#nerissa pines

That was a few days ago. Graciela hadn’t spoken to Leon since. Had he talked to his parents? She drummed her fingers on her thighs as her mother attempted to set up for the summer party they were having. It was some stupid idea that Nerissa had come up with, and Pax corroborated. A summer extravaganza! Really, it was just a get together to congratulate the kids on moving up to higher things. “Mom…” Graciela called for her attention. “Do you know if Leon is coming to the party?”

Charlotte turned around and adjusted her jacket. “Yes, and his parents are too. I called them, at your request.”

“Thanks mom,” She mumbled. “Can you talk to them? About summer school?”

“Of course sweetie,” Charlotte said. “But I can’t make any promises. If Leon’s parents don’t want him to go, we can’t force him.”

“I know, but I just don’t want to spend time without him,” Graciela said with a frown.

“And why is that?” Charlotte knelt by her daughter. “Is it because you’re afraid of being alone? Because Nerissa and Braylen will be there.”

“Mom,” Graciela began. “I like Leon a lot. He’s fun to hang out with and he’s the only one who understands me. Nerissa doesn’t even want to be there! She wants to stay back with Shea and Raina.”

“Who even invited you into the shot?” Pax groaned, nudging Leon. “You’re totally blocking me.”

“I’m like family by now!” Leon glared at him. “Your mom invited me personally.”

“Yeah, because Gracie likes you,” Camilla said. 

“So you’re on his side, are you?” Leon glared at her. “I thought we were friends.”

“Friends would imply that we hang out, which we don’t,” Camilla said. “Because you don’t like Pax.”

“Because he’s a jerk,” Leon said. He looked to Gracie for help but she just shrugged. 

“No, you’re the jerk!” Nerissa cried. “Pax is so nice, and you just make fun of him all the time.”

“Rissa,” Graciela said. “Leon is just joking.”

“No he’s not. He’s so mean.” She crossed her hands over her chest. “Why are you even friends with him?” 

Leon’s face fell. “Wait, do you guys really think I’m mean? I’m not mean...am I?” 

He turned to Graciela who shook her head. “No, you’re not mean.” She turned to the rest of the group. “He’s not mean. Pax, you know that.”

Pax nodded. “You’re not mean, Leon. You’re just annoying. But so is Gracie and we still like her.” 

Harmony watched the group argue and joke, in silence. Being in Fortitude, she realized just how shy she was. 

“I’m NOT annoying!” Gracie stomped her foot and glared at him. “Neither is Leon.”

“Just get married already.” Nerissa rolled her eyes. 

“Are you guys done? I’m just trying to get a picture.” Ethan smiled weakly, watching the kids bicker. He had missed out a lot on their lives and had more than enough ground to cover. 

After dinner, the kids decided to get some homework done. Nerissa, Graciela and Leon were in the same class and had the same assignment. Graciela was done easily. Vampires were naturally quick learners, but Nerissa and Leon struggled. “What did you guys get for number one?” Leon asked.

“You’re still on one?” Nerissa asked. She rolled her eyes.

“It’s magic. M-A-G-I-C.” Graciela spelled it out for him. She turned to her friend. “I heard you talking to Camilla on the bus today.” She didn’t want to approach Nerissa about this, but it was making her feel very uncomfortable knowing he best friend wasn’t thrilled about her antics. “I didn’t mean to make you look stupid. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay,” Nerissa said. “Just don’t do it again, or we’ll have no friends.” Leon placed his pencil down angrily. “Can’t spell the next word? It’s Flames. F-L-” Nerissa began to tick off the letters when Leon cut her off.

“Don’t apologize to her, Gracie,” Leon said. “You did nothing wrong. You were looking for a safe space.”

“People are going to think we’re all crazy if she keeps doing that,” Nerissa said.

“Who cares what they think?” Leon asked. “I don’t want to be friends with people like that. I rather only be friends with Gracie than have a million mean friends.”

“I want a lot of friends,” Nerissa said.

“It’s okay,” Graciela mumbled. “I get it.” She placed her own pencil down. No one wants to be friends with the girl who hears voices in her head. The voice was probably right.

“See?” Nerissa grinned. “Gracie understands. She’s a good friend.”

Leon glared at Nerissa. “She’s too good of a friend. You’re walking all over her.”

“Leon…” Graciela’s voice trailed off. “She’s right. People don’t want to be friends with a girl who hears voices in her head.”