Chapter Text
“To my sweetest daughter Franziska,
I know that the past few months have been difficult for you, Franziska. I’m sure that your father and I’s divorce has not come as a surprise, you’ve always been a smart girl, that still does not make it any less difficult for you. I’m sorry you ever had to see us fight, I’m sorry we ever dragged you into our arguments, it was immature of us and no child should ever go through that. I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me, as I struggle to forgive myself for ever making you go through so much.
While I do have sole legal and physical custody of you, that doesn’t mean I won’t let Manfred spend time with you. As much as I…heavily dislike your father, that does not mean I should deprive you of ever spending time with him. He’s your father, I can’t just let him never see you again just because I personally don’t like him. He’ll be visiting you every now and again. Despite this, you’ll still be living with me. I know I’m not as rich as your father, but I will do my hardest to make sure that you enjoy every single second of you living with me. I promise that I’ll shower you with the love you deserve.
I’m so excited to spend more time with you, for you to get to know the place I grew up in, Los Angeles is such a beautiful city. And I’m excited for you to finally meet Iggy. He’s wonderful, and he’s been so kind to me. He has his…issues, he has a few mental health problems but we’ve been helping each other get through it together. Despite that, I know that you’ll like him. He’s been so excited to meet you. He even has a cute little nickname for you, Franny. Adorable isn’t it? I know how you feel about nicknames, you absolutely hate them, but I can’t help but smile whenever he calls you Franny. I know you’d go crazy if I ever called you that!
Though, I hope that you understand that I’m not replacing your father. Manfred will always be your father, and I don’t want you to hate him, despite how I…feel about him. I still want you to love him, every child deserves to have a father figure in their life.
Franziska, you are the light of my life, you are my sweet angel. I love and will forever love you. You may still be a von Karma, but in my heart you will always be my precious baby angel.
I truly do love you, and no amount of words can ever express the love I have for you Franziska.
Yours truly,
Frieda Engel.”
Franziska put the letter back into her pocket, looking out at the window of the car. She stared out at the window, watching as the car passed through the Los Angeles suburbia outside. The entire car ride to her new home was silent, neither her nor her father making any attempt at a conversation at all. Though, at this point Franziska was used to it. Her father had never really been the conversationalist type, something that Franziska von Karma took after. Though, she would be lying if she said that she didn’t want to talk with her father more. Franziska glanced over at her father, who had a deadpan expression on his face.
“I’m going to miss seeing you, Papa.” Franziska spoke up.
Manfred didn’t respond.
Franziska stayed silent too, waiting for a response.
“…I’ll miss you too, Franziska.” Manfred finally said in a gruff voice.
Franziska smiled. “Thank you, Papa.”
Franziska looked back out at the window of the car, resting her cheek on her hand. The divorce really hadn’t come to a surprise to her. Franziska had heard them fight several times. Sometimes they fought all night, leading to sleep deprivation on Franziska’s part. Franziska did her best to be a perfect daughter, to make her parents proud, that just made them fight even more. Franziska was what the two fought over the most. Frieda hated how much pressure she was under, meanwhile Manfred thought it was normal. It was the same amount of pressure that he was under when he was a child, even more if he was going to be honest. It always scared Franziska how loud her father could scream.
Sometimes, Franziska wondered if the divorce was all her fault.
“We’re here.”
Franziska was snapped out of her thoughts, blinking a few times and then looking out of the window of the car. They were in front of a typical suburban house, and by god did it look generic. On the lawn was diligently tended to grass and pink peony bushes. There was a garage door that led to the driveway, where a small white car was parked. The walls of the house was made with a light off white color, with the roof made of dark gray tiles. Through the windows of the house, Franziska could see her mother and her mother’s new boyfriend talking, probably waiting for her.
This was Franziska’s new home, the place Franziska would live for the rest of her life, where she would grow up. She looked back at her father, trying to gauge the emotion on his face. Though her father’s expression was blank, blank for someone who had just lost custody of his daughter and would only see her once every few months. Sometimes, Franziska wondered if her father even loved her. She was never sure if he truly loved her or not. She knew that he did, her mother always told her that he did, but he really didn’t seem to show it sometimes.
“Thank you for escorting me, Papa.” Franziska said.
“Just go.” Manfred simply replied.
“Alright.” Franziska said with a sigh. She opened the door and was about to exit the car, but she paused. She looked back at her father, hesitating before saying. “I hope I’ll see you again, Papa.”
Manfred didn’t respond.
Franziska didn’t expect him to.
Franziska just sighed, exiting out of the car fully and closing the door after her. She stared up at her new home, trying to ignore the sound of her car’s father driving away. The house was a few steps away, but it seemed so far away. This was where Franziska was going to live in for the rest of her life, where she would go to high school and then eventually go from whenever she went to the prom. Not that she would ever willingly go to the prom. Franziska turned behind her, hoping that her father hadn’t driven away…but he had. Franziska was foolish for hoping that. Franziska looked back to the house, for some reason the supposedly cozy place felt cold and distant, like she didn’t belong.
(This is my new home now, whether I like it or not…)
With a sigh, Franziska walked up to the front door and knocked.
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August 4 2006, 10:54 AM
Edgewater Elementary School
4th Grade Classroom
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The new school Franziska had started going to was…okay at best.
It was a public school, her mother couldn’t afford sending her to a private school. When Franziska had asked why she didn’t just ask father for money, her mother just smiled sadly and said that it was “complicated”. Franziska wasn’t pleased with this news, she had heard horror stories about public schools, horrible horrible horror stories. While the school wasn’t as bad as Franziska had expected, it was still worse than the private Gymnasium schools that her father had sent her at home in Germany. Franziska easily aced every single test and quiz without a single bit of studying or effort, and such it made school…very boring. It was so incredibly dull that Franziska just opted to sleep through every lesson. There was no point in listening, not when she already knew the material. School life here was infuriatingly boring, especially since Franziska didn’t have a single friend in the school.
