vxntage-honey

[vxntage-honey]

Sweet Tea & Cigarettes

Chapter 6

Back again

“So, spill the tea, what did I miss?” Ginette asked excitedly, her voice high and bubbly.

“Well school was the same old same old, but if you’re asking about my life then girl, I’ve got the tea right here in my hand,” Hazel says with a smirk on her face.

Ginette looked at her friend with expecting eyes.

“Ok, so you know that guy I ran into on the first day of school, right?”

Ginette nodded her head.

“Ok, so when you were gone me and him may have started talking.”

Ginette butts in and says, “Wait are you two dating ?!”

Hazel's eyes go wide as she looks at her friend, completely shocked “What no, I meant we just started hanging out like sitting together in class, and studying together, that sort of stuff, ya know?”

Ginette stares at Hazel with a blank expression.

“So do you or do you not like him?” Ginette asked bluntly.

“Ginette, would you keep your voice down, what if someone heard you?” Hazel says not answering the question.

She laughed at Hazel's flustered expression.

Ginette puts a hand on her friend’s shoulder “Girl chill I’m not like your old friends remember.”

Hazel sighs.

“Ya, I know” she smiles.

“But you will have to introduce me to your future husband” Ginette snickers.

This causes Hazel to hit her friend over the head with her notebook.

After that, the two went on with their day as normal. Although Hazel thought it was weird that she hadn't seen Nathaniel all day, but she just brushed, it off it wouldn't be the weirdest thing to happen.

After lunch, the two walked to potions class. When they got their Hazel noticed that Nathaniel was also not in this class, of all the classes he'd gone to this was definitely one of them, so she just assumed that he wasn't there at school that day which made her sad but there wasn't really much she could do about it.

Ginette had noticed Hazel's unpleasant expression “Hey what's up is everything ok?”

Hazel looked at Ginette “Oh um, it's nothing.”

“Are you sure, you seem kind of out of it?”

“Yeah, I'm fine, promise,” Hazel says trying to reassure her friend.

Ginette noticed her friend trying to deflect the question or brush off whatever she was feeling but she decided to just let it go for now.

After school, the two girls spent time together in black water for a while. The duo ended up at a coffee shop that sold not only coffee of all kinds but also a variety of boba drinks.

Hazel ordered a hot caramel mocha and Ginette had ordered a Thai milk tea her usual.

The two sat in the corner of the coffee shop and began to play one of their all-time favorite games Uno but it wasn't just any regular Uno, it was Uno show ‘em no mercy. The game had more cards and more penalties, you could pile on plus 4’s and so on so one person could draw like 18 plus cards all at once, but no one can have more than 25 cards, if you do then you’re out of the game, but this game was just starting to heat up.

Hazel smirked placing a draw 4 on top of Ginette’s draw 4.

Ginette’s face dropped.

“Hey that's not fair” she argued.

“All is fair in our game of Uno my friend,” Hazel says with a big smirk on her face.

Ginette picked up 8 cards and is currently holding 16 cards total, all while Hazel's hand consisted of only 4 cards.

The stakes were kind of high, whoever lost had to buy themselves and the winner whatever food the winner requested, and it was looking like Hazel was about to win.

“UNO!” Hazel yells excitedly.

Ginette throws her cards down on the table “That's totally not fair!”

Hazel laughs at her friend.

“So, you're hungry Gigi?” Hazel asked smugly.

Her friend sighed “I guess, what do you want?”

Hazel pretended to think for a second even though she already knew what she wanted” Let's get chicken katsu!”

Ginette sighs “Alright, let's go”

Hazel practically jumped out of her seat and followed behind her friend, since Ginette only knew one place that had chicken katsu that Hazel liked, other than homemade of course.

Ginette held the door for her friend. This amazing place was called Fried Fever, this place sold fried Asian food and yeah other places sold it too but who could pass this up really, their prices were out of this world cheap.

Walking in the two girls smelled the amazing aroma of the deep fryer, the inside adorned with Reds and oranges and with accent colors of blues and golds. The aesthetic was more like traditional Chinese restaurants.

Hazel and Ginette were seated at a booth, Hazel only looked at the menu for any possible new drinks that they had, since she already knew what she wanted to eat.

“Oh, this one looks good,” Hazel said pointing to one of the new drinks.

“Which one?”

“The creamy brown sugar milk tea, it makes my mouth water just thinking about it.”

Ginette quirked her eyebrow and smirked, Hazel always ordered some form of brown sugar milk tea ‘…if Ginette knew any better, she'd think that Hazel was definitely addicted…”

The waitress walked over to their table a familiar face that wasn't anything new “Are you two ready to order?”

The girls both nod.

“OK, would you like your usual Miss Hazel?”

Hazel smiles at the fact that she had been there so much that they already knew what she had wanted.

“Yes please, but could I also get the creamy brown sugar milk tea.”

“Of course, and for you Miss Ginette?”

“I'll get the gyoza in the wrong tongue soup and some green tea please”

the waitress nods “ok I'll be right back with your orders.”

Hazel looked at her friend in confusion before asking “Why did you get what I like?”

“What, I can't like the same things as you?”

“Of course, you can't I was just surprised as all.”

“Besides you'll leave off my plate no matter what I get” Ginette states.

Hazel laughed, that's one thing she's renowned for, eating off other's plates. For the two it was almost like a tradition. They had always done it so neither of them minded.

Soon enough their eating came to an end, and it was time for them to leave. Surprisingly, it hadn't gotten dark like Hazel had thought it would. But then again, the times hadn't been set back yet so it was good for them. And the two had decided to take a trip to Ginette’s House and hang out there for a bit.

Spring Valley Station. It didn't take long for people to understand why it was named so. No matter the time of year, there'd always be flowers somewhere. Whether it was rain or shine, dry or flooding, there were always flowers.

Ginette’s Two-story house soon came into view. The house was a beautiful Baby blue. A choice that her mother had full control over. The thought of her friend’s parents fighting over who got to choose what the house looked like made Hazel chuckles to herself. Her parents had always been amazing. Even to her, despite the fact that she wasn't their daughter.

As they walked in Hazel was greeted by Ginette’s Parents.

It always surprised her that their home was so clean and fresh. No matter what happened, one thing they always did consistently was to make sure their home was nice and tidy. Even if there wasn't anyone coming over. Hazel had seen how her parents’ ways affected her friend and how she was also very much like her mom in that way. The house was colored with blues, yellows, and whites.

Hazel and Ginette scurry up the stairs into Ginette’s room. Hazel flops onto Ginette's bed arms and legs sprawling out like a starfish.

Hazel sighs “I love your bed; it may not be as good as mine, but it will do.”

Ginette laughs “Well thanks, I guess”.

Her laughter soon changed into a look of annoyance “Hey my bed is way better than yours!”

Hazels gives her friend a side eye looking her up and down. “Oh, sure you do”.

She smirks “I mean every time you’re at my house you insist on sleeping on MY bed”.

Ginette’s mouth formed a line as she looked away not wanting to face the truth. Hazel rolled her eyes at her friend before turning on her back still looking at her friend now her view of Ginette was upside down. Ginette soon joined Hazel on the bed. Ginette sits by the headboard her back against the pillows.

“So, I was thinking we could watch some anime,” Ginette said leaning to her nightstand to grab the remote.

“What anime were you thinking about?” Hazel asked lifting her head.

“Oh, just the newest season of your favorite anime of all time”

Hazel's eyes go wide with shock “No way did the story of the Ages get a new season?!”

