The City of Ionia

“Cake’s done,” Citrus announced as Jeremy and Harley entered the kitchen.

“Let me try.”

Citrus knocked Jeremy’s hand away. “Wait till Jill gets here.”

“I’m just gonna make sure you put sugar instead—!”

The two intensely stared at Harley, who swirled her finger in her mouth. Jeremy glanced at the cake, then back at Harley.

“You stuffed your finger in it!”

“Did not,” she protested, “I scraped the frosting. No biggie.”

“No biggie? No biggie?! Citrus, are you gonna let—”

“How was it?”

“It’s pretty good. A bit sweet, but it’s not repulsive.”

Citrus pumped his fist up. “Yes. I’m glad. Baking isn’t my strong suit, so I’m glad it came out decent. Thank you for your feedback, Harley.”

“No probs.”

Jeremy interjected. “Hold it right there. She can get a bite, but you push me, your cooking partner, away? Is there something going on that I don’t know?”

“There’s strawberries inside, right?”

“Yep, there’s strawberry filling between the layers. There’s also strawberries on top, which could be overpowering in a way…?”

“I think it’ll work.”

Jeremy slammed his fist on the table. “Quit ignoring me!”

“Should I add more decor?”

“I think it’s fine the way it is.”

Citrus ended up agreeing. There wasn’t much else he could do. White frosting swirled around the edges, acting as a border for the strawberries in the middle—a round cake with decent dimensions for a small group to enjoy.

“I’ll put this in the cold. Hang tight for a few.”

“Okie.”

Jeremy dropped to the floor and grabbed onto Harley’s shin. “Why are you guys ignoring me?”

Harley looked down, smiling. “Because it’s fun to irritate you.”

“Screw you!”

“Cake’s done, Ruby.”

A little boy rammed into Jeremy’s legs with miniature skips. “Cake for me!”

“Ya, you wish. Now let go of my leg.”

He didn’t listen.

“Harley, can you tell Quinn to drop my leg? Jeez, it’s like I’m referring to a dog.”

Harley also didn’t listen. Why would she? It’s not like Jeremy ever listened to her.

With her hands connected behind her back, she grooved through the cabin. “Ruby, where are you?”

A door opened from the side. Her damp, brunette hair freely fell. Her face was glowy like a tiny star. The urge to feel her face was overtaken by the informal attire. An oversized shirt with shorts. In all the years she had known Ruby, she had never once seen her like this.

“Oh, Harley. This is a surprise,” she said while patting her hair with a towel.

“Cake’s done.”

“Great. Wait for me while I change. Jill may be here soon. I’ll make sure we’re the first ones to greet her.” She went into a different room, and a tiny click was emitted.

She got out, dressing as usual. Once everyone was set, they left the house and worked on the final stages of the return party. The essential bonfire was set, people were out and about, and piping hot food was on the table. Everything was according to plan.

The evening was young. An orange with pink sparkles scattered the sky like a canvas. Birds chirped their songs while heading to wherever.

Finally, after a long two months, she’s coming back. It’s been so long since having a partner. Every night in the tent, they would talk about something—anything. Whether it would be recurring topics, new ones, gossip, plans for the next day, or anything else, they would talk about it. Occasional pillow fights broke loose, terrible jokes were made, and insults were thrown. Those were the days Harley wouldn’t trade for the universe.

But recently, before Jill’s sudden decision to leave for two months, things hadn’t been so bright. Harley’s continuous attempts to spark another one of those days grew cold. Jill pushed herself away, uninterested in anything. She’s always out, going to her favorite hill. It was unknown why she kept going there, which was troublesome. Harley questioned Jill many times, but she received the same answer.

“I’m just clearing the mind.”

It was not an answer she liked. It was too broad, not telling the entire story. Like, what did that even mean? How clear of a mind was she going for? At that point, it’ll be clear like water.

“Uuggghhh. It doesn’t make any sense!”

“What?”

“It’s not making sense.”

Jeremy shot back. You’re not making any sense.” He reached over to her face, but Harley knocked him away.

“Hell’s wrong with you?”

“You got snot leaking.”

Harley’s cheeks shot up into a rosy color. “I’m not a child. I’ll do it myself.” She snatched the rag and blew into it. Allergies were such a pain.

“Harley, Jeremy!” Ruby sprinted at them, which was rare considering her calm mentality. “Jill’s back!”

The two got up and jogged with Ruby. Cheers grew louder with each step. Harley shoved through the wall of people, squeezing her way to the front.

There she was.

A leather jacket with metal studs, a tank top, cargo pants, and boots. Her entire outfit consisted of black. Her silver necklace sparkled a reflection like a fairy was by her soul. A concealed dagger was attached to her belt. Her hair was styled with two separate braids in the back with the appearance of a rope.

“Welcome back, Jill.”

“Harley, it’s been too long.”

The sound of a corpse. A vacant entity. Not a hint of excitement was in her voice. Her eyes were blacker than the deepest depths of the ocean. She looked as though she wasn’t here. What made her change so much? Was it by choice? Did something happen? Harley didn’t know.

She didn’t know.