#dpclosed

It wasn't everyday that Christmas presents suddenly appeared at her door and honestly she hadn't expected it. Presents? From people she barely spoke to? She was so surprised by the kind gesture from the people who had taken the time to wrap up some gifts or even take the time from their days to find her something. A smile growing on her face as she overlooked each one and honestly adored each of them. However it then hit her that she hadn't gotten them anything at all and she couldn't just let that happen. So she grabbed some paper and began to write to each single one of them.

I loved your present, it was amazing and I hadn't expected anything at all for the holidays. I didn't even know if I should get someone anything and now I just feel the need to return your kindness. It'll be a late present but it'll happen and don't you try stopping me. I am now determined. :) Thanks again and Merry Christmas to you.

-Dash

Just past seven in the morning, Trish was awake. She stared silently at the hotel ceiling, not entirely ready to make a sound and call attention to herself. She just wanted a moment, a moment of silence and reflection about the day that was slowly unfolding before her. George slept, softly snoring, on the other bed in the room. He had taken her from the comfort of her apartment the night before and insisted that she spend the night away from her husband-to-be. Of all the traditions that man had in him, she was actually a little bit surprised that this was one of them. It was a nice thought, though, she didn’t argue one bit. She did miss Hades, however, even though she’d be seeing him later that day. It was just the tiniest bit upsetting not to wake up in his warm embrace. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about that for more than one day. Not long now, she thought to herself as she mentally went down her list to make sure she had taken care of everything. Luckily, she did have a safety net when it came to events like this. George was spectacular. For such an intimidating man, he had impeccable planning skills – in hindsight, the intimidation is probably how he got everything done so perfectly. He made sure everything was in order, the venue was set, the dress was delivered, the decorations perfect. It would’ve been easy to just do all of this herself, but having him around was a godsend.

The sound of someone’s throat clearing made her eyes drift over to see George sitting on the edge of his bed, staring her down with a knowing look, “Butterflies?” Trish smiled softly, this man could read her mind, “More like bats, but they are tiny.” The smile he gave her in return was one she only assumed was reserved for daughters from their fathers on their wedding day. She wasn’t blood-related, but for all intents and purposes she was his family – he had made that clear from the moment she met him. “Come, it’s time for you to get up. Big day today,” he extended a hand out to her and pulled her out of bed and pushed her in the direction of the restroom to get ready. After taking a quick shower, she got dressed in a simple outfit of yoga pants and a t-shirt. There was no use in making too much of an effort yet, as that was the point of the rest of the day. She’d be getting pampered and taken care of in all imaginable ways just to get ready for the night. Of course, she could have gone and done her own styling and make-up and looked just as great but there was a special thing about one’s wedding day – it was a day meant for having everything done for you. She met George by the door where he was holding the large black garment bag that contained her dress. That dress was perfect, she’d spent a sizable amount of time finding the perfect one and then an equally sizable amount of time having it fitted and refitted so it was absolutely perfect in every single way. It was probably the one thing for this wedding that she was the most nit-picky about. It had to be perfect, and after the fourth fitting, it was.

Trish spent the first half of her day in thoughtful silence as various people were flitting around her. She wasn’t usually the type to keep so to herself, especially on a day full of attention directed her way, but she couldn’t keep her mind from drawing her back into that quiet space. Today was the day that she’d be legally paired with one man for the rest of her life. It wasn’t something that she had always pictured for herself, she was never that little girl who had dreams of her wedding day. There were no play ceremonies with stuffed toys as her audience. There was no veil made from a bed sheet. She had imagined becoming a famous artist, or for a fleeting and very short lived moment – a ballerina. Being a bride was always in the picture, but it was never the immediate thing on her mind. Even now, she didn’t see it as the main point of the day. Today was about becoming Mrs. Aidoneus, not about being a blushing bride. She took another deep breath and exhaled slowly, something she’d been doing periodically through the day. Just another way to calm the flutters that entered her system at the thought of finally getting exactly what she wanted. In their hearts, they already knew that they were meant to be together in every way. Getting married was just a way to put it into writing for the rest of the world to see, they weren’t to be swayed. They couldn’t be. Hades would be waiting for her at the end of that aisle today, ready to join her on their continuing adventure as a couple. An excited chill ran up her spine as a grin spread across her lips, a couple of hours away from being right where she was meant to be and she almost couldn’t believe it was real. “You know,” she finally broke her self-induced silence at lunch, addressing George and the girls that had just arrived a few minutes before, “I think marriage is a very good color on me.” Kida chuckled, her familiar raspy tone tinged with happiness for her friend, “I think a married Trish is also a bit more terrifying than an unmarried one. Just think of the ego.” The rest of the table, including Trish, laughed.

