Disgraced: Twins of the Zodiac

Not A Moment's Peace

    Regret immediately filled Aurora as she stepped into the gymnasium during tryouts, watching the unbalanced rhythm lacking amateurs disgracing the floor.

    Aurora was filled with complete and utter dread as she stood there anxiously watching; not of this anxiety was rooted in that of the nervous kind, however, as this wasn’t her first rodeo. It was the sort of dread that ate at her introverted character, causing her to wonder about the mistake she made in coming there.

    Once again, her brother won out; he had gotten what he wanted-getting his twin to do what he desired her to do. Curse you, Jeriko, she hissed in her mind as she thought about how down right spoiled her brother was. Then again, considering what he had sacrificed in making sure that he looked out for her all of the years that they were together, the thought came back to mind that this, as insufferable as the thought may be, was the least she could do.

    Aurora always spoke aggressively toward her twin, but when she took the time to cool down, she always ended up compromising in the end, to suit Jeriko’s needs.The idea that he'd probably be stuck with her for the remainder of their lives forced her to the obligation of pleasing her brother whenever the time called for it.

    However, this time in particular...this compromise in particular was one treading on thin ice with Aurora. Jeriko knew that being surrounded by such a similar atmosphere as that of her sordid past did not bode well for Aurora’s mental state. Doing this-doing what her brother asked in this situation would potentially place her in a very difficult position, as she couldn’t get the past out of her mind. The thoughts of the past kept playing around her head...the thoughts of the past.....

     ........................................................................

    "Great job girls!" The girl complimented the girls as they finished with tryouts. As the girls dispersed, heading their separate ways, the captain of the spirit squad went after one in particular. "Hey! Hey! Wait up?"

    The girl whom she was calling for, stopped, her dark raven blue ponytail swinging to the side as turned around. Nervously, she pushed her frosted bang to the side and smiled coyly. 

    "Aurora...right?" The girl asked.

    With a small smile, she nodded in response. "Yea...Aurora Valen,"

    "Nice to formally, meet you, Aurora," The girl said. "My name is Becca...Becca Morrison," Aurora nodded and returned the sentiment of courtesy before Becca continued. "You really had some moves out there today...caught on pretty quickly as well. I could really use someone like that on the squad...as co-captain,"

    Aurora's eyes widened in response. "C-co-captain?!" She exclaimed. "I...are you sure?! I-or...well...but the others-"

    "Are alright, in a pinch," Becca said. "But you've got something that they don't have, and I need that as my second...sooo, whaddya say?" She grinned. 

    With a smile, Aurora looked around, giddily before returning her gaze to the girl standing in front of her. "I say...I accept!" 

    Becca gave Aurora a wry smile. "I think this may be the beginnings of a fruitful year."

...........................................................................

    That day was the start of what Aurora thought would be a great year. Little did she know, it'd lead up to one of the worst moment in her life. It was a constant reminder to Aurora that she was better off alone and unapproachable. And if she were being honest, she liked it that way; she liked being alone. She liked having uninterrupted thoughts because there were no so called friends around to talk her head off about their menial life problems or their adolescent hormones about the opposite s*x. Being alone...it was peaceful to her.

    And now, there she stood; about to place herself in a position that signified the complete opposite of peacefor her. Aurora loved her brother-she absolutely loved Jeriko with every ounce of her being. And as an extension of that love, she’d do most anything for him.

    “But I have to draw a line.” She muttered to herself. She had to go.

    And with that thought in mind, Aurora turned on her heels and started for the door of the gymnasium. Screw this, she thought as she reached the large metal door.

    “Aurora?!”

    At the mention of her name, Aurora froze in her tracks. Immediately Aurora cursed under breath. She rolled her eyes upward, suddenly discomfit with her own self for thinking too long and not moving fast enough to get out of dodge.

    Yes, she could have probably glamoured her way out of even having been noticed. She probably could have gotten away scott-free; but then she thought, I got caught; maybe I’m supposed to be here. Aurora hated that her mind trekked towards that path of thinking. A part of her felt that she was only giving herself an excuse to bend to her brother’s will. 

    Her eyes cut toward the ceiling momentarily, then she sighed and finally turned around, surveying all those surrounding her while she tried to adjust her discomfort of being around so many bodies.

