Chapter Text
It’s never really silent when tests are being taken, there is always loud sighing and silent cursing in the midst of the class, not to mention the aggressive pencil scribbles every now and then. However, Carmilla was erasing the doodle on her paper, when she notices that the teacher was about to start walking around. She quickly fills some of the bubbles on her answer sheet to make it seem like she was actually taking this test seriously. She also makes sure to sigh loudly when the teacher walked by her, and then continues filling out the bubble sheet without bothering to look inside the test booklet. Carmilla didn't care about her grades nor her future, but what she did care about was leaving this place and never coming back. When she looks up at the clock, she sees that there is 20 minutes left in this class so she decides to look at the posters, to which she has probably memorized at this point. There is a Garfield one that says "Reading Makes Life A Lot Easier"; it shows Odie pushing a door that says “pull” as Garfield looks at you the way Jim from The Office looks at the camera. She remembers the first time she saw that, it had made her chuckle, and it still does. There is also another poster that says "Today is a great day to learn something new", and it is probably the most dumbest yet informative poster she has ever encountered. She didn't know it at first, but everyday you do learn something new, even when you don't expect it. She mentally slapped herself for agreeing with that ridiculous laminated piece of paper. She was about to focus on the next one, when she felt a tap on her shoulder but she didn't even bother turning around since she already knew who it was; it was JP, her best friend since Elementary. She never knew what his initials meant and never really asked. She felt it could offend him if she did. She sticks her hand behind the back of her seat, feels a folded paper and grabs it. She quickly scans the room to make sure she won't be caught reading it. Once she feels safe, Carmilla opens the test booklet and folds out the paper against it.
Carm, did you wanna go tonight?
She’s been thinking about it a lot lately ever since she first saw the flyers everywhere. There was gonna be party at some football player’s house and he invited the whole student body. Carmilla never felt comfortable with them sober, and she wasn't sure it would be any different if they were drunk.
I don't know. Might just go to the woods.
She returns the note back to J.P. by placing it behind her seat and using her finger to poke his knee. She starts thinking about the woods. She remembers the first day she discovered them. She might have been 8 or 9, when she found it while taking a little walk. There was no one else there and it seemed like it wasn't a very well-known location. After that, Carmilla started going there whenever life felt too much. She would listen to some music full blast on her headphones and lean against a tree and just soak in natures beauty. Sometimes she would even take her camera with her to take a few still shots. She had a book filled with the photos that she took. And sometimes when she couldn't escape to the woods, she would open the book, listen to music and pretend she was there.
She feels another tap and she gets another note.
She'll be there. Might be a good chance to talk.
Carmilla glanced up, looking at the light-brown haired girl, who was reading a book at the front of the classroom. Her name was Laura Hollis. She remembers the first time she ever saw her. It was the summer before 3rd grade and Carmilla was looking outside from her room window, studying the cats, when she saw a moving van pull up to the house in front of hers. There, popped out a grown man and little girl- who she first assumed was a kindergartner. Boy was she surprised when she saw her there when classes began. Carmilla thought she was lost, and even tried to help her go back to the kindergarten building. Even now, it’s so embarrassing to think about think about.
Have fun.
She returned the note and slowly started to pack up her things, when she saw that there were still 2 more minutes left to class. She had her bag on her shoulders, and was gripping the test papers while she waited for the bell. Once it rang, the teacher started collecting the tests by the door. She was one of the first out the class, and she waited for JP to catch up. As she stood there, Laura walked by. Carmilla tried very hard not to look at her, but it was difficult not to; everything about her was so captivating yet she never understood why. She’s always seemed like a nice person and there hasn't been any mean gossip about her- that Carmilla knows of. Laura was someone who kept to herself, but at the same time was apart of the popular crowd, mostly because she was dating the captain of the basketball team. Carmilla felt JP pinch her arm and she tried to slap him before he grab her wrist in defense.
