The Created Void

“Maybe they just don’t hang out with me as much as you do?” he suggested with a laugh, not even arguing against her words or that he had a rude side. “A meanie? I don’t think anyone has called me that since I was twelve.” The word left him far too amused as he shook his head at her, clearly enjoying himself and not the least bit offended. By now he doubted that she ever really wanted to offend him. “I guess I was just born this way. Always too much energy to urn through and not enough time in the day. Pheebs? She loves it. Without a doubt she was meant to be a beautician. She’s one of the lucky ones who’s truly found her calling,” he mused, a little bit jealous of that fact but there  was nothing Seth could think of that he loved doing like she loved that. “I don’t think that would be a problem, though he’s mentally pretty young. Younger and hipper than me anyway.” Seth chuckled fondly. “Yeah, turns out that he is. From what I can tell he’s giving control of everything to his son which is… probably not going to be a problem.”

"That’s a terrible thought, why would you say that? I don’t want to hang out with you more than other people do. We should see each other less” she said quickly, looking a little horrified by it all. “Oh, fuck off. Meanie is still a good insult, I don’t care what you say.” She didn’t really believe that but of course she was going to stand her ground. “I would say you need to get yourself some hobbies but something tells me you probably already have enough.” Nodding along with what he was saying, Amalia sighed. “I really think she is. Don’t get me wrong, I do..” Love her job? Enjoy her job? “.. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else.” Close enough. “I just wouldn’t mind a little more freedom” she decided, looking like she was deep in thought for a few moments before eventually just shrugging it off. “It’s really not hard to be more mentally young and hip than you are, Seth. That doesn’t give me much hope” she teased, laughing. Amalia still found it worrying that she allowed herself to laugh a lot more easily around Seth now but she tried to keep telling herself it was a good thing. “What do you mean probably not going to be a problem? Probably is not a very reassuring word.”

Her eyes widened, retreating a few steps. “No, no. I didn’t think it was an issue. I was actually worried someone lost it, or forgot about it. But of course, I was wrong” she explained, swallowing nervously. A dream she had days ago flashed quickly before her eyes. “Wait so you’re actually a columnist?” She wasn’t sure how her brain recalled that fact before she actually knew about it. Her mouth fell open as soon as she heard Amalia’s words. “Oh, thanks! I think. Wait, no–you’re actually accusing me of being a criminal. Which I’m not, just for the record. I mean, that’s probably what every criminal says, but I’d feel too guilty to ever do that” she stammered, feeling her cheeks burn. It wasn’t unusual to get compliments around town, but coming from someone she found so intimidating, turned her into an awkward mess. “A–and, I actually have my own laptop, this isn’t something I’d need. Yours is great though, but definitely not something I’d steal. Cause I don’t do that” she breathed out, her eyes trained on the bench. Glancing up she noticed the girl was still holding her laptop, and she furrowed her eyebrows “I thought you said you went for coffee” she questioned, pointing out the lack of coffee in her hands.

The question made her pause, looking at the other with renewed suspicion. Had she told her that before? It probably wasn’t hard to find out if she hadn’t, she supposed. “Yes, I am. That’s not what I was... I was actually working on something different... but, yes.” Why she felt that necessary information to give, Amalia wasn’t sure. Her slip up had left a slight shade of pink burning at her cheeks but she did her best to ignore any embarrassment she was feeling. “It wasn’t supposed to be a compliment. I’m not accusing you, I’m just... saying. You look kind of suspicious” she repeated, shrugging casually. “Good for you. Alright, alright, I believe you. You weren’t trying to steal it.” Her backing down was likely due to her desire to move past the uncomfortable feeling she had after her accidental compliment - yes, Amalia, calling someone pretty is usually always a compliment. “I did. I was in the line when I saw you so I came back out” she explained, looking over her shoulder at the coffee shop. “I guess I should take it with me this time” she said, though she knew it would be a struggle. 