She had been going to her new school for a few weeks now, and she already had a…certain reputation. All her classmates were either scared of her or thought she was a showoff snob. Franziska didn’t really care that much, or at least that’s what she wanted to think. In truth, she envied the other students, she envied how they were able to talk and make friends so easily. The whole reason she even chose to stay in the grade she was supposed to be in instead of skipping to high school was so she could make friends. Though, Franziksa would never admit that to anyone or herself. While Franziska did feel a little lonely sometimes, she had never exactly planned to make friends at this new school. What was the point? They wouldn’t like her, anyway.
However life did have a habit of ignoring Franziska’s plans.
It was just a regular school day when Franziska made her first (and only) friend. It was recess, and the other children had gone out outside to…play. Just the thought of it sent shivers down Franziska’s spine. She went outside too, but she didn’t do it with the intention to play. Franziska had originally planned to go under one of the trees to read one of her legal books, but then she had realized that she had left her book inside her bag. Franziska made the journey all the way back to her classroom, ignoring every single student and teacher that she came across. As she got closer to her classroom, Franziska was sure that she heard…voices inside.
“You stole it, didn’t you?” One demanded.
The other laughed mockingly at her. “Yeah, you did! A poor freak like you needs all the money you can get.”
Franziska walked into the classroom, spotting two students yelling at another student. The student was a girl, with short shiny black hair and an…odd outfit, to say the least. It looked almost like traditional Khura’inese garb, at least Franziska had guessed with her little to no knowledge about Khura’in culture. The girl was pretty, the type boys and girls could get a crush on easily… (Or…is she? Perhaps I’m just biased…) Franziska thought to herself. (But…why would I think that about a someone, and of a girl of all things…) She was snapped out of her thoughts when she heard more yelling. Franziska turned her head towards the girl, who at this point looked like she was about to cry.
“I didn’t take it though!” The girl cried.
“Stop lying! Give me back me back my money!” One yelled.
“I didn’t steal it, I swear!” The girl pleaded desperately.
“This is why nobody wants to play with you!” The other yelled too. “Because you’re a weirdly dressed thieving freak!”
“P-People play with me!” The girl said.
The other laughed again. “No they don’t! Stop lying!”
“You’re a thief and a liar! No wonder nobody likes you!”
Franziska saw as the girl began to cry, and the two other students continued to laugh at her and mock her. Bullying, this was basically bullying. Franziska had been bullied too, kids called her weird and a nerd, they bullied her for her hair too. It never really bothered Franziska, she didn’t think it was worth the time to be bothered by it, but it did give her a disdain against bullying. While Franziska was not bothered by it, this girl seemed to be. She was sniffling, tears streaming down her face. Franziska pitied the poor girl, mocked and bullied for something that she probably didn’t do. It was foolish, they had no evidence yet they accused her. If they were going to accuse this girl, the least they could do was provide evidence for their foolishly foolish claims.
And Franziska was just watching, watching as the girl cried and the other children yelled at her.
She had to put an end to this.
“Hmph! What foolishly foolish fools, to make fun of someone for such foolishly foolish reasons.” Franziska spoke up, staring disapprovingly at the two students. She watched as all three of them turned to her, shocked.
“A-Ah! Franziska-“ One cried out. Franziska didn’t care to ask for their name.
“That is Franziska von Karma to you, fool.” Franziska snapped. “Why are you bothering this girl?”
“Well, she stole my allowance! And she dresses weird.” One said.
Franziska scowled at them. “Oh? And where is your evidence that this girl did as such? Or are these baseless accusations to justify your abhorrent behavior?”
“What are you even saying?” The other asked, visibly confused.
“Jeez, let’s get out of here.” The first one said bitterly, grabbing his friend’s arms while muttering to himself. “Franziska von Karma, more like Franziska von Lame-a…”
The girl watched as the two had walked away. She turned to Franziska, a shocked expression on her face. She then spoke up softly “…Thanks, Franziska von Karma.”
(I suppose this girl is scared of me…Perhaps I should try to be friendly.)
“You may call me by any name you wish.” Franziska stated in the friendliest voice she could, though it came out as more professional than anything. “And you are?”
“Maya Fey…” Maya trailed off, then asking. “So, Franzy…do you wanna eat with me during lunch?”
(Franzy? She’s given me a nickname? I don’t usually like nicknames, but somehow I don’t mind…)
“…I have never been asked to eat with someone during lunch, nor have I ever been called that.” Franziska said with a thoughtful tone, then sighing dramatically. She found herself rather pleased, despite herself. “Intriguing really…”
“That’s why you should join me! Come on, it’ll be fun I promise.” Maya insisted with a smile, offering her hand to Franziska. “Please?”
Franziska smiled back, and took Maya’s hand.
“Now come on! Sit next to me.” Maya said, gesturing to the desk next to her. “Let’s be friends!”
Franziska nodded. “That sounds lovely, Maya Fey.”
Franziska sat on the chair next to Maya’s. Maya grinned, as she started chatting to her about nothing in particular. Franziska had never met someone so…talkative before, but despite herself she found that she was listening intently. (What a foolishly chatty girl.) Franziska thought to herself, though she couldn’t muster up the heart to tell the girl off for being so talkative. It was…nice having someone around her comfortable enough to talk. Most of the children in the grade were either too scared of her or thought that she was snobby. Though, Maya didn’t seem to think so, as she continued to chat and chat to her.