“Whoa, careful now.” He said with a hint of laughter before he let go of her. She rubbed her wrist, feigning that she was hurt as JP began chuckling. Carmilla scoffs and walks past him, asking, “Why do you always do that?”. She does not stop walking and already knows that he won't be far behind her. “Well, obviously to wake you up from the trance you get into when you see a certain someone." Carmilla stops abruptly and JP crashed into her with how close he was behind her. She turns around and says, defensively “Excuse me, I was NOT in a trance”. JP grabs Carmilla's shoulders as he says, “Carmilla, you're like a moth to a flame when it comes to her. You get so caught up that you forget to be nonchalant about it". She almost her nostrils flare from her growing annoyance. “Shut up and tell me more about this Will guy.”
JP had met a random guy online who claims to also attend this school, yet he has not met him. They also have no idea how the other looks like, but they know everything else about each other. Nonetheless, they agreed to talk a bit more before meeting. Carmilla thinks that Will is an undercover cop, or something, but JP believes that Will is real, so she tries her best to not rain on his parade as well as promising not say “I told you so” if she turns out to be right. To Carmilla's satisfaction, she typically always is right.
Carmilla's next class was gym, which was surprisingly her favorite, but for only one reason: Laura was also in attendance. She loved watching her participate in whatever the couch/teacher person assigns, all she knows is that Laura definitely works out. Carmilla does not need to do anymore physical fitness than she already does, since she already walks everywhere around town and that is the only cardio she needs and is willing to do. So during those lessons, she would sneak away from everyone and just stare at Laura while she earns her participation points and Carmilla probably earning a zero for the day. She never got caught doing this and the coach didn't really care enough to hunt her down, so she was happily failing this class.
Today was a rainy day, so to avoid anyone getting sick, the coach decided it was an indoor-gym day, and that usually meant a free day, where you could play basketball, jump rope or just sit around on bleachers if you felt like it. Of course, Carmilla was already sitting on her favorite spot on the bleachers where one can lean back and stare at the ceiling, while every now and then, sneaking glances at the little light haired girl. But, today she couldn't find her anywhere, so she decided to attempt to draw the woods on a empty page inside her school binder. She was getting into it when she was interrupted by Laura’s voice. She glanced up and saw Laura flirting with Danny Lawrence, the captain of the basketball team and her girlfriend. Carmilla felt herself scoff as she returned back to her drawing. She was glad that she decided to draw, since she was absentmindedly, drawing her favorite place in this town and right now that seemed to be the only thing that helps her to calm down. She has no right to be jealous and yet here she was, fuming. Carmilla has a major distaste of this feeling, this riduclous green envy over someone she has never had the satisfaction of talking to. This isn't something that should affecting her at all. For a second, she let herself imagine how it would be... like if she ever actually made a move on her. Would things be different? Carmilla steals another glance at her, and find herself focusing a lot on her mouth, seeing the beautiful open smile she has while laughing and the cute crinkles at the side of her eyes. She takes a deep breath and closes her eyes, trying to refocus back into reality. Already, she feels no better than a man whenever her eyes find Laura.
She went back to her drawing and started shading around the branches, trying to make the pine tree come alive when she suddenly feels a poke against her elbow. She, assuming it was JP, had turned around so quick, with her hand raised, ready to slap him when she sees it is LaFontaine and not the dark haired boy. Carmilla collects herself as she gives a little wave to the them. She leans back as she lets herself go back to her thoughts, thinking about how she never knew much about the LGBT until she had met Laf. with them, she learned about people that don't identify with any gender conforming pronouns and this was something she never heard of before but not something that felt was surprising since she knows that people don't tend to fit every label.
Laf adjusts themselves near Carmilla and steals a glance at the overly dark pine tree that could use less shading. They chuckle when they say, “I didn't know you could draw.”
Carmilla feels herself grimace when heard the teasing tone from Laf and with that, she closes her binder and tries to glare at LaFontaine, but like usual, she fails to. She somehow has trouble giving death glares to people she cares about and she kind of hates it since sometimes they kind of deserve to feel her wrath - like right now. While keeping her eyes on Laf, she notices that they have a fading bruise on their left eyes and bandaid coving a faint red cut, above their right, and a busted lip but it all looks to be healing which is a good sign. Nothing too recent. She gives Laf her famous crooked grin before dropping the binder inside her empty school bag. “How are you doing today, LaF?”, she asks as she returns to leaning back on the metal seat behind her and settling in a position that would only be comfortable for her. Laf lets out the biggest smile while they say in their usual excited voice, “I'm actually having such a fantastic day! You wouldn't believe it.”