Ginette nodded at her friend watching as Hazel quickly sat up almost falling off the bed in the process. Ginette smiles lovingly at Hazel; the once shy and timid girl she once knew has now grown into such a beautiful girl, Ginette never felt luckier.

Hazel adjusted herself so she was now laying on her stomach once more wrapping herself in Ginette banket.

Ginette lets out a breathy laugh “You’re such a weirdo, ya know that?”

“Ya, but I’m your weird, lovely, blanket Burrito”.

Ginette rolls her eyes and turns the TV on.

The hours passed and by the end of things it was already 7 pm and it was far past dark. Ginette’s mom had made a Filipino dish called sinigang, which was a type of soup that had pork, tamarind, garlic, onion, and cabbage.

Hazel excitedly took some home with her Hazel had always loved Ginette’s mother's cooking. That food wasn’t something she could just give up; Hazel would rather die than not eat that food again.

“Bye Ginette, Bye Lucinda” Hazel had said her goodbyes to her friend and her friend's mother Lucinda who were standing in the doorway watching Hazel leave.

Hazel focused her eyes forward and was on her way.

Hazel walked in the dark from Ginette’s house all the way to the station it was cold and the only light that she could see was from the streetlamps which there weren’t many of. And it was only going to get darker as winter soon approached. She held her hands to her mouth in an attempt to keep her hands from freezing.

Hazel waited impatiently for the train to arrive when all of a sudden, she felt something brush up angst her leg. This made her flinch and look down at the source of the feeling her eyes meeting amber cat eyes peering up at her. She quickly recognized the cat from their previous meeting, and she smiled.

" Hey kitty” she cooed, kneeling to pet the cat, scratching behind its ear the cat began to purr.

The sound of the train soon filled their ears. The cat jumped and hissed at the train, this caused Hazel to giggle and look down at the cat. The train pulled up and the doors opened swiftly.

Hazel walked up to the doors and turned around looking at the cat “Well are you coming?”

To Hazel's surprise, the cat followed her onto the train, she was starting to believe that the cat could understand her. That cat hopped onto her lap once she sat down. Once she made it to her stop, she carefully placed the cat on the ground and walked off the train. To Hazel's surprise, the cat followed her off the train.

The cat never stopped following her, she tried numerous times to shoo the cat away but no matter what she did the cat never left her side. She had no idea whose cat this was or where he came from.

Before she made it to her house, she gave the cat one final pat on the head before saying, “Thanks for walking home kitty, my little bodyguard”.

He only left once she reached her front door; he sat in the driveway watching her with his amber eyes. She gave him a small wave before walking into her house. His eyes burned holes into the door before eventually turning to walk away.

[vxntage-honey]

Sweet Tea & Cigarettes

chapter 5

Rainy roads and old books

Hazel sat next to Nathaniel, as she stared blankly ahead, her mind racing. She could barely think straight. Her mind fogged with what ifs and whys as Nathaniel sat calmly beside her.

Havel had felt a shift in the seat next to her and so she looked to her right only to see Nathaniel getting up.

She looked up at him confused “What’s up?”

He looked down at her “Oh, I’m just getting something to drink, you want anything?”

“Oh, I’ll just have a green tea if they have it, if not then you can just get me a water.”

Nathaniel nods his head and walks away leaving Hazel alone with her mind.

Hazel’s thoughts erupted, she had never even talked to a boy, let alone gone to a boy’s house. She never imagined she’d be staying the night at a boy’s house especially not Nathaniel’s house. Her face flushed pink only for a second, she knew she was overthinking things, but she couldn’t help it, it was all so new for her. She was used to girl sleepovers, but she wondered what it would be like with a boy, would it be the same would they still talk about the cute person that they find attractive in school, or would they talk about “boy stuff?’”.

Nathaniel arrived back at the table, drinks in hand.

He handed her the green tea “I wasn’t sure if you wanted sugar, so I brought some packets with me.”

He sat down next to her placing the sugar in front of her and placing his drink on the table.

“Oh, what did you get?”

“Oh, I just got a black coffee.”

Hazel looks at him shocked “What, really I just thought, that was just really dark tea.”

Nathaniel laughs.

“But I guess you do seem like the type to drink black coffee, so I suppose that it’s not that weird.”

“I see you like it sweet,”

he comments as she pours the three sugar packets into her tea.

She giggles stirring her tea, then wrapping her finger around the cup and taking a sip.

She lets out a satisfied sigh “Just how I like it.”

Nathaniel takes a sip of his drink before speaking again.

“Oh also, I do believe that this will be a long ride, so you may want to get comfortable.”

She sighs sitting back in her seat. The world whizzing by outside the train window.

And boy he wasn’t kidding they left the station around 6:30 and it was now 7:55. Hazel sighed shifting in her seat as she turned on her phone. She was about to do something she should have done earlier, text her mom.

“Hay mom, im’a stay at a friend’s house tonight so don’t wait up for me, love you.” Delivered.

With that, she ended up scrolling on her spell phone until she looked at the percentage and it read 20% left.

“Oh shit?!” she quickly turned her phone off only now realizing that she didn’t have her charger.

“You good?” Nathaniel speaks making Hazel jump.

“Oh, ya I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.” He pauses for a moment “Wait I mean you look fine but I”

He sighs “you look…” He pauses for a moment “You look like something troubling you.”

She smiles at him “I just forgot my charger that’s all.”

“Oh, I see what type of phone do you have?”

“a spell phone super 4x”

He looks at her before digging in his bag “Here this should work just plug it in the wall next to you.”

“Oh, thank a bunch” She plugged the wireless charger into the wall and placed her phone on top.

A short time later she felt her eyes become heavy, and before she knew it, she had fallen asleep, her head falling atop Nathaniel’s shoulder. He glanced over at her.

seeing her sleepy state made him smile warmly. “You must have been really tired, sleep well, my friend.”

He sighed closing his eyes “You know you’re the first friend I’ve had that seems to truly see me for me and not just my money, I thank you for that.”

He proceeded to lay his head atop hers slowly drifting off to sleep alongside her.

The next thing Hazel knew she was being woken up by Nathaniel nudging her with his shoulder, her eyes fluttering open as the bright light filled her eyes.

“We're almost there” Nathaniel whispered to her.

And Hazel could have sworn she'd felt something soft graze her leg almost like a cat tail, she knows that feeling well, but she chalked it up to her just being half asleep.

She hummed in response indicating that yes, she was now awake well almost anyway. She rubbed her eyes, rubbing the last of her sleep away.

“How long was I asleep for?” she asked looking at him.

“Not long actually”

Hazel sighed before looking outside the window, then it dawned on her, this place was nothing she’d ever seen before, it was dark and not just because it was night but because of the trees, and the buildings flying by, it was all dark and almost Victorian in a sense. This place was new, foreign even, Hazel felt like a child traveling to a faraway land.

“Where are we,” she asked looking out the window.

“We’re in Salvok”

Hazel's eyes widened, for the only time she'd even spoken or heard of the place was when the conversation drifted to the rich, that lived in big houses on big hills, far from common folk like her.

“You live in Salvok?!” Hazel asked not quite believing it.

“I do why?” Nathaniel questioned.

“Oh no, nothing’s wrong, it’s just…” she sighs. “You know what never mind,” she says turning her head towards the window, avoiding his strong gaze.

The train soon came to a halt, and the two walked off.

Hazel was in awe; she had never seen such an architecturally beautiful place quite like this before. All the buildings followed a color pallet of dark colors, the paths were made of black marbled polished stone, and everything was adorned with golden accents.

Hazel followed closely behind Nathaniel, feeling out of place in this seemingly rich neighborhood. Luckily for them, the rain hadn’t yet reached Salvok.

