? Didn’t see say she was stronger after 3. I might not need the ice by the time Katya got back, I felt like my blood had turned to ice. I bolted upright with a little panicked moan as I burst into terrified tears, throwing my phone across my bed like it would burn me if I held it a second longer, I was  breathing in tight little gasps of air, my heart thundering in my chest. I needed to get out of here. The adrenaline rush I was experiencing in my panic made me careless as I frantically struggled out of the tangle of blankets and flipped myself into my chair. I pushed forward and heard a crunch. “Fuck!” My foot must have fallen off the footplate or it wasn’t on there right to begin with and I had jammed my foot between my chair and my bed. It didn’t matter, I’m sure it was fine. I pulled it back up and zoomed towards the door, opening it so hard I had to catch it so it didn’t smack me in the side of the head. I turned in my chair reached my hand out to snag my purse while I kept wheeling with the other hand. I was trying to stop hyperventilating but I was panicked with that totally unrealistic sense of impending doom like you get when you’re a kid and your cousin dares you to stay in the supposedly haunted closet at your Grandma’s house for a whole minute that feels like 5 years. I was barrelling through the doorway, not watching where I was going when I collided with another person. “Ohmigosh, I’m so sorry!!” my hands shot out as I steadied the petite, bald girl  who was carrying an armload of books, some of which toppled to the ground. “I’m so sorry! Are you ok? I don’t think we’ve met yet. I’m Violet.” My manners took over but I reddened, realizing too late that I was a tear streaked hot mess in a zebra onesie who just almost killed someone in a panic to evade a fucking ghost. A shiver passed down my spine at the thought of the girl in the mirror. What had happened to her? Was she stuck in the mirror. Maybe she needed help or me to avenge her death like the cheesy episodes of the Ghost Whisperer with SJP. I wouldn’t mind being Sarah Jessica Parker but I wasn’t too keen on the ghost part of the situation. “Hey? Hello?” The person said, waving a hand in front of my face. I totally somehow missed that she had sat down cross-legged on the floor beside her mess of books. This way she wasn’t towering over me either, one of her hands resting on my knee which they removed quickly like she’d touched her hand to a flame. “Are you feeling ok? I only ask because you’ve kind of been staring into space for the past minute or two. I was trying to get your attention but I put my hand on your knee and it just occured to me that maybe you couldn’t feel that.” She babbled. “Could you? Oh wait, don’t answer that! that was an awfully personal question.” She smacked her open palm on her bald head with a THWAP! so loud that it made me jump. She muttered to herself, “God Sashinka, why must you be so awkward?” “No it’s ok, I mean I can’t but it’s ok, what I mean to say is that it’s ok to ask. If you want to, I mean if you have questions.” I babbled back like babbling was contagious then we looked at each other and both let out nervous little giggles. I took a deep breath and then exhaled slowly, “ok let’s start over and pretend I didn’t almost kill you.” I thrust my hand out, “hi, I’m Violet. Are you ok?” “Good idea! I’m totally fine! My name is Sashinka Velurovna but everyone just calls me Sasha Velour because that is too much of a mouthful for most.” She shook my hand with her delicate one and I noticed the paint flecks that spread halfway up her arms. “Hey, are you Russian by any chance? Are you in the art program?” “Yes to both? I mean my name kind of gives the first one away but how did you guess the art part?” “The paint gives that part away,” I smiled and pointed at the well manicured hand I was still holding before I let it go. “Oh yeah!” She smacked her hand on her head again. “Do you make a habit of hitting yourself over the head often Sashinka? You’re going to leave a mark!” “I do, my girlfriend always teases me about it! She says if I had hair, I’d pull it out with the amount of times I smack or rub my head in a day!” She turned serious as she checked her watch and once again smacked herself, albeit much gentler, “oh shit! My girlfriend! Let me just send her a text.” “Oh I don’t want to hold you up,” I backed up so I was halfway in my doorway again, I felt myself lean forward automatically so at least my body was still outside of my room. “There done!” She said triumphantly, putting her phone back in the pocket of her long flowing palazzo pants in a loud geometric print full of hues of red, rose, orange and yellow. If it were on anyone else, it would look hideous but on her spritely little frame, it seemed perfect somehow, paired with a simple red leather or pleather crop top. Oh shit, she was looking at me as I studied her, a small smile lifted one corner of her mouth. I felt my face flush as she turned serious. “So you looked pretty upset when we met.” “When I almost ran you over and made you a Sashinka pancake, you mean?” She threw her head back and laughed. “Yeah that. What happened? What can I do to help? You looked terrified! It’s nice to see some colour back in your beautiful face because you were white as a ghost when you came out of your room looking like some ax murderer was chasing after you.” I flinched at the word ghost and she peered past me into my room. She mouthed, brow furrowing, “is there someone in there? Are you safe?” “No there is no one in there.” right now anyway, I thought to myself and shifted my gaze from her concerned face. She looked up at my door and tsked. “Ahh I get it.” “Huh? What do you get?” “You’re in room 121. The mirror. I get why you are so freaked out.” My chin flopped open and I tried to think of a way to explain I wasn’t fleeing from text messages from a ghost. I sputtered and opened and closed my mouth a few times but no words would come out. “It’s ok, I don’t think you’re crazy! I believe in that stuff. I could bring my ouija board over if you want to borrow it, I’ve heard that she will talk with you.” “But…” I started but I saw Katya rounding the corner with her arms laden with food and 2 bags of ice. Sasha’s back was to her so I saw her first, then Sasha turned her head to see what I was looking at, in case maybe it was the ghost. Katya’s eyes went wide and she stared at Sasha as if they might be a ghost themselves. I thought she was going to drop everything in her hands so I grabbed the bags and food and put them on my lap. She looked down at Sasha in wonder. “Sashinka? Es that you?” A look of recognition flickered across her face and then Sasha’s smile was radiant as the sun as she jumped up like she was spring loaded and pulled Katya into a bear hug. They jumped up and down on the spot screaming and started talking in rapid-fire Russian, Sasha had very little accent when speaking English so I had just assumed that their family line was Russian and thus she was named the way she was. I was wrong. Katya holding her out at arm’s length and then pulling her in again. Happy tears streaming down both of their faces. I just sat and watched this happy reunion. After a few minutes of talking over each other, they both turned towards me smiling. “Why do I have the feeling you two know each other?” I asked sarcastically and couldn’t resist adding, “and that you were just talking about me.” They both laughed, they still had their arms around each other and were squished together like they were trying to meld into one person. I’m glad I wasn’t the jealous type…well much. When Katya spoke, she was breathless with glee, “dis es my friend Sashinka! Sasha’s family fleed away from Russia in night and ve never got to say goodbye and ve couldn’t write because the politsiya vanted to hurt Sashinka’s father who spoke out against government. I voke up one mornink and my best friend vas gone, vanished. Oh Sasha,” Katya pulled Sasha in again as she sobbed into their shoulder. “I never thought I vould see you again!” Sasha smiled through her own tears and corrected Katya, “your English is really good! I think you knew 20 words when we parted. Oh and the word is fled not fleed and they say Police here.” Katya nodded and muttered “fled, police, ok I got it! Thank you! I understand better than speak it! You almost haf no accent Sashinka! You haf been here in USA whole time? Are you steel in gymnastics?” Sasha’s face fell, when she spoke next I did pick up a faint Russian accent that had gotten a bit stronger, “No, I am not in gymnastics, I still practice but I wasn’t able to enroll anywhere because they were looking for us and we didn’t want me to be registered anywhere. We had friends who owned a gym and would let me practice there and my father continued to train me. I was homeschooled for the first 4 years after we moved, a lovely lady would come to our house and teach me english. My family was so scared. We moved to Canada! But we moved often, we would always keep in touch with the Russian communities in major cities and then it could make it easier to move. Father was so well known and respected but occasionally we would pick up and move if he thought bad people were getting close to catching us. I’ve not been able to say goodbye to a great many friends until we were able to use the internet. I looked for you! I swear I did! I watched you at World’s in the basement of a friends house but I couldn’t say that I knew you, I didn’t want to put you or your Mother in any danger. How is your Mama?” “She es better than she vas, still sick but ok!” Katya said excitedly, Katya rarely spoke about her Mother but I did know she had been sick a lot when Katya was growing up and Katya spent a lot of time going between the gym and caring for her mother. The pressure for her to win competitions to get the prize money as the sole bread winner of her house must have been an enormous weight to bear. She also was home schooled but mostly did it all herself online, that is why her english wasn’t as good as it could have been. She understood more than she spoke because she used to watch old english movies and shows her family had on VHS. I remembered nights of us snuggled up together watching Little House on the Prairie reruns and cracking jokes til our sides hurt. “I’m so glad that Violet and I met! I mean, I would have seen you eventually Yekaterina but the school is very big and it could have taken MONTHS to spot each other! Providence came in the form of a crying panicked girl barrelling out of her room at top speed. I have to go meet my girlfriend but if you could put your numbers in my phone, I’d love to catch up! Violet, I would love getting to better know you as well!” Sasha said as we passed our phones around so Sasha could put her number in. Once Katya put her’s in and handed me Sasha’s phone to do the same, she crouched down and picked up Sasha’s books for her, straightening them out. When we exchanged glances, she looked at me with worry clouding her eyes over for a moment. I smiled at her, hoping it might help. I think it did. Well I hope anyway! Cell phone numbers exchanged, Sasha surprised me by pulling me into a hug. “Thank you for making it possible for Yekaterina and I to reconnect. I can’t wait to tell my girlfriend!” Then she whispered, “if you want my ouija board, let me know. I can even come and show you how to use it since it’s not something you can use with one person.” “I’ll uh…think about it. Thanks.” Sasha swished away and Katya turned to me, her face still radiant with joy, the smile slid off her face when she looked at me. “Vait! Did Sasha say you vere upset? Vhy are you in hall in your Pyjama’s? I mean you look cute but vhat happened?” “I pretty much almost ran