Hearing that, made Carmilla happy - Laf deserves to have a peaceful day, since she is aware of how much bullying they face since they came out with the truth about themselves. “Care to clarify on that?” she asks, curious to hear about this rare day. “Well, when I woke up this morning, I was home alone so I was able to get ready at my own pace and when I got to school, there was no one waiting for me. And ititss not like they were absent either. I've seen them around the campus but it was like they were avoiding me. Also when I got to class, we were handed packets that we had to complete with a partner and the new girl wanted to be mine. That honestly has never happened to me before and I don't even think that it's a prank, I feel like she genuinely wanted to hang out with me. Today feels like a dream”. Carmilla really wants to pinch them but ultimately decides against it because if it is a dream, Laf deserves to stay in it. But one part that remains to be real, is her broken knuckles she got when explaining to the bullies why they should leave Laf alone.
“So, tell me about your partner?” Carmilla asks since she is really curious about this new kid. Especially her name, so she can seek to find out more. The last thing that Laf needs right now, is someone with terrible intentions. She already knows that Laf is going to get lost in their adolescent hormones, so they might not become aware if the new girl has an agenda. LaFontaine's face gets a little red and begins to match their short, red hair. “Her name is Lola Perry but likes to be called Perry. I guess it is a nickname but I really love that we both go by our last names. Plus that is not the only thing we have in common, she absolutely adores the IT crowd and you know how much I love that show. I love how I found it out too. When we both overheard someone saying they lost their pencil, I whispered, 'I'm sorry for your loss, move on.' And instead of thinking I was being rude, she knew that I was just quoting the show. It was amazing." Laf then looks over at Carmilla, with a sad look on their face, "I just realized I rambled a lot just now, I am sorry about that, I tend-..." Carmilla cuts them off then and there, "Shut up, there is no reason to apologize. Remember I asked and you simply answered." She looks over at them, who was sporting a giant grin and a curious look in their eyes. 'Why do I feel like you want to ask me something." And without missing a beat, Laf immediately asks, "Are you going tonight?". Carmilla lets out a laugh before responding, 'I can barely handle anyone here sober, what makes you think it will be any different with them inebriated?" LaFontaine lets out a chuckle before saying, "You are not wrong there. JP really wants us to be there. He texted me to convince you."
"Yeah that's a no go for me. I cannot be peer pressured, no matter how much JP tries." Carmilla says as she begins fidgeting with her nails, wondering how her hangnail always seem to ruin her day. Damn, she really hopes that her nail clipper is still in her locker. "Yeah, I think I might not go either. Did you want to do something? We rarely hang out nowadays." Laf asks.
Before Carmilla could respond, a red dodgeball smacked LaF right in the face and it looks like it damaged their noise. Laf covers their face as blood began to seek through their fingers. Carmilla instinctively jumps on the seat in front of LaF before anything else could be thrown. Right away, she sees Danny running towards them. Carmilla throws her famous death glare, in celebration of finally being getting a reason to detest the large red head.
“Oh my god! I am so sorry!”
Carmilla doesn’t respond, even as she stops in front of her. She still continues glaring at her even when she hears Laf, standing up, slowly behind her. Danny suddenly looks to be very uneasy and almost intimidated which gives Carmilla the serotonin boost she needed for the day. Almost as quick as she gained that boost, it almost quadruples when she sees Laura run up next to Danny. Carmilla feels her confidence wavering as she tries to avoid Laura's intense gaze and is trying not to read too much into it. She lets out a deep breath, one she was not aware of holding, when Laf stands next to her. “Was that you?” Laf asks. Laura lets out a nervous chuckle while she stands in front of Danny, “It was me. I am so sorry. Danny was showing this trick and I may have gotten a little carried away." LaF raised a single eyebrow as they responded, "You are definitely stronger than you appear." Laura laughs at their statement which sent a massive, shockwave through Carmilla because of how adorable it was. She hates how much she wants to hear it again. She is starting to lose the energy she had when she started her angry gaze at Danny, so she decides to think of random scenarios that the tall red head could be the villain of. Yeah, she can see her being the one that shot Bambi's mom. That bitch.
