I couldn't go to sleep. Not after seeing Sydney so upset. Her voice was cracked, her lips and cheeks were parched. I wanted to kiss them so they could be normal again. But it would ruin our friendship. 

But I want more than friendship. 

I knew that if I proposed that Sydney and I became a couple, she would hex me into next month. Merlin, she would be hot while doing it, though. She would probably draw some beautiful picture of a skeleton and I would beg for it, like I always do. I should be glad I got one picture. I wish Sydney and I could be like the boy and the girl in the picture, the two that make up the planet, the main characters. Sydney said I was a minor character, and that she was senery. She's the main character and the minor character and everything that the story needs.

And I'm the air. I'm taken for granted. No one even notices me, but I am the game changer.

Maybe I could make Sydney like magic, I thought as I finally let sleep enter my mind.

✴.       ✴.       ✴.       ✴.        ✴.        ✴.        ✴.        ✴.       ✴.        ✴.        ✴.        ✴.        ✴.        ✴.       ✴.        ✴

I woke up and quickly dressed. My dreams were sharper than usual. Usually, I saw Sydney and I just walking around, holding hands, the occasional peck on the cheek, a giggle and a whisper. Last night, I saw snogging and biting and licking and breasts. I groaned. "Sydney, what have you done to me?" 

I walked out of my dorm and down the lovely spiral staircase. Only a handful of people were sitting in the common room. One pair was Sabrina and Benard, with a plate of conjured breakfast by their side, sadly being ignored. If the couple would separate their mouths, maybe they could have shoved the damn food in. I rolled my eyes and walked out.

In the Great Hall, I saw Sydney eating at the end of the table. This morning here eyes were bright. It killed me, last night, to see them soggy with tears. I didn't want to see her sad. I sat next to her and grabbed a turkey leg, bacon, eggs and cheese. She showed her perfectly beautiful teeth to me, and I smiled back. I noticed that her light brown hair was shinier. Her lips seemed fuller. Had she used a beauty potion? 

"I have a solution to all of my problems," she said after I had grabbed a challace and let magic fill it with coffee. 

"How?" I asked, then began to drink. 

She looked at me. "I'm running away."

At that moment, I felt sorry for the seventh year Slytherin sitting at the next table over. He was now lightly doused in salyvia and coffee. He cursed, amusing a first year.

"I'm sorry, what?" I said. "Are you serious?" The look on her face was dead serious. I swallowed.

"Yes. I have the Maurauder's Map. I could go unseen for a long, long time. I have magic. I can change my name. I can fight. I would just be lonely." She looked at me.

"Oh, no." I shook my head and crossed my arms. "There is no way you are dragging me with you." 

"There are two choices. You either stay here or go with me."

"What if I convince you not to go?"

She closed her eyes and laughed. "Like that can happen. Have you tried to convince anyone anything?"

Good point. "When are you running?"

"Full moon. In three weeks."

"Exactly when did you decide to run?"

"I had a dream about it. Are you coming or not?"

I sighed. After a moment of silence, I said, "Meet me tonight by the lake. After curfew. I'll help you make you're decision."

She smiled. "I might as well break a few rules before I go. And, I am going. It's me who is going to help you make a decision." I laughed.

"Sydney, you sure are something."

She looked at me with a strait face. "No, I'm Sydney. Thomas, I thought you knew that!"

I threw up my hands in mock surrender. "You win. I'm gonna go back to the dorm and plan tonight."

She chuckled. "Me? Worthy of planning? I am just but a simple bush." Her eyes were widened and her mouth resembled one of a fish."

"Yeah. Tomorrow is Sunday. We don't have a reason to stay in late. Bring a blanket or something."

She smiled. "See you then."

I blinked. I had all day to plan, but I already knew exactly what I needed to do.

What I've had to say since I was eleven.

New chapter! 

Poor Thomas. He's had a crush on Sydney forever, and she likes this random person! 

And what about Sydney's plan to run away? I bet you didn't expect it so early in the plotline did you?

I'd love to hear your thoughts. Send me a message!♥