After a leisurely lunch, the group of four headed to the venue on the all too familiar beach. Upon arrival, Trish smiled serenely as the memories came flooding to the surface. This place had many memories and it was only right that it would hold this one as well. Before hiding herself away in the cabin to get ready, she took her chance to get a good look at the decorations. The reception area was beautiful with crisp whites and deep blues, at night it would look like a sparkling beacon with the fairy lights draped carefully around. Her heart leapt into her throat as she stood at the end of the aisle, facing the spot where she’d see Hades later on. She gently touched a rose petal on the nearest bunch as there were tons upon tons of them around. George’s voice sounded from behind her, “Is it everything you wanted?” His tone was light, but she knew for certain that if she said it was anything less – he’d go find someone to beat into fixing it. “It’s perfect,” she murmured as the sheer realization of where she was standing washed over her. She turned as she heard a car approaching and before she had a chance to actually check to see if it was Hades, George had ushered her in the direction of the cabin, “Nope. Not yet, you’ll see him later.” Trish laughed lightly, “You’re a very weird man, you know that right?” He pushed her into the room and pulled the door closed slightly before stopping, “I am, but you’ll thank me later. It’s all about the reveal,” and with that, he closed the door and stood guard.

She didn’t have long to dwell on the random parts of George’s life that actually had a weird normalcy to them, this tradition of not seeing the bride included, as she was pulled away and started to get ready for the ceremony. It was almost as if this was the final performance after several trial runs, her make-up and hair were done quickly. Both very simple with a little bit more finesse than her usual look. Her curls had a little bit more shine to them, small jeweled pins were placed strategically to hold curls into place as well as give the impression of stars in the night sky. As she stepped into her dress and held the bodice in place, she heard a familiar but mildly unexpected voice, “Move aside other blonde, I’ll be securing this dress for my queen.” Trish grinned at the reflection of Zoe in the mirror, watching her push the younger and taller blonde out of her way playfully. She rolled her eyes, “I was beginning to wonder if you were going to show up.” Zoe shrugged, beginning to pull the satin corseting into place, “I wouldn’t miss this. And you know it.” Trish only smiled in response, if she were being totally honest she was glad Zoe could make it. She wanted everyone who was important to her here, and with the arrival of her old friend – they all were. Slowly but surely, the bodice was tied tightly and securely in place. It cinched in all the right places, even though she really didn’t need cinching. The dress was molded perfectly to her body in every possible way. Trish smiled at the image in the mirror, of her flanked by Am, Kida and Zoe. This was one of the many moments she’d remember for a lifetime.

The music started and she looped her arm around George’s, suddenly all the nerves she’d been doing such an amazing job at pushing down came bubbling to the surface. She closed her eyes and a voice in the back of her mind soothed her. She knew better than to assume it was a telepathic link, but the voice sounded a lot like Hades calming her down, breathe Cara Mia. Taking a deep breath, she felt George squeeze her hand comfortingly. Smiling lightly down at her as he started walking her to the head of the aisle, he muttered, “Don’t trip.” Trish laughed quietly, “I would never.” They rounded the corner and suddenly all she could see was Hades. Nevermind the fact that she was fully aware that all the eyes were on her, the only ones she cared about were his. A light pink crept onto her cheeks as she made her way towards him, the look in his eyes was one she would never forget. Her emotions flitted between complete and total awe, smugness and a tiny bit of bashful. When they reached the end of the aisle, George reached his hand out to shake Hades’ and in a low voice stated, “You don’t hurt her.” Trish shared a knowing smile with Hades as George kissed her on the cheek and took his seat. Stepping forward, she gently placed her hand in Hades’ grasp as they stood before friends and family. Trish shifted to face Hades as he stated his vows, her heart swelling at the words. When it came to her turn, she could have turned to Am to hand her the paper but she, much like he did, felt as if she could do this without the words in front of her since they were in her heart so fully.