Franziska von Karma had made a friend, and she found herself quite pleased about it.
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August 4 2006, 4:23 PM
Frieda Engel and Igor Truvindout’s House
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The car that Igor and her mother shared pulled into the garage, as Igor parked the car and turned it off. The entire drive back to their house was silent, aside from Igor’s attempts at conversations and Franziska’s short blunt answers. She spent the entire ride back staring out at the window, which she seemed to be doing a lot of nowadays. It was always nice seeing the surroundings outside pass by, as though she was being fast forwarded in time. Franziska thought that Igor would have given up after all her blunt answers, but he hadn’t. Despite how obvious it was that she didn’t want a conversation, he kept on trying. That was very odd, usually her peers gave up only a few seconds after she ignored them.
Franziska was never really that good at casual conversation, Igor though seemed to be a natural at it. He’d have to be if he was this persistent… or this annoying. Igor was sickeningly casual and…so positive. There was a constant smile on his face, and he laughed infuriatingly often. Frieda loved his laugh, and she always whenever he did. She didn’t understand, his laugh was annoying. Igor never seemed to give up, too. He didn’t seem to get the hint with Franziska’s umpteenth blunt response, though some small part of Franziska found that admirable. The rest of her though? Found it quite irritating and foolish.
Her mother’s house in Los Angeles was small compared to the von Karma Estate in Germany, and Franziska found herself still getting used to the house’s size. The house was big for suburban houses’ standards, which never failed to boggle Franziska’s mind. The house was so small, to her at least. Her bedroom was tiny compared to the large room back in the von Karma estate. In this house there were no long hallways, no hundreds of rooms that were never used, no grand living rooms or big staircases. The house was…simple, with one living room, a joint kitchen and dining room, one staircase and only three bedrooms. The house was much easier to navigate through…but Franziska still wasn’t used to it.
Franziska walked into the house, Igor following after her. She could see her mother in the kitchen, perhaps cooking something. Her mother had always been beautiful, at least in Franziska’s eyes. Long blonde hair, blue round kind eyes, and a face that seemed to always be smiling. Frieda turned around when hearing the door open, her face lighting up in a huge smile when she saw the two. Igor immediately went over to the kitchen to get a glass of water.
“Hello Mama.” Franziska greeted her mother.
“Hi Franziska dear!” Frieda greeted warmly. “Did something happen at school today?”
“Nothing she told me!” Igor chimed in, drinking a glass of water.
“She’s still getting to know you, Iggy. She’ll talk to you eventually.” Frieda said, chuckling slightly. She then turned to Franziska. “So? Anything interesting happen?”
“Well…” Franziska bit her lip. (Should I tell her about Maya Fey?) She thought to herself. Franziska knew that her mother wanted her to make friends, and Franziska was sure that she would be pleased with the news. “…I made a friend today."
Igor spat out his water all over the floor. He spluttered and coughed, then he looked at Franziska with shocked expression. “What?!”
“Oh, that’s wonderful Franziska!” Frieda cried out in delight. “I’m glad you made a friend! What’s her name? Is she nice?”
“Her name is Maya Fey.” Franziska answered. “She’s quite a pleasant person.”
“Fey?” Igor inquired. “Isn’t that the ghost talker family?”
“Iggy!” Frieda hissed at him.
“…Ghost talker family?” Franziska questioned.
“She’s part of a channeling family.” Frieda said.
Still, Franziska was confused. She stared at her mother.
“She can channel spirits.” Frieda clarified.
Now Franziska got it. “Oh, I see. She never told me.”
“She didn’t?” Igor said, confused.
“Yes, she didn’t mention it at all.”
Frieda too, looked surprised. “Huh, really? I’m surprised she didn’t, it’s basically her entire life.”
“Kinda like how prosecution is your entire life, Franny.” Igor added.
Franziska gave Igor a dirty look.
Igor put his hands up defensively. “Hey! It’s true.”
Frieda giggled.
Franziska let out an offended gasp. “Mama! It’s not funny!”
“It’s a little funny.” Frieda said in between laughs.
(I don’t have to deal with this, I have studying to do…) Franziska said, letting out an annoyed huff. “Well, I’ll be going up to my room now Mama. Please call me for dinner.”
“Alright then! Bye Franziska!” Frieda said.
“Have a fun time in your room, Franny!” Igor added.
“Goodbye.” Franziska said, then leaving the kitchen and making her way to her room.
Franziska walked up the stair, making her way through the second floor hallway and then into her bedroom. Soon she was in her room, and before she knew it she had began studying. Though, the only thing she could think about as she studied was Maya Fey. Franziska thought about the conversations she had with the girl the entire day, the girl’s bright and wide smile as she talked about some foolishly foolish children’s TV show that Franziska didn’t remember the name of. Something bothered Franziska, though. Their entire conversation, Maya never mentioned that she was in a spirit channeling family. Why would she try to hide that?
(A spirit channeling family, huh…? Interesting…)
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August 22 2006, 12:08 AM
Edgewater Elementary School
School Cafeteria
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“What will you be when you grow up, Maya Fey?”
It was an innocent enough question, a question that Franziska was sure would spark an interesting conversation. The question was admittedly a little generic, but Franziska couldn’t think of another thing to ask Maya. Franziska had already finished eating, Maya had too, and now they were killing the time and waiting for the bell to ring. Until then, Franziska wanted to have a nice conversation with Maya. She was sure that she would find out interesting things about Maya from the question. The two had talked plenty sure, and Franziska already knew a lot about Maya, but there was still so much more she didn’t know about her.
