Chapter Text
“George?!”
Isn’t it funny how one word can make such an enormous change? One small word from one person can change a whole life. Something so simple can cause such a complicated effect. In his case, it was George’s own name. The boy felt a mix of emotions when that word rang through his ears. He felt relieved that he didn’t have to hide this from Vanessa in the long run anymore. On the other hand, he was terrified his only friend-well, the label friend is debatable- might not fully trust him anymore. He didn’t want to turn around because he certainly didn’t want to face Vanessa. To look at the shocked, and possibly heartbroken, look on her face. George forced all his courage into turning his body around to face her slowly. It felt like everything was moving in slow motion for George. All he could say was a weak,
“Hi,”
“So, that’s how you knew,”
George didn’t dare interrupt Vanessa.
“That’s how you knew about Nightshade. You have one too. That is why you can look past the magic. You see me as me because you know what it’s like to be shunned. You did to me what you want others to do to you, you accepted me,” Vanessa's voice grew quieter with each word, ending just above a whisper when she finished.
“Bingo,” George’s voice wavered. He didn’t know what to do, or say. He hasn’t been in a situation like this before, because no one knows. Well, now someone knows, but that’s not the point.
“How’d you get yours?”
“My story is pathetic compared to yours. All I had to do was have a weird dream, I feel bad now because you had to lose the people you loved while I just had to have a bad day. All that happened was a figure talked to me, told me about my gift, and then I woke up with this,” He flicked his wings for emphasis.
George didn’t want to tell Vanessa what the figure said. He was scared it would ruin their friendship. Or worse, turn her against him. Because the thing that constantly rested in the back of his mind, was the fact that he was never supposed to befriend Vanessa, he was supposed to be her enemy. They described her as something with evil intentions, but when he saw her crying on that log, he saw himself—a scared person who didn’t ask to be put into all this drama. Besides, George knew from the moment he saw her face, that he wanted to protect Vanessa from the world. He would stay by her side no matter the situation because he needed Vanessa just as much as he needed water. Without even knowing it, he soon realized what he felt every time he glanced at her face. Or when she laughed at one of his terrible jokes. Or when her eyes would sparkle with excitement when the fish would swim up to her hand. His heart would skip a beat just from those simple movements. Just Vanessa being herself is the best thing that has happened to George. And don’t get him started on how he felt when Vanessa surprised him last night. Only one thing came to mind, butterflies. They have nestled their way into his feelings without him even knowing it. They erupt inside him whenever he is around her. George would never be able to turn his back on Vanessa. That is asking for the impossible. Besides, he would never be willing. He was brought out of his thoughts when Vanessa asked,
“What do your eyes look like?”
“I can fully transform if you want,” George suggested hesitantly, not expecting the questioned.
“Yes please! I want to see your eyes!” She exclaimed.