If Phoebe hadn’t been drinking, she definitely would have been more aware that Amalia was with someone else, but of course, she was really only focused on the people who were staring at her, and then the other girl. She glanced around and waited for Amalia to come back, her gaze following her to see she was talking to a male before she came back. Phoebe had the questions on the tip of her tongue, but she held them off for a moment. “I don’t think fighting, no. I didn’t make anyone mad, I don’t think,” she said, glancing around before turning back to Amalia, looking suddenly offended. “Your… your beautician? Do you have one other than me? I mean… whatever makes you happy, I just-” She ducked her head, sniffling dramatically. “It’s fine. I don’t mind.” It was a lie, clearly from her depressed tone, but that still didn’t stop her from letting her curiosity get the best of her. “Who was that guy you were talking to?”

“... I was joking. I didn’t really think anyone was going to fight us, Phoebe. Is everything okay?” she asked, lowering her chin to get a proper look at the smaller girl’s expression - a confusing expression, no doubt, one that Amalia hadn’t seen Phoebe wearing before. “I meant... when I said my beautician, I meant you. You know, this is exactly why I never try the humour thing because it always fails me” she sighed, running a hand through her hair and letting out an awkward laugh. “You’re my only beautician” she confirmed with a nod, hoping that might earn even a small smile from Phoebe. “What? Oh..” Amalia paused, fighting back the urge to glance back at her date out of fears he’d already found someone else to talk to - he was just that kind of guy. “No one important. Just a guy I know from work, we were just... talking.” It wasn’t really a lie, the date so far had consisted of just talking... mostly Amalia talking. Which was odd for her but she’d found herself trying to impress the seemingly unfazed man all night and, honestly, it had been exhausting. “Not a big deal” she shrugged, “shall we go?” Perhaps it was the alcohol working it’s magic or just another attempt to cheer the girl up but Amalia held an arm out for Phoebe to take despite her usual avoidance of this kind of contact.  

Angelo: Now I /can't/ fuck off. I fucking hate you. Fuck.

Angelo: Why do you even have my number saved?

Angelo: You told everyone? How the hell do you even manage that? Go to bed.

Amalia: what???? why? dont confuse me lik this

Amalia: i keep it jsu in case im ever in a situation wher i need to be bored to death

Amalia: i dont know, phoens confuseme, thyere too many buttons and opitions.

Seth: I've made it this far still smiling. I think I'll be fine.

Seth: It's really fine. I'm not over it, but I've accepted it. She was just something special, you know?

Seth: It has been brought to my attention that I keep things to myself a little too much sometimes. I can't help it.

Amalia: good. i'm glad tohear it

Amalia: do u like talking bout her

Amalia: ithogt u wre making a dig at me.

“Just because something is small and cute doesn’t mean it’s not still dangerous so that’s not the issue. But kittens? Are they even capable of hurting anyone?” Admittedly Zoey didn’t know much about cats. She hadn’t ever expected to own one so she hadn’t looked up much about them. The words made her almost glare before she just sighed. “The thing followed me home and then wouldn’t leave me alone. I guess you just get used to things like this over time. Yes, she was. Don’t know if she was abandoned or born a stray, but clearly she hadn’t had anyone to feed her in a long time.”

"That’s what I just said. I don’t fucking know, I’m not an expert. They have.. claws or whatever, don’t they?” she shrugged, not knowing all that much herself. “I’m not saying it’s a bad thing, I was just... saying. I sometimes wish I got the whole pet thing a little more. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I think it’s dumb how much people dote on them but they seem to at least... make people happy and give them company.” Her words sounded a lot more depressing than she had meant them to, more just thinking out loud than anything else and Amalia was quickly shaking her head. “Well it’s good she found you then, I guess.”

“How did this happen?” Levi lifted up the cast on his arm, though the bruise on his cheek was likely another questionable mark on his body, along with the few scratches. Levi let out an over the top sigh. “Where do I begin? I was just minding my business, walking down the street, right? I hear a scream, and being the extremely brave boy that I am, went to help in any way I could. To make a long story short, I ended up in a fist fight with two other men, totally kicked their asses, but even heroes get hurt sometimes in the process.” His entire story was a lie, but being the way that he was, he didn’t feel comfortable sharing what had actually gone down. Instead, he quirked an eyebrow. “So… I say that you buy me a drink. For being such a brave, honest hero for Town. Wow, I should really start working on a costume and name. Any ideas?”

