The Actual Danger Outside

[Wishfully]

Khara watched him leave, unsure if she had done the right thing or not. He looked so dejected...it made her feel awful. But it had to be done, didn't it? Khara couldn't afford to do anything so rash as leaving her family to help an outsider stop some war. There was too much at stake. She had people she cared about here- what would her parents and sister think if she just ran off into the unknown without a reasonable explanation? Khara had her life ahead of her, however docile the life of a seamstress would be...still, it was all she had. When she thought about it again like that, it didn't seem like there was so much to lose after all, but it was still to much to ask.


She tried to forget about it and move on with her life as usual, but somehow, Charlie kept nagging at her. She kept hearing his annoying laughter in her mind and seeing his bright red hair and smug grin even as she helped her family prepare to sleep for the night. "I can't remember the last time you had a friend over," her mother said as they made sure all the rooms were in order and tidy. "He seemed alright. A little odd, but not so bad, I guess." Khara shrugged at her mother's words, not wanting to talk about Charlie anymore. "I'll take out the trash," she offered in hopes of changing the subject until she noticed her father had already done so. Khara wished her parents a good night before quietly entering the room where her sister was already sleeping.


As she lie there on top of her bed, Khara's eyes remained open, just staring at the ceiling. She sighed audibly. At this rate, she would never be able to sleep. She really hated Charlie for this. he just had to go and make everything difficult, didn't he? Khara hopped out of bed and threw on her normal clothes before going into the kitchen and baking more bread. She shoved some fruit and a container of water into a sack, and once the bread was done baking she wrapped that up as well.


Khara hesistated with every step, part of her saying to just run back into the house. But the other part of her said this was the right thing to do. The dutiful side of her won over as she approached the North Wall. Khara stopped a few feet away from Charlie and just stood there for a moment without a word. Then, she set the sack down by his feet, as well a rolled-up blanket. "Here," she said. "Don't take this the wrong way...I haven't changed my mind," she said quickly. "But I can't be responsible if you die on your own. I couldn't sleep, and I have school in the morning. So there." Khara folded her arms and looked away from the boy. "Well...goodnight," she said as she turned to go back home.

 

[SkyFilms]

Charlie dragged on each of his movements, his steps where sluggish as if he where stepping through a continuous mound of mud as he neared the North wall.


His bangs danced in front of his gaze as he watched ahead of him silently, the streets where lifeless the rustling of the leaves merging with his footsteps filled the otherwise soundless air. His hands fiddled with his glove quietly the metal buttons cold to the touch from the low temperature which enveloped his now shaking form.


The teen tried to keep his mind blank other then thinking of his destination and what sort've excuse he could use but his mind continued to wander back onto the topic of his earlier companion. Khara.


The strong girls words stuck to him, and caused him to question himself and his goals. He really wished the girl had joined him on such a journey not only for the reasons he gave her but because he had found himself enjoying the girls presence. She was so foreign and different, and though it was a little to dull for his taste her mind set was a very fun and interesting change.


As he found himself at the wall he looked down at his wrist bringing it upwards to be eye level with his glare. The darkness of the night enveloped his eyesight and made it next to impossible to read what the two thin hands pointed to. Charlie pressed the watch closer to his eyes becoming irritated as he leaned his left shoulder into the rough surface of the wall attempting to get the time. After a few seconds of him standing completely still as he concentrated on the single object he lifted his other hand frustrated with his inability to read a simple watch. Holding up his gloved hand timidly he waited a moment collecting himself before snapping the two fingers together naturally. As if the action created a small spark his fingers acting as kindle a small flame danced at the tips of his fingers. The red and orange swirled around one another in a eternal war as their fight emitted a warm glow making it possible for Charlie to read the time.


9:33 pm.


The actual time shocked him, it felt much later and he was thoroughly disappointed to see how long he'd be waiting for a girl he knew would never come. With the knowledge of the time he rammed his back into the towns wall lazily sliding downwards, small rocks tumbled from the wall and descended along with himself until his bottom made contact with the cool ground. For a moment he stared at the small flames as they fought against the air, this small trick set himself out from people like Khara. What caused them to never take part in one anothers lives. At the unfair thought he quickly extinguished the flame with a simple flick of his wrist.


Charlie sighed as he sat at the same spot awaiting for the moment the two slim hands struck the same number which stood tall at the top of the circle. Though the moment still hadn't occurred he stood up dusting off the front of his jeans noticeably annoyed with the whole situation. He was ready to leave tired of the silence of the town which pushed himself to only think more about Khara and what he had gotten himself into. Prepared to leave he fixed his hat one last time prepared to begin up the wall once more when a set of approaching steps echoed through the air, the owner of them shocked him greatly and her small gifts madeit difficult to find his words of thanks. He locked his gaze on the girl awaiting for her to do something, leap into his arms and announce her need for leaving the town or to begin a whole new lecture towards the boy. But neither occurred, he listened intently his eyes darting from her to the supplies she was providing.


Charlie was ready to reject what she had brought knowing that her family would greatly appreciate the food but didn't quite want to neglect such a kind gesture. So he stepped forward hesitantly hands outstretched quietly just as she wished him a goodnight, at the words without thought he urgently jogged past the items and in her direction. He grabbed her shoulder and whipped her body around forcefully so she faced him before bringing her towards him and hugging her gratefully. The heat of her body mixing with his own,


"Khara, though we only know one another by our names. I want to thank you for what you've done, you're a wise kind girl and don't lose that okay? I really wish you where coming with me, but I guess that's not possible when we have such different lives. But um I guess," he took hold of her shoulders and held her out in front of her as he gave her a wide enthusiastic smile,


"Bye Khara." He spoke happily, his tone and smile acting as a mask to cover his true defeated emotions. His hands slid from her small shoulders cautiously as he turned around in the direction of the items she so kindly brought to him.