Eventually, they reached the front gate of Nathaniel’s house but there was a pathway that led far beyond the trees and the house could not be seen from where they stood. The gate ominously opened the hinges creaking and bending. Before she knew it, they had begun to walk once again.

The walk was about two and a half play fields long; her legs felt like jelly once they finally approached the house, the house was dark and tall the bricks seeming to reach up at the sky with their points.

Nathaniel held the door open for Hazel to walk in and her amazement didn’t stop at the outside, the inside was just as, if not more exquisite than its exterior. The walls were marbled black, red, and gold, the floor adorned with a large red carpet, and like the cherry on top there were working maids and butlers walking to and from their stations.

Hazel’s mouth hung open.

“Hey Hazel, are you ok?”

Hazel had to pry her eyes away from the view in front of her to look at Nathaniel “Oh ya I’m ok.”

He looks at her, his brow raised.

“I just didn’t expect it to be so” She trails off trying to find her words “extravagant’.

“Oh,” he says, had never thought of it that way before.

“I mean it’s not a bad thing by anything, it’s just so beautiful,” she says with an almost star-struck look.

He looks at her, and a small smile appears on his face. He leads them to his room, down the long hallways, and through the golden archways, they finally reached his room.

He opened the door allowing Hazel to walk in first. To her surprise, his room was quite like she'd imagined. The walls were black like most of the house and even the town, but unlike her imagination there was a small kitchen and couch and TV, with large speakers on either side. Posters adorned the walls, there were some cloths scattered around the room.

“Wow your room is amazing,” she says filled with astonishment.

“Oh, thank you” He chuckles, a smirk appearing on his face.

Before Hazel sat down, she slipped her shoes off setting them by his door. She sat down on his couch feeling as if she had just sat on hundreds of fluffy feathers.

“Also, you can borrow my clothes for tonight” he offers.

“Oh, are you sure?”

He nods “Ya, I mean if you want too of course”

He walked over to his closet grabbing a shirt and a pair of sweatpants. "here you can change in the bathroom over there" he pointed towards the bathroom door.

“Ok thanks,” she said grabbing the clothes and walking onto the bathroom.

Hazel slipped off her clothes and slipped on the shirt that was two sizes too big, the sweatpants weren’t any better, she had to tie them tight for them to even stay up. In the end, she did manage it though.

Hazel let her twin buns down, her hair bouncing as it fell. She grabbed her clothes and walked out of the bathroom to find Nathaniel already changed.

“Feels better to be out of those clothes” she sighed.

“So, what should we do now?” she asked.

“Oh well I watch a lot of anime I’m not sure if you know what that is, but I also have lots of video games too” he lists off some ideas for fun.

Hazel wasn’t listening ever since the word anime passed his lips.

“You watch anime,” she said with a surprised look on her face.

“Ya, I do is there a problem?” he asked narrowing his eyes.

Hazel's body jumped slightly “Oh, no there's no problem with that, it’s just I didn’t take you for the type to watch anime.”

Nathaniel raises his brow.

“Wait that’s not what I meant, it’s just, you seem like the mature and adult type ya know, not someone that chills and plays videogames and watches anime.”

He laughs at her struggling “So you like anime, or not?”

“Oh yes I do” she nods her head.”

“Alright, then it’s your pick what would you like to watch?”

Hazel puts her hand on her chin, thinking for a second “Something scary, I haven’t seen a good horror anime that chilled me to the bone in a long time.”

“Ok, what about Corpse Camp?”

“Wait I love that one it’s one of the few amines that truly got to me, with all its gore and blood it was an exhilarating watch.”

He looks at her with a concerned look.

“Anyway, let’s just watch the anime, shall we?”

He nods at her, joining her on the couch.

The two watch the show all night, including the pre-movie explaining what happened before the show. Eventually, they ended up watching a show called “Monster Girl café”.

Throughout their anime binge, Nathaniel’s eyes fell sleepy. Hazel felt the couch shift next to her; she turned her head only to find a sleeping Nathaniel. She covered him with their shared blanket and not too long after sleep consumed her as well.

The next morning Hazel awoke to the sound of soft breathing in her ear. As the fog in her brain cleared, she felt arms wrapped around her, once this was realized her eyes shot open only to find herself atop Nathaniel’s chest. She breathed slowly their faces inches apart; her body stiffened as the sleeping body under her started to stir.

Nathaniel groaned still half asleep “Let’s stay like this for a bit hm’k.”

His head was in the crook of her neck. Hazel's body softened letting it fall back onto him, and in no time flat they were both asleep once again.

Once the two were fully awake Nathaniel, surprisingly was the one blushing the most “I’m so sorry I don’t know what came over me.”

“Well, it’s not the weirdest thing ever, me and my other friend tend to do the same thing a lot, so don’t worry or think much about it” she reassured him.

Nathaniel nods in response.

“So, um, are you hungry?” he asks rubbing the back of his head and trying to change the subject.

“Oh yeah, I’m starving.” Her eyes sparkled at the thought of food.

“Well, there’s a nice café not far from here if your down to go?” he asked.

“Sure, but I think we should change first,” she says looking him up and down his white shirt that was stuck halfway in his sweatpants.

This gesture causes him to blush slightly. “Oh, also your clothes are in the bathroom they were cleaned last night for you.”

“Thanks,” she said before walking into the bathroom.

They spent the rest of the day together, having fun and whatnot, doing things teens nowadays do. Like going to hang out at random convenient stores or just doing anything that they come across that seems interesting. The streets were still wet from the rain the day prior. Then the next thing they knew the day had slipped by in the blink of an eye, and soon it was time for Hazel to say goodbye and go home.

The two walked to the station together in silence but the good kind of silence, the pleasing silence, until they made it to the station.

“Thanks a lot, Nath, this day was amazing, definitely one of the best I’ve had,” she says turning to him.

They are now face-to-face.

He looks into her eyes “Oh it was nothing really, I’m just glad you had a good time.”

He pauses for a moment, avoiding her gaze.

“Are you sure you ok with taking the train alone?” he asks.

She looks at him with a sweet smile.

“Ya, I’m sure this isn’t my first rodeo.” She says slightly mimicking a southern accent.

This causes Nathaniel to chuckle.

The sound of the train fills their ears soon after.

“Well, I’ll talk to you later,” Hazel says turning toward the train.

But before she could step onto the train Nathaniel grabbed her wrist. Hazel turned around looking at him with a slightly confused look, it looked as though he wanted to say something but opted to say something other than what he was first thinking.

“Thank you, you don’t know how much this means to me, really,” he says before letting her go.

She smiles and walks onto the train.

And just like that she was gone all in the blink of an eye.

Hazel sat in silence normally she would at least listen to music, but Nathaniel’s words rang louder than music, she felt like she was overthinking things, but she couldn’t help it. A soft blush crept onto her cheeks as he stared out the window. This felt like it was going to be a bumpy ride to come.

But then it hit her.

“Fuck I didn’t get his number,” she thought.

She just sat there almost like she was in shock, but there was nothing she could do now what’s done is done she'd have to wait until their next meeting.

Getting off the train she had a sour look on her face all while she walked home. The walk was wet and cold, the trees surrounding her house seemed darker than normal, and it sent a chill down her spine.

Walking into her house, she slipped her shoes off and was yanked into a momma bear hug.

“Oh, honey you're home your ok right, nothings broken?”

“I’m ok” Hazel choked out.

Hazel’s mom held her face and gave her a look of relief, then kissed her on her head.

“Oh, my dear, where’d you run off to?”

“Mom.”