over her, I’m ok now. It’s nothing! Don’t worry my dear, I’m fine!” We were still both in the hallway. She leant over and gave me a kiss on my head. She still looked worried but I hoped she would drop it. “Should ve go back in room now? You look pale, are you sure you don’t need Doctor? Or Max?” She gently tucked a loose tendril of my hair behind my ear and studied my face. Going to the Dr or to Max’ office would mean I wouldn’t have to go back into my room. I chewed my bottom lip while I thought. “Violet?” Katya kneeled so her worried face was in front of me, her hands grabbed mine in my lap, “just tell me vhat happened? Please?” I sighed, wondering how I could bullshit myself out of this one. I looked down, I didn’t want Katya to laugh at me but I knew she was going to be persistent until I told her SOMETHING. I didn’t know if she would believe me. I couldn’t bear her thinking I was crazy. She cupped my face and made me look at her. “Tell me. Ve keep no secrets remember?” Shit, she had me there. We had poured our hearts out to each other on facetime while Katya was still in Russia. We both carried the heavy weight of many secrets and swore we would never keep anything from each other. That we both had one person who was safe to say anything to. I sighed and covered my face with my hands, peeking through my fingers at Katya like I was watching a cheesy slasher film, “but you are going to think I’m crazy though.” “You? Crazy? No!” She joked, pulling my hands away. “I feel like you don’t vant to go into your room, do you vant me to get you some clothes?” I nodded and added meekly, “and my cell phone please? It’s on my bed.” “Da, I vill be right back.” She caressed my shoulder comfortingly on her way past me. I took a deep breath and let it out. Katya returned momentarily with my backpack, handing me my phone and looping my bag on the back of my chair, she gathered up the bags on my lap. “I got you a pair of yoga pants, underthings, T-shirt, hoody because ve are just going to relax in my room today. Soon ve vill be starting our classes and you vill need to gather your strength after that nasty fall. I also got some things from bathroom and your medicine in case your head still hurts. You look like you need a nap Возлюбленная.” She was right, like I expected, taking extra meds was making my eyes droop. “Come. Do you vant me to push you?” I knew that if I said yes, that Katya would know how dizzy and tired I truly was. I HATED being pushed around. I was almost violently independent, when I was first injured I would snap at people who would try to help me up ramps but it was mostly because people wouldn’t ask, they would just grab my chair and steer me around while talking to me as if I was five years old. “Nope I’m ok.” “Ok, as long as you are sure. Come on.” Katya led the way to the elevator and up to her room on the Third floor and let us into her room. She stepped back and waved me in. Her roommate hadn’t arrived yet and all we knew was that her name was Trixie, what kind of name was Trixie? Hopefully she wasn’t a nightmare at least! For my Katya’s sake, she already had enough high maintenance in her life with me in it! “Ok, bed you! Do not pass go, do not collect 200$. ”I giggled, Katya was seriously obsessed with Monopoly. That’s why the board game cafe event today would have been perfect but I had fucked that plan up. Katya put the food in her tiny little fridge and surprised me by picking me up bridal style. I let out a surprised giggle. “Sorry, no grip bars in here, you just have a Katya in here.” I let myself relax in her arms, almost melting into her. “Fine by me. I like having a Katya.” I gushed sweetly, letting out a contented little sigh as she plopped me onto her bed. She went to move away and I grabbed her wrist, “would you lay down with me?” “Da, on two conditions.” She squared a look at me. “Anything.” I didn’t want to sleep alone in case I had nightmares. “That you will tell me vhat happened vhen ve vake up,” she grinned devilishly, “and I get to be the big fork.” I laughed, “I think you mean spoon although forking sounds like fun too.” I waggled my brows as we burst out laughing, then I let out a giant yawn. Well damn. “Let’s talk about forking later.” Katya reached over and pulled a drawer open, tugging out the first T-shirt she could find, wrapping the knotted plastic bag of ice into it. I curled up on my side as Katya climbed over me, hovering over me with an arm holding herself up over my body so she could cup my face and give me a deep, lingering kiss. I wrapped my arms around her neck and pulled my fingers through her silky, flaxen hair. When we pulled apart, we were both out of breath and I let out a plaintive little noise from the back of my throat. “Are you sure we can’t renegotiate the forking?” I whined as she climbed over me. I felt the vibration of her chuckle as she laid behind me, her breasts smushed against my back as she put the ice against the top of my head and pulled her thick duvet over us. Then she nibbled at the back of my neck while I squirmed. She scraped her teeth against me as she sucked small patches of skin low at the base of my neck, swirling her magical tongue along them. “You’re such a fucking tease woman.” I leaned back into her as she wrapped her arm protectively around me and pulled me even closer. I stifled a yawn but she saw or felt it. “Shhhh, go to sleep.” She reached up and pulled my hair elastic out so she could bury her face in my hair, inhaling deeply as she slowly ran her fingers through my freed locks. She softly exhaled a sigh by my ear, The bitch knew exactly how to get me, I stopped fighting and gave in to sleep, letting out a deep sigh of my own. I woke up and blinked blearily at the clock and was just about to close my eyes, just five more minutes, when I heard someone clear their throat. My eyes snapped open to be assaulted by pink. A girl with big, poofy light blonde hair was standing hesitantly in the doorway, shuffling from foot to foot, blushing and looking like she’d been caught in the act of doing something indecent. She was dressed in a short gossamer pink shift dress that almost looked like a nightgown with pink platform MaryJane shoes and a big pink bow headband. She looked like she had the whole makeup aisle from Sephora on her face. She was carrying an honest to God Barbie cosmetic train case and pulling two big Hello Kitty suitcases. “Hey, you must be Trixie. Come on in.” I whispered and reached behind me to poke Katya’s shoulder, “Kat, time to get up.” Trixie creeped quietly into the room enough to slide the door shut with a click behind her  as Katya mumbled something in Russian, she did that a lot when she was half asleep. “Yekaterina Petrovna Zamolodchikova, your new roommate is here love. C'Mon now.” Katya’s head shot up and she smiled. “Hello there Trixie! I’m Katya.” Katya pulled back the covers and scrambled over me to pull one of Trixie’s bags out of her hand. and bring it over to her bed. Trixie noticed my chair and gave me a sad little look, I hated that look but I was just as guilty of giving it when I could walk so I forgave people for it. It was human nature. “Do you haf more bags Trixie? Vhere are you from?” Katya said, pulling Trixie’s ample cosmetics train case out of her hand and putting it in front of the little vanity mirror at the end of her bed. “No I don’t have anything else, this is basically it.” She shrugged. “I’m from Wisconsin?” Her voice inflected upwards as if she was asking or if she wasn’t sure where she was from. “What about you?” “I am from Russia and dis es my girlfriend Violet and she is from Atlanta. Ve didn’t know vhen you vere coming or ve vould not have been sleeping! Violet just had a bit of an accident and needed to rest.” Trixie’s hands flew up to her mouth, “ohmigod are you ok?” I pushed myself upright and waved her off. “I’m totally fine! She’s prone to exaggeration Trixie!” I joked, trying to put the poor girl at ease. She was really sweet and looked so concerned. “Kat, could you please push my chair over so it’s not in the middle of the room.” Katya trotted over, pushing my purple chair over and putting the brakes on for me. She knew exactly where to put it, her hand couldn’t help but shoot out when I transferred and overshot my seat. I felt my face go crimson with embarrassment, I probably looked like such an incompetent poor disabled girl that Katya had to wait on. Great first impression Violet, an unkempt, zebra onesied, helpless girl.  Katya and I shared a look, she knew I was still so self conscious of this new body of mine, she smiled and me and pulled my hand up to kiss it and then leaned over to give me a quick kiss. Trixie just stared at us until she noticed we were looking back at her, she lowered her head with a shy smile as she turned a shade of beet red. “Sorry, I don’t mean to stare, I’ve just never seen…” She started sheepishly. “What? Someone in a wheelchair?” I snapped. Katya gave my hand a squeeze and put her other one on my shoulder as if to say calm down. “Oh no! No, no!” Trixie turned even redder, which I didn’t think was physiologically possible. “No I have a friend with cerebral palsy. I mean I’ve never seen…” She lowered her voice dramatically “…you know gay women…uh…lesbians. I mean, you’re both really pretty and I have always pictured the stereotypical butch femme. I’m sorry, I’m not good at this.” She babbled and looked miserable. Katya and I looked at each other and burst out laughing. “Awww she’s cute, can ve keep her?” Katya said as she plunked herself onto my lap and wrapped her arms around my neck. Trixie joined us in our mirth after a few minutes of stunned silence, relieved after looking like she was waiting for us to jump her. Her face transformed when she smiled, she was naive and full of hope and I hoped that no one broke her little heart. I felt oddly protective of the obviously sheltered girl. “We only dress butch on every alternate Tuesday and Saturday.” Katya deadpanned. “Really?” Trixie cocked her head to the side. This girl was too much. I smacked Katya on the back while she scream-laughed, “no Trixie! She’s just being a goof. You’ll learn quickly to not take everything she says seriously. Actually, anything she says really.” “Hey!” Katya exclaimed in mock outrage, swatting my shoulder, laughing. “She es the one not to pay any mind to!” I was feeling kinda flushed so I pulled the collar of my onesie in and out, enjoying the small gust of cooler air that fanned on my collarbones and chest. It was odd because I was generally a cold person, hence the fleece onesie at the end of August. Katya and Trixie were chatting amicably about something as I let myself fade out for a moment, the pain in my head screaming. “Violet? Are you ok?” Trixie asked, suddenly snapping me back into focus. I wiped a hand across my sweating forehead and gave a little nod, a wave of dizziness engulfed me for a moment until I stopped. “I’m fine! I just feel sticky and kinda gross.” “You need shower before you get changed?” I thought about going back to my room to use my accessible shower and shivered. Katya leant over and whispered, “if you don’t vant to go to room, I vill help you in bathroom down hall.” I loved that Katya knew me so well that she almost seemed like a mind reader some days. My brain fought with itself for a moment, my pride and how crappy I felt duking it out for control, my pride and independence won. I mean, I knew I’d have to face my room sooner or later. I sighed, “no it’s ok. I got it.” “I vill come vith you.” “No you don’t have to! Stay and chat with Trixie, I’ll be up again soon.” “But I vould like to keep you close, alvays but especially today.” Katya muttered worriedly as she tucked my hair behind my ear. I swear it was