Chapter 2 Fragments of connections

This takes place during lunch.

POV Vanessa 

Just then, I heard a sudden bang, snapping me from my thoughts. As I turned, I noticed Sephira rushing toward me.

"Vanessa, have you seen the news?!" she exclaimed.

"No, why?" I questioned, puzzled.

"There's a so-called hero in the city! This hero has powers!"

"Are you sure you aren't just seeing an edited video of someone?" The idea of someone with powers seemed absurd, yet I couldn't dismiss it completely, especially with Seren and Shade in my life.

"If I were watching an edited video, then why were there witnesses, Vanessa?"

"It could all be staged, that's a thing Sephira."

She handed me her phone. As I watched, the screen displayed a female hero. She has a futuristic, stealthy design with a dominant blue and black color scheme. They wear a blue hooded top paired with black pants and boots featuring blue accents. The character's white, layered hair is slightly messy. They have a unique visor-like accessory covering their eyes, giving them a high-tech appearance in a way. Their outfit includes various utility elements, such as a belt and side pouch. They carry a large, sleek blade sheathed on their back. In the video, she stopped a flying car that was about to hit an old lady, then saved hostages and took down the criminals.

"Do you believe me now?"

"No, maybe if I saw it with my own eyes, then I'll believe in this 'hero,' alright?" 

"Then why not go to the last sighting the hero was in?" she was excited 

"No, we still have a few more classes to go to Sephira. Maybe when classes are finished alright?" I patted her head, then abruptly stopped. Did I just pat her head? Why did I do that?! Sephira is equally surprised

"wait– did you just-" 

"Oh, look at the time, the teacher is coming soon so we should prepare for class!" I cut in before she could say more. This is so embarrassing. 

"but, it isn't time yet-"

Luckily our teacher actually came early, I was saved from explaining that embarrassing moment. I do not want to relive that moment 

POV Sephira

I was left stunned after she patted my head. She isn't a touchy person, this was new, very new. I kept glancing at her from time to time thinking that didn't just happen, I'm usually the touchy type, did I rub off on her? I couldn't read her mood so it was hard to guess what she really thought. Did something happen to her?! Did she hit her head or something? But it isn't bad because it means she is willing to open up little by little! I couldn't help but give a smile as I glanced one more time at her, she looked confused at my reaction, but that doesn't matter. I'm just glad with the progress I made, that's what counts. I glance at the clock noticing it being 2:40 pm. Ten minutes left before school hours end, I can't wait to go home and lay down I'm my comfy bed, finish my assignments and sleep. I hope I encounter that hero, it will be so exciting and an adventure! The teacher's lecture is so boring, it's not interesting! After waiting for 10 minutes, which felt like an eternity, classes finally ended. I say my goodbyes to Vanessa and she does back to me but, lately something feels off but I can't find out why. Maybe it is because of the hero or I'm just tired, either way I can't shake this feeling off.I started making my way out of the classroom, seeing teachers and students greeting each other goodbye. I made my way out of the school then I noticed my parents. I rushed to them and showered them with hugs and kisses. I love my parents their the best!

I returned home after about 30 minutes, feeling lighter. Dinner with my parents was always a nice break from the chaos of school. We talked about everything—how my day went, funny moments at school, and of course, about Vanessa. She's such an interesting person! I shared a few of my concerns about her, wondering if there was something more going on in her life that I didn't understand. I just wanted her to know she wasn't alone. Though I don't want to overstep boundaries, I'm worrying about that to.

Then, something popped into my head, and I almost squealed with excitement.

"Mom, Dad, don't forget to come to the school event tomorrow, okay? I really want you to meet my friends!" I beamed, already picturing Vanessa talking to my parents.

My mom smiled warmly. "Don't worry, honey. Your dad and I are looking forward to meeting your friends, too."

I paused for a moment, my excitement shifting to a quiet curiosity. I wonder what Vanessa's parents were like… She never really talks about them. Maybe they were as kind as she is, or maybe they had their own struggles. Everyone has their own story, after all.

I shook off the thought and returned to the moment. I just hoped that the school event would bring us all closer.

POV Vanessa

I hate the school event. It's tomorrow, and I can already feel the dread crawling up my spine. I sigh and sit up in bed, the weight of tomorrow pressing down on me.

I glance over at Seren, who's rummaging through my things with that look of curiosity on her face. She pulls out a poster—the one the school hands out to advertise upcoming events.

"Vanessa, what's this? A school event?" Seren asks, her voice laced with confusion.

"Yup," I mutter, trying to sound indifferent. Honestly, I couldn't care less about it. It's mandatory, and the school thinks it's some kind of family bonding experience. As if a day like that could fix the mess happening in a family.

She raises an eyebrow. "What's the event about?"

"It's an event where students spend time with their families," I reply flatly, not bothering to hide my lack of enthusiasm.

"Is that so?" Seren's tone shifts, almost teasing. "Isn't it ironic? You don't have one. I doubt you'd consider me and Shade family, anyway, with all your skepticism."

I bite back the urge to snap at her. "You're right. I don't have one," I say coldly. "And your right, I don't consider you guys family."

Seren looks at me, her expression unreadable, and for a brief moment, I almost think she's hurt. But then it's gone, replaced by her usual mask of indifference.

"Good. Remember that," Shade suddenly interjects, her voice cool and distant.

I jump, having not heard her approach. "Where did you come from?" I snap, irritated by her sudden presence.

"I'm everywhere," Shade says cryptically, leaning against the door frame as if she'd been there all along. "I go wherever the wind takes me."

Her words hang in the air, but they don't make me feel any better. It's weird that in this residence its just me and some weird spirit looking things here.

Seren breaks the silence. "We may not be your family, but maybe just acquaintances?" Her voice is softer now, like she's trying to meet me halfway.

I swallow hard, trying to keep my emotions in check. "Maybe, but I don't see us as that. Seren, Shade... don't show up at my school. The last thing I need is for people to find out about you two."

They look at each other, exchanging a silent glance.

"Alright," they both agree, their voices flat and emotionless, as if my request doesn't affect them at all.

But I can't shake the feeling that I've just shut myself off even more from the one small connection. I swear everything's trying to attack me emotionally.