“Did anyone cause you disconcert?”

“Mom”

“Because if they did so help me-”

“Mom?!” Hazel’s voice ceased her mother’s concern.

“If anything happened, I would tell you, you know that.” She explained.

Her mom’s shoulders loosened as she relaxed.

“I was staying at a friend’s house due to the storm ok, it was late, and he didn’t want me to go home in the dark, so I stayed over at his place.”

“You stayed at a boy's house!”

“Mom nothing happened I process” Hazel yelled in response.

She turned away and started walking up to her room.

“Avoid it all you want we're talking tomorrow; you better not be having my grandchildren!”

Hazel rolled her eyes as she walked into her room. She changed into her night clothes and flopped onto her bed as started scrolling on her phone. Her eyes soon fell heavy as she drifted off to dreamland.

 

[vxntage-honey]

Sweet Tea & Cigarettes

Chapter 4 Rainy roads and old books

Hazel awoke to the sun shining in her eyes, she tossed and turned before she finally got up. She stretched her body as she sat up in her bed feeling Willow and Kuro cuddle atop of her. She smiled down at them before she got a whiff of something she hadn’t had in a long time,

her eyes widening as she hopped out of bed earning annoyed meows from her cats.

But just as her feet hit the floor she screeched “damn that’s cold!”

She hobbles towards her dresser slipping on a pir of socks not noticing the slippers that were hiding under the bed.

She ran down the stairs as fast as her legs could take her slipping before she reached the kitchen door.

“Are you ok Hun?!” her mom spoke with a silk covered voice.

“I’m good” Hazel yelled back before getting up and walking to the kitchen.

“Morning mom” she said out of breath.

“Morning, I made your favorite, French toast with a side of sunny side up eggs and bacon” her mom smiled.

“you’re the best mom” Hazel thanked her mom before her face changed from one for joy to confusion.

“Wait why aren’t you at work.”

“Oh, the store was closed today due to an unsafe broken pipe” her mom explained.

Hazel made an “oh I get it” expression before she smiled once more.

After Hazel ate, she hopped up from the couch and headed upstairs to get ready for school.

“Ok mom I’m heading out see you later.”

“Bye, have a nice day honey.”

As she walked out the door, she hopped down the stairs happily as she made her way to the station. She made herself comfortable in the train seat closing her eyes “meow” Hazels eyes shoot open at the sudden presence on her lap.

Oh, hello kitty where did you come from?” Hazel pats the top of the kitty’s head and it purred.

As the train passed by Spring Valley Station, she noticed that Ginette haven’t gotten on or at least not onto the same car as her so she wanted to see if her friend would be attending school today, so she took out her spell phone and dialed her number.

Hazel’s phone rang for a bit before Ginette picked up the phone.

“Hey, what’s up?” Hazel sighed in relief.

“Hay sorry I’m not coming today I caught a cold” she whined.

“And here I though you learned your lesson last time, you get sick easily girl” Hazel sighed mentally face palming herself.

“Ok love you, and I hope you get better soon, also be prepared for me to make you soup and bring it to you” Hazel explained, and a grin was plastered on her face.

“WA! No, I don’t want you to get sick cause of me.”

“To bad nothing you will say can stop me” Hazel said smugly.

Ginette could only sigh in response “ok fine love you, bye.”

Hazel hung up her phone and laid back into the seat before remembering the living presence on her lap.

“Oh shoot, I should have told her what she was missing out on” she whined.

The cat never left her lap until they arrived at Black Water Station then the cat hopped off her lap and disappeared somewhere, leaving Hazel in a state of confusion.

Walking to the school Hazel stopped by a café to get her daily dose of caffeine and sweets before heading to school. For once Hazel didn’t feel as scared, although Ginette wasn’t here, she had Nathaniel now and if she had at least one friend at school she was fine. But she wondered if they would get along, she hoped so she loved Ginette dearly and Nathaniel hadn’t given her a reason to dislike him so she hope they would all become and amazing trio.

Hazel entered her first class of the day and as always, she was the first to arrive and she sat in the cozy corner window seat after all it was first come first serve at this school.

As soon as lunch had started Hazel headed to the abandoned wing of the school into the old art room so she could practice in peace. She gathered her watercolor paint and brushes and made up a cozy area.

Hazel remembers when she and Ginette would come to this wing without permission and how they practically had to sneak around like ninjas and how they would always clean a little at a time making the wing clean and spotless clear of any dust that was until they got caught one day and were sent to the principal’s office but after he saw what they had done he gave them an ultimatum. As long as they took care of that side of the school and really put their hearts into taking care of it than they were free to come and go as they pleased. And of course, the agreed with happy faces.

Hazel smiled warmly at the fond memory before refocusing to the task at hand. Hazel often did art there when she was alone or simply just had the time, she loved this side of the school with her heart, so she went here every chance she got.

“Knock, knock, knock.”

Hazel practically jumps out of her skin hearing knocking at the door.

“Um hello who’s there?” her voice shaking as she spoke.

“Um hay I noticed you weren't at lunch, and I got worried so I asked your teacher where you might be, and they said you might be here.”

He noticed I wasn't at lunch she thought.

“Oh yeah me and my friend often eat in here and just hang out during lunch” she said opening the door slowly.

“Working on another masterpiece I see.” he said staring down at her notebook.

“Oh, ya but it’s nothing big really” She scratched the back of her head nervously.

“May I” he questioned before Hazel gave him her consent.

As Nathaniel flip through her notebook, he smiled appreciating her art.

During lunch the two talked and drew together doing fun games and challenging each other.

“You know, you could do amazing things with this talent” he praised.

Hazel looked at him surprised before smiling sweetly. “Thank you I could say the same about you.”

His smile faded “my father would never approve or something like that, but I don’t mind I can just have fun and do it out of his sight.”

Hazel’s smile soon faded as she looked down to her feet but just as she was about to say something the lunch bell rang, indicating that lunch was over. The two walked until they had to depart once again.

“I’ll see you later,” Nathaniel said walking to biology.

Hazel just stared at him as he walked away, and she waved her hand and said a quiet goodbye before making her way to her class.

Hazel Sat at her desk her head in her hand now she stared out the window she never realized how boring her class was until now, but even before when Ginette wasn't there it was never this boring Hazel was still able to tolerate it, but something was different this time.

As soon as class had ended, she got up quickly and made her way to her next class, she excitedly entered her potion class looking for Nathaniel but he seemed to not have arrived yet, so she made her way to one of the empty seats and got her stuff ready before the teacher asked her to help her set up for the day's class of course her being a teacher’s pet she agreed. she soon noticed that there was a presence sitting next to her belongings and she smiled towards him waving her hand.

“You look excited” he said with a smirk.

“of course, I am other than art class potion class is my second favorite of all time so of course I'm excited” Hazel beamed but little did he know that wasn't the only reason she was happy.

He laughed as she sat down next to him “potions class is actually one of the classes I'm not good at.”

Hazel thinks for a second before she gets an idea. “Hey, you know if you want help, I'm always willing to do so.”

He looks at her with a shocked face before he smiled nodding his head “If you’re really willing to help me, then I’ll accept that offer.”

“Well, if you’re free after school, we can do it today. I know the perfect place” Hazel smiles at him warmly.

“Sounds good.” He flashes her a cheeky smile.

Potions class went by smoothly and with Hazels help Nathaniel wasn’t racking his brain trying to figure out what was going on.

But one thing keep Hazel from really being able to focus she couldn’t keep her eyes off Nathaniel she admired the way his roman nose looked from the side and how his lips were plump and how soft they looked and his jaw line and how sharp it was. This girl was smitten.

