Moonlight Nocturne

"Mhhm." She hugs Elena tighter, just as a doctor comes in to check on her. "I'll see you tomorrow."

 

Elena hesitates, backing off when it becomes obvious the doctor wants to check on her mother. She... she guesses it's time to go find Miri and Nick, then. She turns to go, taking off her backpack and hugging it to herself again, as she looks around for them.

 

Nick and Miri are hanging around outside the door, both perking up as she exits. "Sooo... how'd it go?"

 

Elena hugs her backpack tighter, smiling tentatively up at them. "... She's okay. Her appendix is... messed up, so she has to stay for like a week for more tests. And Nick has to help me with my book report."

"... I can stay with you, right?"

 

"That's the idea," Nick smiles, squeezing her shoulder. "...want to stop by the school to get your homework?"

 

Elena nods, leaning into him slightly. "... okay. I... have to get clothes and stuff from home too, I guess."

"... can we go hunting tonight?" she asks softly, trying not to be overheard.

 

"....heck. Maybe?" He murmurs.

 

"... it'd be... nice. Not to have to ... think about stuff. If I finish my homework?"

She goes to squeeze Miriam's hand, leaning into her.

 

He nods slowly. "I'll see if we can find something."

 

Miri catches her hand. "We'll find something cool!"

 

"... like a monster?" Elena bounces on her toes, kissing Miriam's cheek. She'll try to ... not think about this. If she can. "... do you have to do book reports, Miriam?"

 

"...maybe?"

 

"Eh. Probably?" She shrugs.

 

"... can I go to school with Miriam? School sucks. And it's haunted."

 

"...Miriam is homeschooled, actually. Uh. Haunted?"

 

"... can I homeschool with Miriam?"

"Yeah, this girl got shot there in the sixties, and it's all spooky and cold. And they put my locker like right there."

 

"Uuuuuh, that's not up to us, Elena ..." he hesitates. "Uh. I can ask a friend if he can look into it?"

 

"... I know." She looks down, shoving her hand into her pocket. "I just... I don't get along with people at school. They keep being jerks and then I get in fights and then Peter gets upset and I have to hide the bruises and stuff from Mom. ... and book reports suck."

"... sorry."

 

"...getting in fights..." Nick glances at Miri. "...I think we both understand you, there. I mean, I know I got into my share of fights... so..."

 

Miriam smirks. "I finish fights." She squeezes Elena's hand. "....but that's why grandpa says I need to stay in homeschooling. Apparently Americans get upset if you know their teeth out."