Winter Break

In celebration of my absolute SQUEEEE and joy and excitement about these characters, I’m offering cute Seshka and Rexi goodies. Please enjoy my my young adult heroine, Seshka, and her best friend Rexi in an AU ficlet where they both go to the same high school on the American east coast.

“Can you believe we’re halfway through our first year of Summerton High?” Rexi asked, picking up a chunk of driftwood which she chucked into the next wave.

“I can’t believe I’m in high school to begin with.” Seshka watched the gnarled driftwood bob in sandy-colored sea foam before it disappeared into the next wave. The wind gusted suddenly, smelling of cold and salt. There was almost nobody on the beach, thanks to the raw chill in the air and hiding sun.

“It’s different, isn’t it,” Rexi murmured. It wasn’t a question.

“So different. Too different,” Seshka added with a sigh. “I don’t feel like I’m anywhere near figuring out my place in everything.” The year had been complicated. Even though she had transferred from a school in the northeast during her last year of middle school, she still felt like a fish out of water in the balmy city of Summerton. If it had not been for Rexi, she would have been miserable and lost in a way she didn’t want to think about.

“Hey, at least you know your locker combination now. I’m still trying to remember,” Rexi laughed. “And I we can finally get to pre-algebra on time.”

“Not being called out in front of the class by Mr. Wright is highly motivating,” Seshka said, smiling. “And it’s not all bad. I’ve got the best friend in the world, and my foster mom is almost too nice to be true.” She glanced over at her friend, who was busily toeing something in the damp sand at her feet.

“She’s so cool,” Rexi agreed. “Just strict enough to make sure stuff gets done, but always gives me the best snacks when I stay over. And she’s realllllly kicked it up a notch for the holidays! You know how I judge a person by the food they give,” she said, still kicking at the sand.

“She’s a wonderful cook. I’m almost afraid to hope this is forever,” Seshka said quietly. She’d never told anyone about this fear–that having a real home, a best friend, a school where she might eventually fit in, even if things were rough now, might all just disappear like a dream fading with the sunrise.

“Don’t be afraid. I mean I get it, but no matter what happens, you’re not alone. You hear me?” Rexi waved a hand, pointing down at the sand where she’d been kicking around for the last minutes.

Seshka’s breath caught. Two hearts were emblazoned the sand, marked with their initials and “BFF’s” carved next to them.

“Rexi…” Seshka started, but didn’t know what to say.

“The ocean’ll wash it away but the universe knows the truth now. Nothing will get in the way of us being awesome, epic friends for all time. Now, are we going to stand here freezing, or is it time for Ennie’s coffee and one of those big fat cinnamon rolls?”

Seshka swiped away the tears that had gathered at the corners of her eyes and grinned. “It’s always time for cinnamon rolls,” she said, looking one more time at the message in the sand before turning to go. “And, I think this is going to be the best winter break ever.”