“Aright students let’s begin” the teacher snapped her fingers getting her classes attention.

“Today you and your partner will be attempting to make an invisibility potion, all of you should have read the instructions last night so this should be a breeze and remember if you need to refresh your brain your welcome to use your notebooks” she clapped her hands, and the class went to work.

“Ok, you ready Nath” Hazel asked looking at him.

He looked at her and nodded his head in response.

After class Hazel called her friend to check up on her “hay what’s up GG everything good?”

“Ya I’m better, what about you, anything existing happen today.”

“O.M.G. you won’t believe what happened” Hazel said excitedly.

“girl spill I need my tea hot and ready!”

“Ok, so we were supposed to make an invisibility potion today right, and Luka and Shelby accidentally added snake tongue instead of lizard tongue and the classroom when BOOM! We all had to evacuate the room.”

“Bro that’s crazy why does this stuff always happen when I’m not there” Ginette groaned into her phone as Hazel laughed on her end.

“I don’t know, but I got to go, the last class is starting talk to you later.”

“bye”

Hazel’s call ended with a beep and she walked to the last class of the day, art.

As always art was as peaceful as ever, no problems there and the next thing she knew school was over and she was free to leave so she waited outside for Nathaniel. And once they met up, they were with Hazel leading the way to the library.

But before they reached the library drops of rain started to fall.

“Oh no let’s hurry” Nathaniel said grabbing her hand now understanding where their destination was. But Nathaniel was unaware of the blushing Hazel behind him.

They soon safely arrived at the library. Walking in their hair dripping with rain the water sticking to their hair like sap.

The library was as tall as the school, if not taller with its looming tall peaks and tall windows with a dark interior. The inside was wide and open with several levels full of rows and rows of books.

Hazel led him to the far back where she always studies and sets her stuff down and walking over to the section of the library that the potion books are and grabbing a few. Returning to the table Nathaniel was already set up and she sat down next to him.

And she quickly get to it, helping him with understanding how some ingredients in potions work.

Once Hazel looked up at the clock it read 6 PM “Wow its already 6 we should probably get going before it gets dark”.

Nathaniel nods his head helping her clean up “um thanks again for helping me with this Hazel.”

Hazel hums in response, his voice catching Hazel’s attention and she smiles at him and says, “really it was no problem.”

The two walked into the foyer and stared out the front doors seeing the stormy weather outside.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much rain in my life” Nathaniel thought for a moment “hay you take the train home, right?”

“Ya, I do why?” Hazel questioned.

“Good so you know the way there from here.”

“Ya, I do” she said confused.

“Ok, I can’t in good conscience let you go alone.”

“Why?”

“Well, what if something were to happen to you one the way home, I’d never forgive myself since I could have prevented it, ya know.”

Hazel thinks for a moment “I suppose that makes sense.”

“Alright now, let’s go.”

Nathaniel said intertwining his fingers with hers and he looked at her waiting for her to lead the way. Hazel looked down at their hands before looking him in the eye and nodding her head with I determined look.

They sprinted to the station as fast as their legs could take them and once, they arrived they finally caught their breaths their chests heaving up and down.

The train going east soon arrived and Nathaniel dragged her onto the train Hazel sat down confused “what where are we going?”

He looked at her with a blank expression before smiling “my place.”

Hazel froze her eyes going wide as she thought “omg I’m going to a boys place with no one else what am I going to do!?”

 

[vxntage-honey]

Sweet Tea & Cigarettes

Chapter 3

What’s Your Name?

“What do you mean you're not coming to school today!?”

“I trust you have a good reason,” Hazel yelled into her spell phone.

“I do I promise, I have to go to the doctor I haven’t been feeling well,” Ginette explained.

Hazel's body softened as she let out a sigh after hearing Ginette’s explanation. “you’re lucky, well I hope you feel better and remember to keep me up to date on how you’re doing okay.”

“Ok I will love ya”

“Love you too, ya dork.”

With that Hazel hung up her phone and waited for the train.

As Hazel stared into the distance the train came into view the doors hissing as they opened washing Hazel with a gust of warm air. Stepping onto the train Hazel embraced the atmosphere taking a seat at one of the window seats taking out the sandwich her mom made her for breakfast and taking a huge bit filling her hungry stomach.

As the train pulled into Spring Valley Station Hazel was half expecting Ginette to get on even though she had to go to the doctors. But alas there was nothing no hug, funny remark, or her laughter just the sound of the train leaving the station, everything was just numb.

Hazel looked longingly out the train window; Ginette almost always went to school, so it was kind of weird for her not to be there. But on those few days without Ginette, Hazel it was exhausting, hazel didn’t have many friends and the others were lost over the years so Ginette was the only friend she had she went to school with. They did everything together day in and day out they were together.

But Ginette’s absence was very odd for Hazel, she wasn’t quite herself without her other half she’s just a shell of who she once was she went quiet and distanced herself from others and tried to stay in her lane. Ginette always spoke up for her when she used to get bullied and she just spoke up for Hazel in general some would say she’s mute, but she wouldn’t call herself that.

Hazel stared out the window with a bleak expression she hated being without Ginette even if it was just for a day that’s just how she was, she was even like that with her mom since she was the only parental figure she had. Being alone just made Hazel feel like she was alone and like no one wanted to be around her. Hazel's mind was clouded with thoughts as she sat in a trance caused by her mind as her eyes followed the trees flying by.

The train eventually screeched to a stop, Hazel waking from her trance.

Hazel quietly stepped off the train looking down at her feet as she walked through the streets of Black Water seeing people laugh and run around, shops emanating a light that warmed the streets, they were setting up for their annual fall festival. As Hazel walked, she stared at the wet pavement in front of her. Walking alongside the school's gate Hazel ran her fingers along it feeling Your fingers rise and fall on the fence as she walked and she honed in on the feeling on her fingertips closing her eyes to heighten her sense of touch.

Bit before she was able to reach the school gate her eyes shot open as the disgusting smell of cigarettes filled her nose.

“Ugh, what the hell?”.

Hazel scanned for the source of the smell her eyes wandering around. There stood the boy she had so often seen as her eyes scanned his body she felt her body freeze, she didn’t say a word she just stared at him like a deer in headlights.

His amber eyes were closed as he took a breath in, inhaling the smoke and breathing out, the smoke flowing past his lips.

His eyes opened slowly only looking forward, before they shot toward Hazel's direction causing Hazel to flinch.

His eyes stared into her soul as if he could see every inch of her, her past, and future.

Just as Hazel was about to speak, he beat her to it “What do you want?” he asked coldly “Um I’m sorry I didn’t mean to disturb you” he only stared at her before taking another puff from his cigarette. Just then he moves his hand towards her motioning for her to take a puff if she so wished his eyes boring holes into her skin. Hazel gave him a confused look before she realized what he was offering and she waved her hands in front of her “Oh no, no I don’t smoke” he just looked at her and shrugged bringing the cigarette back up to his lips again.

“Um so I’ve seen you around and, well I was wondering what's your name?”

She asked as she fiddled with her hair, twirling it between your fingers.

He looked back at her.

“Nathaniel,” he said bluntly.

Hazel's eyes go wide “Wow you have a really pretty name” Hazel stated before she could even think and after her hands shot up to her mouth in shock, Nathanial’s eyes went wide before he looked in the opposite direction from her giving hazel a good view of his blush-stained ears.

“Um, I’m sorry I didn’t mean to make you feel uncomfortable.”

“No ifs fine, I’m fine”.

He said breaking his “cool guy” persona.