Franziska watched as Maya scratched her cheek, which she seemed to do whenever she was deep in thought. It was an adorable habit, really. Soon though, she came up with an answer, though she didn’t seemed to be too pleased with it.
“Probably a spirit medium.” Maya answered, frowning a bit.
(…Do people usually frown when they talk about their future careers?)
“Do you want to be a spirit medium?”
Maya shook her head. “No, not really. All the spiritual stuff is so boring, I don’t know how my sister is so interested in this stuff. Good thing she’ll be the Master of the Kurain Channeling Technique and not me.”
(Master of the Kur…what?)
“…What’s that?” Franziska asked, confused.
“It’s like, the leader of the Fey clan. Whoever is the Master of the Kurain Channeling Technique gets the last say in every major decision in Fey clan matters.” Maya explained. “Usually the first born daughter is the master, but my mother took the title from my aunt since her spiritual power was stronger.” She then added jokingly. “And before you ask, no, I’m not going to take the title from my sister. She’s better at that stuff than me, and I’m not interested anyways.”
“I see…” Franziska said, asking. “So your sister will become the leader once your mother retires?”
Maya nodded her head. “Mhmm.”
“And you’re training to be a spirit medium?”
Maya nodded again. “Yup.”
“That must be why you’re wearing your clothes.” Franziska said, gesturing to Maya’s outfit. “Am I right, Maya Fey?”
“Yep. They’re acolyte clothes.” Maya explained, gesturing to herself. “I have to wear them all the time. I don’t really want to but as a Fey I have to. That’s what my mom tells me, at least.”
“Well, I think they look good on you.” Franziska said, rather bluntly.
Maya blushed slightly. “Thanks Franzy…but other people don’t really think so…” She then sighed. “They think it’s weird…”
Franziska scoffed. “Ignore those foolishly foolish fools. They’re just jealous that they wear foolishly boring clothes.”
“I guess that’s one way to look at it…” Maya thoughtfully hummed, and asked. “What are you going to be when you grow up?”
“I’m going to be a prosecutor, of course!” Franziska boasted proudly.
Maya just stared at her. “Uh…what’s that?”
(…This girl isn’t serious, is she?)
Maya continued to stare.
(Oh…she is…)
“How can you not know?!” Franziska burst out.
“Well, I dunno.” Maya said with a shrug. “I just never heard of it before.”
Franziska shook her head. This girl was so foolish…yet, it didn’t seem to bother her.
(To not know what a prosecutor is, how foolish…)
“It’s…something to do with law, right?” Maya guessed.
Franziska nodded. “Yes, it does. A prosecutor is a lawyer who conducts the case against a defendant in a criminal court. They are also called prosecuting attorney.”
“You sound like a dictionary.” Maya teased.
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” Franziska said with a smirk.
Maya giggled.
Franziska smiled, Maya’s sweet laugh always made her smile.
“Wait…” Maya scratched her cheek in thought. “So you wanna be a lawyer against the people accused, right?”
Franziska nodded. “Yes.”
“Well, what if the person who gets accused is innocent?” Maya asked.
“It’s called a defendant, Maya Fey.” Franziska corrected.
“Oh, let me ask again then!” Maya said, and then asked. “What if the defendant is innocent?”
“Then I’ll search for the truth, at least that’s what my Mama says I should do.” Franziska answered. “My Papa says that all defendants are guilty, but that’s statistically impossible.”
“Stabiscuitally?” Maya asked, confused.
“The practice or science of collecting and analyzing numerical data in large quantities.” Franziska explained.
“Ohhh.” Maya said, thought Franziska was sure Maya didn’t get it. “Well, why do you wanna be a prosecutor anyway?”
Franziska opened her mouth to answer, but she stopped. Now that she thought about it, nobody had ever asked her that question. It was just sort of…assumed that she’d be a prosecutor, it was almost her destiny in a way. The question shouldn’t have given her whiplash, but it did. (Now that I think about it, I don’t really know why I want to be a prosecutor…) Franziska thought to herself, silent and deep in thought. (It is interesting, no doubt about it, but I never really thought about why it was interesting…)
“Because, I have to hold up my family’s perfection. I have to be a perfect prosecutor. It is in a von Karma’s blood, after all.” Franziska finally said.
Maya nodded, satisfied with her answer. “Ohhh, I see. Well, your parents must be proud of you, then!”
Franziska felt a sting of pain at that statement. She knew that Maya meant no harm, and she probably didn’t know about her parent’s divorce, but it still hurt nonetheless.
“My Papa is, but my Mama isn’t.”
“Huh? Why?” Maya asked, confused.
“Mama and Papa…they disagree on a lot of things.” Franziska said.
Maya was still confused. “What do you mean by that?”
“My father and mother are divorced.” Franziska clarified.
Maya frowned. “Oh…I’m so sorry…”
“Do not say sorry, Maya Fey. You are not the cause of the divorce.” Franziska said.
“Still, it must suck.” Maya said, then adding much more cautiously. “Well, if it makes you feel any better, my dad died…Not that it will, sorry for making this about myself. I’m so selfish…” She had mumbled out the last part, looking away in shame.
(This girl is…comforting me…)
Franziska smiled.
(Oh, you foolishly foolish fool…)
“…You’re not doing that.”
“Eh?”
“I mean, you’re not making this about yourself.” Franziska said, as she started to explain. “You’re relating a tragedy in my life with a tragedy in yours, to let me know that I am not alone and to console me. That is hardly selfish, Maya Fey.”
“…You know, you’re really smart.” Maya said.
“Oh, I know.” Franziska said, grinning.
Maya rolled her eyes, playfully punching Franziska’s arm with a snicker. “Show off.”