(So sorry for the late reply.)

 

[Wishfully]

As soon as Khara turned her back on Charlie, she felt regret falling to the pit of her stomach like lead- a heavy, even poisonous feeling that permeated the very core of her being until it consumed her whole body. She had no idea what she was doing- why she had come out here or why she had waited so long to do so, why she had pushed Charlie a way or why she hadn't pushed him harder... it was all a blurred mess wrapped in spiderwebs of murky uncertainty. But before she had time to respond, she felt him grab her.


"Charlie! W-What are you-?" Khara stammered, completely caught off guard. She stood there stiffly and he embraced her, but she couldn't muser the courage to push him away. Khara could feel color creep onto her cheeks; she was thankful it was dark outside. Why was he so odd? Hugging or physical affection in general was uncommon here- Khara barely hugged the members of her own family. This must be a weird outsider thing, she concluded, since he obviously didn't think it odd to hug a stranger.


Khara stood motionless, as if frozen to the spot, as Charlie thanked her and said goodbye. Good, she thought. Now he'll be out of my hair and back where he belongs. And my life can go back to normal. But to think that her world could be shaken so much by a single boy over the course of a few hours... Khara hesitated. Maybe her life was more fragile than she believed. Maybe it wouldn't hurt to change. No, she shook her head. It was still too soon to change. But maybe, just maybe...it would be okay to see things from another perspective. The leaders of Elzyon had always valued education and knowledge. What better way to gain knowledge about the unknown than from a walking, talking alien himself?


When Khara had finally settled on this decision, she turned back and jogged to where she had left Charlie, hoping he hadn't been too quick to make his escape from the inside. Khara reached out her hand and touch his shoulder but then hesitated and pulled back. Maybe for him this wouldn't be such a big deal, but for her, it was different. After several seconds of back-and-forth debating, Khara compromised and tapped Charlie's shoulder for a brief instant.


"Hey," she said. "Um...well...I have school tomorrow, but um...maybe I could talk to you again after." Khara fiddled with the ends of her sleeves and looked down at her hands. "I mean, if you're still around and didn't have anything better to do, of course. You shouldn't feel obligated to wait around if you have things you need to be doing." Khara glanced up at him before averting her gaze again. She felt anxious and didn't want to stay out much later, so she turned to leave yet again.


"But that doesn't mean I changed my mind," she repeated, calling out over her shoulder. "I still don't think you've found the right girl to help you- I still don't think it's me."


Khara knew the morning would come all too soon, and that she would be tired when she woke up. However, she was glad she stayed up and went out there. Her conscious wouldn't allow her to sleep under such conditions. Even as she returned to her room once again, she had trouble easing into the comfort of her home. The mattress felt harder than usual, and the blankets felt rough against her skin. She thought of Charlie and his strange clothes, his funny personality, and his strange actions. Though she didn't understand the rationale behind half of what he said or did, his oddities were comforting, somehow. Although she wasn't used to his way of thinking, everything he said and even did seemed sincere. Khara had no reason to doubt that he was truly from the outside, and that he knew of worlds she had never dreamed of.


Khara thought of her younger days, when she had been curious and uncontent to live inside a world of walls- a world with every security but no choices. Sure it was easy to live in a world without danger when the freedom was taken away. It was easy to be safe by putting up walls to shut the other worlds out. Khara had been reprimanded multiple times for asking questions of why things were the way they were. Maybe there was a reason, after all. Maybe Charlie was that reason. It was a long shot, she knew. Khara stared out the window, half expecting to see Charlie's red hair and unmistakable grin taunting her in some way. However what she did see was the sun. Rising over the wall, it signified the start of a new day. A new chance. A new start, and maybe this time, she could start over with a friend.

 

[SkyFilms]

Charie felt the girls small form stiffen as he held her in his arms but it only caused him to hold her tighter while he could, it almost felt like a sob story much like the ones his mother would tell him as a child. One particularly sticking out within his thoughts, one of a girl with long golden hair who lived her life within a tower until a boy suddenly appeared. He showed her the world and they fell hard for one another, and even when her mother had cut the girls hair, her way of seeing the man they still came together.


As his heart was racing his hands tightening his hat he somewhat felt as if he related to the small tale at that same moment except he was leaving the princess stuck in the tower and he didn't like her that way and he was certain she didn't care for him in such a way.


The teen took hold of the supplies the girl gave to him gratefully, he gripped them firmly not wishing to lose them as he climbed the wall with only one of his hands. But suddenly a small almost unnoticeable tap made contact with his shoulder, turning around his eyes met the same pale orbs from before but they seemed different as if someone had re lit her past dying flame. When she gave up the idea of them speaking with one another again the next day he couldn't allow himself not to smile as he nodded in agreement enthusiastically,


"If that's what you want I'll come back," He responded his insides giddy with new found excitement, a new friend was created when they spoke their farewells.


"I'll be back at the same time maybe a little earlier if you want me to walk with you home." He gave up the idea wondering which one sounded better himself, and even when she said she wasn't the right girl he nodded his head no. He wasn't going to believe that especially now.