Being a little more gullible than she would ever like to admit, Amalia saw no reason to not believe him - sure, she thought he was likely embellishing the story a little but she expected that from Levi. “You kicked their asses?” she repeated, raising an eyebrow at him. “Is this one of those things where you’re going to say ‘if you think I look bad, you should see the other guy’? I’ll be honest, I never really had you down as the fighting type.” Folding her arms over her chest, Amalia tried her best to keep her feelings of concern from showing on her face and maintain a neutral expression while she spoke. “But are you... okay? Nothing hurts too bad?” As Levi went on, she scoffed. “I’m not buying you a drink. And I’m not referring to you as a hero, either. You chose to get involved.” 

Seth: It's fine. It's been years, I'm okay. You don't need to comfort me.

Seth: Like I said, it's just not a story that anyone wants to hear because it's not very nice.

Seth: I know.

Seth: It's fine, you don't have to say anything. You wanted to know so I'm telling you. That's what friends do... or so I keep being told.

Amalia: as long as u are oaky

Amalia: well now I iust feel bsd for making you talking about it. I didn't thinkit was goinf to be domethjnt so... Intense

Remus cocked his head to the side a little, frowning at her words. “Uh, right then. I wouldn’t. I know private, believe me.” He shook his head. “Well, thank you very much for your opinion. I guess I’ll have to see for myself.” He muttered before heading towards the counter.

“I’m not usually in the habit of believing the word of a total stranger but whatever, it’s not like it really matters anyway” she dismissed with a shrug. “You’re welcome but it’s your funeral” she warned with a dramatic eyeroll before proceeding to casually take another sip of her coffee - clearly not everything was that terrible. Looking back up, Amalia slowly shook her head as she saw him walking over to the counter.

Seth: I know. But if I mention it then I'd just have people asking what happened or trying to comfort me about it. But what is there to say? She left and I let her go.

Seth: Because at my heart I'm still the same person I was, just a lot older and a little bit wiser. And I'm still in love with her. He's not happy about that.

Seth: Yes.

Amalia: I wont ask u anymore about what lhappened and oim not sure I would even know how to comfort you so don't wo

Amalia: I shouldn't have forced you to tell me... sorry

Amalia: oh. yhat does complicate thinngs

Amalia: I'm tryin g to do the whole fridge thing here but my head is already spinning and this isn't familiar territory for me an innot sure what to say

Seth: I did. I had a marriage license before I ever got a diploma. Told you... I've done a lot of leaping. But then she left.

Seth: He was the best man at my wedding too, so I can't really say that I don't at least in part deserve the situation I'm in now.

Seth: I am. It's amazing how much love can change you. Love and heartbreak.

Seth: I love him but I don't know if I'm in love with him. Not yet. I think that I could be someday though.

Amalia: ... U wee married?? wow whay a big thing to just never fucking mention

Amalia: oh. I judt read the end of that. Sorry

Amalia: I don't know

Amalia: wekk then if you know you're a completely different person then why do u think ur going to make the same decisions or mistakes whatever u want to call them

Phoebe: You switched bodies with him? Oh.

Phoebe: That's a lot lot different than saying he was inside you.

Amalia: i ralise that NOW

Angelo: Google? You're saying I'm smarter than fucking google? The fuck?

Angelo: If you're going to compliment me, this conversation is dead and gone.

Angelo: Why the fuck are you telling me about some weird ass dream, then?

Angelo: That's true, thanks. You too.

Amalia: clearly fhtahts not what i fucking meant fucking fuck off

Amalia: i DONT KNOW why do i tll you anything

Amalia: i caidentally tol everyon in my conacts and now veryones going o think i have fantasies about evan so m life is basically over

Seth: I've heard that said before, I'm not sure if I believe it.

Seth: Sorry. I'm doing it again, aren't I? I don't mean to. I guess I've gotten used to being evasive. I want you to know it doesn't mean I don't trust you.

