Ally Lichen's Friend

14. September of Seventeen

"Takia!"

Ally raced across the bridge to Claire's house, where Takia's mother said she had gone. The warm, early autumn breeze brushed her cheeks. Her heart was soaring and she couldn't keep a grin off of her face. Her long brown hair bounced behind her, unbraided. She hadn't bothered braiding it this morning. She hadn't done more than hastily change into a skirt and sweater before rushing out the door, the letter clenched in her hand.

The lighthouse letter!

They had their reply! She and Takia were going to be Lighthouse Witches! Together!

"I'm going on an adventure!" Ally let the happy whoop leave her lungs, her arms outstretched through the dappled September sunshine as her boots bounced over the boards of the bridge.

She almost slammed into the door of Claire's house but skidded to a stop just in time to knock properly.

She had to knock twice before anyone came. Claire's father was the one who opened the door.

"Is Takia here?" Ally asked breathlessly.

"Yes, she is." He smiled at her excitement. "She's in Claire's room."

Ally, who had been to Claire's house plenty of times before raced to the stairs straight away, all the way up to the top. Claire was lucky enough to have a balcony just off her room, and Ally could remember many happy days spent there.

When she reached Claire's door, the first things she heard were stifled giggles and Claire's voice.

"So what did you say?"

Gossip and drama. Ally wasn't surprised, nor was she interested. She knocked sharply, excitement still coursing through her veins. "Takia, I have something to tell you!"

A moment later the door swung open, revealing Claire with her hair twisted around her head in a crown braid and Takia sitting on the woven rug on the floor.

"Oh, hi Ally!" Claire was grining, her cheeks rosy, she glanced down at Takia and then back up at Ally. "We were just chatting about Andrew." She glanced back down at Takia as if she couldn't be prouder. Takia flushed apple-red.

Ally briefly tried to remember which one Andrew was, but it was hard to care with the letter still clenched in her hand. "That's lovely. Can I speak to my best friend please?"

Claire and Takia shared a look.

Oh. Ally felt her cheek warm. Was that weird? Should she not have called Takia her best friend? But they were best friends, weren't they? She had the necklace to prove it. Maybe it was just weird to say it like that. Maybe she had made Claire feel left out. She should have thought before she spoke! Whatever. There were more important matters at hand.

"Just for a moment?" Ally added quickly. "I have to tell you something Takia, it's really important! May we use the balcony, Claire?"

"You may." Claire smiled and sat back on the woven rug.

"Ok, come on!" Ally beckoned Takia, pulling the balcony door open.

Ally took a deep breath, trying to calm herself enough to be coherent. The air smelled sweet outside. The warmth of summer still lingered, but only just. There was something quiet and earthy there as well. The trees were only just beginning to change colors, the tips of their leaves orange and gold as though they had been singed by a flame. The sky above was a brilliant blue, and somewhere someone must be baking because the smell of pear dumplings danced in the gentle breeze.

Everything was bright. Everything was lovely.

"What do you need to tell me?" Takia looked curious and happy, her cheeks were still a little flushed. Her hair, darker brown than Ally's, was edged in gold by the sunlight.