“Well, I should be going.”

But before she could walk into the school he said

“Hay wait, what’s your name?”

Hazel turned towards him her hair swaying with her head and spoke.

“Hazel, Hazel Rosewood” she smiled before turning on her heels and walking through the front doors.

His eyes followed her as she disappeared through the front door his eyes full of wonder.

The day went by slowly since her distraction wasn’t there to do her job, her mind was foggy, and her eyes darted to the clock every minute.

Hazel was just starting 5th period and as always, she was the first student in the classroom she sighed sitting down at the table in the far corner of the room letting her head land in her arms.

“Ugh, I’m so bored.”

She groaned before stiffening feeling a presence sit next to her. She lifted her head slightly uncovering her eyes to look at the person.

Her eyes scanned his body, and her eyes were immediately focused on his amber eyes that seemed to glow in the sunlight, she squeaked as he looked down at her.

“Um hay,” Nathaniel says in his honey-coated voice.

“Hi,” Hazel whispers.

“I can move if you want me to?” He suggests not wanting to make Hazel uncomfortable.

“No, no your fine” She objects.

Hazel smiles as she sits up fully.

During lunch Hazel sat alone in the courtyard under one of the many trees, drawing in her sketchbook and humming a toon when suddenly “Hay is this set taken?”

Hazel jumps slightly before settling looking up at the person “Oh no it's not” she says with a smile patting the grass next to her.

He nods and sits down.

“Your voice is really pretty,” he says bluntly.

Hazel blinks a few times before blushing slightly “Oh you think so?”

She asks as she tucks a strand of hair behind her ear.

“ya, not many people can sing let alone hum well.”

A wash of silence follows suit they both end up looking away from each other, Hazel twirling her hair and Nathaniel fiddling with his thumbs before he asks her another question.

“So…. You draw?” He asks turning back to her.

“Oh, ya I do”. She looked back at him excitedly.

“Me too”

Hazel's Eyes go wide as he says this.

“You draw?”

She asks practically flabbergasted.

“What is it so hard to believe that I like?” He asked with a smirk on his face.

“Well, I wouldn’t have been my first thought” He lets out a low laugh before leaning back onto the tree.

The two end up talking for the rest of the day and start to become closer.

Later they were sitting at Black Waters' central fountain staring into the coin-filled water “You know you intimidated me at first” Hazel laughed Nathanial turned his head turning towards her with wide eyes “Really?”.

“Remember when I first bumped into you on the first day of school, well not goanna lie the way you stared down at me was a little terrifying” “Oh sorry” he apologized looking back down into the water.

“Hay don’t beat yourself up about it I tend to get easily frightened so that’s on me.” He looks back at her with a happy, shocked look she’s ever seen.

The two walk together to Black Water Station “So I’ll see you tomorrow?” Hazel asks walking to one side of the tracks “ya see you” he replies with a wave of his hand and a small smile plastered on her face as she waved back.

The only reason they looked away from each other was due to the sound of the train arriving. Hazel jumped slightly at the sound before Nathaniel disappeared behind the train. Then he was gone, and she waited patiently for her train to come.

The walk home was quiet and all that was heard was the sound of birds chirping, and water dropping her feet walked along the forested dirt path. But her mind went wild with thoughts and feeling Hazel help if she was about to explode from the amount of things running through her head she wondered what was that feeling in her chest and why couldn’t she stop smiling. It is, though, after the encounter, her world is turned upside down in the best way possible.

The house was cold, and her cats weren’t there to greet but she didn’t seem to mind, and with a sigh, she Spoke “Home sweet home”.

Hazel walked up the stairs to her room and began to get comfortable, removing her clothes and replacing them with long pants and a thin sweater, and letting her hair fall down the curls bouncing from the recoil.

She wondered if Nathaniel was feeling the same way when he left because he was excited to talk to her the way she was for him. She’d help if she hadn’t come off as too weird or too quiet.

Her thoughts were silenced as she stepped out of the bathroom and was greeted by Willow at the door and Kuro on her bed. She sighed picking up Willow in her arms and walking over to her bed, Kuro got up in annoyance and moved to the window, causing Hazel to let out a breathy laugh before falling to her back, feeling Willow purr as she laid on top of hazel before the three drifted off to sleep.

[vxntage-honey]

MasterList🍯

Sweet Tea & Cigarette’s

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

[vxntage-honey]

Sweet Tea & Cigarettes

Chapter 2

Books Stacked High

The library was big with rows and rows of books scaling the walls. It was a historic library with its majestic Architecture. In the far ends of the library sat Hazel all huddled up surrounded by books.  Hazel groaned slamming her head into her book “Why must history be so complex” she whined running her hands over her face in frustration “Why are men in history so barbaric” She gritted her teeth, her face softening at the sound of shushing across the library as she whispered a soft “sorry” she let out a sigh of frustration and started packing up her stuff and heading towards the exit.

Walking out of the library the wind was cold and the air was clear. A cold breeze whizzed by her causing her to shiver. Hazel sighs pulls her phone out and sends a text to Ginette “Hey what's up?”

“The sky”

“Really, are you busy or not?”

“I'm free why?”

“I'm bored and I just left the library, so my brains fried!”

“Oh, really I'm not far from you stay where you are!”

“Wait but it's cold.”

“Just don't move!”

Hazel looks at her phone eyes wide when she hears her name being called from a distance “really.”

Ginette was rushing towards her, Ginette’s feet causing small puddles to splash along the way. As Ginette reached Hazel, she stopped to take a deep breath before talking “Yes, really hey you should be happy I ran here for you” Ginette said pouting, Hazel's giggles cutting through the air like a knife “OK thanks for running to me” Ginette grins wide as she takes hazel's hand in hers. Hazel followed her friend aimlessly.

The streets were filled with people. The ground was shiny from the rain covering the street, autumn leaves adorned the road adding a pop of color to the otherwise dark bricks, the sky was cloudy and there was a light fog covering the world around them as the streetlights and store lights acted as a beacon of sorts guiding people along the way. Hazel looked at her friend with a questioning look upon her face.

“Where are we going?” Hazel questioned.

“you'll see~”. Hazel let out a defeated sigh. The two stood outside a warm café Ginette held the door open for Hazel and she walked in quickly trying to get out of the cold.

The smell of coffee and pastries fills her nose as the warmth consumes her “Wow it feels like a warm hug” Hazel sighs looking at the interior of the café the walls were dark mahogany with an accent wall of black bricks with ivy crawling up them.

“I knew you would like it” Ginette laughs, Hazel looked down at the menu with wide eyes “Wow so many things to choose from” She looks at the menu for a solid minute “OK I know what I want what about you?”

“Yeah, I'm ready” The two walk up to the counter ready to order when the cashier welcomes them.

“Welcome to the Coffee House what can I get you?”

“I would like a sugar and spice latte with a breakfast sandwich please.”

and I'll take a cookie crumble latte with a strawberry tart” The two order and the cashier asks.

“Will that be together or separate?”

Before Ginette could reply Hazel says

“Together please”

Ginette looks over at her friend bewildered as Hazel pays for their order and the duo head off to find a seat.

“Really Hazel, what have I told you about paying for me” Ginette wines Hazel just responds by sticking her tongue out at her and Ginette lets out a puffy sigh.

The window seat is the best for being in a cafe during autumn. You can just sit and watch the leaves float by or race the raindrops that fall into the window or even just people watching. The seat they chose was wonderful and comfy, the booth was well cushioned and there were pillows and blankets scattered around for any guest to use.

Hazel's thoughts were interrupted by the barista calling her name. “Order for Hazel!” She blinked, looking at the counter.