As she turned away he slowly recalled what he had done before up the wall and did as he had digging his shoes into the small notches inside of the wall and with his free hand took hold of the highest ditch he could before stepping higher with his feet repeating this process up the whole wall until he was once again standing on the peak of the wall. As he readjusted the blanket in the section between his chest and arm he looked behind him at the small town, small lights where still on surprisingly the golden specks almost like stars in an otherwise dark sky.


When he found himself looking for a bit to long he let out a sigh before beginning down the other side of the wall, the wall which separated him from his new friend. Charlie was going to be punished for doing this if any officials in the upper class government heard about any of this but all he could do was silently plead Marie wasn't as much of a gossip as he believed.


Charlie as he walked the distance back to Beth and his home felt a new hatred for the walls which separated the outsiders and Clots.


No.


Separated the people from the people.


What he experienced today was much different then what he remembered as a child, he only wished that each person could understand that though they all lived differently they all where the same in the end and didn't need the walls.


He let out an agitated groan, perhaps his new determination was found just because of Khara.


That stupid dull girl.

 

[Wishfully]

The next day would surely be no different than the last, at least, that's what Khara anticipated as she walked with her sister to school again. As Khara trailed behind the younger girl without a word, she caught herself paying more attention to things- the color of the sky, the intensity of the light, the fallen leaves on the ground as opposed to the ones in the trees. For some reason, everything looked duller than she remembered. Khara was sure that everything looked brighter just a few days ago- had she been mistaken or...?


"Hey, can I try something?" little Lyra asked, bounding back toward the older girl when they had just exited their yard. Khara snapped out of her own thoughts and looked down at her sister curiously.


"What is it that you'd like to try?" she asked.


The child stuck out her hand. "I want to hold your hand," she said with a grin.


Khara was taken aback. "You...what? Um, I don't know if-"


"Please? Just once," the girl said.


"Ah...well...okay," Khara hesitated before reaching out her own hand. Lyra beamed as she fell into step beside her sister, swinging her arms casually as if nothing was out of the ordinary. Khara, on the other hand, was a little tense. She had trouble relaxing until they were almost within sight of the school. Then she realized how natural it really was, how comforting. It reminded her of Charlie's affectionate hug- warm and accepting. Khara gave her sister's hand a small squeeze before wishing her a good day at school and going to her own once again.


Khara's day continued routinely- she worked on her sewing project from the moment she entered class all the way until lunch, and then again after. Khara had never realized how boring it all was. Well, maybe that wasn't the complete truth, but she had never noticed it so blatantly before. The fabric was dull, heavy, and difficult to work with. Although there was a comfortable feeling in sewing, there wasn't pleasure or joy in it for her. Her stitches became noticeably sloppier, much to her instructor's disappointment, and Khara had to redo them several times before the day was done. She sighed to herself, anxious to escape the large, empty room. Khara took a moment to glance around at her other classmates. She barely knew any of them. Maybe she really was "unpopular" as Charlie had said. But none of the other girls or boys seemed the slightest bit interesting- they were all alike, all dutiful, responsible, and sheltered. Just like me... Khara thought. She frowned a little to herself. Did she really want to be like that? Never speaking out of turn, never doing anything of her own accord?


As soon as the school day was over, Khara didn't hesitate to leave the classroom. Charlie would be around soon, she remembered, and for some reason, she felt excited. Although his ways were unpredictable and sometimes even unpleasant to her, there was something about that spontaneity that she looked forward to. Not that she would ever tell him that, of course. Khara pondered to herself, wondering what they were going to talk about...she actually hadn't thought that far ahead when she suggested it last night, but now she figured it ought to be planned. Were you supposed to plan a conversation? Hm... Khara wondered if he was curious about the inside, not that there was much to show him here; she would rather know about more exciting worlds, places where gray wasn't the main export. Oh dear, I didn't even tell him where I would meet him... Khara sighed to herself. Maybe she should just go to the wall after escorting her sister to the house.

 

[SkyFilms]

Charlies dreams where plagued with lost memories from his past, things he'd rather forget, things he'd prefer not stressing over. But he couldn't help it as he attempted to take control of his lucid dreams, to grasp any part of reality before he fell farther into the ocean of his mind. But it all felt real, as if the salt water as he sank seeped more and more into the fabric of his clothes the freezing temperature nipping at his goose bump coated skin.


The light became more scarce around him, the blue fading like a sunset until he floated in a pit of blank nothingness. And it sent a shock wave of fear through his system, his quickening heartbeat pounding into his ear drums like a constant car crash. He was so afraid, he'd forget his location and open his mouth to plead for help. To cry and scream for someone, but water would only pile itself into his mouth and down his throat forcing him to shut it once more.


Never did he ever wish to die through out his life, never had he ever truly yearned for death to approach him announcing the end of his short lived life. But the fear, the pain, made the thoughts race through his mind continuously as he only wished for everything to stop. Charlie would search his surroundings his eyes wide with useless hope but new fear would only fill him. For as much as he wanted someone to be out there coming to his rescue he as well was terrified by the idea of someone or something being out there.


Because that is what he feared that is what every single person ever feared.


The Unknown.





At the final thought Charlie shot up from his bed, his covers sprawled a cross the floor beside his bed due to his well known restless sleep. His still gloved hand grabbing at his bare chest that covered his fast paced heart, his breaths came in large quantities like a fish recently meeting the world of air unable to return to his home land. Swinging his legs off the edge of his bed he leaned forward his hands clutching his knee caps in a death grip until his air escaped him calmly. The rhythmic beat of his heart more soothing and under control as he attempted to recall his dream as he would every morning. But it was as all the other ones, blank as if he had written down a single sentence inside of his spiral notebook only for it to be erased by another student who had the same face as himself.


