Page 18 of Stealing Embers
“I can see by your face that that news is either incredibly surprising to you, or very familiar.”
I absently run a hand through my long—recently cleaned—hair. During my shower, months of built-up grime had swirled down the drain. It’s back to its light color with bright red tips.
“I can’t dye mine either. I tried so many times when I was younger, but it all just washed out.”
“I figured as much. That’s a quality unique to our race.”
She says that like we’re a completely different species. Oh gosh—maybe we are?
Stuffing the thought away for later, I stick to the subject at hand.
“Why is mine so different, though? Everyone in there has dark hair. And I have this.” I hold a chunk up between us to emphasize my point. The blonde parts practically glow under the overhead lights.
A few beats pass before Sable answers. “Truth is, we’re not exactly sure. You are somewhat of an anomaly in that regard, but we will do our best to help figure it out. At the end of the day though, it’s just hair.”
“It’s also a highly visible feature that sets me apart from every single person in that very large, very crowded room.”
She nods, understanding in her eyes. “I get that I’m asking you to step outside your comfort zone here, but I truly believe this is for the best. That this is foryourbest. Will you please just give it a chance?”
I turn to look down the hall. The noise from the cafeteria has started up again, as if I’d never been there. Or perhaps they’re all talking about me now. The strange girl with the odd hair.
“I have an idea. If I leave for a moment, will you promise not to run?”
That’s a promise I don’t want to keep. Sable notices my hesitation.
“Trust me, please?”
I reluctantly nod.
Sable hurries down the hall and through the dreaded doors. She’s only gone a few minutes before she’s pushing back through them, a teenage girl on her heels.
“She’s right over here. Thanks for coming out.”
“No problem,” the girl says with her eyes—her very light blue eyes—glued on me. When she and Sable reach me, she just stares. In all fairness, I’m having a hard time not doing the same.
Her hair is a beautiful dark mass of curls that springs from her head and bounces a hand-length past her shoulders. Her eyes are crystal blue, bordering on silver. And her brown skin has cool, rose undertones that complement and enhance her features.
She’s one of the most beautiful people I’ve ever met, but the novelty of seeing such light eyes contrasted against her other features makes it hard not to stare.
I grimace, realizing how long I’ve been gawking at her. She waits for me to look my fill with a soft smile on her face.
“Emberly, this is Ash. I thought it might be easier for you to get your feel around the other students if you were with one.”
“That was really thoughtful of you, Sable,” I say in a small voice. I’m half-ashamed I reacted to Ash like everyone in the room had done to me, and half-embarrassed that it’s so obvious how socially awkward I am.
“Hi, Emberly. It’s so nice to meet you.” Ash waves at me. “I’d love to help you grab dinner if you’re up for it. I heard you whacked your head pretty hard. It must have been bad. It takes quite a lot to knock us out like that.”
She’d used the word “us” like I’m already part of the group. I’m not sure if I like that or not.
Reaching up, I finger the knot on the back of my head.
“Several hits, in fact,” I confess with a smile loaded with chagrin.
She winces in sympathy. “Ouch.”
“Yeah, that about sums it up.”
“You interested in trying to make another go of it?” She indicates the cafeteria behind her with a hitch of her thumb. “I promise there are a lot of really nice people in there.”