《As Above So Below》Burned at Both Ends

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Two weeks passed without a word said between Roman and his parents. Livid couldn’t even begin to describe what was tumbling around in his mind. He resented his parents for keeping secrets from him, especially considering he was the primary person affected. They couldn’t even be bothered to offer an explanation, choosing to wave him off and let him wallow in the misery that came from his new identity of being mentally ill.

Lazily, Roman packed his suitcase despite the fact he should have done it the night before. The only thing he really cared to bring was his jacket. Whatever else he needed could be bought in the city. It wasn’t like Roman was picky. As he continued tossing clothes into his bag, he talked to Fletcher on the phone.

“I don’t know, man. I feel like we are back at square one. Davis probably wants us dead, has a magic spell book and knows a hell of a lot more. Feels kind of hopeless.” Fletcher said.

“You're not the one being sent across the country because Ellis couldn’t stand the idea of not being a martyr.” Roman threw a pair of socks like they were a basketball. “Besides, didn’t Helga agree to train you guys or something?”

“Yeah, I guess...but at least half way across the country you don’t have to see Davis parading around.” There was a cautious pause. “I didn’t hear it from Ellis but apparently he’s going to Saint Calvin’s too. Something about university prep. Surprised Mrs. Holloway would suggest it with you being there and all.”

“I don’t know about that. It is what it is at this point. It’s not like I’m uncomfortable around him so the issues are moot.” Roman was aware that it sounded like a dig at Fletcher but he really hadn’t meant it that way.

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“Well, he hasn’t tried to kiss you yet.”

“He won’t. He can do better than me.”

“He killed a dude. You really got to work on your self worth.”

“That’s the pot calling the kettle black.”

“Hardly.”

“Roman! Are you packed yet?” His mom hollered from the bottom of the stairs.

“Yes!” He yelled back, pulling the phone away for a second before snapping it back to his ear. “We’re about to leave for the airport. Call you when we land.”

Roman came down the stairs, suitcase in tow. His mom was sitting at the kitchen island, pouring over some documents. She scooped them up before he could see. A broad smile beamed from her face, unnaturally so.

“I’ve been working out our schedule.” She said as if it was a good thing. “Your days are going to be pretty packed between school work and therapy with Dr. Howe.”

The fashion industry was vile. Roman had spent enough time around his mom to know that it wasn’t a world he wanted to see. The idea of working in it with his mom made him both disgusted and exasperated.

“Cool, am I going on medication?” He asked as he grabbed another bag and started off towards the car.

“No.” She offered no other explanation nor reason. Roman gritted his teeth and smiled. Arguing with her was a lost cause.

They loaded up the back of the car. Roman’s suit case seemed massive compared to his mom’s carry on which was the only thing she intended to take with her. Slamming the trunk closed, he became overwhelmed with the idea that it wasn’t real. Rationality was not something his mother was blessed with. Logically, Roman concluded that there was no way she would accept such a weak punishment for everything he’d done.

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“This is a trick.” Roman didn’t mean to say it out loud.

“Why would I trick you?” His mom asked half curious, half hurt while she walked around the driver's side of the car.

“Wouldn’t be the first time. I don’t trust you.” He answered honestly.

Before the conversation devolved further, Declan came out of the house still dressed in his pajamas. He didn’t say anything as he walked towards them. Roman furrowed his brow, unsure of what to expect. Declan wrapped his arms around him tightly, pulling him into a bear hug.

“I’ll see you on the long weekends?” Declan's voice trembled. Roman didn’t understand why he seemed afraid.

“Yeah, yeah. Sure.” Roman tried to push Declan off. “Love you.” He added it but the words didn’t feel natural coming out.

Taking one last moment, Roman looked at the desolate street he’d grown up on. It was strange to think he wouldn’t be there for the second summer in a row. Of course, he hated Emmerson but the small street still was home to him. He didn’t want to go. Hesitantly, he got in the passenger side of the car, unsure of what laid ahead of him. His mom pulled out of the driveway and shot a final goodbye to Declan before finally heading towards the airport. Sinking in his seat, Roman watched the rear-view mirror to see the town pass him by but instead saw Davis with a wild grin and an enthusiastic wave. When Roman turned to him, he was gone. Almost like magic.

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