She squeezed his hands softly before taking a quick calming breath. The vast amount of emotions clouded her voice as she looked into his eyes. The familiar blues made her smile before she spoke, “I could probably spend a lifetime standing before you and telling you every reason that I love you. I could tell you that those reasons keep evolving and changes. All of this would take so long so I’ll just tell you this: you make it so easy to fall in love with you more and more everyday. You are my other half. From the moment I met you, I knew we’d be in each others lives, it just took me a small while to realize in what capacity. I am marrying you today, but I already knew that we’d be with one another even without the title. I love you with all of my heart, body and soul. You are my everything and more. I am proud to be yours and have you as mine. I look forward to being your wife, living our life and seeing our future unfold. I love you,” she smiled at him, happy tears welling up in her eyes but not falling, “I love you so much. Now, and until the stars go out.”

Bianca stared at the letter in her hand. She obviously had noticed Ozzy’s lack of appearance but she didn’t even realize that he’d left. The proof of that fact now solid in her hand, a letter full of reasons and too many uses of ‘had’ and other indicators of past tense. It’s like he had written her off already, pushing her to the sidelines before she had a say in it. If he knew anything about her from their time as friends, it should be that she was steadfast and wouldn’t take that easily. She would be his friend through thick and thin. That was that. It angered her that all she got was a letter of explanation and no dialogue of goodbye, but she wasn’t going to harpoon him for leaving. He had obviously been just bogged down with a sort of depression, one that she desperately tried to help from time to time but couldn’t break. It was heartbreaking. It hurt to see him leave. But she wouldn’t let him disappear. Putting the letter down next to her on the bed, she picked up her notebook and readied herself for a response.

Ozzy,

I’m not sure if you thought that writing a letter meant that this conversation was over, because it most certainly does not. I have a ton of things that I want to say to you that you thought you might have a chance to avoid. You were sorely mistaken. As my best friend, you really should have known better. I’m not going to let you leave my life with a simple piece of paper. You kept using past tense like this was how the friendship was over without letting me have any say. That’s not right, it’s not right – I won’t let it be right. I’m mad at you. I’m sad that you left. But mostly I’m confused. Did you talk to Tink before you left? You didn’t talk to me, but I’m hoping you talked to her. After everything, you owed her an eloquent speech that she could follow up with a smack to the face because I’m most certain she won’t have taken this well. You’ve left us behind, Ozzy – even if that wasn’t your intention.

You’ve left me behind.

Whenever my life was the most confusing I know I could have turned to you in a beat and you would have helped me talk it through. You were there for me in my darkest time, and I was there for you when you had your fight with cancer. I think these, among others, are the things that have bonded us for life. So whether you think it or not, just because you wrote a letter that seemed like you were depleting the friendship we have – you’re stuck with me. I’m not going anywhere. I’m your friend no matter what, even when I’m angry with you. No matter how far away, no matter how feeble the attempt to push me away, I’m not giving up. From your explanation, I can tell that you need me right now. Even though I’m here at school and you’re all the way in Miami, I’m going to be there for you. You know my number, you know my e-mail, you probably don’t know how to send a pigeon but I’m guessing you could learn. I’m available to you in every way.

Don’t you dare think about disappearing on me.

You’re my best friend. I love you and I care about you. You need to be home, and I understand. I won’t let you forget the people here who care. I’ll keep an eye on Tink. I’ll keep safe. But you need to promise me something in return. You take care of yourself. Don’t get lost. I’m far away but I’m not unattainable as an anchor. I will not lose you, Ozzy. I will not let you forget.