“Oh, I'll get it,” she said standing up.

Somehow Hazel was able to carry the food and drinks over to their table without hassle.

“Okay one cookie crumble latte and strawberry tart from Miss Ginette”

Hazel acts causing Ginette to let out a laugh.

“And one sugar and spice latte with a breakfast sandwich for Miss Hazel.”

Hazel says sitting down.

“Oh, thank you.”

Hazel responds to herself Ginette covering her mouth trying not to laugh any harder than she already is.

As the two dug into their food Hazel's eyes went wide “Wow this is amazing!”.

“I know I wouldn’t have brought you here otherwise”. Ginette laughed before she paused for a moment then she had an idea pop into her head a smirk spreading across her face.

“Hazel tell me more about the boy from Wednesday~,” Ginette asked playfully

“I don't know what to tell you?”

“Well for starters what did he look like.”

“Well, his hair was dark and curly, his eyes were a piercing amber, and his skin hmm,” Hazel thought for a moment “his skin was fawn, oh and he had freckles too!”

“How did you notice that?”

Ginette Smirked “Oh he had…a lot” Hazel stuttered.

“Right, anyway anything else?”

“No that's all.”

Hazel blushed, looking away.

Ginette just sat there smirking knowing damn well what was going through her friend's head.

Hazel finished her sandwich with a sigh looking at her bag and grabbing her notebook.

“Hey, we're supposed to be taking a break!”

“I know, I know but I just have to finish this before tomorrow.”

Hazel sighs trying to finish her work Ginette looks at her with concern wishing her friend knew when to take a break. Once Hazel finished, she put her stuff away and looked at her friend, a scared look covered her face as Ginette stared at her with an annoyed expression. “What?”.

“Hazel my friend, my sister from another mother you need to chill school just started.”

“I know but I need to do a lot to graduate this year, you know that.”

“I know”

Ginette said looking down “It's just that if you burn yourself out too soon then you definitely won't do lots of work later.”

“you're right I guess you'll just have to force me to take breaks then.”

Hazel smirked as they laughed together for a while.

But as soon as they left the cafe dread filled their faces “damn it's cold” Ginette yelled Hazel laughed coldly at her friend, but Ginette wasn't having it, so she took her cold hands and put them under Hazel's shirt earning a loud scream from her.

“GINETTE!”

That was all that was said before Hazel started chasing her friend around town.

After all was said and done Ginette dragged Hazel off to someplace else.

The two ended up in front of a bookstore.

“I thought-”

“I know what I said but no matter what you and I need books for school.”

Hazel looked at her friend with a blank stare as they walked through the front doors.

As Hazel looked for a book, she spotted a familiar tall fluffy-haired boy outside the store window, and she ducked behind one of the shelves.

Once she looked up, he was gone as she calmed down, she turned around only to see Ginette staring at her “What? Hazel asked looking at her friend.

“Oh nothing” Ginette snickered.

Hazel looked down at the shelf full of books, nothing catching her eye until she saw a book cover that intrigued her. Grabbing the book, she whispered the title aloud “Out Passed Dawn written and illustrated by Anthony Johnson.”

Hazel looked at the book her interest had been piqued and she knew this was the book for her.

Hazel walked around looking for her friend.

“Where the hell did, she go?”

“Hey!”

Hazel jumped in surprise “Are you trying to kill me” Hazel whispered loudly causing Ginette to laugh making Hazel roll her eyes.

“Are you ready to check out or are you too busy messing with me?”

Ginette Wiped a tear from her eye “I'm ready”.

The two walked over to the counter but before Hazel could pay, Ginette paid quickly so that Hazel couldn't pay for her books.

“Wha- hey, what's the big deal?” Ginette just stuck her tongue out at Hazel causing her to sigh.

Walking out of the store the two made their way through Blackwater, to Blackwater station and they sat in silence waiting for the train but as Ginette was about to speak the train's horn sounded as it pulled into the station.

They sat down at one of the table seats “Hey were you going to say something?”

Ginette Hummed as she grabbed her phone from her bag.

“Oh, it was nothing.”

Hazel looked at her friend with stern eyes before letting them soften.

“OK if you say so.”

Hazel sighed, turning to look out the window.

The ride was normal. Ginette was playing on her phone and Hazel was staring out the window longingly before the train screeched to a stop now arriving at Spring Valley Station.

“Well, I guess this is goodbye,” Ginette said dramatically.

“See you someday.”

Ginette followed up by putting her hand on her face shielding her eyes.

“Bye loser” Hazel laughed Ginette’s eyes widened at the insult but before she could respond the doors of the train closed separating the two.

Hazel let out a sigh, turning to look out the window once more, seeing the trees flying by almost putting her in a trance.

An hour later Hazel finally made it to her stop stepping off the train Hazel took a deep breath in and out smelling the rainy air a sad look washing over her, she always enjoyed playing in the rain with her dad, especially after a long day at school, but he made his choice and there was no going back.

Hazel walked up to the front door of her old house it was at least two stories and had a nice backyard with a stone fence surrounding it the outside was worn and looked like it needed a good cleaning, but she and her mom didn't have the money for that not right now anyways.

As Hazel unlocked her front door she was greeted by meows from her cat's Willow and Kuro

“Hey, I'm home I hope you two have been getting along well”.

Hazel says stepping through the front door.

Hazel quickly noticed that her mom still wasn't home yet, which wasn't unusual nowadays. Hazel sighed letting her bag fall to the ground, slipping her shoes off, and walking over to the living room slumping down on the couch her cat's coming to sit with her “At least I have got you guys” Willow meowed in response.

“Well, I guess a nap wouldn't be too bad,” she said letting her eyes become heavy before she fell into a deep slumber her cat’s curled up beside her falling asleep along with her.

[vxntage-honey]

Sweet Tea & Cigarettes

Chapter 1

Ivy Covered Walls

On the first day of senior year, Hazel had never imagined she’d make it this far, but she did, she had her mother, friend, and amazing teachers to thank for that, if it wasn’t for them, she wouldn’t know where she’d be, all she knows is that she made it this far she can’t back down now. How will this last year unfold, What challenges will she face; Will she be able to make it to graduation? Her thoughts were silenced by the sound of the train coming into her station. With an anxious sigh, she stepped her foot onto the train.

The smell of old leather filled her nose as it’s a smell she’s all too familiar with, as the sounds of smooth jazz played in the distance. Sitting down, the cushions were soft and worn, the sun outside filling the car with a warm glow.

The ride didn’t feel too long as she was all too familiar with the path she was taking; Hazel was on her way to meet her friend for the first day of senior year. As Hazel stared out the window of the train the view of the mountains and trees flying by had caught her eye, it’s a view that always surprises her with its beauty. The sun was peeking out over the vast mountain range as the train made its way to Spring Valley station and as the train slowed to a stop Hazel closed her eyes expecting what was coming next. A pair of warm hands covered Hazel's eyes as a playful voice spoke “Guess who” this silly voice asked, and Hazel decided to play along with her friend's silly antics “Hmm I don't know who it could be” Hazel heard a laugh from behind her.

“Oh, come on you can do better than that.”

“Well by the sound of the high-pitched voice and playful tone, it must be Ginette, am I right?”

The pair of warm hands lifted from her face causing Hazel to turn around and look at her friend “I feel as though you are messing with me”.

“Well, that's for me to know and for you to continue questioning” Hazel giggled slightly at her joke, soon turning into a full laugh and her friend joined in soon after. The two conversed about the night prior as the train came to a halt at their destination. Selmor High was the school the two girls had been going to since they could remember since the school caters to kids from first to 12th grade.

