𝐁𝐄𝐀𝐔𝐓𝐘 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐀𝐓𝐇 by A.P.Mary

6.

While lying down on the couch, Blaise makes his entry into the living room with two heavy looking plastic bags, and as soon as he throws away his shoes, he starts speaking  "The date is set; you better find a prom date 'cause it's happening, baby." My eyes rise from my book and go to Nisha's face, trying to decipher if I should run away for dear life or stay put and observe the daily fight between the two of them.

"I'm not going to the festival just to have fun, dumbass; we have criminals ready to beat our asses, slit Mave's throat and use the blood as ketchup for their fries." I fix my reading glasses. She is just dramatic

"Aw, you're talking like you just forgot we're their exact equals; you forgot about that fake blonde politician you tortured until his body couldn't handle the pain anymore? Fun times really, to be honest," she sighs, not even trying anymore to waste her patience with her little brother, and turns her attention back to the TV.

"You guys are so boring today, but to make things better, look at what I bought—he takes something from the bags—just for you, heart shaped shot glasses. We are going to host the best and fanciest bloodbath ever; aren't you so excited?" I take a glass from his grasp and stare at it.

"They are cute indeed; if I die, you need to use this at my funeral or I'm haunting you," I say, but the only one laughing is Blaise, feeling Nisha's sight penetrate my skin 

"Of course! I told you—" he glances at his sister murdering him with her eyes, "I mean, no way, you're not dying. What do you mean? pff" He comes closer and whispers in my ear a heartfelt "I gotcha, you're having the best funeral ever,"  and I just giggle, giving him a thumbs up as soon as he walks away towards the kitchen.

"You're not dying, not on my watch; if you joke about it again, I'm going to chain you up in the basement until the festival ends." She looks at me with worry. I want to change the subject. I hiss as my fresh tattoo started to hurt.

"This snake is killing me; my other ten tattoos weren't as bitchy as this one." She smiles and pushes my shoulder

"Gods, you're such a crybaby; it's healing perfectly, and it looks badass on that huge thigh of yours." I laugh and throw a pillow at her face. Nisha is starting to laugh with me.

"Don't fat shame my thigh, she's fantastic," and I drift back to my book as my best friend cries again for the same scene of her favorite movie, flipping off the screen as the antagonist finishes her favorite character again for the third time this week.

~

"This can't be legal"

I hiss, slapping my hand on my eyes. My heart starts aching, and my eyes are about to burst with tears. What insane monster could even just think about doing this? This is what I call a high level degree crime, and I've killed people. I stand back, and I almost start screaming.

I touch the yellow price tag underneath the cans, showing the price going from 1 dollar to 2, my tears on the verge of spilling and ruining my makeup.  I grasp my black coat, and with a big sigh, I start walking to the exit, until a hand stops me, grasping my shoulder.

As I turn to punch the owner of the hand, I recognize him, almost thrilled to see that face again.
"Gabriele?"

He smiles, his dimples emerging; his hair was silky and very shiny, violated by his hand once again. "You remember my name? I'm truly pleased, Mae." His eyes check me from head to toe, probably judging me. "I'm glad you like my jacket." He smiles at it, and I giggle.

"Well, I'm glad you remember mine as well, I see, and yes, I can say it's pretty decent." I keep my chin up, curling the edge of my lip, but then the tragedy of earlier hits me again, and I unintentionally sigh again, pointing at the  cans of energy drinks. "Do you see this disgusting hate crime?" He shifts his eyes to where I'm pointing, confused.