Your best friend, Bianca

Satisfied with her letter, she quickly stuffed it into an envelope and addressed it - somewhere in the back of her mind, the speed of her actions made sense. Like it would arrive to him faster or that there was some sort of time limit on making him listen. Dashing out to the mailbox, she let it fall into the blue container before she let go of the breath she didn't realize she was holding. Tears slipped from her eyes for the loss of her friend, but she knew for a fact she'd see him again. She'd hear from him again. The prospect of him being gone was what made her sad, the idea of traversing the campus without him there in the immediate vicinity. She wouldn't see his smiling face, but in her mind's eye she could picture it so clearly. Her memories would keep her happy and strong. She'd need to be. Tink would need her as a pillar, and she was prepared to be just that.

“..Yes, I understand. Thank you.”

Her emotions were too much to bear. Too much to handle. She needed to escape. Nothing but pain came from such emotions. They felt nice at first, but then, things would always take a turn for the worse. Being attached was weakness. It was something that could be ripped out from underneath you, and laugh as you bashed your teeth on the concrete. Her mind was reeling so much, she hadn't realized she was prepping a syringe. The tourniquet was already around her arm, with part of the knot in her teeth. Black tears ran down her cheeks onto her pale arm. The stark difference was almost beautiful. She closed her eyes and pushed on the plunger. The drug rampaged through her system, but something was wrong.

Lay my head under the water, lay my head under the sea...

Kida's vision blurred. She felt pain all over her body. Her legs gave out and she fell to the ground. What little was left in her stomach splattered on the floor next to her. Her memories flooded back into her brain. She tried to block them out. Her mother's voice rang through her mind. "KIDA GET DOWN!" Her hands pushed her daughter behind her own body. Kida would never forget that sound. Hollow blasts on the concrete and cheap linoleum. The warm spray of her mother's blood splashed across her face. The weight of the dead body fell on her. Another bullet sailed through the flesh and landed in her stomach. Kida knew better than to cry out. The man stood over the body for what seemed like an eternity. Finally, once he walked away Kida let herself cry. She cried for hours until the police finally pulled the body off of her. Once the pressure was taken off the wound, she nearly bled out. She remembered waking up in the hospital, surrounded by machines beeping and whirring. The noise driving her crazy. She pulled the parts off of her, and ran. She ran forever, until the police found her unconscious on the side of the road. The coma lasted for weeks.

Excuse me sir, am I your daughter? Won't you take me back, take me back and see?

Her mind flashed to her father. Finding him face down in a puddle of vomit. She shook him, only to receive gurgling and a spasm. The ambulance showed up after an eternity. They put him on a stretcher and tried to get him to breathe again. Kida chased after the paramedics, screaming and crying. They told her that he overdosed. That he may be too far gone. That they would call child services. They would have someone watch her at the hospital. She tried many times to run back to where they took him. But there was always someone to fight her off. She fought as hard as she could, but they were stronger. They were always stronger. Finally, after hours and hours of fighting, they let her see her father. He was a shell of the man he used to be. Empty eyed, and silent. Kida cried into his hand for hours. He never responded. No twitch, no movement. Weeks and months passed before he was back to his old self. Every so often, he would forget things, or words. He would stammer over certain sounds. The brain damage would always be there, but he was back. For now. 

There's not a time to being younger, and all my friends are enemies.

The blood was splattered all over the ceiling. The brain matter stuck to the walls. Kida backed into a corner as she took in what happened. The messages, emails and phone calls hadn't ceased. Miles hadn't been to school in weeks. Kida went and saw him every day. She would bring him food, and his homework, and be a shoulder for him to cry on. He wouldn't cry anymore. His brains dripped from the walls and fell to the ground with a gross squish. Breathing became difficult as Kida finally looked at his body. It was just a body. There was no head. Miles wouldn't be able to have an open casket. Kida would be the last person outside of his family to see him. She wished she hadn't come over. She wanted the phone call to be to her. Not from her. The voice on the other end of the receiver continued to talk, but she didn't hear anything. All she could hear was the pounding of her heart in her ears. Miles was gone. Her best friend since childhood was gone. Kida dropped her phone and covered her face as she cried. The scent of blood filled her nose. She didn't remember the police coming in. The coroner coming to take him away. She sat in that corner for hours, until Miles's dad finally told her to leave. They had to clean it up.

