Th_omas

" How about we help each other?" He says and I look up at him, eyes still wet from the tears streaming down my cheeks, heart freshly broken from the public humiliation and betrayal that was Lucas's breakup. I can faintly make out the first droppings of snow floating magically under the light of the street lamps. It's that time of the year, a time for wool coats, a time for relaxing, none of which I'll be doing. "I'm an orphan with a wicked aunt and a boyfriend who left her because she has nothing to her name, how could I possibly help you?" I say another sob escaping my lips. "Marry me" he replies and my eyes widen in anger. Is he mocking me?. I look into the eyes of this stranger and see he's dead serious. "I need a wife, you need a home, marry me and you'll have all you want". I nod.

A Snowy Marriage (A Christmas agreement)

I assess the wooden and steel weapons with something of a cautious look in my eyes. I don't those things are meant for playing catch now, would they?.

The one that scares me the most is a curved scimitar which lies idly, and gleams dangerously in the sun.

"There are actual weapons at this game?" I ask Adrian, and it seems he isn't focused as he stares at the crowbars with a sort of morbid fascination in his eyes. I can't seem to imagine what they would be used for but I'm sure it's nothing safe.

I almost mentally curse myself for actually allowing Adrian to talk me into this. I almost berate myself for him putting the responsibility of his whole family into the hands of a young girl who doesn't seem to know what to do at this moment.

Thankfully I catch a glimpse of deep sea blue hair, and my mind immediately takes me to where she's standing. Instead of actually giving her any greeting or salutation before I get to questioning her about these games, I skip all those and I lay it down nicely enough for her.

"Is there anything I can do to help him?" I said gesturing to Adrian. It seems it is either the cold tone of my voice, or the shaking, or the I hardened look in my eyes that makes me disregard my lack of a good morning. She doesn't mind though.

She simply goes straight to explaining exactly what is going to happen today, she goes to explain the scope of all the weapons that are lined out on the racks and I find myself surprisingly attentive at each and everything she says.

She's good at this, she has a broad knowledge of weaponry and I wonder exactly what could have made her gain such knowledge. I guess life as crazy rich and famous isn't easy. I don't think any of these kids are famous though, I think it is only the crazy rich part that counts.

I walk back to Adrian after giving Arden my thanks for her help, she tells me she'll join me later, and I seem thankful for that fact at least I might have made one friend here just yet.

I still do not catch any glimpse of Alice, my mind is in a rumble, and I am worried about her grief-stricken state. Hurt people can do crazy things when given the incentive.

Adrian still stands as rigid as a rock, and he looks at each and every other events with an experss concern engaged in his eyes.

I grab his arm and drag him over to a seat, and he follows me obediently. The action surprises me as much as it throws me aback. He looks at me with something of a question in his eyes, an amused question, and I find myself smiling at that.

"It's time for your checkup" I say, and his mouth turns into an awry grin. I mentally prepare myself as he takes off the overcoat and goes to unbuttoning the long-sleeve he has on.

I need to control myself I say mentally, and I prepare to give him the most assessing checkup I can possibly manage. I find if he's going to have any chance today, we need to play on his strengths.

Chapter 87