Life’s Game

Ava never really understood why everyone seemed eager to stay away from her. As far as she was concerned, she’s a delight to have around and no one has ever complained about her so she at least deserves to know why everyone steers clear of her.

She crushed her cigarette under her boot as she mentally prepared herself for another boring day of school. It’s not even about learning anymore, it’s about where you are on the food chain. If you’re too low, you’re devoured, if you’re too high, you’re envied, so she chose to be in the middle. It helps with the role she plays in all this.

She opened her eyes and smiled brightly as she felt someone’s arms wrap around her waist from behind, embracing her in a hug. “Hello, Runi.” They let out a chuckle. “Hey, Ava. Have you seen my other half anywhere? ” “No, I haven’t seen Scott. ”They materialised in front of her and frowned heavily. “He’s never late. Do you think he has an unannounced appointment? ”

She settled for shrugging and walking around Runi before nearly colliding with Scott, who quickly reacted and steadied her while apologizing. She dismissed his apologies and grinned up at him, her expression changing when she saw the stony look in his pale eyes.Runi fell silent as well, eyeing the person they once couldn’t wait to see. “What’s wrong? ” “Sometimes, I really wish it wouldn’t cause me trouble just wiping out the whole world. ” “You’ll only go to a place worse than the Fields of the Damned. ”Ava spoke in a low voice. “I think that’s the consequences, but whatever. What’s wrong exactly, Scott? ”

Scott wordlessly handed her the paper that was balled up in his hand and she resisted the urge to point out that he had made a lily grow on it. She uncalled the paper and raised a brow at the list of people. “So what exactly did our lovely people do to end up on your ‘problem list’?” Runi glanced at the list and let out a whistle. “I know some of them. They were excused last time. ” “A terrible mistake really. Ava, deal with them. ” Scott sighed as he rubbed his temples as if trying to soothe a headache. As the trio split ways, Ava hummed to herself as she shoved the list into her hoodie pocket and skipped to her math class. Her eyes flickered briefly between blue and red as she thought about the list, all the names committed to memory.As she sat in the front, Ava remembered why, despite being the epitome of nice, people tended to avoid her.

1. They assumed that her only friends were dangerous. The public wasn’t wrong but they just happened to lack evidence.

2. Ava had a strong presence; an aura that demanded your attention.

The bell rang, pulling her out of her thoughts. She pursed her lips and glanced at her book where she seemed to have been absentmindedly taking notes. She quickly read through the notes and smiled to herself; that made sense.

***

Her dark hair blew in the breeze, causing her to shiver slightly at the cold that nipped the back of her neck.

She exhaled, and looked at the seven-story building with a small smile. “Soon, you’ll get what you deserve. “