“You know, you are smart too Maya Fey.” Franziska said.
“…I am?”
Franziska nodded. “Yes, you are. You get concepts quite easily.”
“…Huh.” Maya smiled. “I guess I do.”
“Now, if you only studied…”
Maya groaned.
Her aversion to studying was foolish, but…it didn’t seem to bother Franziska, not at all.
Maya puffed out her cheeks, annoyed.
Franziska smiled.
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September 4 2006, 4:03 PM
Edgewater Elementary School
School Parking Lot
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Usually after school ended, Franziska and Maya would sit with each other at the school parking lot and talk before Igor or Frieda arrived. While Franziska waited for her mother, she usually talked with Maya Fey. It was fun talking to the foolish mountain girl. She was an interesting person with an interesting way of thinking. The girl had…odd interests, like comic books and TV shows, but Franziska was willing to let it slide. She would let Maya talk about anything, really. Maya could talk about drying paint for all Franziska cared, as long as she was able to listen to Maya Fey. The two girls would talk, play, and maybe even eat street food before Frieda and Igor drove would come and then Franziska would have to leave.
Franziska preferred Frieda driving her home from school, though she found herself less and less irritated by Igor’s incessant chattering. In fact, some part of her found it endearing…It was odd really, but as time passed Franziska found herself hating Igor less and less. She wasn’t even sure she really ever hated Igor in the first place. Maybe she did, maybe she didn’t. Feelings were so…confusing.
This particular day, Maya had left earlier than usual, leaving Franziska waiting alone for whoever was going to pick her up. She didn’t mind, really. Maya had a life outside of her, and Franziska could just watch the other children play while she sat back. Though, only a few minutes after Maya had left, out of the corner of her eye she saw Igor’s car pull in to the parking lot. Franziska turned to Igor as he began walking over to her. He seemed to be alone, which wasn’t that surprising. Her mother probably had work.
“Hello, Igor Truvindout.” Franziska greeted as soon as he had approached her.
“Hi Franny!” Igor greeted back. “Actually, I wanted to talk to you about something.”
Franziska raised a brow. “Oh? What is it, Igor Truvindout?”
“Well…Your mother went out with a couple of her work friends and your aunt Heidi. Just a nice dinner date with the gals, you know? So she isn’t going to be home for a few hours, she’ll probably be back by 10 PM.”
“So Mama is busy?”
Igor nodded. “Yup, she told me that we should eat outside tonight. Some bonding time, just the two of us. Sound good doesn’t it?”
(That does not sound good, Igor Truvindout.) Franziska thought, though she held her tongue.
“That and…I suck at cooking.” Igor continued, he then laughed. “Frieda was probably scared that I’d burn the house down, right?”
(…Was that supposed to be amusing?)
“I suppose so…”
“So, where do you wanna go to eat? Wanna go to a burger joint?” Igor suggested. “I’m kind of craving a good burger.”
Franziska shook her head. “I do not like junk food.”
Igor chuckled, obviously amused. “You’re the first kid to not like junk food. Your mom must be happy about that.”
Franziska gave him a disapproving look.
Igor now full on laughed. “I’m kidding, Franny!” After he was done laughing, he then asked. “So where do you wanna go?”
Franziska thought about it for a moment. She never really cared about what she was going to eat, she thought it was foolish to be picky about such foolishly little things, except when it came to junk food of course. Junk food was evil. Borginian food didn’t sound half bad, neither did Italian, Japanese, or Indian. Though, as Franziska thought about food, she couldn’t help but think about what Maya packed for lunch. Maya usually scarfed down all her food before Franziska could ask to try, and she always felt a little awkward asking Maya for a sample. Her lunch looked really appetizing though, and Franziska wanted to try.
(I wonder what Khura’inese cuisine tastes like…)
“…Can we dine at a Khura’inese restaurant?”
“Huh.” Igor looked surprised. “I didn’t expect that, to be honest. Is it because your little friend eats that kind of food?”
“…Perhaps it is.” Franziska admitted, embarrassed. “I’ve seen the food that she packs with her during lunch. It looks…appetizing.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. Really, don’t! I have a Borgininan friend and I was so embarrassed to go to a Borginian restaurant because of him, but man do I regret not trying it sooner! Their food was delicious!” Igor said, then adding thoughtfully. “Maybe Khura’inese food will be good, too.”
“Maybe it will…” Franziska trailed off.
“Well, what are you waiting for Franny? Hop in!” Igor said, before getting inside the car.
Franziska almost jumped when the car had suddenly started. (Well, I suppose I shall have to spend time with Igor Truvindout…) She sighed, and then got into the car.
Igor began driving to the nearest Khura’inese restaurant.
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September 4 2006, 4:31 PM
D’in Wit’Mei
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The restaurant was a beautiful place, despite the odd name. There weren’t too many people, but also not too little. A perfect amount of people inside, Franziska would say. The walls of the restaurant were made with a rich polished wood, and the floors were made with cold stone tiles. On the wooden walls of the restaurant were decorative ornaments that looked like magatamas, something that Franziska only knew because of Maya. The magatamas were all of different colors, though green seemed to be a majority color. On the tables were pots of bonsai trees and scented candles, which were centerpieces for the tables. The candles gave off a fragrant strong scent that Franziska didn’t recognize, though she thought it was lovely. Above the tables were hanging wooden lanterns, casting the restaurant in a soft yellow glow.
Franziska walked up to a bonsai tree, staring at it in awe. The wood of the trees were twisting and the leaves meticulously shaped, If Franziska remembered correctly, it was called Liht’ultri in Khura’in, and was a completely different art from bonsai. She leaned over to examine the tiny tree, noticing that it had a few small flowers on it. It was an adorable little thing, and Franziska couldn’t help but smile at it. She leaned away and looked up from the tree when she heard Igor talking.