“Do you need an ice pack? I can take you to the nurse if you want.” Laura asks before starting to walk closer to them both, Carmilla felt her heart try to beat itself to death while her lungs seem to collapse on themselves. “No, it's okay. Carmilla can take me. Please return to your regular scheduled programing.” Laf says as they start to shove Carmilla off the bleachers, good thing they were not too high up otherwise she would have fallen on her face. Laf hands her bag as they begin their walk out the gym, not informing the teacher/couch person that they were leaving. Carmilla still feels the heat of the crush as she starts to become hyper aware of someone staring at her and her delusions make her think.. well hope that it is Laura.
LaF keeps their pace beside Carmilla as they make their way through the maze of the high school. The nurses office is through a few doors and then down the stairs. It was a very odd location for it to be. “Wait Carm, can I ask you something first?” She feels a wall suddenly go up as goosebumps rise up her arms. She already knows what they are going to ask but not the exact words. "I feel like if I were to say no, you'd still ask." She responds as she tries to walk faster, wanting to run away from this moment. "Do you have a crush on Laura Hollis?"
With that, Carmilla almost runs to the stairs and Laf follows right behind, definitely trying to come after Carmilla as closely as they can, "I knew it!” they claim as they begin almost skipping behind her. She retorts back, "Isn't your nose broken or something? Let yourself feel the pain." Laf almost let out a giggle before running down the steps behind Carmilla. Once they catch up to her, they say, "You dont need to worry, I am not planning to tell anyone but JP. Which I already feel like he knows because he knows you better than me. I only just caught it now because you are so obvious that it's funny that Laura, herself doesn't know. Did you know that you drool?" Carmilla stops in front of the nurses office, turns around to look at Laf, trying to give them her wrath but as quick as it appears, it disappears. Laf gives her a satisfied smile, 'Your secret is safe with me. Plus wouldn't it help to have JP as your wing man and I as your wing.. person." Carmilla lets herself smile at that and as she opens the door for Laf, she says, “To answer your earlier question about tonight, meet me after school at the south parking lot.”
Carmilla was sitting on a bench that is located near the parking that she told Laf to meet her at. When she feels two fingers poke her shoulder. There is only one person that pokes her like that and it is JP. His face worries her since it appears nervous and anxious which she has always seen when he is ready explode. She grabs both of his hands as she makes him look her in the eyes, "What happened?" He gives her a small smile, "I'm meeting Will tonight." He breathes out as if he is struggling to keep it. Carmilla suddenly feels as if she has lost the ability to breathe as well when she feels two strong arms hold her desperately. Her instinct to fight, won over as she shoves JP off of her. She is strong and even though JP is physically stronger than her, he does not come close to her combat skills. She taught herself how to fight, she has a lot of scars from when she would attack the trees. She had no access to punching bags, so the trees were her substitute. She feels that by using the tree, it made her punches even harder since her knuckles became full of callouses after the many cuts and bruises. She is pretty sure, she has broken peoples noses before.
JP loses his balance from the hard shove and he lets a laugh along with a loud sigh of relief. It appears that the hard push seemed to have pulled him out of his trance. She makes a mental note that violence is always the answer. He walks back in front of her and goes on his knees to be at eye level with her. "Carm, I am really nervous. I cannot stop over thinking. What if it's a trap?" Carmilla bits her lips as she looks him in the eye, "JP, I know you suck at fighting but I feel like we have gotten in enough matches for you to pick up some moves. I believe, if it's a trap you'll be able to fend for yourself." He loses his seriousness from before and giggles at her. "You always know how to kick someone when they are down." He says with a grin on his face. Carmilla crosses both of her legs on the metal bench, "Yeah, just put a foot on their back so they don't get up then bang, right in the face before going for the ribs." JP begins laughing as he begins standing up, "Carm, you always know exactly what to say. I appreciate you." She feels victorious in whatever she won. Whatever it is, she knows it's well deserved. And she is aware of the smug look on her face because JP shakes his head at her with a toothy smile. She sees Laf running towards JP and she secretly hopes that they tackle him down. It would be a great ending to this semi-bland day and just like that she remember that stupid laugh.
