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Soul Fires Flame
Chapter 3.1
The next day began with a huge bang outside Andromeda’s temporary home. Some idiot crashed into a fire hydrant right outside her window. After nosily looking out the window and comforting the stray cat, Andromeda’s mind went straight back to her task. Anthony.
“Helping people is the basis of his future purpose”. She still pondered on what that meant. A lot of careers involve helping people. Doctors, Social Workers, Nurses, Caregivers. Which one was meant for him? Something about him should tell her. At least that’s what the council said before they sent her on her way.
She sighed, all the stress leaving her body. She took a few deep breathes and put on her disguise. Another day at the YMCA trying to find Anthony’s purpose. She opened her door, hobbled up the brick stairs, and when she met street level she began heading to the YMCA.
It was 11:15 and she stared at the doors to the Y just thinking for a second about all that the day had to offer. She walked in and there was a different lady at the desk. The curly-haired lady was not there. Good. Andromeda did not know exactly how she could explain her disappearance last time.
“Hi, I’m Suzie I missed my bus my dad will be here to pick me up at noon.”
“Okay, the door is to your left. Have fun.” the desk lady replied in a sarcastic tone.
She must not like her job.
“OMG SUZIE! You totally disappeared yesterday!” Marcus screamed as soon as Andromeda stepped into the gym.
The foul odor wasn’t any worse, but it was still there. Sweaty and socky as usual.
“I’m sorry about that my dad comes at noon and I have to be outside waiting,” Suzie answered. Hoping no one would ask further questions.
“Oh cool, where does your dad work? Mine works at the factory he is busy, busy, busy.” Marcus asked.
“My dad works as a counselor.” Andromeda (Suzie) replied.
“Cool, let’s play?” Marcus asked.
Andromeda started playing with Marcus. She’d do anything to pass the time until Anthony arrived. She thought about when she said, “my dad works as a counselor.”
She wasn’t entirely lying her dad was part of the council and the council members counseled so they were counselors… right?
Before Andromeda had even prepared herself the gym doors flew open. Anthony and his class came rushing in. It was go time.
“HEY EVERYONE!” Anthony exclaimed as he began playing jump rope.
“HEY, DUDE!” “HI” “HELLLOOO” the other kids all joined in with weird variations of saying hello.
“Hey, Anthony do you think blood is gross?” Andromeda blurted out. Curious to find the answer to what Anthony’s purpose is.
“Um, what the heck? Huh?” Anthony replied in confusion.
“I saidddd do you think blood is gross? If my finger was bleeding, would you freak out or would you help me?” Andromeda asked again knowing it was too late to change the subject.
“Umm, I guess I would help you. Blood doesn’t make me all queasy if that’s what you’re asking.” Anthony replied.
“Let’s jump some rope! I bet I got better moves than you!” Anthony challenged clearly trying to change the subject.
“Let’s see about that.” Andromeda (Suzie) replied.
They were jumping in unison. Neither of their tricks were better than the other but that is not from lack of skill. They both had amazing tricks they just happened to be equals. For every awesome trick Andromeda mustered up, Anthony had one ready to go. They were equals…
To Anthony this was normal. But Andromeda had always been a little better than everyone. Not in a narcissistic kind of way but in a literal sense of the words. She had never been equal to anyone… Anthony was special. Even more so than she thought.
“Woah, I guess we are both pretty good. I need a break.” Andromeda said gasping for air. She had exhausted herself.
“That’s fine we can both take a break and talk. I’ve got to go to class soon.” Anthony said as he plopped down next to Andromeda.
They both looked around the room. They could see everything from the corner they were sitting in. They saw the kids playing basketball. The girls and Marcus jumping rope. The sad kid who was always by himself. He was too far away. She couldn’t see his flame, but she had an odd feeling about that kid.
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