“This is a nice place!” Igor said cheerily.
“…I suppose it is. Though I’m not used to the decor.” Franziska said.
“Well, it’s probably Khura’inese decor.” Igor said, and then he asked. “Say, have you seen the inside of your little friend’s house?”
Franziska shook her head. “I have not, Igor Truvindout.”
“Huh, you’d think you would have.” Igor said.
“She lives in the mountains.” Franziska clarified.
Igor nodded. “Ohhh, I see.”
Igor and Franziska sat on one of the chairs, the cushion on the seats comfortable to sit on. Chairs weren’t really common in Khura’inese culture, Franziska had heard from Maya that she sat on a cushion on the floor during mealtimes, though Franziska was willing to let it slide. Franziska and Igor picked up menus, looking through them for something to eat. (I do not recognize half of these words…) Franziska thought to herself, as she read the names of the unfamiliar dishes. Thankfully, the dishes had a brief description of them on the menu. (I suppose I shall have the Banu’puun.) She put down her menu, just in time to see someone approach them.
A waiter had walked over to the two, a small notepad in hand. She smiled at the two politely, though unlike other servers her smile seemed to be genuine. “Hello! Welcome to D’in Wit’Mei. What would you like to order?”
“I’ll have the Hahtin’supaise noodles.” Igor said.
The waitress smiled. ‘That’s a good choice, sir! The hahtin’supaise noodles are just divine! So spicy, too.”
Igor grinned. “Great! ‘Cause I love spicy food.”
The waitress nodded, turning to Franziska. “And what will you be having, ma’am?”
“I will have the banu'puun.” Franziska said.
“Also a good choice!” The waitress said, jotting down their orders. “Anything else you two would like to order? Drinks perhaps?”
“I’ll just have water.” Igor said
“Do you have any tea?” Franziska asked.
“We have a lovely bitter green tea, so bitter you lose your tongue.” The waitress answered.
(Hmm, that does sound lovely…)
“I’ll have it, then.”
The waitress looked surprised. “R-Really? It’s bitter, you probably won’t like it.”
Before Franziska could say anything else, Igor beat her. “Actually, she’ll like it. Franny here has been drinking tea ever since she was four years old.”
(He…he listens to me?) Franziska thought to herself, looking on at Igor in shock.
The waitress smiled. “She’ll have the tea, then! Would you two like dessert?”
“Hmm!” Igor turned back to the menu, reading through the dessert section. “I’ll have the col’duncrimi. That sounds delicious!”
“Of course sir.” The waitress said.
The waitress soon left, leaving Franziska and Igor alone to talk. (I still can’t believe it, Igor Truvindout actually listens to me…) Franziska thought, watching as Igor took out a notebook and had started doodling on it. Art was Igor’s hobby, if Franziska remembered correctly. He loved the works of Post-Impressionist artists, like Vincent van Gogh and Paul Cézanne. Franziska had even seen some of Igor’s paintings, and she noticed the abstract but somehow lifelike quality of his paintings. She had even listened to him talk about his process, the interesting way his artistic mind seemed to see the world, the way he would ramble about his thoughts whenever they were in the car-
Franziska stopped herself mid thought, realizing something. She…she listened to Igor, too. Franziska listened to all the foolishly foolish things this foolishly foolish man said, and she remembered it. (Does this mean I…like him? Do I like Igor Truvindout?) Franziska watched Igor draw on his notebook, and still her question wasn’t answered. (I’m not sure I do, but I suppose I do…care about him.) At that, she had an even bigger question. (Does he care about me?)
“I was not aware that you listened to me.”
Igor looked up from his notebook. “Hm?”
“The tea. You knew that I drank tea ever since I was four.” Franziska clarified.
“Oh, you did mention it one time.” Igor said with a shrug.
“Months ago.”
Igor raised a brow. “So? What if it was months ago?”
“…Most of my Mama’s past boyfriends didn’t even remember my name.” Franziska said.
“Well, I’m not Frieda’s past boyfriends, am I?”
(Ugh, he has a point…)
Franziska frowned. “You are a very confusing man, Igor Truvindout.”
Igor chuckled. “Not really. I’m just a random bailiff who likes to draw. That isn’t really confusing.”
Franziska nodded, thinking to herself. She then asked. “What else do you know about me?”
Igor hummed thoughtfully. “Hmmm! Well, I know that you’re a fan of classical music. Especially German classical music. Makes sense, since you are German. I also know that you really like cake, despite not liking most desserts. You’re into foreign art films too, your favorites unsurprisingly being German.”
(All of those things are true…)
“You really do listen to me…” Franziska murmured to herself, in awe.
Igor heard her, though. “Of course I listen to you.”
“Well…I’m happy that you do. And I listen to you too, Igor Truvindout.” Franziska said.
Igor looked surprised. “Wait, really?”
“Yes, I do.” Franziska said with a nod.
“Well, if you do…What do you know about me?” Igor asked.
Franziska rapped her fingers against the table, deep in thought. “Well, I know that you like Post-Impressionism artists, and I know that this admiration reflects in your works. I know that your music tastes consists of indie 80s rock, especially artists like Nirvana and The Jesus and Mary Chain. You love sweets, it’s your weakness when it comes any kind of food.”
It was Igor’s turn to be in awe. He smiled. “Oh wow…I was just rambling to you. I didn’t expect you to listen.”
“I myself am surprised, Igor Truvindout.” Franziska said.
“Oh, I bet.” Igor said, snickering a bit. “What else do you know, Franny?”
