Amaris' POV
The next day arrived swiftly, ushered in by sunlight that filtered through the car windows as I sat silently in the back seat. Our family's vehicle hummed along the familiar roads toward Reefside High, the leather interior pristine, polished, and scented faintly with lavender—the handiwork of our meticulous house staff.
My fingers clasped around the hem of my skirt as I peered out the window, mind already elsewhere. Today was the day I would interfere.
Of course, not as a Ranger.
That would be far too disruptive at this stage, and I hadn't yet earned the place to walk openly among them, not in that way. But there was a scene I remembered vividly from the show, one that was about to play out today. Haylee Styles would transform into an elderly version of herself, and Kira Ford, ever so kindhearted, would step in. But Kira would face hesitation—emotional conflict and that was where I would make my move.
It had to be natural. Organic. If I were to get closer to the main cast, it could not seem deliberate. And so, a gentle nudge, a single supportive voice when it mattered most… perhaps that would be enough to seed trust.
The car slowed as we reached the school entrance. I offered a soft smile and a bow to our driver as I stepped out.
"Have a pleasant day, Miss," he said.
"Thank you kindly," I replied, smoothing the pleats of my skirt.
Classes passed quickly. I paid close attention, taking notes with my usual precision. The others, even those near me, rarely interacted unless spoken to. That suited me just fine. Though I wore a pleasant smile and answered with courtesy when addressed, I did not seek company.
After the final bell rang, I packed my belongings carefully, my mind already turning toward Hayley's Cyberspace.
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The warmth of the Cyberspace welcomed me, its rowdy but comforting aura, aroma of beverages and snacks wrapping around my senses like an old blanket. I spotted them immediately—Kira and the aged version of Kaylee Styles. Kira sat beside her, concern written all over her face. Kaylee was wrapped in a blanket, shoulders tense.
I approached the counter and ordered a simple tea—something calming and was soon greeted by Hayley herself. She handed me the drink with a friendly nod. I thanked her with a bow, then retreated toward the game section just behind Kaylee and Kira, so I could listen without appearing intrusive.
"I gotta go," I heard Kira say, her voice filled with hesitation.
"No!" Kaylee cried, her tone desperate.
"Look–Hayley will look after you, you'll be fine," Kira said gently.
"B-but… I want you to stay," Kaylee whispered, her voice trembling. "You're my friend."
That was my cue.
I stepped forward quietly and spoke, "Miss Kaylee."
Both women turned toward me. I smiled softly, placing my tea gently on a nearby table.
"It seems your friend has something important to do," I began, voice low and warm. "And I find myself rather alone at the moment. Might I ask you to kindly pass the time with me instead?" I tilted my head just slightly and smiled a little more brightly.
'It worked like a charm with my parents. Surely, Kaylee would—'
"No," she snapped. "I don't care whether you're lonely or not."
'Ah. So much for charm.'
Still, I chuckled gently. "Oh my, I am hurt," I said, feigning heartbreak. "And here I thought this would be the perfect time to spend a moment with my favorite artist."
She blinked.
"I even purchased your debut album the very day it came out."
It was a lie, of course. But I had practiced the art of gentle bluffing long before I became Amaris Shin.
I sighed dramatically and turned away, allowing myself a few slow, dejected steps.
"Wait," came Kaylee's voice, uncertain.
I hid my smile and turned back around, softening my expression. "Yes?"
"I… I need emotional support," she said hesitantly. "And one person's not enough."
I nodded and moved behind her chair.
Kira gave me a glance, and I offered her a calm smile. She sighed but said nothing more.
Kaylee slumped slightly in the chair, blanket pulled up to her chest. "What am I going to do?" she muttered, then continued "I can't face my public like this."
"Calm down, Kaylee. You're not the only one in trouble, y'know. This thing is attacking people all over the city—"
"Really? Well, that is not my problem. I'm Kaylee Styles."
Kira retrieved a cassette tape—from where, I cannot quite say. "This is the Kaylee I used to know," she said quietly. "She was someone who cared about other people, not just herself."
Then, she stood. "I gotta go."
Kaylee reached out, eyes downcast. "Can you play this for me?" she asked, her hand swinging back and forth and slightly fidgeting with the tape as if uncertain.
I looked around and saw Hayley approaching. She took the tape and began playing it on the jukebox. The sound of beautiful female voices filled the air, and I had to admit, the song was quite lovely.
"Now this, I like," Hayley said, clearly enjoying the tune.
I allowed Kaylee a few moments of quiet reflection. She hugged her blanket tightly, her eyes distant. It was as though she was drifting back into the past, trying to remember something important.
After some time, I heard her speak. "She's definitely indirectly said I changed. That the Kaylee she knew used to care about people... not just stages and spotlights," she murmured, her voice fragile. "She handed me this tape and told me to remember who I was. And I… I didn't even say anything back. I just got angry."
A few tears slipped down her cheek, quickly wiped away with the edge of the blanket.
I knelt beside her, my gaze soft and filled with understanding. "It is all right to feel this way, Miss Styles. Grief does not require permission, and missing someone only means they mattered," I said, my voice gentle but sincere.
Her hand tightened around the blanket, her fingers trembling slightly. I didn't want her to feel ashamed of her emotions. "Mourning isn't a weakness—it's love that hasn't found its way out yet," I added, hoping she could hear the truth in my words. "And if you still miss Kira, then that means she's still with you—in your heart, in your memories, in your music."
Kaylee looked away from me, her gaze fixed on the empty chair where Kira had been. I watched her, my heart aching for the burden she carried. I could feel the weight of her doubts, her fear that she had lost something irreplaceable.
"If your heart still aches for her, then she is not lost," I said softly. "She lives on in your memories, your music… and in the kindness you still carry inside you."
Her lips trembled as she wiped away a stray tear, but I could see the flicker of something behind her eyes—a recognition, perhaps. "This song, your song—is not a relic," I continued, my words steady and calm. "It is a reminder. A reminder that even now, you are still capable of the same warmth, the same love."
Kaylee was silent for a moment, her shoulders slumping slightly as though she had been carrying a weight far too heavy for her. I wanted her to know that change was not an enemy, but a guide. It was a part of life, something we all had to face.
Finally, I offered a few quiet words, my voice almost a whisper. "Please be gentle with yourself. You deserve that much, at least."
Just then, I heard my name being called. I stood up, offering Kaylee one last smile. "I'm sorry, Miss Kaylee," I said softly. "But I must be going home now. Please, take care of yourself."
I didn't wait for a response. I knew she needed time to think, to reflect. And I had done all I could for her today.
As I walked out of Cyberspace, I spotted my driver waiting outside. He gave me a polite bow, and I returned the gesture with a small, appreciative nod. "Thank you," I said, stepping into the car.
The familiar comfort of the car settled over me. I allowed my body to relax, letting go of the tension that had built up over the day. As the car began to move, I reflected on what had transpired.
I had made the right decision. For now, I needed to let things unfold naturally. I would keep a watchful eye, and when the time was right, I would offer my guidance in subtle ways, ensuring the balance remained intact.
For now, though, it was time to return home. I had work to do—important work. And I would focus on that for the time being, leaving the future for later.