We Faced a Goddess

I quickly wiped my eyes and made sure my makeup wasn’t smeared then opened my window for Keres to come in. She stepped inside and immediately hugged me.

“You’ll be okay,” her voice was soft and calming, “It may seem really hard to get over this but trust me you’ll live. Keep them in your memory and never let go of them. I’m right next door if you ever need me. Day or night just knock on my window and I’ll be there.” Keres let go of the hug and pulled back my curtain to show me the make shift bridge between our houses. It was a sturdy piece of wood that reached from her window to mine. It didn’t seem at all safe seeing as how it could probably slip at any moment but the thought was nice.

“Thank you,” I squeaked.

“I know how hard I took it when I lost my mom. I also know how hard my dad took it. He and I still had each other though. And you have your aunt. She’s grieving too.” I didn’t even realize that… Keres was right. Aunt Paige lost her brother. She was probably taking it just as hard as I was.

“So what news did your dad have for you?” I asked.

“Oh!” Keres exclaimed. “He’s thinking about registering me for public school.”

“Really? He isn’t worried about the rumors and stuff?”

“Oh he’s worried about that and a lot more. However, he thought that you and I should hang out more. I could help you with all that clairvoyance stuff and you could help me be social. I’m horribly awkward Bonnibelle.”

“Oh really? I haven’t noticed.” I said sarcastically. We both laughed a little.

“It isn’t set in stone yet, but I think it’s a great idea.”

“Listen, public school is hell. I am going to warn you right now there are cliques and standardized tests and white boys named Chad. What grade will you be going into?”

“I don’t know yet. I’d need a placement test.”

“What? You can’t see it already?” I said with a little laugh. Keres just rolled her eyes and smiled. I really loved her smile.

Ambrus actually allowed Keres to go to public school. They went in the following week to register her and everything. I didn’t actually think Ambrus would do it. Especially since Keres wasn’t very social and the fact she hadn’t gone to an actual school ever. However, I was kind of glad. At least I’d have a friend with me. It would be our senior year and it would be one hell of an adventure.

School started and Keres was brilliant. They placed her in all advanced courses including AP French 4. I barely passed French 2. I was tres mal. Things kind of sucked because we only had three classes together but we got to walk to and from home together. I was really happy to have her with me.

Keres was literally everything I wanted to be. She was tall, pretty, smart, and very brave. I admired her so much and I knew she knew it.

At some point in early September Keres and I decided to have a sleep over at her place. It was the first time I had gone into her house since the day I passed out. Most of the time we either went to my place or went to Ambrus’ book store. I was very nervous to go back to their house…

I got through Ambrus’ living room with no problems. Keres, being the wonderful friend she was, asked if I was okay every two minutes. Ambrus was the same way. I was happy to have two people care so much about me. Other than family I’ve never had people care about me this much. It was really nice.

After talking with Ambrus and Keres a while Keres and I made our way to her room. Keres’ room was something I was not prepared to see… Keres usually wore cute pastels under a leather jacket (which I personally thought was the most badass thing ever), but her room seemed like it would belong to someone… else. The walls were dark and plastered with band posters and concert tickets. Keres’ bed looked like it belonged in a Victorian mansion. It was just not expected.

“Honestly I shouldn’t be surprised.” I said. “This is kind of what I expected when I heard the rumors about you. Minus the posters and stuff though. Did you go to all these concerts?”

“Yeah. I did. Most were at small venues or they were just for bands that weren’t known very well. My dad figured there was no harm in letting me have a little fun. I usually stayed in the back of the crowd and left as soon as the band I went to see left the stage. Up until I met you I literally did not socialize or anything. I didn’t really have time to.”

“Because of your studies?” I asked recalling what her father had told me before.

“Well, yeah. Not only academics but also studying how to make my abilities stronger. My father wants me to be as strong as my mother was. I’m almost there now. I just need to be able to talk to the other side and I’ll be good…” Keres seemed almost disappointed that she couldn’t speak to the other side. “Anyways, why do we get this sleepover stuff started? Want to watch a movie?”

Keres seemed like she was trying to move on from the topic of her mother. I didn’t bring it up after that. For the rest of the night we sat in a blanket nest on the floor and watched movies. By three a.m. I felt Keres head drop on my shoulder. Of course, not long after that my legs fell asleep. I tried moving my legs just a little bit so I wouldn’t disturb her but she woke up.

“Oh, I’m sorry,” Keres said groggily.

“It’s fine Keres. I don’t mind really.” I reassured her. She stood from the bed nest with ease. I on the other hand struggled to get out and had to have Keres offer a hand to pull me out. After that she pulled out a trundle bed from her bed.

“I’m really sorry. I didn’t think I’d be this tired.” Keres said while taking out her contact lenses.

“It’s fine man. I’m getting kind of tired as well.” I lied. I usually stayed up until almost four on a usual basis and I was far from tired. Suddenly I heard thunder. I was really happy to hear a storm rolling in. Rain usually put me to sleep. However, Keres seemed to be on edge.

We both crawled into our beds. The sheets and comforter were very soft and incredibly warm. I rolled on my side and stuck my left leg out of the blanket so I could get comfortable. Suddenly I saw Keres’ hand reach down and search for my own hand. She managed to poke me in the face a few times before I took my hand from the covers and grabbed hers. Soon enough we were both asleep.