    As Aurora stood there, the girls all stared at her; some in awe that she even came to try outs while others were just envious of her presence alone. The latter, of course brought more pleasure to Aurora.

    “You’re here!” Jennifer grinned, trying to hold in her excitement.

    Nonchalantly, Aurora shrugged in her neat accent. “Yes.”

    Jennifer hesitated for a prolonged moment before she reluctantly asked. “Sooo, you’re trying out?”

    “Well, I certainly did not wear this get up for my health, dear.” Aurora returned, referring to her short black shorts and loose-fitting crop t-shirt and tennis shoes. 

    Jennifer didn't respond immediately and only stared at Aurora. “Why are you so pretty?” Her brows furrowed.

    Based upon the sudden sheepish look on her face after saying what she had, Aurora guessed that Jennifer hadn’t intended on saying that aloud. Though, it was normal for Aurora to hear such things.

    “Genetics, dear. Now are we going to do this or not?” Aurora then cooly asked as she stood next to the other girls that were trying for the squad.

   "Right," Jennifer cleared her throat "Alright girls!” Jennifer called, standing in front of the new recruits. “As you all probably know, my name is Jennifer, and thanks for your interest in the spirit squad!” she said. “First we’re going to do our stretches and-”

    “No tryout, dance routine or anything?” Aurora asked, cutting her off.

    Jennifer turned attention to Aurora. “Not yet,” she simply said. “It’s a process.that we go through at these tryouts, Ro.”

    “Aurora, thanks.” Aurora corrected Jennifer sarcastically. It annoyed Aurora a little that Jennifer seemed to think that they were cool enough with each other for her to refer to her by a nickname given to her by her brother.

    "Right, I'll remember that," Jennifer gave her an awkward small smile before continuing with the other girls. At this point she seemed to realize that she needed to tread lightly when dealing with Aurora Valentine. “Alright girls! Let’s begin!”

                                                 ***************************************************

    He caught the ball, tossing it back when he felt that small tingle in his spine that alerted him to his sister’s nearness. Why in the world was she staying after school when-

    “Hey!”

    Jeriko’s thoughts were cut short by a kiss on the cheek. He turned around to see Jennifer standing there, a big grin on her face. 

    “Hey watch out, Jenni!” someone shouted, the ball passing Jeriko and heading for Jennifer. 

    Her eye contact was immediately averted and turned toward the oncoming ball. Without a second thought she caught it, as if she had already anticipated on it.

    “Whoa.” Jeriko stared, impressed. “Nice catch.”

    Jennifer grinned, handing him the ball. “I have four older brothers. Surely you didn’t expect me to cower in fear.” 

    Jeriko grabbed her up in his one arm, taking the ball from her hand. “I’ll keep that in mind for future references.” He smirked. “So to what do I owe the pleasant surprise?”

    “She came!” Jennifer squealed. “She actually came to tryouts! What did you say to her?” She asked in amazement.

    Jeriko looked up in the distance at his younger sister, sitting on the bleachers; taking a puff as she always did when hunger struck. “Did she?” he smirked. “Nothing much more than what was already said before.” After a moment longer, he looked down at Jennifer. “How did she do?”

    “Nailed it!” She said excited. “But of course you knew that would happen!” Jennifer chuckled. “It’s obvious that she’s not new to this though.” She added. “She must have been a drill sergeant in a past life or something.” she joked.

    Jeriko feigned a chuckle. ‘Little does she know’  he thought. “That’s Ro.”

    “Yea, she’s pretty awesome.” Jennifer said. “Still-” she turned slightly to eye Aurora as she sat on the bleachers smoking. “I wish she wouldn’t smoke.” she opinionated. “It takes away from her knowledge of our routines, having to always pause for smoke breaks.” 

    Jeriko watched Jennifer for a moment, knowing that she had something on her mind, however hoping it wasn’t what he thought. He noticed her hesitation before she spoke again.

    “I was wondering-” she started, Jeriko rolling his eyes, knowing what she was going to say before she even said it. “If-well I mean you did get her to try out.” she turned around. “Maybe you could get her to stop with the smoking-”

    Impatience began to creep up on Jeriko. “Jennifer you know it’s not that simple to quit habits like that and Aur-.”

