~.✧ Austora ✧.~ [COMPLETE]

~.✧ fifteen ✧.~

As expected, Ezalie had found her way into the gardens and I only hesitated a second before rushing into the dark maze. Luckily, she had found a bench near the front so I didn't have to search for her and possibly get lost.

I slowed my pace when I saw her, not sure if she wanted me here. Her back was turned away from me as she sniffled and wiped at her face. I decided that whatever had happened, she couldn't bear it alone. So I stepped closer.

"Ezalie," I said gently as I approached. She didn't look at me, but a sob caused her shoulders to tremble.

I sat down on the cool stone bench next to her and ran my hand along her back gently in what I hoped were soothing circles. I didn't want to pressure her into talking if she didn't want to so I didn't say anything. I just let her know that I was there for her.

After a moment, she turned her body to face me and then she fell into me, sobbing harder into my shoulder. My heart broke at the sound as I engulfed her in a hug. In that moment, I didn't care if my dress was stained or wrinkled. All I cared about was if my friend was okay.

I'd rarely ever felt something like this. Often, this intense concern was only felt for my family. But recently, I'd been feeling it for others too. It was scary, attaching myself to more people. While the fear of being alone was strong, so was the fear of losing someone you took a risk in knowing. They were completely opposite fears, yet nearly exactly the same.

Eventually, Ezalie's sobs turned into gentle sniffles. I didn't want to rush her. This is what Braz always did when I was upset; he was patient and didn't ask questions until he knew I was ready.

Braz. Where was he? Ezalie was his bryik. They'd seemed so happy earlier. Had whatever happened been between them? Surely not... But then again, the longer I thought about it, the more I was scared something had happened with Braz. What else could it be?

Ezalie slowly pulled away, wiping at the few tears still streaming down her face. Her make up was smudge but nothing that couldn't be repaired.

"I'm sorry," she whispered, unable to look into my eyes. "I... I didn't mean to interrupt your moment with Larklind..."

Though I was never good in situations like this, I tried my best by softly placing a hand on her arm. "Don't worry about it. What... What happened?"

Her chin quivered and a couple more tears fell free. "I should have guessed that something like this would happen."

I waited patiently as she tried to keep herself under control before continuing.

"I was naive to think that Braz might like me."

"What?" I asked, bewildered. "He does! What are you speaking of? What has happened?"

Another sob slipped out but she put the back of her hand to her mouth to retain the rest. After a second, she took a deep breath and muttered in the most broken voice I'd ever heard her use, "I saw him kissing another girl in the hallway."