like a nervous tick of hers to play with MY hair. “Actually, don’t worry about me! I will be fine and I have to meet my friend Kim soon anyway so I’ll just nest a bit and unpack and be back later.” I was too tired to argue, I patted Katya’s hand, “ok whatever makes you happy love.” We exchanged numbers with Trixie, making plans to hopefully meet up for dinner tonight. Grabbing the second bag of ice and some of the food with us. My hands shook as I put my key into my lock, Katya swiped it from me and put it in the lock easily, giving it a twist. She walked in before me and looked around and waved me in. I headed in, turning to go to the bathroom and AWAY from the mirror but Katya held onto the back of my chair, “Oh no! You do not get avay dat easy.” She plopped down on the institutional-looking orange patent leather armchair that was beside my bookcase and pulled my hand into hers, leaning over so her elbows were on her on her knees. She rested her chin on her other hand and looked me straight in the eye. “First, tell me vhat happened. Please?” I sighed, I knew I couldn’t avoid the topic forever. “You know the urban legend that this room is haunted?” She nodded. “It’s not so much an urban legend as it is true. A girl appeared last night, she scared me and I jumped and that’s why I fell out of my chair.” “Vait! You actually SAW her? Did she talk vith you?” Katya said, a look of incredulity. “Are you sure you didn’t just fall and hit head and have nightmare Возлюбленная?” “No! I didn’t! She said boo but she texted me too!” I brandished my phone in her face, triumphant that I had proof. “Check it out, the unknown caller. That’s her. She even asks me not to get rid of her! Look!” She picked up my phone and scrolled, looking puzzled. She looked up at me, brows knitted and looked back down at my phone. She gave me a look that was a cross between confusion and pity. “Vi, Возлюбленная, someone is very much messing vith you my dear.” “That’s what I thought too but the whole ‘living impaired’ comment, it was something I said last night so short of someone bugging my room, NO ONE WOULD KNOW THAT!” I felt myself getting worked up but I couldn’t help it! I mean, I had proof! “So you ran into Sashinka because you vere trying to get avay from ghost?” I nodded as she handed my phone back, looking hurt, “vell then, you are trying to mess vith me and I don’t like it! No secrets, remember?” “Wha…” I sputtered, confused and indignant. “I’m not! I swear I’m not! You read them yourself!” “Violet, there is nothink there. Do not lie to me!” She barked rather sharply and then her voice softened and turned sombre as tears pooled in her eyes, “did somethink happen? Did someone attack you? Are you not safe?” I switched on my phone and frantically looked through my texts. There was nothing there! No texts from any unknown caller. “No, no, no!” I whined and burst into frustrated tears. Was I going crazy? “I SWEAR to you that it was there Katya! Do you believe me? Please tell me you believe me!” She pulled both of my hands into hers and took a deep breath. “I believe you,” I exhaled and relaxed until she added, “I believe that YOU believe it.” “No Kat…” I started. She stood and poked around the bump on my head before sitting down again and holding my shaky hand, “I think you hit head much harder than you thought. Maybe you should see Doctor? I’m vorried.” I felt so helpless and confused, maybe she was right? Not about going to the Doctor, my head hurt but I am sure that I didn’t do any type of damage. Perhaps I had dreamed it. I sagged in my chair, and rubbed my forehead. “Maybe you’re right but it felt so real Kat! Do you think I’m crazy?” I ran my hand through my hair, wincing when it ran over the tennis ball sized lump at the back of the top of my head. “No, I don’t think you are crazy at all my love! I know you vould not lie to me. Maybe you vill feel better after somethink to eat and a nice varm shower? Or vould you like me to tuck you into bed again?” She quickly added, with round eyes. “I vill stay vith you. I vill not leave your side, I promise!” I didn’t even know what to say or do. I was still in utter shock that I felt emotionally paralysed, unable to make any decision, to even speak. I felt like my brain was being traitorous IF I did dream it and if it really had happened, I was set against a very crafty entity that I was helpless against. For the second time today, Katya gently picked me up, pushing the bathroom door open wider with her knee. She set me down on the toilet, grabbed my onesie zipper, pausing to ask. “May I?” I nodded and she pulled it down, I shrugged the parting fabric off as she leaned over and kissed my shoulder and along my collarbone to the other side. I threw my head back to give her better access to my neck and jaw. My fingers played at the collar of her shirt, “Can I?” “God yes!” She whispered in my ear, sending goosebumps down my neck and chest as I peeled off her shirt and unclasped her bra, running my hands down her arms as I took it off and tossed them into the corner. I rested my hands on her waist and she hummed into my neck before I could even ask. I unbuttoned her skinny jeans and shimmied them down her hips. She wasn’t wearing underwear. “Naughty, naughty girl,” I purred. She grabbed at the fabric of my pyjamas as I kissed and sucked a line just below her belly button, marking her like she had me earlier. I nodded. She bent down and linked my fingers around her neck before plunging her hands into my pants, cupping my naked butt. I gasped. “Now who is naughty?” She chuckled. When she lifted me up, my onesie fell off at the same time she kicked off her pants. Katya held me against herself in a reverse piggy-back so my legs were straddling her above her hip bones, making them less likely to fall off. She stumbled and readjusted her grip, pulling me close protectively. Her velvet-skinned breasts pressed against mine, her nipples hard as she brought us into the large shower stall that was open on one side. A long shower bench sat under the showers spray. Katya reached over and pulled the lever, turning the shower on before sitting down on the bench. I was still spider monkeyed around Katya as I captured her mouth with my own, my hands roaming down her slick back and around to swirl my thumbs around her rock hard nipples. Her hands caressed my ass, knowing exactly where the feeling in my legs stopped and staying above it. Katya’s attention to detail and our open conversations about what felt good and what didn’t to each of us made her an attentive and passionate lover. Her lips left mine as she pressed open mouthed kisses on my collarbone and up my jaw, capturing my earlobe between her teeth and pulling gently before sucking on it. My eyes fluttered closed as I ground down on her. I massaged her breasts, alternating between giving her nipples a pinch or twisting them mildly. She moaned by my ear, sending a delicious shiver down my spine. She pivoted us and gently laid me down on the bench, stopping momentarily to just stare down at me while water bounced off me. She held eye contact with me as she knelt and pulled me so my legs dangled off the edge of the bench. She hovered over my body, her breath making the heat pooling in my belly intensify. I let out a needy whine. She moved deliberately slow, placing lingering kisses on my right hip bone and across my belly, stopping to swirl her tongue around my belly button. I grabbed her by the hair and guided her head in the direction I needed her to be before she could reach the other side. She chuckled, her breath tickled and I squirmed. “So impatient.” Before I could open my mouth to retort, she flattened her tongue and licked a wide stripe, causing me to curl my fingers around the edge of the bench to avoid falling off in surprise. She circled her tongue around my clit as my breath hitched, I held on to the bench with one hand as I slid the other up my side to play with my almost painfully erect nipples. Katya smacked my hand away as she pulled away long enough to say. “Shhh. I’ve got you.” While she sucked on my clit, she smoothed her palms up my abdomen and cupped my breasts, her thumbs toying with my nipple rings, occasionally tugging one. I moaned and writhed in ecstasy, one hand now tangled in her wet blonde hair. The hot water was running out so Katya slapped a hand at the knob. She crawled up my body, running her tongue along before circling my nipple, clenching the silver ring in her teeth and giving it a pleasantly painful tug as she inserted one and then two fingers, crooking them as she pumped them in and out. Her thumb circled my clit, sending me over the edge as I clung to the sides of the table while my back arched and the rest of my muscles spasmed. I’m sure my toes would have curled if they could as my whole body tensed and then released, my head falling back as I panted. Katya braced herself with one hand so her face was hovering above me; she was out of breath too. She slowly and deliberately brought her fingers up and sucked on them with a little satisfied, cocky grin. I was finally able to release my grip on the sides of the bench and brought my shaking hands to pull her face in so I could trail wet little kisses up her jaw and neck, her golden hair like a curtain around us. She moved my hair so she could put one elbow on either side of my head to brace herself so her whole weight wasn’t on me, I swear she thought she would crush me. I liked that she treated me like this precious, fragile ethereal creature when we were intimate. She pulled her fingers through my hair while we kissed until we were both breathless, our breasts pressed together as I cupped her ass so I could pull her in. She rutted against me, mashing our pubic bones together, trying to find some kind of friction. I pulled her face away from mine and whispered, “baby let me take care of you. Help me sit up?” She captured my lips in another deep kiss before climbing off of me. I held my hands out and she pulled me into a sitting position, I turned so I was sitting facing the wall as I forcefully pushed her up against it, grinning devilishly up at her as I slowly kissed one nipple, trailing between with kisses and then the other before nipping at them, making her breath catch. I put my hands on her waist, kissing her abdomen while she made a pitiful little noise like a cross between a moan and a whine. “Now who’s needy?” I teased as pulled her leg up and hitched it behind my shoulder, giving me full access. My fingers lightly trailed along her little tuft of blonde hair, my thumbs exploring along her folds before parting them to suddenly sweep my tongue across her vulva. Katya let out a huff of pleasure in response. I smiled before shifting my focus to her sensitive nub, alternating between applying pressure, soft laps and sucking gently. I wrapped my hands around her butt to pull her closer as she entwined her fingers in my hair. Katya rocked her hips into my face, throwing her head back as she moaned. I continued while pushing a finger inside her and then another, adding a third and bending them, enjoying the sounds of her falling apart reverberating off the bathroom walls. Her leg started to quake, she let go of my hair so she could reach behind and held onto the grip bar for support. Her face contorted, her mouth shaping into a sinful O, hot liquid squirted out past my hand and down her leg as she clenched around my fingers. I put my spare hand around her waist to keep her from toppling over. She relaxed her leg and wobbled to sit on my lap. She cradled my head against her chest as we both caught our breath and the pounding of her heart echoed in my brain. We were both completely spent as we put our arms around each other. “Holy fork!” Katya