Letting out an agitated sigh he pushed himself up off of the beds edge stretching out his arms as he thought of whatever came to mind. The most common topic being Khara, the girl seemed to sneak up into his most random of thoughts.


Wait, what time is it? He left Khara inside of the walls around ten pm he thought.


What's that smell, what's Beth cooking? Khara made soup last night, he helped.


The last thought made him stop moving as he tugged on a thin black hoodie to lazy to zip up the front it left his his red tank top exposed as he swung open the door to get a real sniff of the houses air. Charlie had snuck into his home as quietly as possible last night after trekking his way home as fast as his could without overly exerting himself. But he knew that if you where to drop a needle on their hardwood floor it still would have been louder then his-


"Charolette! So glad to see you up I heard you walk in last night but you sounded tired so of course I let you go to bed." Beth had suddenly appeared in front of him her blonde hair pulled back into a loose bun which small single strands of hair stuck out of. Two chop sticks within the hair style like usual, as her grin was naturally very welcoming and kind to match her cheerful tone. Though he cringed at the name he didn't speak of it, afraid that he'd hurt the womens fragile heart.


"Now, I understand you slept through breakfast but since I'm covered in flour I bet you can tell what I just finished cooking. Now Marie is sitting outside and wants to talk to you bring some out for her and her family would you?" The way she spoke was natural, like a kind old southerner accent and all. And even though she knew he had been out later then usual she wasn't going to question him, of course if it became a normal thin she'd like to know of his whereabouts. Past fights happening when she didn't, but for the most part she enjoyed him experiencing the outdoors and his current freedom.


But two things caught his attention more from her statement, that he had slept through breakfast and that Marie was sitting outside. Now one that meant he didn't have much time till he'd have to leave to see Khara and as well it meant he'd have to talk to Marie obviously.


Now doing as he was told he grabbed a small basket and filled it with some of the small sugary sweets from the freshest batch before covering it with a thin rag to conserve their heat before stepping outside. To which he was surprised to not catch sight of Marie but instead to be met with a note, the words


Yesterday never happened written in the girls messy hand writing a cross the blank paper. The three worded letter made his morning or afternoon even better this meaning that she hadn't told anyone. As he held the basket full of goodies in his gloved hand he grabbed the note with his left crumbling it up with his fingers before filling his pocket with the contents as he walked in the direction of Kharas home.


Within the next hour he had successfully reached the walls and climbed over them like the day before. Only to be met with the realization that they hadn't made a destination, confused as to where else to go he took a seat against the wall resting the still warm basket on his lap.

 

[Wishfully]

Khara debated silently with herself, wondering how she was going to excuse herself from the small household. It would be irresponsible not to make dinner, but Khara didn't want to let Charlie down, not when she was the one who suggested they meet. She struggled to find a solution even as she walked through the door. Her mother greeted them with a pleasant, gentle smile. Khara returned the smile but quickly went into her room. She would have to meet Charlie at the North wall, at least, that's where she would try to find him...


"Ahem, Khara?" her mother's voice called lightly as she knocked on the door.


"It's open," Khara replied.


"Okay, thank you." Khara's mother sat on the bed next to the girl and glanced at her. "Is everything alright? You seem a little out of it today. Is everything okay at school?"


School. Khara sighed. "Actually, I'm not doing so well," she admitted. "I can't seem to keep up with the rest of my class, and I'm falling behind on my project. I thought about working on it to day, but..." Khara trailed off, leaving out the part how she intended to visit with Charlie. Her mother didn't seem so fond of the boy anyways.


"Well, how about you take the day and work on the project? I'll make dinner, and you just focus on your studies?" Khara's mother rose and started walking toward the door. "And perhaps some fresh air would do you good," she suggested. Khara paused for a moment and then felt a smile tug at the corners of her mouth. This was the perfect opportunity.


"You're right, Mom. I think I'll take my project with me and go outside," she said. "Thanks. Oh, and don't wait on me for dinner. I won't stay out late, since I'll lose the light anyways."


After her mother left, Khara sifted through her bag to find what she needed- a large needle, thread, and the heavy fabric. She collected the items and walked out the door. Khara's steps quickened after she left the small yard, her feet wasting no time as they soon reached the North wall. The girl found a spot on the grass and sat down to wait, since she didn't see Charlie yet.


Khara sat quietly, trying to sort out her thoughts before he showed up. She couldn't let things get out of hand; she didn't want a repeat of yesterday. Khara sighed. She had to remain calm, and she couldn't let his words get to her so much; anger never helped anyone. Khara didn't even know why everything he did made her so agitated, but she was sure that this time everything would be okay. Just keep your mind open like you always do, she told herself. Be patient and understanding, respectful of others and their differences. People cannot get along without these things, and it was the way of Elzyon. Elzyon, the only home Khara had ever known. The only place she would ever be able to call home. Khara kept thinking about Charlie's need for someone who would help him, but she knew she wasn't ready to leave...she couldn't. Still, she regretted her outburst from the previous day- it had been both rude and undeserving. Today, she wanted to make up for it. She wasn't sure how, but at least she would try.


Khara looked up from her fabric and stood, wondering where Charlie was. Maybe...maybe he forgot. Khara felt her mood sink a little. Well, she had said to come if he wasn't busy, so maybe he was simply doing other things. Other, more important things. Or maybe, he didn't want to come back. Khara shook her head and sighed. Well of course he had better things to do. It would be foolish to come and visit a girl who just yelled at you the day before. I wouldn't want to come and visit me, Khara thought to herself. Still, she figured she would wait a little longer. Just as she was about to sit back down, she noticed a shadow a little ways down the wall. It looked like someone was sitting there. Charlie? she wondered curiously as she got up to investigate.