Broken lines across my mirror show my face all red and bruised...

Kida lost her faith in everything, there wasn't much left, but when a giant corportation fought them for her home, there wasn't anything left. She had nothing to live for. What was the point? She went out looking for a fight, and she got one in spades. All she could remember was the pain, then the numbness. The blackness was so final. She was so surprised when light flooded her vision again. She was broken. Broken, and a zombie. Everything was pain. Except him. He eased it. If only a bit. But only to have it taken away. To have her reason to live slip through her fingers like everything else good in her life. Every last good thing slipped away. Though she had to take the blame. She did a good job chasing them. She would fight, but not for them to stay. She would fight her emotions instead. Deny she ever needed them. But still, she was hurting, and mostly no one knew about it. Perhaps it will stay that way.

Lay my head under the water, alone I pray for calmer seas...

Mel had been spending the last couple of days at Dash's house. His parents were out on vacation leaving him home alone and as soon as Tip found out that Mel was back he kinda stayed at Dash's house too. The three of them were living under the same roof for the first time in a really long time, even though it has only been 3 days. Mel sat curled up in the couch watching a old movie and eating her favorite cereals when Tip sat next to her "Hey Tippy." she smiled at him and threw her legs over on his lap. He glared at her but she simply giggled and continued watching the movie. "So Mel, are you going to spend the summer here ?" He asked her, she could see the excitement in his eyes. "I have to go back eventually. Especially Tink's birthday." His smile faded and Mel felt like someone had punched her in the stomach. He suddenly got up, throwing her legs to the ground. Mel tried her best to not spill all the milk on the couch. "What the hell, Tip ?" she looked at him confused. He was about to walk out of the room when she called him "We're nothing to you now Melody ? Is that it ?" Mel frowned and shook her head "What the fuck are you talking about ?" Dash came in the room with half a sandwich in his hand "What's going on ?" Tip looked at Dash then at Mel and left the room, shortly after the front shut down. Mel sat there looking at Dash confused, the boy shrugged a little and smiled at Mel "Don't worry about him. He's probably on his period." Mel couldn't help but to giggle a little. The girl tapped the space on the couch, where Tip previously sat, Dash understood what she was doing and sat right next to her. "What's this movie called ?" he asked her. Mel snuggled closer to him "Gone with the Wind." Mel simply answered.

The two fell asleep on the couch and ended up being waken up by the sound of the front door slamming. "What ? What ?" Mel jumped from the couch holding her spoon as a weapon. When she saw that it was just Tip. "Oh, it's just you." She lowered her spoon and sat back in the couch snuggling with Dash who didn't woke up from the door. "Yeah. It's just good ol' Tip. Nothing new. Nothing fantastic." The boy muttered as he went upstairs. Mel heard him loud and clear and followed him upstairs. She opened the door to the room he was sharing with Dash. "What's your problem uh ?" She closed the door behind her. The boy wasn't expecting this reaction from her. "What are you talking about ?" He looked at her. "That fucking attitude." she answered him not even noticing her voice getting louder. "I don't know what you're talking about." He started folding his clothes. " You got all upset when I mentioned Tink. She's my best friend. You're my best friend. Do you really believe that I can't have three best friends ? I actually have four. You are all different. I can't compare you to Dash, Tink or Steele. You're Tip, and I love you and I always will. I don't understand why you're so jealous. I left my friends to come here. I didn't told them where I was going. I didn't told my boyfriend anything, he must think I'm dead in somewhere." He tried to interrupt her a few time but she didn't let him, she needed to get that out of her system. "I'm sorry." He finally said hugging Mel. Mel smiled at the boy. "Now. I had an idea." He looked at her slightly confused "And what was that idea?"

You're beautiful but cause me pain; you played my heart like its a game. And you worked so hard to get me just to let me go. Its criminal. Even though we used to rule the world..

10:00 AM - the apartment

Knock.

Knock.

Knockknockknock