Laf does not tackle JP, much to Carmilla's disappointment, instead they hug him from behind. She shakes her head at the PDA, she hates PDA... well not as much as someone touching her. JP and Laf sometimes respect this boundary and sometimes, it's not terrible when they hug her without her consent but only sometimes. She will never admit to this. They cannot know or they will do it more and it won't be her fault if her fist decides to close the gap. She looks over to them both as they seem to be jumping around over something and noticed she has failed to pay attention to them. Sometimes it's like they are lost in their own little word, it's sweet. It gives her time to herself when they get like that. As soon as she thought that, they both look over to her, with red, sweaty cheerful faces. She already feels the dread boiling over since she knows they are going to include her in whatever plan they have cooked up.
"Carmilla, what do you think I should wear?" JP asks as he releases himself from Laf's hold. He gives her a vulnerable look which became apparent that his earlier nerves have not calm down at all. She wonders if tripping him would help this time. She giggles as she has that mental image. Bamn, there he goes. She could trip him and shout 'Timber!'. "Carmilla, are you with us or did a certain someone walk by?" JP asks as he scans the growing crowd of students. Laf went to whisper something in JP's ear and based on the look on his face, she already knows what Laf decided to update JP on. He sports a mischievous look when he knees himself in front of her again, "Tell me what I should wear or I am calling her over right now." JP points to her crush and before Carmilla focuses on the pretty girl, JP says, "Help me or you know I will call her over." Carmilla looks at him defeated as she gives a curt nod. She hates losing and she knows she will find a way to get back at him. "Wear the black jeans with the black button up and vest. Make sure to polish those boots as well." She responds in a montone voice, focusing extra hard her nails and mentally curses herself since she forgot to look for her nail clippers. These damn hangnail.
“So, are you guys meeting at a specific area or are you just gonna be wearing certain clothes or is he gonna have a white rose in his mouth?” Laf asks.
Carmilla shakes her head as she remembers how she first met LaFontaine. It was in middle school when they had first moved here. They originally had long hair that was always pulled back into a ponytail. JP automatically became friends with them and they got along famously. Carmilla had also hung out with them both but when doing so, she usually sat in the back and blasted music in her headphones. At first, LaF was curious as to why she always listened to music when they were all together. They thought it was because of them but JP had to explain that she wasn't a great conversationalist, and that this was only her seeing if she likes them or not. She remembers the day LaF chopped off their hair. They were all hanging out at a some park, and while on an intense sugar high, JP had pulled out some wireless trimmers that he had stolen from his dad. He asked LaF if they wanted to cut their hair and LaF took it as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. LaF was always closer to JP than they ever were with her and that did not bother her. They were still getting to know each other at that point and were both working on ways to earn each other's trust.
After the haircut, LaF was getting picked on for looking masculine and that was when Carmilla began defending Laf against all the dumb, ignorant bullies. She didn't know LaF very well, but she knew that they did not deserve this cruelty. Later on, bullies started to get LaF when Carmilla wasn't there and she offered to teach them how to defend themselves, LaF declined this every time. Carmilla didn't question their decision, but had offered to walk them to school and back, which LaF agreed to. During those walks, she learned a few things about LaFontaine, like how they how much they love British TV and making things explode in their backyard.