Seth: It's not even that interesting of a story really. Just an age old cliche. Bad boy meets a good girl and suddenly he's falling. Levi and I were in a very... well a pretty similar sort of place to where we are now.

Seth: Then I asked the girl to marry me.

Seth: I guess the point here is that he doesn't know if he can trust me not to break his heart. Again. And what's worse is that I don't know if I trust me either.

Amalia: me neither tbh

Amalia: yes ou are

Amalia: wat happned to the girl? why didnt' you gt marrid in the end?

Amalia: but your'e a lot different now arent yu? i'm sure you'fe told me that one thousand times.

Madison was walking towards the grocery store when she noticed an abandoned computer by the bench. She approached, trying to investigate the reason someone left it, when she heard a voice behind her. She turned around quickly, spotting a familiar face. “Uh–someone left a laptop here and I was wondering, why?” she was completely ignored as she watched the woman get a hold of the laptop and closing it. “So it’s yours? Oh, yup there’s your name right there” she answered to herself, noticing the label. “No, I mean I have good eyesight, but not great enough to see those those little things” she laughed, curious as to why she seemed flustered. “Something personal?”

“Yes, it’s mine” she confirmed, leaning over the bench and picking up the laptop. “I went to get a coffee, I didn’t really think it would be an issue. It’s just something I’m working on” she explained, hugging the laptop a little closer to her chest. “It’s not ready for anyone else’s eyes to see yet.” Nor would it ever be but that seemed a good enough reason for her panic, right? “Or you could have been trying to steal it for all I know. That pretty people are always the most suspicious.” Did she really just say that? Clearly she wasn’t feeling herself. “I meant the people with the most innocent looking faces.” 

“You realize I’ve literally done nothing in this whole conversation other than offer you a way to get free tacos and then been perfectly okay with the fact that you’re not down, right? I know you like making me seem like the bad guy and I usually don’t mind playing the part but honestly… I’ve done nothing.” He just rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “Fair enough. I’d rather have free pizza than free tacos but I’m not about to turn down free tacos. I’m ashamed, I never said I was surprised.” He just laughed, not caring whether his words were taken as insult or not. “Maybe you don’t, but you can’t decide what I do and don’t say to you unfortunately for you.” Raising an eyebrow he just shrugged his shoulders again, even lifting up his arms before clapping them back to his sides. “I mean I might actually marry him if it came to that. He’s cute. But it’s not like we ever really made a good case of it being a serious thing, did we? I’m wearing a twenty-five cent plastic ring he bought outside a grocery store. That didn’t tip you off? For the record he did ask me to marry him and I did say yes so technically we are engaged, that was never a lie.”

“I never said you were a bad guy, just that you irritate me. And that’s hardly a big deal since I’m pretty sure even... fucking Mother Teresa would irritate. There’s not much I can do about it, easily annoyed is just the way I am” she shrugged, her tone unusually calm as she spoke. “I’m not much of a fan of free anything, honestly. Free stuff is always too suspicious, I’d rather just pay. If I had to pick though... free nachos would do it for me.” Amalia rolled her eyes as she surprisingly played along. “Surely you’d see it as a good thing, me not liking them just means more tacos for you” she pointed out, lowering her chin and intensifying her glare as he continued. “You can’t just marry someone because you think they’re cute. That’s not enough, Evan. I don’t know... I believed it.” The end of her sentence was more of a grumble, admittedly annoying that she had been so easy to fool. Really, though you wouldn’t guess it, Amalia liked the idea of happy endings. Whether she believed one was possible for her or not, she was always secretly glad to hear of someone finding theirs. “Some people keep crappy rings like that for... sentiment. You’re both so ridiculous.”

Angelo: Sorry, tried to google 'idot' and I'm not seeing how it relates to me in any way.

Angelo: You switched bodies with Evan? Still gross. I don't wanna hear about it.

Angelo: You're welcome, it's the only thing I can do decently.

Amalia: thayas cause google is evens more stupid than you are

Amalia: wait no thata a compliment kind of... Ifnore that

Amalia: Yes. That's what we've been falking about this whole time?? In my dream. Not real lif obviously.