Chapter 12: Celestial Echoes

Nyara pov

The city's annual celebration, a gaudy testament to Earth's "achievement" that supposedly transformed our city into a haven of magic and health decades ago, is looming, and with it, the inevitable family obligations. As an Alistair, attendance is practically mandatory. Our family is, after all, one of the most prominent in the city, our name practically synonymous with its supposed prosperity. Honestly, I'd rather spend the day locked in my apartment with a stack of books, but duty calls.

"Nyara, darling, are you ready to go?" My mother's voice floats through the halls of my penthouse on my phone, a gentle summons I can't ignore.

I sigh, giving my reflection one last, critical look. I've chosen a high-necked, long-sleeved dress in a deep indigo, hoping to blend in with the shadows. The city is usually bustling with people flaunting their magic and talents. Not me I can't the way it is.

"Coming, Mom," I call back, grabbing my purse and heading out the door.

The car ride to the boutique is filled with the usual chatter. My mother, ever the social butterfly, prattles on about the upcoming celebration, about the guests we'll be expected to greet, about the "important" people we need to impress. My sister, Zaila, chimes in with her own observations, her voice laced with a hint of amusement at my apparent lack of enthusiasm.

"Honestly, Nyara, you act like this is some kind of torture," Zaila says, playfully nudging my arm. "It's a celebration! Try to have some fun."

"Easy for you to say," I mumble, staring out the window. "You actually enjoy these things."

Zaila smiles, but there's a hint of understanding in her eyes. "I know it's not your favorite, but it's important to the family. Besides, it's a chance to show off that gorgeous dress you chose."

"It covers me," I thought but "I'm fine," I respond with a shrug.

The boutique is a sensory overload, a whirlwind of colors, fabrics, and obnoxiously cheerful salespeople. My mother and Zaila immediately dive in, flitting from rack to rack, their eyes gleaming with excitement. I, on the other hand, wander aimlessly, feeling like an alien in this world of extravagant fashion.

"What are you looking for, dear?" My mother asks, her voice brimming with enthusiasm as she presents me with a gaudy, sequined gown. "This would look stunning on you!"

I grimace, politely declining. "Something comfortable, maybe? Something that doesn't scream 'look at me'."

My mother sighs, her face falling slightly. "Nyara, you always do this. It's a celebration! You're supposed to look your best!"

"I'll find something," I say, forcing a smile. "Just give me some time."

I browse through the racks, searching for something, anything, that doesn't make me feel like I'm suffocating. Finally, I stumble upon a simple, yet elegant, jumpsuit in a soft, flowing fabric. It's a deep, midnight blue, almost black, and it covers me from neck to wrists. The weight and look made me feel more safe.

"This might work," I say, holding it up for my mother and sister to see.

They exchange a look, a silent conversation passing between them. My mother clearly disapproves, but Zaila gives me a small nod of encouragement.

"If you like it, dear," my mother says, her voice carefully neutral. "It's your choice."

I try it on, and for the first time all day, I feel a sense of relief. It's comfortable, it's elegant, and it covers me. It's not exactly what my mother had in mind, but it's me.

"I'll take it," I say, turning to the saleswoman.

The rest of the day passes in a blur of preparations. I making my hair appointment, getting my nails done, and buying more makeup, all under the watchful eyes of my mother and sister. Because the celebration is in a two more days.

Finally, getting back to my apartment today has been a long tiring day.

Life is a strange thing. Most days, I'm content to hide away in my apartment, lost in my books, or working on my passion for art. I can focus on drawing and painting for hours with no one or anything to disturb me. Its what makes me feel normal. I teach art class every week for the city local youth. It is what I use to have a way to give back to my community. But I am proud about it. My family brags about this all the time it makes me feel a way. But these days, everything feels… off. The night terrors have been getting worse, and the feeling that I'm missing something, or someone, is more intense than ever.

Before bed, I take my medication, hoping for a night of peaceful sleep. It doesn't always work, but it's worth a try.

As I lie in bed, staring up at the ceiling, I can't shake the feeling that something is about to change. That my life, as carefully constructed as it is, is about to be turned upside down. I try to push the thought away, to focus on the mundane, on the everyday. But it's no use. The feeling lingers, a heavy weight in my chest.

A ringing from my phone interrupts my thoughts. It's my mother, her face etched with concern on facetime.

"Nyara, are you alright?" She whispers

I force a smile. "Yeah, Mom, I'm fine. Just trying to get some sleep."

She nods, unconvinced. "Are you sure? You seem… distant lately."

"I'm just tired," I say, turning away. "Long day."

She hesitates, but then say"You know you can always talk to me, right? About anything."

"I know, Mom," I say, my voice barely a whisper.

She smiles softy at me saying "Good night, dear. Sleep well."

"Good night, Mom," I say, after hanging up the phone and closing my eyes.

I can't help but feel a pang of guilt. They love me, they really do. They just don't understand. And maybe, I don't understand either.

With the celebration being two days away just when the annual celebration threatens to consume me entirely, I get a phone call that changes everything. It's Halle, my best friend from childhood, the one person who always made me feel like I belonged.

"Nyara, girl, you won't believe who's back in town!" Her voice is bubbly and excited, just like I remember.

"Who?" I ask, my heart skipping a beat.

"Me and Sarai, of course! We're back, baby! And we're ready to paint the town red!"

A wave of joy washes over me, erasing the anxiety and the apprehension that have been plaguing me for weeks. Halle and Sarai, my partners in crime, my soul sisters, the only people who ever truly saw me for who I am, not for who my family is. "Oh my god you guys for real" I said exicted I havent felt these exicted in so long. I got up out of my bed and starting running around my penhouse apartment"where all these years" I asked

"Life you know" Halle say in the phone. "We decieded to come back and see your pretty face. its been too long since we seen you in person" Sarai said. "

We want to see you this weekend we are getting lunch" Halle said. I started getting butterflies I so exicted to see my girls again. "Ok were meet at 12:00 near the park" "Bet ill see you there my love".

Its been five year since I seen them I hope they like me or feel a change in me. They better because these is the longest I ever had friends and bestfriends that have been in my life for long.