LaF started requesting the faculty and students to refer to them in gender neutral pronouns and to only refer them by their last name. Although it was a big step for LaF, that was also when more bullies came out of the woodwork. Carmilla did the best she could to protect them, but they weren't in middle school anymore; they didn't have the same classes and school was no longer walking distance. The only time she could help them was during lunch or gym class. Other than that, Carmilla rarely got to see LaF throughout the day. Despite everything, she has never seen LaFontaine happier; they weren't questioning themselves anymore and they looked comfortable in their skin for once. Carmilla always wondered how LaF, after everything they’ve been through, could always have a smile at the end of the day. So when she finally figured out who the instigators were, she did not hold back one bit. She even had one of their tooth chip in her knuckles and the amount of blood that came out, surprised her a little. Once she zoned back in, she gathers that JP is meeting the mysterious dude in the host's room. She guesses his name is Kirsch due to how much JP keeps repeating, 'Kirsch's room'. She listens more and becomes a little concerned when she finds out that Will is friends with the jug head football player. She hasn't heard much about the Kirsch fellow, other than he is a football player and they don't have the best reputation with being nice. Some of Laf's bullies are actually on the team. Now that makes her wonder if Will is going to be sporting a shiner when JP meets him. If he does, she won't hesitate one bit.
Suddenly, she wants to go, she doesn't want JP to get hurt even though he does know how to defend himself but it would make her less nervous. This is new territory and knowing that they are meeting in a confined space were anything could happen. "You won't be going alone now." She speaks up which makes both of them jump, she guesses they both forgot she was even there due to her lack of participation to their conversation. Laf looks at her confused and hurt evident on their eyes. This was going to be the first time they hang out each other without JP in awhile, so she can see why that would hurt them. She decides to retract her statement, "Never mind, I made plans with Laf. Please let us know if you need us, I'll be there as soon as possible even if I have to commit a felony."
JP looks confused at Laf before giving the same look to Carmilla, "What do you mean you have plans with Laf? I thought you had plans with nature?" Carmilla shifts uncomfortably in her seat which answers JPs question, he looks over to Laf, "You're so damn lucky. I haven't even been there yet." Laf looks at JP with confusion all over their face before it hits them, "You're joking right? Nah, that cannot be true. Oh my god, I am in a dream. I've always wanted to see this place of solitude. I always wanted to have my own." Carmilla smirks at JP, she finally found her payback and feels victorious all over again. "Yes, Laf we are going there. Let me know if you need someone to pinch you." She is not going to offer to do it, she knows that she can make JP do it though. JP snorts before giving a big hug to Laf and a side hug to Carmilla. "I'll let you guys know how it does!" He shouts as he had started jogging away so he does not miss his bus.
Carmilla gets up and starts walking without saying anything. Laf had learn this to be a habit for the brunette and learned to just go with it. She leads them to a public bus stop, where she leans against the metal face that surrounds the bench. She notices Laf almost jumping for joy when she sneaks a glance over at them. She does not understand the appeal of her revealing the woods to her friends but they both have asked multiple times, to see this place. Then she thinks that maybe they will see the part of her that she is known to hide, well it's not like JP doesn't see pieces every once in awhile. She hates how vulnerable she lets herself get with JP and now it looks like she is on that same journey with Laf. She doesn't know how to feel about this. She always liked her solitude but who knows, maybe she would like the extra company.
“You know this is actually my first time on these.” Laf says as they sit down next to Carmilla in the aisle seat, she starts looking at her fingers again. She hates how many scars she sees on her thumb, from the many times she finds herself biting there. “Well, I'm glad I can be here for you.” She says as she leans back in the seat, wishing the bus driver would drive away already. She just wants to lean against her favorite tree and drown the world out with music. Laf snorts as they begin to stare at the scenery that passes by since the bus finally began moving. "Are we really going to the wood?" They ask a bit hesitantly. She gives them a small smile before saying, "One more mention of the woods and I am getting off this bus." Laf smiles at her, "I cannot wait!". She hates how much they have picked up on her mannerisms.
Carmilla starts walking away before the bus pulls off from the bus stop. Laf follow behind her, hoping from one foot to another. She catches sight of this and with an amused grin, asks, "Are you okay there?" Laf gives an uneasy smile as they respond, "I really have to use a bathroom." She chuckles, "How comfortable are you with squatting?" Laf stares fearfully at Carmilla which makes her laugh pretty hard. She pulls out her phone, to see if her rents are home. They shouldn't be yet, probably will be empty for the next 2 hours. “We can walk to my place, it's not far from here." She says as she starts walking in a different direction, Laf dancing right behind her. "Your guardians aren't home?” They asks since even they know a little about Carmilla's home life since Laf recognizes the brand of makeup that she uses to cover up the aftermath. They both walk in silence, well she walked in silence while Laf ponders that this must be a dream since they get to see her home before JP. She now wonders if they both some on-going bet about who knows her best. She will have to figure this out later since she feels her body stiffen as her foster home comes into view. She feels herself start to grind her teeth as continues walking towards the house.