panted. “Yeah.” I let out a little giggle and she joined in. I nuzzled her neck and pulled her face to mine. I shivered against her and she stood up and turned the shower back on, hot water cascading down my back. Katya stood behind me and pulled my shampoo off the shelf, massaging some into my hair, being careful around the lump on my head. I am fiercely independent but having someone bathe you because they wanted to take care of you not because it was their job was intimate and freeing. I trusted Katya enough to give over control, I leaned back as her soapy hands roamed my body. I sighed contentedly as she wrapped me up in big fluffy pink towels. She threw my housecoat over her and then put my hands around her neck again so she could pick me up. “Chair or bed?” “Bed, definitely. You can be the big fork.” I teased with a little snort of laughter. “Goof.” She sniggered as she gently set me down on my bed. She backtracked to the fridge and pulled out our food she had bought earlier. She passed them to me and grabbed some bottled water. She grinned devilishly and dove at the bed as I let out a little squeal as she clamoured over me while I leaned back on my elbows. She turned back towards me, crossing her legs in front of me. I pulled myself up to sit facing her as well. Katya’s face fell. “What? What’s wrong?” I said, grabbing her hand. “Your foot. Violet, vhat happened to your foot?” I looked down and swore softly, the foot I had heard a crunch from earlier when I was evading what was probably a figment of my overtired, over active and over caffeinated brain was an angry, swollen and purple mess. “Shit!I thought I caught my foot on something earlier.” I yawned, “I’m sure it’s fine, just a sprain. It’ll be fine.” I didn’t want to explain what had happened because I didn’t want to think about it. I pulled the container of cheese and crackers over, hoping it would placate her if I ate something. She pursed her lips together but didn’t call me out. “Ve vill have to wrap it and keep an eye on it I think. You know you have to check these things Vi. It’s important to me that you are being careful. I don’t vant anything bad to happen to you.” She chastised gently as she pulled her own sandwich over. “I know, I know I should. You are totally right.” I yawned again, “I promise I’ll be more careful.” I pushed my half eaten food container onto my bedside table and chugged down some water. My eyelids felt like they were being weighed down by invisible sand bags. She tucked a strand of hair behind my ear and stroked the side of my face, “You must because I vould be lost and heartbroken if you got sick or hurt again. Now go to sleep.” She reached over me to put her empty container in the waste basket as I turned onto my side. She curled into me and draped her arm over me protectively. I didn’t have much of a chance to think about anything before sleep overtook me. I woke up to Katya trying to sneak off the end of the bed as her phone rang from the bathroom. I stirred and rolled over sleepily and she swore softly, “sorry I vas trying to get it before it voke you up. Go back to sleep love.” She disappeared into the bathroom, I heard her talking but didn’t know about what or who she was talking to. I put my head back on the pillow, shut my eyes and tried to go back to sleep but my brain was buzzing like there were bees in it. I looked at the clock, surprised we’d been asleep for 3 and a half hours. Katya poked her head back out and saw I was still awake. Frowning slightly, she pushed my chair over to the bed. Whoever was on the phone must have stepped away for a moment and was now back as she started talking in rapid Russian again. Probably her Mom. A few minutes later she pulled the phone away from her ear and covered the receiver with her other hand, “Trixie texted she can’t meet us for dinner, her friend isn’t meeting her til later so she’s gonna nap but Sashinka is vondering if you and I vant to go out vith her and her girlfriend Shea for dinner at the board game cafe! It’s ok if you aren’t feeling up to it, maybe we can reschedule for later this week.” “No, that sounds like fun to me! That’s perfect since we missed it this morning!” I propped myself up on my elbows, smiling at her look of happiness as she said goodbye to Sasha. I pulled myself up, only slightly dizzy this time and was about to swing my legs over the side of the bed when Katya’s hand shot out to stop me. “Let me look after your foot first.” She went over to her purse and pulled out a tensor wrap, I raised my eyebrow questioningly as if to say ‘do you always carry around first aid supplies?’ She shrugged and waved a hand at me, “Vhat? I’m a gymnast, I have all kinds of crap in here. You know the deal.” “Yep I do.” I had a whole variety of other supplies I carried around now, I thought somewhat morosely. “You ok?” Katya asked, cocking her head to the side. “Yep.” Katya felt around my foot and I grimaced, even though I couldn’t feel it. It just looked painful. “Does it hurt? You are making a face. Vhat is that face Violet?” “No, of course it doesn’t hurt but I remember breaking my foot during floor practice so it’s like my brain knows it’s supposed to hurt. I don’t know, it’s hard to explain.” Katya paused for a moment, “kind of makes sense. Your brain is still trying to connect with your spinal cord so it’s likely to misfire. I don’t think it’s broken but are you sure we shouldn’t–” “No I’m not going to the Doctor!” I interupted her before she could finish, she chuffed like a horse as she finished wrapping it up. “You are stubborn as a mule Violet. If it doesn’t look better or the swelling doesn’t go down in 48 hours, you are going to need to get it looked at even if I have to drag you there by the hair.” I chuckled and put my hands up, “ok! Ok! Geeze woman!” I reached my hand out to touch her arm. “I’ll be careful, ok? Thank you. You take such good care of me but you worry too much. I’m just fine.” ‘Aside from seeing things and a wicked headache, sure you’re fine Vi.’ I thought to myself. I got ready to go out, pulling out a pair of dark skinny jeans and a grey long sleeved T-shirt instead of the sweats Katya put in my bag. I could tell Katya wanted to change by the way she kept looking down at her faded and ripped jeans and wholey favourite sweater but that she didn’t want to leave me alone in my room. “Go ahead and change if you want to love,” I said, resolutely turning away from the long mirror and using my little vanity mirror across the room, opening the drawer and pulling out my foundation and a brush. The dark circles under my eyes had to go. I turned to flash her a smile, “I’m fine here.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, I insist. Go! Get! Should we meet in the quad in half an hour?” She smiled, “sounds good. Text or call me if you need me before then. I can be down here in a minute.” “I promise I will. Please don’t worry.” Katya was always interested or concerned with my welfare because she loved me but I hated the furrowed brow that had taken up residency on her face today. “Ok, I’ll see you soon.” She leaned over and gave me a quick peck and disappeared from the room. I let out a shaky breath, so the whole ghost thing must have happened in my head or from my fall but being in here alone was still kind of unnerving. I glanced quickly at the mirror through my reflection, nope, no booger monster in there. My head hurt, I shook a pain med out of my bag, downed it and went back to applying highlighter, contour and a quick smokey eye. I could swear I caught a flicker of movement out of the corner of my eye but everytime I looked, nothing was there. After the fourth time, I chastised myself outloud in a whisper, “stop it Vi! You dreamt it up. You let all the stupid ghost stories and urban legends get in your head. You had a nightmare, it happens. But it wasn’t REAL! There were NO texts, you must have nodded off for a second and dreamt them. Katya is right, you whacked your head really hard.” I rubbed my temples and closed my eyes for a moment, “aaaand now you’re talking to yourself. Go you!” I added sarcastically, sighed and opened my eyes again to see my tired, stressed out looking reflection. I saw a flash of white across the room and spun around, but nothing was there. I slung my bag over my shoulder and pulled my favourite crimson leather jacket on. I tried to put on a pair of heels, since it was one of few wheelchair perks that I could wear them without getting sore feet (AN sorry about it lol) but I couldn’t fit my wrapped foot into it. I settled on a pair of Katya’s cute black knee-high boots that she had left here. Her feet were a size bigger than mine but it barely did up around my swollen foot. I left a light on and softly shut the door behind me, I would be early in the quad but at least I wouldn’t be here, freaking myself out. I wasn’t there long when Katya appeared, wearing a killer sleeveless scarlet dress that hugged her small but muscular frame and her shiny black high heels that we called her fuck me pumps. I was surprised she was actually wearing makeup, something she generally reserved for meets and then only because she had to, but tonight she had on winged eyeliner and a bright red lip. She made a passing comment of “nice boots” on the short walk to the cafe. I laughed and elbowed her in the side as we continued on. The cafe was crowded when Kat and I got there, the tables and booths crowded with students. The hostess at the door gave me a worried look after we said we had a reservation and gave Sasha’s name. She talked to another employee and then pulled us to the side, looking uncomfortable. “Sooo, I’m sorry you ladies will have to wait a few minutes, my manager said we just have to shuffle some people around because no one told us that you needed a table so we could pull out one of the chairs. We had you in a booth and there isn’t enough room to put your wheelchair at the end without it being a fire hazard Miss. I’ve been told to offer you a free game for your trouble. Again, I’m so sorry!” “It’s ok can go in a booth if you have a place out of the way to put my chair.” I offered, smiling at the nervous looking girl who was chewing on her lip ring. Her nameplate said Acid Betty and I wondered if it was a themey thing. She had an edgy look to her, but not gothy edgy since she was a riot of colour. Her tall multicoloured mohawk was seriously giving me Rainbow Dash from My Little Pony vibes and her bright makeup was on point. After a moment of scrutinizing her look, it dawned on me that she was a drag queen. I’ve always thought drag queens were so cool and admired their creativity, especially when I was heavily into gymnastics and not allowed to dye my hair, get piercings, tattoos or “alter our bodies in any way unbefitting to an athlete and more importantly a delegate of the United States of America.” It was pretty sad that I still remembered it word for word from the handbook and that I still hadn’t done any of those things now that I could. “I could put it in the staff room. It’s locked so no one will mess with it there. If that’s ok.” She offered, looking relieved. I nodded and she showed us over to a booth, thankfully they weren’t super high so I transferred rather easily, scooting in so Katya could sit on the outside. She handed us a free game voucher and games, drinks and food menus. “If you don’t see me when you want to leave, just ask for Acid and someone will come find me. I’m here til closing, is there anything I can get you before I leave and put your chair in the back?” “Do you have Monopoly?” Katya asked with a giant grin lighting up her face. Acid laughed, “we not only have Monopoly, we have a whole monopoly SECTION! We have pretty much every variation you can think of, the 