The male sat there on the wall, who knows how long he had been there? Khara smiled softly, glad he had showed up. She noticed the basket and wondered what was inside...whatever it was smelled delightful. Khara tilted her head slightly as she stood a fair distance from the wall still. "I'm sorry about yesterday," she said. The girl set down her sewing project and approached the boy, her gaze meeting his. "I'd like to start over, if that's alright." Khara took a breath and slowly stretched out her hand. "Hello, my name is Khara Ileph. It's nice to meet you."

 

[SkyFilms]

Charlie listened to his serene surroundings, each soft or loud noise contributing to a soothing melody in some way. The rustling of the leaves where like an act of percussion, distant steps keeping the beat steady. A single chime like a ring of bells, as he whistled an old lullaby to pull the song together. His eyes where lightly shut, his eyelashes mixing with one another as he only thought of the old tune. He still sat quietly upon the dirt not quite minding it as long as he was experiencing the outdoors. The heat of the woven basket warming his lap comfortably to remind him of its presence. The sweet treats hidden beneath the fabric flowing through the air around him, with a lazy hand he dragged his hat from atop his head placing it on top of the already covered desserts only to tug his hood up and over his head.


The black edge covering his tired eyes from the natural light of the sun, as he thought of Kharas whereabouts. Like he thought before there hadn't been a set meet up destination or a certain time. Biting his lower lip Charlie feared that he had perhaps came at the incorrect moment, or rather she had given an area but he had missed that zoning out as he normally would. But that seemed impossible, very naturally Charlies thoughts can get the best of him blocking him from reality and any conversations he could be apart of. But oddly enough that never occurred when he stood around Khara, he was constantly intrigued and curious as to what she had to say in a situation. So him missing something was unreasonable, he was sure they hadn't come up with a spot.


Prepared to stand he took a slow breath just as a set of approaching steps met his ears, they where light not those of a male or adult. Opening his eyes he lifted the lining of his hood to reveal the familiar face of the girl he had just been thinking about. She seemed to hold the obvious emotion of guilt it as clear as the nose upon her petite face. His observation was proven true as she apologized for her outburst which had occurred the day before reaching out her hand. The sight caused him to smile whole heartily, unable to keep it to himself. By how she had reacted to him doing the gesture yesterday it seemed it was irregular, alien to them. And to see her using it, it oddly enough filled him with an almost proud feeling.


As he stood up, standing a few inches above her he took hold of her warm hand.


"I've been looking forward to meeting you Khara," he shook her hand sincerely as his eyes where bright with cheerfulness,


"I'm Charlie Rose." He completed the sentence gazing into her bright orbs,


"Now Beth a dear women has given me these treats and I brought them here in hopes that you'd like a few." He proposed awaiting an answer from the brunette.


Though it was dull within the walls, it was as calm as he remembered. But they all seemed like trapped birds, kept away from the world by a cage. Taught to fear the people who held the key to unlock their single door, to bless them with their own form of freedom.


Birds deserved to fly, not to live with clipped wings.

 

[Wishfully]

Though she normally kept her gaze down, Khara looked up and met Charlie's eyes as they re-introduced themselves. A small smile hinted at the corner of her mouth as she let go of his hand and turned her gaze to the basket. "What...is it, exactly?" she asked with curiosity. Indeed she was interested in food from the outside. Perhaps it wasn't even that different than what they had here. Khara grabbed her fabric in one hand and held her sewing needles within the folds as she examined the wall for a brief moment. She figured it must not be that difficult to climb if Charlie was able to do so, even with a basket.


Khara looked at the boy. Well, she had brought him here. Now, what to do, what to say? She frowned a little to herself after releasing a small set of words that sounded, and even felt foreign to her. "I'm glad you came." That was weird, and Khara wasn't sure if she liked how that sounded. Maybe it was a stupid thing to say. The brunette cast her glance to the side, hoping Charlie would just keep talking about whatever was in this basket. Her stomach let out a small grumble, seeing as it was nearing her normal dinnertime. Khara scratched her head a little awkwardly, anticipating his laughter.


The girl shifted a little uncomfortably for lack of things to say and watched as the sun started to sink in the sky. It looked like they had an hour, maybe two, before the sun fell completely beneath the wall. The girl turned to the boy and shrugged. "I don't exactly know what to talk about," she admitted quietly. "I suppose I was just worried you would go off and do something stupid and that I would be the one to blame," she said as if to justify her asking him to visit again. Khara didn't really understand why she asked him to come back- it was just something that had happened before she could think about it. Impulsive decisions made her uncomfortable. Charlie made her uncomfortable. Yet, such a discomfort didn't feel completely wrong- there was something, something that made Khara feel like that he belonged. No, that she belonged.


"Maybe I'm just crazy," she sighed aloud. Then she shook her head. "No...you're the crazy one," she said. "Hm, maybe we both are." Khara shrugged, seeming to settle on the last answer. "Well, I can't do much to help you," she said, returning her thoughts to Charlie's original purpose. "I don't know much about war or how to stop one at all. I can't just get up and leave, and I don't really understand what exactly it is you're trying to do, but I can listen. And if I can, I will try to find someone to help you."

