I am Clara

The Day Has Come

Mimpi was right to assume that I would have time to fully heal before Kundanskie rose. I had returned to school almost two weeks ago and though I had received many suspicious glances, no student or teacher bothered to approach or confront me. Rumors and suspicions had spread like wildfire, but not a word was said to my face. It helped that multiple tall blondes had been purposely acting suspicious, as if hoping to be mistaken for the girl in the white dress. These people infuriated Andrews, who thought the idea of others getting the recognition I deserved was completely absurd. I was grateful for the cover up. I knew it would probably be impossible to keep my identity hidden after the day of the final battle, but I was squeezing out as many quiet days as I could.

     From the dark state that had taken over the small town, and the swirling grey clouds, I knew as soon as I woke that today was that day. I felt the moment Kundanskie fully regained power, felt the moment she stepped on ground for the first time in centuries. I couldn't explain the feeling as anything but an indescribable darkness in the pit of my stomach.

     Grabbing the twins' rock from my nightstand, I met Andrews in the kitchen, not bothering to grab my school bag. Andrews was just finishing his breakfast, almost ready to leave, no clue that I wouldn't be following him. It was just a regular rainy day to him. I hated to burst his bubble.

     "Nasty storm coming our way," he noted. "You must be happy. You've been complaining about the perfect weather all year."

      Happy? No. Nearing a panic attack? Very much so. Uneased by my silence, he studied me carefully. He read me with that one look. Struck with realization, his face dropped.

      "Today?"

     I nodded. His expression momentarily mirrored one of terror and devastation, but he promptly tried to cover it up. Likely for my sake. He didn't do a very good job.

     "Don't panic," he said, standing from his chair to walk my way. "You've done everything you could to prepare. You're ready."

      I nodded again, this time forcing a smile. The pounding heart in my chest, and swirling knots in my stomach didn't ease one bit.

      "When are you leaving?" He tried to keep his voice steady, but the tremor in his voice was unmissable.

     I shrugged. "I'm waiting for Mimpi's signal."

     "Well, until then, have a seat," he said. "I'll make you breakfast."

     "There's no need for that," I protested. "I can—"

     "Please let me do this," he begged, eyes and voice helpless.

     "Alright." I swallowed. "Thank you." There was so much more that I wanted to say, but I couldn't find the strength to voice them.

     I took a seat as he requested, and we tried to distract one another. I told him about Isaiah's birthday plans, hoping and subtly hinting that he attend in the likely case that I couldn't. I did my best to carry out a normal conversation, not wishing to remind myself or Andrews that this might be one of our last.

      I had time to eat the last of my chocolate pancakes before a knock came from the front door. I guess that was the signal. Opening the front door, Andrews and I came face to face with Mimpi, Xander and Laila, all draped in their purple cloaks. In one glance it was clear that they held much more confidence in the fight's outcome. They showed no signs of fear or worry. No shaky fingers or fast breathing, like Andrews and me. Despite everything that I had said about Mimpi and her crew, it was so good to see her in person.

      "You ready?" Mimpi asked calmly, standing in front of the other two.

     "Do I have much of a choice?"