Second Chances

Chapter 10: Fated Friendship

WE'RE BACK WITH THE BABIES. A little angst again, but not much. We aren't at Chapter 9 levels anymore. I don't think I'll write anything that angsty again for AnaVerse (though I warn you that these next few chapters will not lack angst by any means). This is a much shorter chapter and it has been so refreshing to write. I don't have to have twelve tabs open with notes about all these historical figures, or have my calculator open constantly to check the ages of my children to make sure I know how old they are when they DIE. Yeah, it's been nice. This is a fluffy chapter, so I hope you enjoy!

Warning: Google Translate French

Much Love, Krissy

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Senior Year (Two Weeks Before Graduation):

I look at the rain outside my window, watching as it pelts down on anyone unlucky enough to be stuck in it. I've always liked the rain. It's pretty. I sigh and stare blankly out the window. I'm still not completely recovered from the Relive. Sometimes I'll think of John and briefly think he's dead, and that usually results in tears. I think about all the friends I had, and I wonder if I'll meet them again in this life. I found John...Maybe I'll find them too? I'm suddenly pulled from my thoughts as I see a boy running through the rain, arms over his head. But it's not just a boy. It's John. I cock an eyebrow in confusion, and see he's running toward my house. Immediately, I jump up from my window perch and run from the room. I get downstairs just as he starts pounding on the door. Clearly he doesn't have his key with him. I go to the door and open it, immediately being embraced by my sopping wet best friend.

"John?" I ask, concerned. He squeezes me tighter.

"I remembered," he says into my shoulder. I relax and return his hug, ignoring that he's getting my shirt all wet. He's not crying, but he's shaking.

"Anastasia, dear, who was at the-" my mother's question is interrupted when she sees us. She quickly walks over.

"Oh, John, darling, you're soaked to the bone. We need to get you into dry clothes," she says. John slowly nods, but doesn't let me go. I run my hand up and down his back.

"Come on, mon amour. Let me take care of you," I mutter. He nods and I pull back just a little, putting an arm around his shoulders and leading him through the house.

"You should take a warm shower, alright? I'll sit right outside if you need me," I say. He nods silently and goes into the bathroom, closing the door behind him so that he can get undressed. I, on the other hand, quickly run upstairs to my room. He's stayed the night enough times that he keeps clothes here. I get him something else to wear and grab a towel from the hall closet, before going back to the bathroom where I left him. I hear the shower running, but still knock.

"Come in," he responds softly. I open the door and put his fresh clothes and the towel on the counter.

"Anastasia?" I look toward the door, and my mother is standing outside the door. She points to where John has discarded his wet clothes on the floor and I nod. I pick them up and hand them to her, and she closes the door.

"Why'd you run through the rain, love? You have a car," I say, sitting down on top of the toilet lid. I cross my legs and stare down at my nails, picking at them slightly.

"It ran out of gas a block from here," he responds softly. I sigh.

"Honey..." I trail off, unsure of how to respond. He's quiet for a moment, and I can tell he's just standing under the warm water.

"Can I use your shampoo?" he asks softly. I chuckle a little.

"If you don't mind your hair smelling like lavender and rosemary, go ahead," I say. He chuckles a little himself, and I hear the cap open.