 

[SkyFilms]

Charlie felt a bit of difference from the girl as their eyes met for a single moment before hers flicked downwards to the basket of treats he had been referring to. Beth often times would put together random sweets though baking was her career, constantly coming home with small amounts of flour clinging to the front of her clothes. The familiar sight of her new set of chopsticks sticking out of her bun even as it fell apart.


"Cookies I believe but on the top are wrapped cinnamon rolls I'm sure." He replied cheerfully knowing the scents anywhere, overly excited to see her reaction to the things he personally loved more then tinkering.


The red head played with the straying strings from his hat comfortably looking up to the girl as she began to speak. What feelings the words caused him to feel seemed to have melted into one another, relief, happiness, gratefulness all mixing into his reappearing grin. Raising his gloved hand he placed it on the top of Khara's head and quickly ruffled the brunettes hair like a big brother would. As he spoke he kept his hand where it was,


"I'm glad I'm here too, also I'm glad I wasn't stood up. Wouldn't that be embarrassing." The boy exclaimed not quite searching for an answer as he rubbed the back of his neck. To caught up in her words to catch the small dying whale noise within her stomach.(I just had to describe it that way xD )


Charlie looked upwards at the sky a moment catching only parts of the girls movements from the corner of his bronze gaze. The sky was as dull as yesturdays plagued with the same gray that seemed to have made its home above the town. He didn't know what else he was expecting, perhaps a speck of blue? A gleam of gold?


The teen didn't make eye contact with the girl continuing to skim the untouchable sky, did they even see stars at night? He came to wonder, mentally lost within his personal labyrinth it took him a moment once more to realize Khara began to speak again.


A small chuckle seeping out from his mouth when she finished, it seems she had changed a bit. Or perhaps today he was truly listening. Either way the girl seemed more open and expressive, not as much as he was but enough to prove his inner thoughts and opinions about her. Khara didn't belong in these walls, yesterday he came to the realization that before he believed that for the single reason because she lived inside the walls. And he instinctively thought that no one should be a Clot, but now he was basing it off of the type of girl he was meeting. She was just...Undeserving of such a black and white life when she had such colorful questions locked inside.


"Well how about us friendly coots sit down and talk, you can even do your little threading thing." Charlie proposed talking a seat once more crossed legged as he awaited the girl to sit upon the grass beside him or merely nearby.


"And I've already found someone to help me all have you know."

 

[Wishfully]

“My little threading thing…” Khara repeated. “It is called sewing, you know.” She frowned a little and took a seat on the grass not too far away from Charlie, but not close enough to feel uncomfortable. Khara began to thread the needle again and looked down at her project. Though the work was time consuming and intricate, there was a sort of rhythm that she felt when sewing. She didn’t hate it; perhaps she would find it more enjoyable if she had been given the choice to become a seamstress.


“I’ve never had a cinnamon roll,” she admitted. “We eat rolls often, but I don’t think we have this thing you call cinnamon.” Khara shrugged. It never really bothered her to live plainly and grateful for what she had, but then again, she had never heard of what the people inside the walls didn’t have. “I guess our leaders never saw a purpose in it,” she shrugged. In Elzyon, indeed, the people live without extravagance since their society saw no need for embellishment, or unique flavors, or decoration.


Khara stopped stitching for a moment to smooth down her hair, realizing it was still messed up from when Charlie had ruffled it. She frowned a little as she realized her hair was still sticking up a bit. Ugh, thanks a lot… she thought with a slight look of displeasure at the red-haired boy. Khara finally gave up trying to fix all of her hair- she had patted most of it down anyways. “Why do you have such bright hair? Is that normal?” she blurted out. “You look like a lobster,” she was about to say, thinking of her sister’s comparison. Yet she refrained from such a comment, remembering that she was going to be patient and kind today rather than yelling at the boy or anything of the sort. Perhaps she had already been to forward with her question. Khara fell silent after inquiring about his hair color, her gaze quickly locking back onto the fabric in her hands.


There was something about Charlie that confused her, made her feel things she never knew existed so strongly. There was a desire to know things that appeared whenever she saw his smile, perhaps a jealousy for the things she had never seen- things she might never have the chance to see. But jealousy was wrong, Khara knew. She shouldn’t harbor such feelings or passions for things she couldn’t change. Change was something that rarely happened in these parts within the walls. Elzyon had been basically the same since its birth, and people always said that it has survived this long because of the solid way of life that never changed.


Khara knew her life was dull and boring compared to the other boy’s, and she felt a bit sorry she had nothing exciting to tell him. True, she doubted he had seen much of the inside before, but she doubted that anything she told him or showed him would seem wondrous or even all that interesting.


“You mentioned someone named Beth,” Khara offered quietly. “Would you mind telling me about her?”

 

[SkyFilms]

As Khara spoke Charlie found his hand subconsciously slithering its way into the picnic basket, it's woven exterior brushing against his wrist as his hand took hold of one of the three cinnamon rolls. It's warm surface seeping through the thin clear plastic wrap as he mentally fought against himself about whether or not to take a bite. But without much thought he found his hands unraveling the sweet pastry from the wraps crinkling hold as his eyes examined Kharas hands. Her fingers weaving at a sort of pattern as they continued the fabricated piece,


"Sowing..." Charlie repeated as he observed the needles movements before taking a small bite of the frosting coated sweet. Gradually chewing as he pointed with his already occupied hand,


"My hat was sown I think. But we had a machine with a needle that went up, down, up down." As he explained he bobbed the finger upwards and downwards to make a visual of the needles effect. But all amusement was lost when the mention of her never experiencing the lucious and splendid taste of a cinnamon roll was brought up. His eyes staring her down for what felt like an eternity before he shoved the roll in her face the space between herself and the item being a few inches.