Carmilla pulls out her house key and before unlocking the door, she listens intently at the window that is near the front door and doesn't hear anything. The only time this place is quiet is when they are not home. Even when they are asleep, there is always some type of noise. She opens the door and walks in first to make sure the coast is clear. She is glad that Laf seems to have gotten the hint since they stay near the door. Once she confirms that the house is 100% empty, she goes to lead Laf to the bathroom. While they are in there, Carmilla stays hear the front door, listening. Even though she knows that they both get out of work in a few hours, she also knows to expect the unexpected here. Like what that stupid poster says, 'You learn something new everyday."
She almost jumps when Laf opens the bathroom door, she did not realize how on edge she was. God, she hates how uneasy she is here. Carmilla then grabs their hand and leads them out of the door as soon as possible. Once the door is locked, she starts almost running away. The energy this places has is suffocating, she rarely gets a good night sleep there. At times, she does smoke a little to get the nerves down, just to sleep. One thing she is glad about it though, is that they aren't strict about using the locks on the door.That is the only way she will be able to get some sleep.
Carmilla begins kicking a rock that comes in her path and continues it until one hard kicks sends it soaring into a nearby bush. She forgets the annoyance of losing her new toy when she spots the familiar marking she made in the past. She starts walking in that direction, Laf still following behind. Carmilla walks too fast for Laf to even try to keep up with her again. She feels a smile get plastered on her face once she sees her favorite tree and immediately settles herself against it. Already, pulling out her headphones from her bag. Laf walks into the clearing, looking relaxed, "I can see why you like this place... it's a nice breath of fresh air." She just responds with a smile, waiting patiently for them to finish so she can listen to her angsty music and breathe. "You know JP would call this place your fortress of solitude. I am going to tell him that he totally right." Laf continues looking around and just taking in the views. Once they seemed to have gotten their fill, they settle down against a tree not far from hers but enough for privacy. She takes that as her cue and presses play as soon as the headphone align with her ears. She closes her eyes as she lets her drift off, the peace and comfort she feels here always lets her to snooze rather quickly. She always feels safe here, ever since finding this place.
She gets kicked back to reality, away from the wonderful dream she was having. She does not remember what was happening but knows it was good with hot and bothered she feels. Her eyes open and she looks around the dark clearing. She sees Laf reading a book, ear buds in and book light on. She feels her phone buzz and that is where she finds the reason she woke up. She grabs it and sees that she a few messages from JP.
From JP
I'm at home.
About to get ready.
Wish me luck.
From JP
Did you guys die? Laf isn't responding either.
Yo
You suck
From JP
Okay I am about to leave now. I am walking there, will probably ask you for a ride home tbh.
From JP
Okay, I see the house full of cars and loud music. Will update more in a minute.
Sending to J.P.
Good Luck!
She stuffs the phone back in her pocket, and readjusts her headphones. She gets comfortable as she hears the singer scream some really relatable lyrics.
“I try to make you see my side
Always try to stay in line
But your eyes see right through
That's all they do
I'm getting tired of this shit
I've got no room when it's like this
What you want of me, just deal with it
So...
If you were dead or still alive,
I don't care,
I don't care
And all the things you left behind,
I don't care,
I don't care”
Carmilla jolts awake to a darkness surrounding her, she feels her phone vibrating and it does not stop. She grabs it and sees Jps contact image flashing. She answers and before she can even say hello, JP asks in a defeated tone,“Carmilla, can you come get me, please?” . When he said please, his voice gave out a little. She suddenly is more awake than she has been all day. Already standing up, moving to go wake up Laf. Before she hangs up, she says “On my way.”