80th anniversary collectors edition, Harry Potter, Dr Who, Star Wars, Disney, sports, Christmas, The Walking Dead to name a few. I think we even have a Canadian themed Monopoly around here somewhere.” “Ooooh goody!” Katya exclaimed and clapped her hands in glee, “be right back Возлюбленная!” I was left behind as I gazed around in wonder at the bookshelves lined with rows and rows of different board games, big and small. Some were so new, they weren’t even out of their plastic and some old well-loved ones that were battered at the corners. “Hey Violet!” Sashinka called, crossing the room hand in hand with a tall black woman with sleek black hair who was turning heads in a tight, sinfully short dress with an orange graphic print and a knee length bright orange faux fur coat. Sasha was wearing a red felt oddly taco-shaped hat that was definitely a statement piece and a white and black swirled dress. “Hey! Katya will be right back, she is looking at the Monopoly section.” Sasha rolled her eyes and chuckled, “it figures! She’s been obsessed with that game for as long as I remember. This is my girlfriend Shea, Shea this is Violet.” Shea slid into the booth opposite me and Sasha plunked down beside her. The Nubian queen offered her hand, “Shea Coulee, nice to meet you.” She had the cutest smile, her teeth weren’t straight at all but they were white and the exuberance with which she smiled was absolutely charming. “Violet, nice to meet you too.” Katya rushed up with the 80th anniversary edition of Monopoly clutched to her chest, sliding into the seat beside me. “I got one! Hi Sashinka! And you must be Shea! Nice to meet you!” Katya offered her hand and Shea offered her full name again. Sasha said something in Russian, the only word I caught was Monopoly, and Katya fired back at her laughing. Shea and I looked at each other, she cocked an eyebrow at me. “Do you speak Russian?” I shook my head, “nope, the only word I know is a few curses and the word sweetheart because Katya calls me it all the time. You?” She shook her head. “So are you a student at Stanford?” She nodded, “BA in fine arts, my major is fashion design with a minor in dance. You?” “Well I haven’t declared a major yet but I’m taking some Bachelor of Arts and Sciences courses. It’s a big decision.” Shea nodded and gave a laughing Sasha a little elbow. Sasha’s face fell and she covered her mouth. “Oh I’m sorry, we were being rude. English. I promise. Sorry Violet.” “Hey it’s ok, you both have so much catching up to do.” Katya put her hand over mine, “but ve can do that in English too.” Acid came back and took our drink and food orders as Katya giddily set up the Monopoly board in the middle of the table. I tried to order a salad but Katya gave me a look, I sighed and added half a wrap to my order which earned me a brilliant smile. She really was too good to me and worried way too much. I learned that Sashinka was also a fine arts major and that she spoke several languages besides Russian and English. That her and Shea had met the last time that Sasha and her family had moved when Shea had been doing an internship at a Toronto based fashion company. Their friend Trinity had introduced them about 9 months ago and they had hit it off immediately and have been dating ever since. After Katya won at Monopoly by owning at least half the board, we played Trivial Pursuit which Sasha kicked our asses at. Sasha and Katya quickly forgot that they should speak in English and there were little stretches of time where they would babble away in Russian, both tripping over each other’s words and laughing. Shea and I talked about our programs, classes we were looking forward to, dorm life expectations and dorm life reality. She was super friendly and easy to talk to. “Show off.” Shea teased. “Hey! Don’t be upset because I bitch slapped you with my intelligence dearest.” She joked back, throwing her head back in laughter and looking at Shea like she hung the moon. When we were ready to go, we decided we would walk back to the edge of campus together. Katya quickly excused herself to go find Acid and my chair after she insisted on paying for all of us. Sasha excused herself to go to the washroom. I scooted to the edge of the booth and swung my legs over the side. “You coming Violet?” Shea cocked her head to the side, offering her arm. Oh shit, she doesn’t know! This was the one drawback of transferring from my chair. “I…um…have to wait for Katya.” “I’m not gonna bite!” She laughed, “we can meet them outside. There’s a lineup of people waiting for a table.” Shea said coolly, giving me a look over her round orange glasses. She’d become somewhat gruff with me for the last hour or so and I wasn’t quite sure what I did to make her upset with me. “Um…Shea, I thought Sashinka would have told you…” I trailed off, if she was already mad at me, making her feel stupid was going to be the icing on the fucking cake. Shea crossed her arms and said sharply, “told me what?” “That I’m a paraplegic and I literally almost ran her over today. She didn’t mention it?” I had become used to being disabled as one of my identifiers. It wasn’t a bad thing, I was the queer, skinny, brunette girl in a wheelchair. “No she didn’t, so you can’t feel your legs at all?” She was grinning at me and I was more than a little creeped out. “Nope, that’s what paraplegic means.” I grumbled, “ok why are you looking at me like that?” She sat down again, still grinning, “Violet I’ve been flirting with you all night,” she laughed, “I’ve been playing footsie with you all night too! I just thought you weren’t a big fan of the chocolate.” She said cockily and raised her right eyebrow. I didn’t even know what to say. Thankfully Katya and Sasha were crossing the room again, Shea put a finger up to her lips and said shhhh. What a creeper! “You ok hun?” Katya inquired, parking my chair in front of me. I could feel Shea’s eyes on me as I moved into my chair, all of the hair on my neck and arms was standing up as I slid my jacket on. “Are you cold?” “Here, borrow my coat. I insist!” She said, pulling her coat off and making a scene of putting it over my shoulders. She whispered in my ear, “my number is in the pocket. Stash it before we get back to campus.” “Aww that’s so nice of you to lend her your coat Shea Shea,” Sasha gushed, pulling Shea’s hand into her own. Shea flipped her hair, “happy to help out.” The walk back to campus was filled with Sashinka and Katya jabbering on, sometimes in English and sometimes in Russian. Shea grabbed my chair at one point, “your arms must be tired. I don’t mind.” Sounding like she was doing me the world’s biggest favour. After telling her no nicely twice, I abruptly turned my wheels, breaking her grip. The stop caused the other two girls that were ahead of us to pause and Katya saw what Shea was trying to do. “Don’t Shea, Violet really doesn’t like people pushing her. She can do it herself. If she needed help, she’ll ask.” Katya said firmly, picking up on the tension between Shea and I. “Oh ok. I was just trying to be helpful. Sorry Vi.” She pouted. “It’s ok, I just really don’t like being pushed around.” I gave her a look as if to add that I wasn’t too fond of pushy people either. We reached the edge of campus where Sasha and Shea had to go the opposite way from Katya and my dorm. I peeled off Shea’s coat and handed it back to her. “Thanks for lending me your coat.” “You can keep it and give it back to me later. I don’t mind.” Shea said silkily. “Nah! Katya will keep me warm.” I retorted, Katya put her arm around my shoulders and nodded. “Ok fine. No worries.” She slipped the bright orange garment back on, putting her hands in the pockets and frowning. Probably because her number was still firmly in her pocket and not in mine! Sasha and Katya hugged while Katya marvelled “I still can’t believe it! After all these years Sashinka!” “I know!! Thank the Goddess that Violet almost ran me over!” Sasha joked, pulling me into a one armed hug while trying to keep her hat out of my face. Katya was hugging Shea, “it vas so good to meet you Shea! Ve vill all have to go out again soon so I can get to know you better since Sashinka and I did most of the talking tonight. Sorry about that.” “Violet and I had some interesting conversations, right Vi?” Shea teased. “Sure did! Yup! Nice to see you again Sashinka and nice to meet you Shae.” I said with a little yawn. It was a totally fake yawn but it had the desired effect of Katya saying goodnight so we could part ways with the other girls. Katya and I paused for a minute when we got into the building, unsure of whether to go to her dorm or mine. Katya’s phone rang, “Hello?” Katya paused for a moment, looking concerned. “Trixie is that you? Calm down, vhat are you saying? Vhere are you?” Katya frowned and paused again to listen and I mouthed ‘go get her’ to her. “I vill be right there. Stay put!” Katya hung up and gave me a peck on the cheek, “I vill message you as soon as I get Trixie ok?” She didn’t wait for an answer but ran out of the door. I hope Trixie was ok. I wondered what happened as I made my way to my room. I pondered all of the things that could happen to a newly transplanted country bumpkin and each idea was worse than the last. I pushed open my door, fumbling around in the dark to turn the light on, locking the door behind me and going directly to my PJ drawer and pulling out my snuggliest pair. I yawned widely and stretched my arms out, before changing and hopping into bed, I put my phone beside me for when Katya called and wrapped a blanket around myself as I cracked open my book. I woke up in darkness, I didn’t know where I was for a moment. My book had fallen over my face. I pulled it away and it was still dark. Ugh the bedside lamp liked to short out at the most inconvenient times, not that there was ever a good time for things to short out. I groped around in the dark for my phone but couldn’t find it. I could have sworn it was right beside me. I groped in the darkness for the lamp when my phone rang, making me jump. My phone wasn’t on my bed anywhere though. It lit up and was laying on the floor feet away. In front of the mirror. I must have knocked it off my bed. There was no way I could get to it in the dark though, I clicked the on/off switch on the lamp a few times but it wouldn’t work. I didn’t want to transfer to my chair in the dark to get my phone since I had managed to knock myself out and fuck up my foot already today, who knows what kind of trouble my currently accident prone body would get into in the dark. But I really needed to know that Trixie and Katya were ok and I knew Katya would worry if she didn’t hear from me after the day we had. My phone started ringing again. I grabbed my laptop and typed in a facebook message to Katya. Hey hun, my phone is on the fritz so I don’t know if you texted or called me, I kinda fell asleep for a little bit. Are you and Trixie ok? What happened? Message me back on here. I started scrolling through my facebook, smiling when I got a friend request from Sashinka Velurovna and then groaning when I got one from Shea Coulee. I would have to think about that one, I couldn’t very well accept Sasha’s friend request and not have her wonder why I didn’t accept her girlfriend’s. No, I would leave it for the moment. I needed to talk to someone about that whole situation but it couldn’t be Katya because she might tell Sashinka and she was so lovely, I didn’t want to be the one to break her heart with tales of her girlfriend’s treachery. As if by magic, Aja’s face popped up on the screen. I answered their facetime, pasting a smile on my own tired face. “Ayo Sis, what’s good?” Aja blurted and giggled. “Hey, on a scale from sober to falling off your chair, how drunk are you right