"By the name of a boy who wishes to leave a legacy I command you to take a bite of this. Right. Now." Charlie ordered his glare of determination locked on the girl as he awaited the action.


"For the sake of my sanity," he pleaded comically his red bangs dancing in front of his gaze. Although he was difficult to take seriously with the single smudge of creamy frosting at the edge of his pink lips.


But his furrowed brows softened as he came to the realization that he had just met Khara the other day and a slight blush appeared out of embarrassment from his actions. Bringing the cinnamon roll back to himself he leaned back against the cool wall before plucking off a smll piece and extending his hand out to her. Charlie's fingers held the piece delicately not wishing to mess it up in anyway. If she where to like it he'd give her a whole one, that was the current plan.


"My hair," he murmured as he recalled the memory of him dying it, ridding himself of his past jet black hair. And although he hated the idea of answering questions he began with a sigh before stating rather bluntly,


"Well its pretty normal to have crazy hair, yes. But some people aren't born with it like myself so I went to a shop and got it dyed red." Charlie explained taking another bite of the cinnamon roll before pointing at his hat and waiting for himself to swallow before speaking.


"And sometimes I can't really afford it and I tend to wear this hat to hide my roots. That's why." He finally concluded before letting out a small yawn and sneaking a glance at Khara for a moment indecisively. What he was trying to decide was unknown.


But he tensed when she questioned Beth asking if he minded the idea of talking about her. In which without much thought answered,


"Yes. I would mind." Although he was hoping he'd go on an adventure with this girl he wasn't going to tell her to much about himself unless she came with him and they had grown as companions since then.

 

[Wishfully]

Khara could feel a heavy silence after she admitted she had never eaten a cinnamon roll before. After a long pause, the girl began to wonder if maybe she had said something wrong. She looked up from the fabric in her lap and was surprised to see something shoved into her line of vision. She could only assume it was the very pastry they had been talking about. Khara blinked, a bit confused at Charlie’s words. He seemed quite passionate about the small treat. “Well…if you insist,” she said, reaching out and taking the piece he held out to her. She sat quietly as the unfamiliar taste danced on her tongue. “Hm…I think I rather like it,” she decided, giving Charlie a nod and a small smile.


It seemed quite strange to the girl that people actually changed their hair color when they wanted to, and how Charlie said it was normal. She knew what it meant to dye cloth, but part of one’s body? “That seems a bit strange to me,” she said. “Though perhaps I would like it better if my hair was…say…blue, or something. I don’t really know,” she shrugged. Khara had always thought blue was a nice color. Her favorite scarf was a rich blue, and she found the tone quite pretty.


Khara was taken aback at Charlie’s response about Beth. “Well alright then,” she said, not pushing the matter any more. It was a bit confusing to her- she thought that Charlie seemed rather fond of this Beth person, so she didn’t expect it to be such a touchy subject.


“Listen, Charlie…I- I don’t really know what you expect from me, and I don’t understand why you need someone to help you with whatever this is you’re planning. I know you said you need someone who has a different way of thinking, but why would you want an insider’s point of view?” Khara looked away. It wasn’t that she didn’t believe him, but maybe she didn’t want to. To think that there was trouble and even war brewing after so many peaceful years- it wasn’t really something she had ever imagined being a part of. Still, if it was destined to happen as Charlie said, there might be no avoiding it.


Khara thought back to the first time they met, which was really only a couple days ago. It was strange how one person could impact her life in such a short amount of time. Khara thought of her mother’s reaction as well as her father’s. She smiled slightly when she thought of her little sister. Now she- Lyra- was probably the one Charlie really needed. Her daring, energetic sister wouldn’t hesitate to go with the boy if she was old enough to understand. But that’s why Khara felt she couldn’t go. She didn’t want to endanger her family or make them worry about her. If she left, she knew they would probably go to the authorities who would search for the missing child. Khara had no idea how long or how hard they would search for her, but if there was any chance she had escaped- it wouldn’t be good for anyone in Elzyon. Khara glanced up at Charlie again before giving him a sad smile and looking back to the ground.


“I would invite you to visit again, but I’m not sure if we should see each other anymore.”

 

[SkyFilms]

Charlie watched the girl excitingly, eyes wide with inspection to spot the difference in her cautious expression. He wanted to see the first ounce of change in her emotion from the current quizzical one to hopefully one of fondness. His gloved hand tapping the edge of his knee as he waited anxiously, everything but apathetic on the subject though it may be a simple pastry. Then as she finally met a verdict his eyes examining her lips as they tilted upwards in a small smile a grin spread a crossed his as well.


"Yay, there is more so go on and help yourself!" His cheers were glazed in happiness just like the cinnamon rolls were glazed in the sugary frosting.


As she chewed Charlie gradually grasped the edges of the woven basket atop his jeans, positioning it so it no longer sat at the slight crooked angle that pecked at his mind quietly. The shuffling of the treats hidden within the woven basket made him cringe almost visibly, hoping he hadn't caused any damage to the sweat treats inside. Prepared to check his fingers slipped themselves under the edge of the blanket hiding them, but halted when the girl spoke of her opinion of dying ones hair. It made him chuckle quietly beneath his breath, her thoughts were always a great change in scenery for one would never call dying your hair odd or strange as she spoke it openly and without much hesitance.


