The City of Ionia

“Achoo!”

“Your allergies started already?”

Harley reached for a cloth to clean her nose. “I know, right? Such a pain. You don’t have a clue how annoying they are. I envy you.”

“Thanks.”

“Wasn’t a compliment.”

Jeremy pulled a patch of grass and threw it at Harley’s face, scattering it around like autumn leaves.

Harley waved her hands around in defense. “I’m allergic to pollen, you doofus!”

“Doofus? So we’re name-calling now?”

“My—My hair! I just did my hair, you—stop throwing grass!”

“Ow, ow, ow, ow! Let go of my cheek!”

Harley had Jermry pinned underneath. “Don’t act like you don’t enjoy a girl’s touch,” she said with a sinister chuckle.

Jeremy used his body weight to toss Harley away. He quickly got up in case she pounced on him again.

“If you’re talking about Falmouth, may I remind you I lost a bet. Whatever happened wasn’t my choice.”

“It may not be your choice, but it doesn’t change the fact that you enjoyed it, pervert.” She stuck her tongue out in a childly manner.

“Oh, what’s happening over there? I think Ruby’s coming our way.”

“Don’t change the subject!” She flung his head away.

Jeremy’s lucky lifeline walked from afar. Her honey skin tone matched with a perfectly tied bun with two strands running down her face. Her fingers interlocked by her waist as she wore a friendly smile. He was so lucky she had perfect timing.

“You two seem pretty lively,” she said, “Is there a particular reason?”

Harley changed to her usual tone. “You know what happened to Jeremry in Falmouth?”

He desperately stuttered. “Don’t spit out random stuff!”

Ruby, who had her brows raised, wanted to know more. Harley tried to speak but was cut off by Jermry throwing grass. It got so bad to the point where they tackled each other once again. They stopped once Ruby cleared her throat in a certain way.

““Sorry.””

“I’m used to your antics, so it’s fine. But I am curious about Falmouth. Do you mind telling me, Jermry?”

He covered his eyes. “Your smile isn’t going to suck me in.”

“He got a happy ending massage.”

Jermry yelled words that didn’t make sense. He charged at Harley, attempting to tackle her again, but this time, she dodged and pinned him on his stomach. He kicked his legs, trying to squeeze any momentum.

“Forgive me for my ignorance, but what’s a happy ending massage?”

“Time to kill some innocence.” Harley pushed herself off Jeremy. Her mouth was practically in Ruby’s ear as she whispered, “It’s when……..”

“Oh—Oh! Um… ok… well… you are at that age.”

Jeremy lay with his stomach flat on the ground. “It’s doomed.”

“In his defense, Ruby, that was last year. He hasn’t done it again… not that I know of. I only found out like a few months ago. I overheard a villager talking about it. But it’s good blackmail material, dont’cha think?”

“Let’s not. Anyways, Jill is coming back today. Do you have anything planned?”

Jeremy stood up. “We can make a cake or something.”

“Ya,” Harley agreed, “her entire mouth is one big sweet tooth.”

“That doesn't make any sense?”

“Huh? Are you forgetting I have the high ground?”

Jeremy grabbed Harley’s ankles and formally apologized for talking back. The edges of Harley’s lips tapped her ears.

“Oh well, guess I’ll accept your apology.”

Ruby scolded the two, making them sit on their legs with their hands resting on their thighs.

“Move one muscle in the wrong direction, and it’ll be the biggest mistake in the past hour.”

Harley bobbed her head, knowing Ruby wouldn’t do anything. However, she didn’t look over at Jeremy. He was probably looking straight ahead, obeying Ruby’s orders. That’s all he knew.

“Jeremy—”

“Yes ma’am!”

His formality caught Ruby off guard, causing her to stutter a bit. “Can you bake a cake?”

“I’m a chef, not a baker. Citrus can, though I’ll have to ask.”

“You do that. And Harley,” she paused, probably waiting for her to say the same thing Jeremy did. “Are you doing anything?”

Harley repeatedly tapped the ground. She thought about it long before Ruby mentioned it. Should she get her a bracelet, matching skirts, and maybe a cute shirt? The more she went on, the more things popped up in her head. They appeared like ants rushing out of a hole. But then it hit her. Lately, Harley hasn’t been speaking with Jill much. She didn’t know if her likes, dislikes, fears, and comforts changed. They never had a major argument to create a rift in their relationship. It was mainly Jill separating herself from Harley and also the cult. Harley batted an eye, convincing herself it was a phase. Deep down, somewhere in her heart, she knew it was a lie. But for the sake of her sanity, it was the best she could do.

“Hello, Harley, come back to us.”

“Huh…?”

“Good, you’re back. You zoned off for a… are you crying?”

Harley slowly lifted her hand and stroked the edge of her eye. Damp. She quickly rubbed it, tossing the lone tear aside like an infesting bug.

“Allergies! You know how much they kill me.”

“It only screws with your nose, though?”

She nervously laughed. “Look, Ruby, Jeremy thinks he knows my body better than me.”

“Right, anyways, Harley, are you going to do anything for Jill?”

“Jill? Right, of course. What I’m gonna do? Let’s see, probably just a big hug and catch-up over cake. She's been gone for two months, so it’s the least I could do.”

“Great. I’ll make arrangements for Jill’s return. A bonfire, dancing, and possibly dinner with just the four of us.”

“I’m invited?!” Jeremy spouted in disbelief.

“Why wouldn’t you be?”

He pumped his fist in the air. “Finally, I don’t gotta fight for a spot.” He dropped himself to the ground, gazing at the sky. “Sure is cloudy. Hope it doesn’t rain.”

Harley also looked up. She didn’t say anything, but she wished for the opposite.