now?” I inquired, wondering if I told them about the situation, if they were too wasted and would just fly off the handle in typical Aja fashion. “Well I’m still upright but definitely NOT sober sis!” They joked and then looked serious, “hey, what’s going on? It’s a Friday night before school starts Monday, you aren’t attached at the hip to a Russian blonde, you are in your fuzziest PJs AND you’ve been sleeping in your makeup.” Aja sat up straighter in their desk chair, “wait! Did you and Katya have a fight? Do you need me to shake–I mean talk–some sense into her? Because I can be at your place in 10 minutes.” I chuckled, Aja may not be Latinx by blood but they definitely carried the fiery personality inherited by their adopted family, “easy Cujo! Katya and I are fine. It’s this other girl.” “Uh oh.” I explained that Katya reunited with someone from her past and we went out and what Shea said. “What a fucking creep!” Aja smacked their hands on their desk, “and she tried to give you her jacket with her fuckin’ number in it after all of that?! How fucking bold is that!?” Aja crowed, you could almost measure Aja’s level of sobriety with the amount of times they said the word fuck or it’s variants in a sentence. They were pleasantly toasted but not sloppy drunk yet. “Ok you can tone down the awe and admiration a touch.” I added sarcastically, holding my hands out. She laughed, “sorry it’s just a bold fucking move. I mean, she was playing fucking footsie with you.” Aja snorted, “which is fucking hilarious Sis. I mean footsie with a paraplegic! I mean she didn’t know but still, the visual is amusing.” “Gee thanks. Why did I think you would be any help at all?” I laughed. “Hey, can’t blame a bitch for wanting to hit dat fine ass!” Aja leered at me and waggled her eyebrows at me. We both burst out laughing. “But it’s definitely an odd situation, are you going to tell Katya?” “I don’t know, she’s really excited to reconnect with her friend, I don’t want to create drama and make things awkward since we will probably be going out with them as a group again sometime.” “Maybe the girl will clue in that you aren’t interested and things will be chill next time?” Aja offered hopefully. She leaned her head to one side and studied me for a moment. “Are you ok girl? You look kinda pale and tired as fuck. Are you feeling ok?” I sighed, raking my hands down my face before rubbing my temples and reaching a hand back to gingerly feel around the top of my head at my scraped and raw scalp, the lump hadn’t gone down hardly at all. I winced, “I’m fine, just a bit of a headache, I’ve been a bit of a klutz in the past 24 hours and have fallen and knocked myself out cold last night and then this afternoon I kinda smashed my foot up.” “Jesus! Do we seriously need to bubblewrap you sis? Did you go to the Dr?” “What do you think the answer to that question is?” “I know! I know you hate them Violet.” Aja’s face got serious, “but maybe you SHOULD go? I mean, I know they’re a pain in the ass but you might have seriously hurt yourself this time.” “God did Katya call you to try and convince me to go?” A guilty expression flickered over their face for a fleeting moment. “Oh my God, she did, didn’t she? DIDN’T SHE?!” I put my hand over my eyes and then pinched the bridge of my nose, shaking my head. “Ok honestly, yes, Katya texted me. She seemed upset, said she found you passed out, that you had a nightmare or hallucination or something and said you didn’t seem like yourself. That you seemed scared. She worries about you, which I think is cute. She didn’t tell me to ask you to go to the Doctor, that was all me. Have you been eating?” “Yes! I had lunch AND supper today! And I ate yesterday too!” I added before she could ask. I sighed, feeling so tired, “Listen I know you guys worry about me and I appreciate it but I’m a big girl, I can make my own choices. I promise I’ll be careful. I have to go, my head is killing me but thanks for listening, enjoy whatever party you are going to tonight, stay safe. “Ok Sis, listen, don’t be mad at Kat, she just loves you a lot and wants to protect you.” “I know but I’m pretty good at protecting myself if you hadn’t noticed.” “I noticed, bye Sis, I’ll message you tomorrow.” “Bye Aj!” I waved and clicked the off button. I sighed and leaned back on my pillows. There was a ding and I sat up straight. Katya had finally responded. Katya - That sucks about your phone, I hope it can be fixed. Glad you got some rest, that is great! Trixie and I are fine, on our way back to the dorm. About a 20 minute walk away. Trixie got really lost and turned around when she went to meet her friend Kim and she said she thought some guy was following her. She went into a hotel and called her friend but she couldn’t get a hold of her and we are the only other people she knows here. The guy stopped walking for a minute when she went inside but then left. She sat with security until I could get there. Poor thing was shaking like a leaf so we stopped for coffee. I typed back; Geeze that’s scary, no wonder she was freaked! Wow 20 minutes walking? That is a lot of wrong turns! Hopefully the guy just thought she was someone else or it was a coincidence that he stopped. Make sure that she gets a whistle from the student centre just in case he comes back. Are you going to come over after you guys get back to your room? Katya - I think I should stay with Trix, she’s still pretty upset. Why don’t you come up to us, we can have a sleepover! It was tempting but I worried that if I kept running from my room at night that the nightmare that I had had would make it hard to sleep when I inevitably HAD to sleep in my room alone, like when Katya went to gymnastic meets. I knew I had to nip it in the bud. Me- I think I’m going to stay here, I honestly don’t think I will be able to stay awake for 20 more minutes! I’m so tired! Wanna meet in the quad at 8 to go for breakfast? Invite Trixie if she wants to come. Katya - switch that 8 to 9:30 and we have a deal! I haven’t slept in in forever! How is your head feeling? Me- sore but it’s totally fine! Nothing a little sleep and meds won’t cure. I’ll see you in the morning. Tell Trixie I’m glad she’s ok. Katya - I will, I love you, I hope you have a good sleep. Facetime me if you need anything. Restart your phone and see if it fixes the problem, it might just be a glitch. Me - I love you too! I will do that in the morning, I’m going to let it charge for the night first. Sleep well. Bye! Katya - bye love. I closed my laptop and put it beside my bed within reach. I rubbed my tired eyes, curling into a ball and felt the pull of sleep immediately tug me down.             —————————————— Life completely got away from me for the next few weeks with the business of school starting, social events and sometimes watching Katya practice and giving critiques. I didn’t think of the dream very often. Occasionally I would wake up to find something that was beside my bed suddenly sitting in front of the mirror but I used to be a sleepwalker so maybe now I’m a sleeproller? I reasoned with myself. When I DID sleep in my room, I was so exhausted from classes that I generally immediately fell asleep as soon as I got in bed. Shea had backed off, she still flirted but not as aggressively. I still hadn’t told Katya, even with our no secrets rule. I started finding little reasons to cut my visit short when we would get together with both of them, I would always insist Kat stay if she wanted to, saying I needed time to study. The problem was that Sashinka was fast becoming a dear friend and invaluable person in my life and I felt bad for not saying anything to her about Shea. I mean, chances are if she was willing to sneak around or flirt with me, she was doing it with someone else who might actually take her up on her propositions and Sasha loved her so. Being around them both tied my stomach in knots for days leading up to and after the event. So with all the stress and studying, I hadn’t really thought much of the nightmare. Until I got the flu while Katya was away at a meet. I had slept in the afternoon but couldn’t manage to stop barfing long enough to sleep more than half an hour at a time that night. I would randomly fall asleep hugging a bucket and wake up to use it, burning with fever. It was a comedy of errors earlier in the day when Katya had sent Trixie check on me, she had at least brought me the bucket but within 5 minutes of her arrival, I had used said bucket and found out Trixie was a sympathetic puker. I sent her away when she emerged, green-faced, from my bathroom tearful and apologetic. I had my book beside me when I fell asleep but when I was jolted awake, it was half way across the room again. Maybe I threw it? I thought for moment before I buried my head in the bucket. “Ugh, fuck.” Dragging myself into my chair to empty the bucket in the washroom. I was wheeling sluggishly back to bed, feeling like my muscles were on fire, when the lights went out. There was light coming from my phone screen, reflecting off of the mirror. There was a face reflected in the mirror but it wasn’t mine. She was pale with a cloud of white hair. “Hello.” She said in a high voice that echoed slightly, “Don’t pass out this time, please. I’m not going to hurt you. Dawn is soon, I can’t talk once the sun comes up. The text thing was a one time deal unfortunately, I just didn’t want you to get rid of me.” My vision blurred and I closed my eyes against the spinning room. This wasn’t happening. She wasn’t real. “Don’t pass out, please don’t pass out Violet!” The girl begged in a whine. “I’m gonna get in bed now.” I muttered drowsily at myself, since I was most definitely alone. I clawed my way into bed, out of breath from even that small amount of exertion, curling in on the bucket. The mirror was humming a song I didn’t know. “I’ve been trying to talk to you for weeks. You’re never awake and you’re really hard to wake up!” I didn’t respond, trying to firmly stay in my denial that this was even happening. “I mean, I don’t even know if you know how hard it is for me to manifest my voice.” She complained. “I really wanted to talk to you. I’m real and I need your help.” I started throwing up again, eventually resurfacing and setting the bucket aside to run a hand through my sweat soaked hair. My heart pounding in my ears was almost deafening as I muttered “you’re not real Sharon,” before my eyes fluttered shut again. I woke up to a ray of blinding sun shining on my face, I let out a grunt at the pain in my head and squinted before I brought a hand up to shield my eyes. What a crazy fever dream I had last night, I remembered parts of it, the girls high pitched whine as she tried to convince me she was real, I think I remembered her begging me not to pass out. I pulled myself up to sitting and reached for my chair but it was across the room, parked facing the mirror with the brakes on. Scrawled on the mirror, in some dripping crimson liquid that looked like blood were the words I’M REAL! S. I started hyperventilating and crying. I couldn’t have wrote that on the mirror in my sleep because how would I have gotten back to bed? “Oh God, oh God, oh God!” I put a shaking hand over my eyes, my head was pounding and my stomach was churning and I felt like I was going to pass out. I sent Katya a message, trying to distract myself from my racing thoughts. Me - hey when do you get back? Katya sent back a message immediately. I had to blink my eyes a few times before I could read it, the words were swimming around and it was adding to my dizziness. Katya - We are on the bus back, going to stop for breakfast soon. How are you feeling my love? Me - ugh, fever’s bad, head hurts, dizzy, can’t move except to barf Katya - Oh my darling, I’ll