“Well…I know that you have mental health problems.”
Igor’s smile turned strained and forced. “Oh…”
“What mental health problems do you deal with, Igor Truvindout?” Franziska asked.
“…I shouldn’t tell you, Franny.” Igor said with a sigh. “Your mother will kill me if she knew.”
“My mother was the one who told me about your mental health issues.”
“…Really?”
Franziska nodded. “Yes, she was the one that told me. Mama knows I’m smart enough to understand. I can get the letter if you wish.”
“No no, there’s no need.” Igor said, he then chuckled. “Alright alright. I’ll tell you, but only what’s appropriate.”
Franziska nodded. “Of course. Now, what mental health problems do you have?”
“I have…so much wrong with me, but I think I’ll only tell you about my depression.”
Franziska raised a brow. “Depression?”
“Yes, I’m really depressed Franziska. I was diagnosed with clinical depression ever since I was 12.”
“I see…What is it like?” Franziska asked.
Igor blinked, confused. “Huh?”
“What is having depression like?” Franziska repeated.
“Well, think of it like this. It’s like life has no color, like everything is just in black and white. You know?”
“I don’t understand.”
Igor chuckled. “I didn’t expect you to understand. You’re a child.”
(I’m a smart child.) Franziska snapped in her mind. As she sat on the chair, she then remembered something. Ever since she had gone to live with Igor and Frieda, sometimes she could hear Igor screaming in the night. His screams had always been full of fear, and it made it hard for Franziska to sleep sometimes. (I wonder what that’s about…)
“Is there anything else wrong with you? Sometimes I hear you screaming at night.”
“Oh…” Igor awkwardly shook the back of his neck. “Sorry about that. Some…bad stuff happened to me at night. It happened ‘cause my mom neglected me.”
“…So your mother is the cause of your mental health problems?” Franziska asked.
Igor laughed sadly. “Oh, dear lord no. My problems…are a mix of my own genetics and the environment I grew up in. It’s a mix of both nature and nurture, in a way.”
Franziska nodded. “I see…”
It was odd, Igor seemed like…a normal guy. Franziska had seen her fair share of the criminally insane before, and when she saw her mother talk about Igor’s mental health problems she expected him to be just like them. She expected him to be a horrible man, despite what her mother had said. He wasn’t, though. Igor was the first of Frieda’s boyfriends to ever listen to her, to ever care about her. He always had a smile on his face, no matter the occasion. Though, if what her mother said was true…then Igor must have had problems. He must have hidden feelings that he never let out. At that, Franziska had a horrible question.
Was Igor suicidal? Did he…want to end his life? It shouldn’t have hit Franziska so hard, but it did. She had seen many cases related to suicide, so at this point she was desensitized to it. But the idea of someone she knew, someone she cared about and someone who cared about her, wanting to end their life? Well…it made Franziska feel a cacophony of emotions that she couldn’t stop. It was almost like her mother and father’s divorce: it shouldn’t have made her feel so terrible, but it did.
(Perhaps I should ask him…)
“…Are you suicidal, Igor Truvindout?” Franziska asked out of the blue.
Igor looked shocked for a moment. “Franny…you know what suicide is?”
“I have been to my Papa’s trials before, some of which deal with suicide.” Franziska said. “So yes, I know what suicide is.”
“Oh…” Igor laughed awkwardly. He sighed and said. “Well, I suppose sometimes I feel suicidal…Like, life feels too much for me, and it just…” He then stopped himself. “No, I shouldn’t be telling you this, you’re just a kid.”
(…Why would people feel this way? I do not understand…)
“…I do not want you to die, Igor Truvindout.” Franziska said.
“Huh?”
“I said I do not want you to die.” Franziska repeated. “Either by your hands or another’s.”
“Why would you care?” Igor asked, slightly quizzical. “I mean, I’m basically replacing your dad, you should hate me.”
Franziska thought about it for a moment, he did have a point. She should have hated him…but she didn’t. “…Because you make my Mama happy. You’re not replacing Papa, you’re just…someone new, and that’s okay.” She smiled slightly. “That’s a good reason to care about you, Igor Truvindout.”
Igor smiled back. “Wow, that’s actually kinda sweet. Thank you, Franziska.”
“You’re welcome, Igor Truvindout.”
Before either of them could say anything else, the waitress came back to their table with their food. The waitress set the food on the table, gave them both a polite smile, before going away to serve the other customers. The food was on the table were mostly noodles, though there was an ice cream like dessert for Igor. Franziska had to admit, the food looked delectable. It smelled great too.
“Ohhh, that looks delicious!” Igor exclaimed.
Even Franziska was in awe. “Yes, it appears quite appetizing.”
Igor picked up the chopsticks, looking up at Franziska with a grin on his face. “Let’s dig in, shall we?”
Franziska smiled back, picking up her own chopsticks. “Yes, we shall Igor Truvindout.”
“You can just call me Iggy.” Igor said.
“…Mr. Iggy, that’s the only compromise I’ll give.”
Igor shrugged, shoving noodles into his mouth and speaking with his mouth full. “Worksh shfor shme.”
(…Yup, still a fool.)
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September 12 2006, 1:07 PM
Edgewater Elementary School
4th Grade Classroom
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It was another afternoon in class for Franziska, the whole class was waiting for the teacher to come. Usually, while the teacher was gone, all her classmates would go to respective friend groups and talk with each other. When Franziska had first came here, she would read a law book every time the teacher wasn’t there. Though, with Maya Fey in the picture Franziska had began talking to her while waiting for the teacher. Franziska was not used to it, she very much wasn’t, though for some reason she couldn’t find it in her to be mad about it. It was always nice getting to talk to Maya Fey, and Franziska would find any reason to talk to the foolish mountain girl.