    “I know but at least put it in her head, ya know?” She interceded. “It’s so unhealthy and unattracti-”

    “It’s medicinal.” Jeriko simply replied. 

    “That’s what they all say.” Jennifer chuckled dryly.

    “Well I’m not just saying it. It helps her…with her nerves-she has really bad nerves and anxiety.”

    Jennifer obviously did not completely believe Jeriko. “She seems steady as a pin to me.”

    “Jennifer, she’s been doing it for a while and trust me, she’s better off with it.” he suggested.

    “Why?” Jennifer asked. Judging the look on her face, it was obvious she sensed something upon the change in Jeriko’s tone. “She’s moody or something?” 

    “You could say that.” Jeriko returned, watching Aurora.She was still sitting there in the distance, nearly done with her laced Black n' Mild in hand, smoking what was left of the cigar..He knew that she could hear every single word that they were saying. Her point of view on the subject, however, was unrecognizable as she always held that of a stoic expression upon her features.

    “Well I really think that she could get through that.” Jennifer replied. “With your help.” she smiled, kissing his cheek. “Just a thought. Just think about it.” she said. “I’m sure you don’t want your sister having such an unhealthy habit.”

    Jeriko watched as she walked away and started for his sister. He shook his, feeling sorry for how foolish Jennifer was being. If only she knew that Aurora heard every word that was said. And now he had to smooth things over with her because of it.

    Aurora had already done him a favor in even giving in to try out for the spirit squad, especially with the past that being apart of the team carried behind it. He didn't know what made her give in to his request. He hoped that maybe she realized that things would be different this time-that maybe it would be best for Jeriko to keep an eye on her. In the end, however, Jeriko took notice of the fact that it really didn't matter what the reason was, he was just grateful that Aurora had done it. He just wished that Jennifer would show the same gratitude instead barking lifestyle change requests. It certainly wasn't doing her any favors.

    “Oh, Jen," He huffed in exasperation of his stress-inducing girlfriend. "You have no idea how much of a favor that cigar is doing in preserving your life right now.” As he said those words to himself, he saw the small smirk on his twin’s flawless face in the distance. She heard what he had said and found amusement in it.

“Hey!”

Aurora heard Jennifer approaching and immediately grimaced inside as the thought of holding a conversation with the girl. 

When Jennifer finally stood in front of her as she sat there, Aurora did not speak-barely even acknowledged her. However, when she realized that Jennifer wasn’t going anywhere, she nonchalantly looked up at the girl, expressionless, and just waited for her to speak again.

Aurora responded to Jennifer by just looking up at her, no particular expression.written on her face, waiting for Jennifer to speak again.

“We’ll be starting back up in a minute.” Jennifer relayed. “Fortunately for you, we'll be coming outside for laps.”

Fortunately for me? Aurora scoffed as she thought about the fact that the girl clearly wasn’t one to choose her words wisely; and by the look that suddenly appeared across Jennifer’s face, she realized this as well.

Aurora let it slide, however, not feeling that it was worth the energy to correct the girl. She only responded sarcastically and without emotion. 

“Yippee.” she said, inhaling a long puff from her cig before allowing the smoke to escape her lips and nose.

Jennifer tried to stifle the cough from the unusual and yet pleasant scent of the cigar that Aurora was smoking. She then looked around, as if wondering, how on earth Aurora Valentine had even gotten away with doing this on school premises in the first place.

When Jennifer didn’t say anything and only began to stare, Aurora disinterestedly looked up at her brother’s little friend. “Is there anything else, dear?”

Jennifer stood in an awkward silence, a sheepish chuckle leaving her as she parted her lips. “Welll…” She carried the word for a moment before she cut herself off. She wanted badly to approach the subject of Aurora’s unhealthy habit. However, when she saw the look on Aurora’s flawless face, she seemed to think better of it. “You know what, I should go gather the girls!” She said in a way that was a little more spritely than she may have intended.

Aurora gave her an obviously sardonic and fake smile. “Yea, you do that.” She said.

Aurora side-stared at Jennifer while she walked away before returning her attention to her surroundings once again. A smirk escaped her after a moment when she felt another more familiar essence approaching her.

The large arms wrapped around her neck and a kiss graced her cheek and she immediately knew who it was. No one else could ever dream of getting that close.