be home soon to take care of you. Katya couldn’t come here! There was no way in my current state of weakness that I could drag myself across the floor to my chair and clean up the mirror! I couldn’t have her laughing at me again, thinking I was cracking up under the pressure. I felt like I wasn’t getting enough air as I fumbled to type in Me -  NO! You can’t come here! You’ll get sick! And then the team will get sick and it will be all my fault! Please don’t! Katya was taking awhile to respond, they must have stopped for breakfast and she probably forgot her phone on the bus. I had slid back down, lying on my back in the bed with a frustrated sigh. I fell asleep and dropped my phone on my face a few times while I waited for her to respond. I rolled over onto my side with a little cry, “you’re such a fucking weakling Violet,” was the last thought I had before I lost consciousness. I woke to someone singing softly in Russian, there was a tinkle of water while she wrung out a cloth and pressed the cool material across my forehead. My eyelids were so heavy, I couldn’t open them. I sighed and tried to sit up while I croaked out, “Katya, I told you not to come.” I felt a hand push down on my chest, forcing me to lay back. Putting the cloth back on my forehead and smoothing back my hair. “Shhh, it’s not Katya. It’s Sasha. Just rest Vi.” “Oh Sasha, hi.” I said dumbly, finally gathering the strength to open my eyes to see Sasha’s concerned face over me. She chuckled, “hi yourself.” “Wait, how did you get in here?” I squeaked out. “Please tell me you didn’t tell Max I was sick, did you?” I added in a whine, trying to sit up again. “Would you just lay back down and rest kukolka! I didn’t tell Max, Katya called me in a panic when she couldn’t get in touch with you and asked me to get your key from her room to check on you. She said was going to be late getting home because the bus got in an accident.” “Oh my God, is she ok?!” I brought my hand up to my throbbing head, weirdly on the edge of tears. “Is she ok Sash?” “Shhhh! She’s okay! Katya is fine! It’s all going to be okay Violet, just rest dear kukolka.” Sasha frowned as she rinsed the cloth and returned it to my forehead. “You’re burning up. Maybe we should get you to the hospital?” I reached out and grabbed her hand, “no, please, no Sashinka,” I begged. My stomach rolled as I frantically looked for the bucket, Sasha pushed it into my hands and rubbed my back until I was done vomiting and feeling so spent I didn’t even have the energy to hold my head up anymore. Sasha started singing again and my eyes fluttered shut again. Later when I woke up, I opened my eyes to the most blindingly white sunlight. I groaned and shielded my eyes. I must have finally slept through the night or maybe I dreamt the whole waking up to a bloody mirror and then waking up to Sashinka taking care of me? “Violet? Oh thank Goddess!” Sasha exclaimed, she pulled my free hand into her own and patted it. “Just a second, let me turn down the light.” Turn down the sunlight? What? The light behind my eyes dimmed and I was able to blink open my eyes and lift my head to look around to see the white walls of the student clinic, an IV in the hand Sasha was patting again. I flopped my head back, “Sasha, you didn’t.” “I’m so sorry kukolka, so so sorry! I know you didn’t want this but your fever was so high and I couldn’t keep you awake.” I closed my eyes and groaned, imagining the fucking scene it would have caused to have an ambulance come screaming up to the dorm to take the poor disabled girl away. I opened my eyes and looked at Sasha’s remorseful tear stained face. “It’s ok Sasha, you were just doing what you thought was right. How long have we been here?” “Shea and I brought you here about 2 hours ago.” “You and Shea?” “Oh yeah, she told me to say she hopes you feel better soon, she wanted to stay but she had to work. She took the bus and left the car here so we can get back. Oh your chair is in the trunk! I’ll have to bring it in.” “Wait, we didn’t take an ambulance? How did you guys get me in here?” “You don’t remember?” I shook my head, “oh well, you woke up enough that we kept you upright and managed to wheel you out to Shea’s car but then you wouldn’t wake up when we got here and we were freaked out so we just,” she shrugged, “carried you in. How are you feeling? I was so scared! I have to let Katya know you’re awake, she’ll be so relieved! She was so worried!” “YOU TOLD KATYA?” I bellowed, much more furious about them freaking her out than being dragged here. “Violet, no! I HAD to call her, they were asking me questions like what your level of spinal cord injury is and when it happened? How long you’d been feeling sick? If you took any medication and I didn’t know the answer to any of them! They wanted to give you medication and I didn’t want them to give you something that was going to make you sicker if you were allergic or if it interacted with any medication you may be taking! Katya talked to the doctor herself. Please, please don’t be mad at me kukolka?” I sighed, “I’m not mad at you Sashinka. Where is Katya? And what do keep calling me?” “Katya will be here as soon as she can but when I talked to her, they still didn’t have a new bus and a few of the girls were still getting checked out. I don’t know when she will be home so you are totally stuck with me.” I was confused for a minute but then I remembered about the bus accident. “The accident! So some of the girls were actually hurt? How bad was it? Is everyone going to be ok?” “Katya said one of the girls broke her wrist and a few needed stitches but most of them just have bumps and bruises. However, one of the trainers was standing up when it happened and,” Sasha paused, furrowing her brow and chewing on her bottom lip, “I think she was really hurt though. Katya wasn’t sure how badly, maybe she’ll be able to give us an update?” “Yeah maybe.” I muttered noncommittally, “do you have my phone?” “No but you’re welcome to borrow mine, you can just hit redial she’s the last number I called.” Sasha said holding her phone out to me. “Do you want me to leave so you have some privacy?” “No no you’re fine Sashinka! So first I should probably ask you if the doctor said anything or have me meds because I guarantee you that’s going to be the first question that she’s going to ask me.” Sasha nodded, pulling out a piece of paper from her jacket pocket. “Yes I wrote it down kukolka, they gave you fluids and electrolytes, some nausea medication called Zofran, a medicine for fever and the same pain medication Katya said you take at home that I didn’t quite catch the name of. They said you were very dehydrated.” “I figured as much. I was trying to drink Gatorade but the more I drank, the more came back up so I finally just gave up trying. Hey Sasha?” “Yes, what is it?” “I have two questions. When can we get out of here? And what is a kukolka?” Sasha turned red, the blush spreading up her neck, sweeping across her face and over her bald head. “Oh that. Sorry it just slipped out, my Mama used to call me that as a term of endearment when I was sick as a girl, it’s probably a horribly patronizing thing to say to a grown woman!” “Why don’t you let me decide that, so what does it mean?” “Well it translates into little doll or dolly.” I grinned, “I like it.” “Good, I’m glad. Do you want me to go ask when we can go?” I nodded and she left the room as I dialed Katya’s number. Katya picked up on the first ring, rattling off a long trail of Russian that had my name in it. “Hey it’s me Kat. Are you ok? Did you get hurt in the bus accident? Sash said one of the trainers got hurt?” She let out a low little chuckle, “I should ask you how you are first.” “Too slow!” I teased, “no seriously, are you alright?” “I’m fine, I have a few stitches in the back of my head but it’s ok.” “No! That is most definitely NOT ok! My poor baby!” “No I’m really fine, Farrah broke her wrist and cut her knee up, she’s been crying ever since. I svear the Doctors vere going to give her an elephant dart to the neck at any minute but she fell asleep, probably from the pain meds. ”We both let out a little giggle, not that she was hurt but Farrah was a huge drama queen and the youngest person on the team. The bubble gum pink haired girl was always crying or moaning about something. “But the new coach Alaska was hurt the worst, she’s in surgery now. She was standing up facing the back when the bus was hit. She broke her leg in 2 places when she got it caught on the way down and she hit her head pretty hard and had to get some stitches.” I screwed up my face, “fuck ouch! Poor ‘Lasky! Is she going to be ok?” “Da, she vill probably not be able to work for a few veeks but I do have some more bad news on top of that.” “Oh no! What?” “Vell, ve haven’t been able to get a bus yet so it seems ve might have to stay here for the night. I am so sad because I vanted to be there to make sure you vere ok and to take care of you.” “I’m okay, I’m sorry you don’t get to come home tonight. I miss you. I am so glad that YOU are okay. That must have been so scary.” “I miss you too. So Sashinka said you vere really sick, I’m so glad I didn’t take your spare key vith me. I just had a bad feeling. Vhat happened?” “Well the day before you left, my stomach felt a little funny but when I woke up at dawn the yesterday I could not stop throwing up. I’m sure it’s the stomach flu, I thought it would be over by today but it just seemed to get worse. They gave me meds so I’m not throwing up anymore, well at least not right now. And they said I was dehydrated so they gave me fluids. I’m mostly just feeling weak and like I could sleep for the next 500 years so you aren’t missing much by not being back and maybe by the time you get home I’ll be feeling better.” “I hope so,” I hated hearing the worry that tinged her voice. There was a clatter and Farrah let out a moan and whined out Katya’s name. She started sobbing loudly. “I think that’s your cue you have to go. Text me later and if I’m not asleep, I’ll message you back. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I’m a tough cookie.” “Shhh Farrah I’m right here,” I heard Katya whisper and then in a regular voice, “I vill text you later my love. Feel better and take good care of yourself. Thank Sashinka for me.” “I love you too, don’t forget to put some ice on your head.” We disconnected the call and I let my head flop back, closing my eyes for a minute. When I woke up again, Sasha was back in the room and she had brought my wheelchair. Her face was serene as she read a book named Maidenhair by Mikhail Shishkin. She looked up and smiled sweetly. “Hey, welcome to the land of consciousness again! How are you feeling?” I rubbed my eyes, “how long have I been asleep?” “Oh about an hour.” “An HOUR! Why didn’t you wake me? When can we get out of here?” My stomach lurched and I swallowed thickly. I wanted to go home so I was NOT going to bring up that I was feeling nauseous again. “They said to let them know when you woke up,” she gave me a knowing look, “maybe you should ask for a prescription for nausea meds to get you through.” “You are freakishly intuitive girl.” “And you are freakishly green, you look like Alphaba.” She teased as she swished out of the room. It was dusk by the time we were finally freed from the clinic, clutching a prescription for 2 antinausea meds and a strong recommendation to put some type of food or drink in my system. After stopping at the pharmacy, Sasha said she just had to pick up a few things from her and Shea’s place before we could go back to my own. I sat in the car for a minute and fought with myself for a few minutes before texting Sasha. Me - hey Sash, would you mind grabbing your Ouija board, you know, in case we get bored. She texted back one word. Sashinka - sure! She came out shortly after with the old-looking box under one arm and a small duffle in the other. When we got to the dorm, I was having a hard time transferring from the low car, my shaking arm muscles felt like jelly and there was nothing to grab onto. Sasha hovered for a few minutes, before gently asking if I needed help, I put my head down and sighed before nodding. Sasha pulled me into a hug and stood up, pivoting to set me softly in my chair. I was surprised at her strength despite her wispy frame. We got to my room and I opened the door, noticing immediately that the mirror was clean. Maybe I had dreamt it in my fever induced state. Sasha saw me staring, “I cleaned the mirror off. I figured you wouldn’t want to see that when you woke up.” “So it was really there?” She nodded. “So I’m not going crazy.” “No, I feel it. There is a trace here.” I cocked my head in confusion. She took a deep breath and sunk into the orange chair, “I am a sensitive. I can talk to them, ghosts that is. I’ve been able to do it since I was around 7 when I drowned in a lake, thankfully they were able to revive me but I’ve been able to see and hear people who are dead ever since. I also can sometimes sense other people’s emotions if they are strong enough. I know it sounds surreal and trust me, it feels surreal too but it’s the truth. I’m able to control it now but when it first happened, it was scary and overwhelming.” “I can imagine! Dying is scary enough! I can not imagine going through that as a child!” “So you’ve died too?” She looked at me, wonder and curiosity on her face. “Uh-” I probably should have worded that differently, “yes, I did. After my accident, I remember landing and then I couldn’t breathe. At first I thought that I just knocked the wind out of myself but then I couldn’t move and things went fuzzy. Then I was looking down at myself and I freaked out, I saw one of the trainers come up and yell for help but it felt like every minute I watched, the more detached I became from what was happening that by the time I was being brought back, I wasn’t really scared anymore.” Sasha nodded. My eyes were getting droopy again from the IV meds they gave me before it was removed. Sasha was suddenly beside me, her long fingers gently resting on my shoulders. “You need to go to bed dear Kukolka,” I opened my mouth, “no, no, no, don’t even start. I’m staying and it’s absolutely no bother. I can read here as well as I can at home. I’m not going to leave a friend in need just so I can sit at home and read.” She chastised firmly, giving me a no nonsense look. “What a crazy day! If I fall asleep, will you wake me up if Katya updates us about how the new coach Alaska is doing once she gets out of surgery? I hope she’s gonna be ok!” I fretted. I let her steer me to my bed, she kept a steadying hand on my back while I got in and then pulled the blankets over me.  Sasha left and returned with a cool cloth which she placed over my eyes, I sighed as she sat on the side of the bed and smoothed my hair back as if I was a young child. “I promise I will wake you with news kukolka.” She started singing the same Russian song as before, my limbs felt like lead as I relaxed into my mattress and tripped into sleep. I woke up to knocking on the glass, an incessant tap, tap, tap. I blearily looked at my alarm clock. It was 4:24 am, across the room Sasha was fast asleep, mouth wide open with her tiny frame draped across the arms of the chair. I had to pee so bad my bladder hurt, one of the hazards of IV fluids. I propped myself up on my arms and that is when I noticed my chair was halfway across the room again, brakes on and in the same position facing the mirror as before. The ouija board box on the seat. Sasha must have put them there for some odd reason. Maybe she had little Russian idiosyncrasies like Katya did, like always putting empty bottles on the floor, not kissing or shaking hands in doorways or making sure if I got her flowers that there was an odd number. Tap, tap, tap. Sasha stirred, sitting up and rolling her neck with a pained look on her face. She looked puzzled as she gazed at my chair and then she noticed I was awake. “Hey, how did you move your chair?” I looked at her in shock, I mean how could I have moved it? “I thought you did.” I muttered but Sasha was no longer looking in my direction, her vision firmly fixed upon the mirror, head cocked to one side as if she was listening to someone or something. I hesitantly turned to look, expecting to see the white haired girl but there was no one in the mirror. “Sasha?” “Hmmm?” She looked over at me with a dreamy expression. “Can you uh bring my chair over? I really gotta pee.” I let out a little giggle. She shook herself and pushed my chair over, she was preoccupied and kept looking towards the mirror. We both jumped at the next tap, tap, tap and I expectantly looked at the mirror, frowning when she wasn’t there. “Should I get that?” Sasha asked once I was in my chair and halfway to the washroom. “Huh?” “I think someone is knocking on your window dear.” “Oh that! Yeah, it’s probably someone who forgot their key!” I said as I slammed the bathroom door shut in my haste. I was surprised to come out of the bathroom to find Sasha sitting on my bed cross-legged, there was another person facing her with their back to me until they turned towards me. “Ayo Sis!!” Aja announced with a giggle, they were definitely drunk. “Aja? What are you doing here?!” “Pearl kind of kicked me out. She had someone over and needed the room to themselves if you know what I mean. So you were the only person whose room I knew I could get into at 4 in the morning and who hopefully wouldn’t be too pissed that I woke them up at 4 in the morning?” There was another tap, tap, tap and I went to go over to the window to pull the curtain up, “did you bring friends with you or what?” “Or what.” Sasha said in a whisper, staring at the mirror. The girl was there. “Well hooooly shiiit!” Aja said as they fell off the bed. Tap, tap, tap. Sharon looked at us and then at the dusty Ouija board. “Oh I think she wants us to play!” Sasha exclaimed as if it were the most normal thing in the world to want to talk with a spiritual entity that’s trapped in your mirror. Sasha pulled my side table out to the middle of the room, dragged the orange chair over. Sasha looked at Aja who was still staring at the mirror, open mouthed and sprawled out on the floor. “You in?” “Fuck yeah! Of course I’m fuckin’ in!” Aja scrambled up and pulled over a folding chair from the corner. Sasha pulled out the board and a small white candle, lighting it and turning off the overhead light. She swirled the planchette around in a figure 8 a few times while Aja and I joined her at the table. We added our fingers to the board as Sasha said, “we invite communication from the spirit world, specifically from the girl in the mirror of room 121.” The heart shaped hunk of wood under our fingertips jumped. “You’re moving it!” Aja accused me until they saw how round my eyes had gone but I still shook my head for good measure. Sasha started spelling out letters and stringing together words. “S…H…A…R…O…N, oh your name is Sharon?” Sasha looked up at the girl in the mirror who nodded frantically. “Oh look she’s spelling something else! H…E…L…P. Oh no! She needs help! How can we help? What happened to you?” Sasha had tears in her eyes, “you’re so sad, I can feel it. You’re poor heart!” Sasha finished on a little sob as the tears overflowed down her face. “I D…O…don’t H…A…have. M…U…much T…I…time. She said she doesn’t have much time!” “Yeah she told me she can’t communicate after sunlight.” I blurted, the other two just stared at me in shock. “What? She told me last night.” “She can talk?” Aja sputtered and glared at Sharon, “why are we doing all this bullshit then?” “Because I guess it takes her a lot of energy to manifest her voice?” I looked up at Sharon to see her look of delighted surprise that I actually took in what she said. “She spelled out the words long story, not enough time, tomorrow? But I can…” Sasha paused, thinking as she bit her lip. “You can what? Spit it out sis!” Aja commanded impatiently. I let out a little chuckle. “Well I can try to channel her. I did it for my aunt once when I was 17.” “Are you sure that’s a good idea Sash?” I asked. “I have to try!! I mean I can feel her heart just breaking, I can’t wait a whole day to hear what happened! You can get the story and tell me when I get back.” “When you get back?” “It’s hard to explain. I’ll just center myself and let her speak through me.” Sasha withdrew her hands from the board and took some deep breaths and lowered her chin to her chest. At first I thought it hadn’t worked. Sasha was still, it looked like she wasn’t breathing. “Sashinka?” I said in barely a whisper, my voice shaking. I was about to take my hand of the planchette and reach for her when she sucked in a big breath of air, her head still down. When she looked up, her face was almost unrecognizable as it transformed into a malevolent grin. The harsh change in Sasha’s features made me gasp. “Hey, thanks for the ride.” She laughed, it was high pitched and evil sounding, devoid of any actual mirth. She was feeling her body as if to confirm she was real. “So what happened to you?” “I’ll ask the questions.” Sharon barked, the sneer marring Sasha’s face was so uncharacteristic that it made all of my hair stand on end. She turned her cold eyes on me, “where is Alaska?” “Alaska?” I asked, perplexed as to what Sharon would want with Alaska, maybe they were friends? I knew Alaska had been a student here before she came back as a coach. She had blanched after she found out which dorm and room I was in. “You said she was hurt. Where is she?” “I don’t know! At a hospital somewhere between here and San Francisco. What do you want with Alaska? What is she to you?” “She is my destiny.” Sharon said cryptically as she abruptly stood up, grabbing Sasha’s phone, purse and keys. Aja and I both sprang into action. I wheeled to the door, blocking the exit while Aja approached Sharon. “Listen sis, this isn’t cool. Why don’t you tell us your story and then give us Sasha back and we’ll bring Alaska to you when she gets back to town?” Aja said in a calm voice. Sharon moved so quickly, Aja didn’t have time to scream when Sharon picked them up by the neck, her strength clearly superhuman and spat through gritted teeth, “I am NOT your Sis! And I am NOT waiting.” She threw Aja across the room, they landed on my bed first which broke their fall a but before bouncing off and crumpling to the floor where they lay unmoving. I wanted to go to them but I was frozen by fear. Sharon turned her cold glare on me, “get out of my way Violet.” She commanded in a cold dull voice. “I don’t want to hurt you but I will if I have to.” “No! I’m not going to let you do this! Give us Sasha back!” I crossed my arms and sat back in my chair. “We will help you get a message to Alaska but this isn’t the way.” “It is the ONLY way!” Sharon exploded at me, “don’t be stupid Vi, STEP ASIDE!” “NO! I’m not going to let you do this!!” “You don’t understand,” Sharon said in a softer voice, sadness crossing her face. “You can’t possibly. I need to see her!” “I can’t let you go Sharon.” “You have no choice!” Sasha’s face contorted with rage as she backhanded me across the face with such force that I was knocked from my chair as I landed with an oof, putting a hand to my throbbing cheek. Sharon looked at me in disdain as she left, taking my wheelchair with her. She stopped for a moment to announce, “you’ll get this back. This is so  you can’t follow me. You can’t stop me, I’m unstoppable!” She laughed as she slammed the door behind her.