36: Lost Hope

ATLAS

“How do I look?” Annie’s voice pulls me from my distracted thoughts. She was looking at me expectantly as she re-applied her lipstick.

A bold red color that almost made her look like she was doing too much. It was a total contrast to the soft pink lip gloss Jade always wore. The former seemed to be begging for attention. While the latter acted like she was doing her best to remain hidden.

I couldn’t tell her all that of course, I was already late for the meeting and she would want to go and change. So I smiled and told her what I know will hurry her along.

“You look perfect.”

She grinned, her perfect teeth shining.

She leaned into me from her chair and placed a hand on my chest. Her eyes softened when she spoke.

“I want to give the right impression as your partner,” she inhaled slowly. “I know people think I can’t be half of the luna Jade was, but I want to try.”

Something heavy settled in my heart at the mention of Jade. I told myself it was because of what she said and how she