“You are in a good mood today.” Aurora said. “I’m glad.” She added, as she genuinely was.

“Thanks.” Jeriko said with a small smile; he knew that his twin cared about his well-being but it helped to hear it every once in a while too.

“And why would that be?” Aurora asked, although she already knew why.

Jeriko chuckled. “You know why.” 

Aurora shrugged. “I guess.”

“What changed your mind?” he asked.

Aurora, taking the cig from her mouth, shrugged. “You know that you are my brother what you ask I will do. Even if it takes me a moment or two to agree to it...whether I agree with it or not.”

Jeriko smiled, impressed with his sister’s apparent love for him. He watched her take one last puff of her cigar before putting it out in her hand. He looked around to assure that no one saw what she had just done, wondering why she just couldn’t put it out on the bleachers where she sat like any other normal person. He watched her for a moment, contemplating the next sentence that he was going to say..

“Look, um-have you ever thought ...about quitting? You know? With the smoke?” Jeriko suddenly asked as Aurora she flicked the butt away and laughed.

“Why yes, of course.” Aurora said, her words dripping with the obvious fact that she took little interest in his words. “But then I thought of the ultimatum.” she looked at Jeriko “That being ripping your girlfriend’s head off.”

 “Oh come on, you don't be petty, Ro.” Jeriko said. ‘Jennifer is innocent in this.”

“Is that right?” Aurora followed up, losing interest in the conversation. As far as she was concerned, the girl wasn’t at all that innocent to begin with. It was just something, aside the obvious, that Aurora just did not like about that girl. “That you even thought to ask me about it, is surprising, brother.” Aurora said. “Especially, considering the fact that you know me.” She added, a hidden meaning underlying those words.

 “Oh, Ro don’t act like you didn’t just hear Jennifer and I talking about this.” Jeriko said.

“Of course I heard you.” she admitted with no guilt. “However, I did not think that the subject would reach any farther than the boundaries of your conversation with her. I assumed the conversation was over after all.” she chuckled. “but foolish little me should have known otherwise.” she said after a moment of silence. “You know why I do this Jeriko.”

“I do.” Jeriko countered. “But isn’t there another way to get that stuff in your system besides, smoking it?”

“Well, I could snort it, or shoot it up.” Aurora said with slight annoyance, her amethyst gaze having left her brother’s.

“Ro, don’t be that way.” Jeriko reasoned. “I know that you need the herb to keep your cravings at bay but...”

Aurora rolled her eyes and turned away as her brother kept to his banter; knowing that the discussion that he and his little toy had just had was a first. Jennifer put it in his head that it was a good idea to suggest such a ridiculous notion. It annoyed her. “You know your new toy is really beginning to test my patience, brother. “ she said. “And you know how I get when patience wears thin,” her one revealed eye looked his way sideways, before rising from the bench and walking away.

“Yea.” Jeriko said, realizing that this request was not the best idea. “I know.” Part of him could not even believe that he thought it okay to ask her.

A subtle feminine voice sounded through his head. He knew it to be Aurora, her subtle response letting him know that she heard what he said. “Then act like it.”

After school programs were cut short when it began to thunder. Aurora, of course, was glad to hear this; not sure whether she could take too much more of the “rah rah” excitement of teenage girls. She quickly grabbed her things as Jennifer made the announcement to the girls.

“Alright, girls! Listen up!” As the gossipping died down, the girls gradually turned their attention to the head of the spirit squad. “Practice is being cut short today! The weather is picking up a storm! With that being said, everyone did very well today! Tomorrow, assuming we’ll have sunshine, is when we’ll start with tryouts. Our coach will be in attendance to judge who should move on and who will not! So bring your best foot forward! And good luck!”

As Jennifer gave this speech, Aurora had already been out of the door, though, she heard the whole thing, unfortunately. She couldn’t resist rolling her eyes as she kept down the hall and headed outside.

The rain hadn’t come yet, though the clouds and the strong breeze had. Even a little lightning could be seen every now and again, but nothing too hectic. Aurora closed her eyes, inhaling the scent that would dance in the air. 