"Blue would look nice," Charlie reached forward and pinched a small clump of strands that laid on the girls shoulder inspecting them the two silver bracelets around the wrist of the hand clinged like wind chimes though wind had ceased to make an appearance recently.


"Not the same color as the sky, ya no a darker more royal blue. It's one of the colors of freedom you know, so it'd really suit you." The red head bit the tip of his tongue and gradually began to nod as if he was agreeing with himself like he were another person. Red, White and Blue the color scheme could often be found anywhere outside of the clots walls each home and shop believing that they have improved and deserve the colors outside their doors. A visual to show that they were free from what they had left in their pasts, and a visual to show what freedom will come from the present.


Charolette if given another second to speak would have explained this to the brunette which sat before him but she spoke before. Her words making his hand slowly trail away from her vicinity and back into his own. Khara was a broken record tape, reluctant to the idea of believing him and what he seems to say despite his reasoning. And masking his slight irritation had grown into a unreasonably more difficult task at the moment.


"I've told the answer so many times in so many ways Khara," Charlie paused his gaze which had been downcasted flying up and meeting her own. "So what else are you expecting me to say, what other form are you wanting me to tell you my response in." His tone held no anger, but he was incapable of hiding the small amount of desperation which was etched into his voice as he spoke. "I'll keep answering if that's what would make you come but...You're going to need to help me and tell me if there's a certain thing you want to hear. I don't need just any insiders point of view, I need your point of view. Khara just by how many times you've asked me about the situation I can tell this could work. You're cautious with things you don't know a lot about, something I'm obviously not, at all. You think tings out while I run forward, Clots think about things while Outsiders take action. I shouldn't have more faith in you and who you are then you." The red head tugged the sown strands of his thick hat letting out a huff of air, the action of being serious always taking more energy then one of another nature would think.


When he was met with only silence he was prepared to continue but when Khara spoke her next words he stopped in his tracks. A deer meeting the bright shine of a double set of head lights.


"Why?"


(A gift to try and pay for my time away.)

 

[Wishfully]

Khara nodded, this time taking a whole cinnamon roll. She pulled it apart gently, as if she was still being cautious. She inspected the pastry, wondering how someone made such a thing. The spiral looked so perfect, and the glaze -although messy- seemed just right. Not that she had many things to compare it to, but she figured art must look like this.


She thought heard Charlie laugh slightly when she spoke, but she decided not to ask. Of course he would find her ideas a bit ridiculous, she assumed. It was the same way for her. Khara instinctively tensed, pulling away as Charlie’s hand neared her shoulder. Sorry, she thought, I can’t help it. Charlie seemed to be thinking about something for awhile as his fingers pinched a few strands, as if her plain hair was actually some great mystery. Blue, like the color of freedom. Sometimes the sky had a blue tint, but most days were just filled with gray. Perhaps the sky longed to be free as well.


Khara’s eyes widened, and her mouth produced no words to his response. ‘I shouldn’t have more faith in you and who you are than you.’ Her heart sank a little. Charlie was right, but she had never thought about it until that moment. Was that how people were supposed to live? Was this meant to be the human condition- to become so selfless, so focused on equality that they lose their own faith in themselves? Khara felt a tear sting the corner of her eye, and she turned her head to blink it back. She didn’t hate who she was, but she didn’t like her very much either. What did she want to hear? Khara shook her head. He was right- he had explained his reasons several times before. Still, Khara frowned. “It’s not that I don’t believe you. It’s just…”


The girl’s voice trailed off as her eyes fell upon a figure in the distance. She tilted her head, inspecting the shadow. It was still quite far away, but it was coming closer.


“Hey, what are you doing over there?” a man’s voice called out. Khara’s eyes widened, and she let out a small gasp as she noticed a metallic badge that flashed with the figure’s steps.


“Charlie, you have to go. Now!” Khara grabbed the basket in one hand and pulled Charlie’s wrist with the other, forcing him to his feet. She shoved the basket back into his arms and started pushing him toward the wall. “Hurry, climb the wall! And once you get over, don’t come back,” she urged. “I’ve never seen border patrol over here before, but they aren’t very nice people. I’m afraid of what they’ll do if they catch you.”


“Hey, you! Stop! That’s an order!” the man shouted.


Khara was sure that the border patrol officer could see Charlie’s red hair even at that distance, and he would know before long that he was an Outsider. As if to confirm her worries, the officer was running now. He was still a good distance away, but Khara prayed that Charlie was a fast climber. She felt fear running down her spine, causing her breaths to become shorter and more frequent. Khara knew that she couldn’t let Charlie get caught, but she also worried what would happen to her. She intended to make sure Charlie got over the wall, but she wouldn’t have time to run back to her own house before being identified. She could let herself be caught and questioned, or her running could lead the officer right to her family. They could be all face consequences- perhaps they would be denied rations, or they could be publicly disgraced because of her. Once word of Khara’s disobedience got out, she might have a hard time getting a job, and her classmates would probably alienate her even more than they did already. Her parents would probably be stuck taking care of her, or her taking care of them since no one would want a troublesome girl as a wife. Even her younger sister would have to carry Khara’s shame for the rest of her years. Of course, Khara had never disobeyed a higher-up or seen someone do it before, so she wasn’t really sure if anything that bad happened; she had only heard stories of those who did. But those stories never ended well. Khara turned her attention back to the wall, her eyes quickly finding a path in the cracks that was good for climbing. She placed a hand on the cool, gray stone. What if she wasn’t caught? What if she went with Charlie, as he seemed so desperate for her to do so? Maybe the best thing she could do for her family right now was to let them live peacefully without her.