Something that always surprised visitors, leaving them wondering how a school could cater to all ages so easily and how they have the highest on-time graduation streak in the state. And on top of that, the school isn’t that well known by people, but nonetheless, it makes it easier for people like Hazel that live in the area to have more of a chance of getting in than others, not from around here. But knowing this makes Hazel so nervous since although she’s a senior her credits are lower than average and the fact that she often needs more help doing basic things, but she’s determined to get what she needs to be done so that all her hard work could be rewarded and so she can finally apply for her dream college.

Ginette snapped Hazel out of her daze by nudging her shoulder and giving Hazel a warm smile.

As the speaker on the train goes off “Now arriving at Blackwater station!”

The duo got up from their seat and stepped through the doors of the train into the outside world. Stepping off the train they both shivered as the cold autumn air grazed their skin.

“How do you feel?” Ginette asks, Hazel just hums in response “About it being our last year, I mean.”

“Oh, I don't know I'm just surprised the two of us made it this far you know.”

“Yeah, I'm surprised I wasn't expelled a long time ago.”

Hazel gives her friend a smirk as Ginette groans in annoyance “Why is it so damn cold Autumn just started” Hazel now lets out a breathy laugh as she puts her hands in her pocket to shield them from the cold.

As the two walked through Black Water's most commercial Street, a sense of nostalgia washed over Hazel. Stores and market stalls scattered around the path, a warm glow emanating from inside several shops as Hazel remembers her first day at Selmor High fondly. That day was cold as people started putting up decorations for Thanksgiving, Fairy lights and leaves adorned the street as people came from near and far to see their annual fall festival. Her mother holding her left hand and her father holding her right, it was first grade and Hazel was extremely nervous the large school looming over her was daunting. Hazel's mind phased back to the present time as she looked over to her friend Ginette who was humming quietly while skipping along the path alongside her. Hazel thinks about the day the two of them bumped into each other and how they were inseparable ever since, it's the only time Hazel was thankful for her clumsiness.

And in the blink of an eye, the two had arrived at the front gate of the school.

The school Was just as looming as ever but now it didn't scare her in fact it was quite comforting, the brick walls were covered with Ivy and autumn leaves, and it looked as though it was pulled right out of a fantasy book. Through the years the school's visuals never changed, they were always the same, the two walked up the same old stone stairs and walked through the same old wooden doors heading to the office stepping on the old granite floor their shoes clicking against it, going to retrieve their schedules.

“Hey, we have all the same classes, that's weird you'd think they'd know better than to put us together”.

Ginette chuckled, Hazel giving her a sigh “How will I ever survive being with you for this long GG”.

“Hey, I'm not that annoying” Ginette squeaked as Hazel started to laugh as they walked to their first class of the day.

After the day was through, they headed out Hazel stopped dead in her tracks “Oh no I forgot my notebook Ginette You go on ahead I'll catch up later”.

“Hmm OK don't take too long or I'll head to my house without you” Ginette teased as Hazel turned around rolling her eyes speed walking back into the school.

As Hazel walked into the last room she was in, she spotted her notebook right where she thought she left it “Oh thank God it's still here" she said breathing a sigh of relief grabbing her notebook she quickly turned around and walked out the door while looking down at her notebook making sure everything's still there until her body collided with what seemed to be another person, stumbling back Hazel blinked her eyes trying to process what had just happened noticing a pair of shoes in front of her.

“Oh, I'm so sorry are you” her words trailing off as she looked up at the person. His eyes were cold and irritated and with a low sigh he said, “Whatever just watch where you're going next time”.

Hazel didn't even have time to reply as the next thing she knew was the boy was gone. It was only then that she realized that she was holding her breath the whole time letting out a huge sigh.

“wow”

was all she could say her mind racing with questions like who was he? Why had she never seen him before? Was he new!? Walking out of the school doors, her nose stung with the scent of cigarettes turning her head, she saw the same boy from just moments ago and he was smoking. She gave him a questioning look but turned away thinking it was none of her business. As she walked away, she hadn't noticed that his eyes were on her as well, watching her as she disappeared down the path.

Once she arrived at the train station, she sighed thankful that her friend didn't actually leave her.

Ginette ran up to her and asked, “Hazel what took you so long?”

“Oh sorry”

“I missed like three trains because of you,” Ginette said putting a hand on her hip before looking at her friend again realizing that something was off “Hey you good?”

“Oh yeah I'm fine it's just I had an encounter of sorts with someone I've never seen before.”

“Well, it's not like you talk to every person in our school.”

“I know but I don't think I've even ever seen him before,” Hazel said looking away from her friend, Ginette giving Hazel a questioning look but decided not to pry any further.

“Maybe he's just new although it is strange, we don't get many new students unless they're a first year but maybe time will tell”.

As the two walked down one of Blackwater's side roads Ginette spoke up “Hey is it cool if we run to the store really quick, I need to pick up something for my dad.”

“Sure, I don't mind I need to pick up a few things myself.”

Hazel replied as the two walked over to the grocery store.

Hazel and Ginette parted ways, Hazel heading to the snack aisle to grab a few things like chips, soda, and some gummy bears to satiate her sweet tooth before heading to the back where the dry food was and grabbed two bags of rice before walking up to the counter meeting her friend halfway.

“Do you really need that much rice” Ginette questioned looking at her friend suspiciously.

“Yes, I do, you of all people should know how much me and my mom eat rice it's such a versatile thing you know just like potatoes”

“I don't think I'll ever understand your obsession, but you do you I guess” Hazel laughed at her friend's concern before putting her stuff on the counter.

Hazel also grabbed the stuff from Ginette putting them on the counter as well.

“What are you doing?”

“Paying” Hazel answered simply while Ginette looked at her with a surprised look.

After Hazel paid the two walked out of the grocery store Ginette glaring daggers at Hazel

“Why must you always pay for my stuff I can afford it you know.”

“I never said you couldn't, but as for why I always pay for you I don't know I just feel like it's the right thing to do” Ginette leaned on her friend in annoyance before accepting her response.

As the two walked back to the train station they sat in silence waiting for the train to arrive, once it did, they got on and got off at Spring Valley station where Ginette and her parents live. Ever since day one Ginette’s parents welcomed her with open arms and always saw her as part of the family which warmed Hazel's heart in a way. Ginette’s side of town wasn’t as exciting as Blackwater nor was it as commercial, mostly full of residents and a few shops here and there but that's, but despite that it was cozy and a nice place to just chill and hang out, and that's what they did a lot of the time, especially after school.

The rest of the day wasn’t really eventful, it was kind of just their normal routine every other day they’d either go to Hazel's house or Ginette’s place and just talk for hours about stupid random stuff.

Hazel noticed the sun starting to set so she said her goodbyes and headed home.

Although during the day Spring Vally was very beautiful during the night it was kind of eerie, the roads shrouded in a layer of fog the only light was from the moon and the streetlights above, not to mention she was walking home alone although she's been doing this for a long-time hazel doesn’t think that she’ll ever get used to that feeling.

Waiting for the train to come never felt longer and once it did, she stepped on as quickly as she could, getting out of the darkness, and letting out a sigh of relief before sitting down and getting relaxed for the long ride home.

As Hazel rested against the trains seat her mind wandered thinking about the boy from earlier, something about him kept luring her in maybe it was his amber eyes that seemed to see right through her, or the fact she’d never seen him before and that she knew nothing about him, and what secrets could he be holding. But whatever it was she couldn't get him out of her mind even as she laid in bed all she could think about was him.

She needed to know more.