It was as if the rain had its own subtle introduction before it made its appearance; the darkened clouds that shifted from its pure white to a gray, contrasting against the darkening pale blue sky. Then there was the breeze that whipped the fallen leaves around in small, whimsical like circles before descending them to the ground again, still, as if they had never moved at all. The shifting sound of the trees as the wind blow through them, making a sound similar to that of someone shushing the world, telling it to quiet down, so that everyone could hear and see when the rain finally made its appearance.

It was a show to Aurora; one that she appreciated in silence. She waited for the show patiently, making her way down the brick path that lead to the wooden bench and table that stood under the large Ash tree. She decided that she’d enjoy the show-a show that no one else found beautiful but her. A smile crossed her face as she neared the bench.

“Hey, Aurora!”

The sound that broke through her peace, brought a vibration of annoyance to her as she stopped in her tracks.

Calm down, Ro. Calm yourself. She had to repeat this constantly in her mind before she even turned around. It wasn’t working. 

A shiver of anger traveled up Aurora’s spine as she took out another small, laced cigar and lit it; her head pointed up to the sky as she took a puff and held it in for a moment to allow the enchantment that was laced within it to calm her nerves and her oncoming hunger. When she blew it out, she grimaced, closing her eyes tight before turning around, not even bothering to hide the disgruntled expression on her face.

“What is it?” She curtly said.

Jennifer, clearly, having seen the frustration on Aurora’s face was reluctant when she spoke. “I-I’m sorry. Was I interrupting something?”

“Just my peace.” Aurora smiled. When she saw that she may have hurt the girl’s feelings when saying what she said; and not wanting her to go crying to Jeriko-because she’d had enough of being reprimanded like a child, Aurora put on a feigned smile. “Kidding, dear.” She lied. “What can I help you with this time?” She asked.

“Well, I was just letting you know...um, well, our coach said to let you know that you didn’t have to do try outs. That you’re already in, since they’ve been eyeing you for a while.” She put on a small smile.

“Is that right?” Aurora asked. She watched Jennifer for a long moment, trying to get into her mind, but realizing that she couldn’t. Jeriko must have put an enchantment on her to block Aurora from seeing her thoughts. She sighed. Guess I’ll have to remedy that, Aurora said to herself. “Well, I am so happy to hear that.” She remarked. “Be sure to tell her, I said thanks so much.” She started to turn and walk away when she noticed that Jennifer was still standing there watching her. Aurora, still quite annoyed and thinking, It’d be so much easier if I could just kill her, turned around. “Is there anything else, dear?”

It was then that Jennifer’s face became a little disgruntled. She hesitated and then said. “I-do you think tha." smoking is really healthy for you? I mean I know-I know you have bad nerves and anxiety! I understand that-I do because I’ve had it and still-still do! But there are other ways-”

“Hmmm.” Aurora cut off her words, closing her eyes as she took another hit of her cigar. When she opened them again, her eyes were a different color; one, sea-green flaked in her amethyst purple. She knew then that her brother had been watching her as she felt the shift. She didn’t care, however, as she had started to do what she was going to do.

Aurora placed her hand on the girl’s shoulder, reluctantly and looked her square in the eye. “Mention to me, anything, about my life choices again, and I will murder you.” Aurora smiled. “My brother will have to find a new toy.”

“Aurora!” She heard Jeriko bellow in her mind, reprimanding her. He wasn’t quite around yet but she knew that he was close.

When she looked up, there he was, making his way aggressively towards her in a brisk pace. Aurora scoffed and rolled her eyes as he finally arrived.

“Aurora!” He hissed. “What do you think you are doing?” He incredulously asked. 

“Controlling your little girlfriend, since it is quite obvious that you won’t.”

“Aurora, fix this.” Jeriko demanded.

Aurora stood there and watched him for a prolonging tense moment. She rolled her eyes and took a hit of her cigar before she grabbed Jennifer again. “Forget, this conversation. But do not ever ask me about my habits again.” She growled. She looked at Jeriko. “You happy now, brother?” She rhetorically asked. 

When the thunder began to crackle aggressively through the sky, Aurora’s attention was called to the fact that she had missed her opportunity to just watch the show of the rain-she missed her chance at a moment of peace. She grimaced and scoff. 

“I’ll see you at home, brother.” She hissed and walked away, heading for her car as the rain began to fall; all the while thinking, not even a moment’s peace.