The teacher was a woman in her late 30s, and she seemed to have a perpetual smile on her face. Their teacher was always eager to teach, and seemed to have a passion for educating minds. (Though, in this class’ case, that’d be hard to do.) Franziska thought to herself with a snort. The teacher walked up to the front of the classroom, clapping her hands and getting the attention of everyone in the class.
“Good afternoon, class.” The teacher greeted.
“Good morning, Mrs. Camel.” All the children said in unison, including Maya and Franziska.
The teacher, Rhoda Camel, smiled at the children. “We’ll be doing something fun today, class!”
“A movie?” One of the children spoke up.
“Maybe we’re going to the zoo!” Another one of the children said.
“Perhaps we’re doing something intellectually challenging for once.” Franziska said sarcastically.
Maya giggled, and Franziska couldn’t help but feel proud of that.
Rhoda chuckled. “Actually, I have a feeling you’ll like this one Franziska. You remember how I told you to bring envelopes and letter paper?” She asked, continuing when the class had nodded. “Well, there’s a good reason I made you bring that. Today, you’ll be writing a letter to your best friend in this class!”
“Ooooh!” The entire class said, except for Franziska.
“Intriguing…” Franziska had said.
Franziska watched as all of her other classmates went to their respective cliques, talking about which letter would be sent to which. She was left alone to write, but not for long. Soon enough, Maya had dragged out her chair to Franziska’s. Maya sat next to her, an envelope and a few sheets of letter paper in one hand, and a pencil in the other.
“Hi Franzy!” Maya greeted with a grin. “Who are you writing for?”
“You.” Franziska replied. “Who else would I write for?”
“I dunno!” Maya said, with a shrug and a big goofy grin.
Franziska rolled her eyes, and then asked. “Who are you writing for, Maya Fey?”
“You of course!”
“Ah, I would have guessed that you’d write to the Steel Samurai.” Franziska joked.
Maya snickered. “In this class, silly!”
“Well, if the letter wasn’t restricted to our class?”
“…Yeah, I’d probably write to the Steel Samurai.”
The two girls laughed with each other. After they were done laughing, they both had began writing down in their letters about each other. Franziska had a hard time writing down her letter at first, she had never really written a casual letter in her life, but at some point she found a rhythm to it and continued on writing. It was a struggle yes, but it was way easier than Franziska had anticipated it would be. It felt nice, being able to write down all her feelings towards Maya Fey, feelings she would rather die than ever say out loud. (Though, Maya Fey is going to be reading this letter at one point…ngggh…)
Then, something surprising happened.
Maya Fey started…singing.
“The other night, dear. As I lay sleeping, I dreamed I held you, in my arms.” Maya began to sing. “When I awoke dear, I was mistaken. So I hung my head and I cried.”
Franziska stopped what she was doing, looking up at Maya to just…stare at her as she sang. A small smile began to form on her face as she listened to Maya sing. Her voice was angelic, and soft enough for only Franziska to hear. It was beautiful, not only her voice but…Maya herself. Franziska had noticed that Maya was pretty, and most of the boys in her class liked her, but Franziska never really noticed how pretty Maya was, inside and out. Her smiling face, her flowing black hair, her amazingly positive attitude…Everything about Maya was incredible, and Franziska felt lucky to be her friend.
(What a beautiful voice…)
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You'll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don't take my sunshine away.” Maya continued to sing, though she must have noticed that Franziska was staring at her. She stopped, looking away with a small blush creeping up her cheeks.
“Why’d you stop, Maya Fey?”
“I didn’t realize you were listening.” Maya mumbled out, embarrassed. “I’m…I’m sorry if I annoyed you with my voice. I won’t do it again.”
“No no, I enjoyed it.” Franziska insisted. “Please, sing more.”
“I don’t know…”
“Do you sing often?” Franziska asked.
“Not really…but sometimes I do, for my sister. She likes hearing me sing.” Maya answered.
“I understand why, you have a beautiful voice.” Franziska said. “You should sing more often, I like it.”
“Okay…” Maya began to smile, reddening even more. “For you, I will.”
Franziska smiled back.
“I’ll always love you, and make you happy.” Maya sang. “And nothing else could come between, but if you leave me to allow another, you’ll have shattered all of my dreams.”
Franziska went back to her work, intently listening to Maya sing as she did. She worked on her school project as Maya’s angelic voice enveloped her like a fluffy warm blanket. Her voice was soft, only audible to Franziska, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maya was singing for her and her alone…and for some reason, it made Franziska happy. It made her…unreasonably happy. The idea that Maya would share something this beautiful and private to Franziska, of all people. It was foolish…but it was one of the times that Franziska didn’t mind being foolish.
(…Perhaps being foolish isn’t always so bad.)
“You are my sunshine, my only sunshine. You make me happy, when skies are gray. You’ll never know dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”
Just as Maya had finished up singing, Franziska had finished her letter. She folded it up, putting it away into her envelope.
“I finished my letter, Maya Fey.” Franziska said. “Have you finished yours?”
Maya shook her head. “Nope, I haven’t yet.”
“Well, I can watch you work until you’re finished.” Franziska said.
“…You sure you won’t get bored?”
“I promise you Maya Fey, I will not. In fact, I find watching people work quite entertaining.”
Maya grinned. “Alright then, weirdo.”
She continued to work on her letter slowly, erasing a few words now and again. Franziska watched this all, listening intently as Maya sung soft songs to herself that Franziska didn’t recognize. And as she sat there, her best friend next to her, a letter on her desk, and sunshine pouring through the windows, Franziska realized that she was content with her life.