Miranda was in her room studying, it was practically the only thing she was allowed to do since being grounded, Amara had snuck in a few times but her parents finally realized that her girlfriend was the cat that kept getting in their house. She understood that her parents were upset but she was still a teenager, being grounded was like a prison sentence.
Her thoughts turned to her cousin, surely she was in the same boat as her. Jenna’s parents were particularly strict, Miranda would be lucky if she ever saw her cousin again.
Miranda heard a knock at her bedroom window. I couldn’t be Amara, she knew her parents were keeping an eye out for any stray cats. She looked out but couldn’t see anyone, her mother had locked the door so she couldn’t open it to get a better look at who was there. The black haired girl fell backwards when her cousin wretched the window open from the outside.
“J-Jenna? What the heck?!” Miranda squealed.
“Sorry Miranda. But I needed to talk to you.” Jenna apologized and helped her up.
As she got up a wave of surprise washed over her. Standing there, in a crisp military uniform, was her cousin, Jenna.
Jenna, usually a free spirit, looked completely out of place in the drab green uniform. Her hair was now tightly pulled back into a bun. The transformation was so drastic that Miranda almost didn't recognize her.
"Jenna? What are you doing here? And what's with the uniform?" Miranda asked, her voice filled with confusion.
Jenna took a deep breath. "I'm going to military school," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
Miranda's heart skipped a beat. "Military school? You're kidding, right?"
Jenna shook her head. "I'm not. My parents decided it would be best for me. They think I need discipline and structure."
Miranda tugged at the hem of her shirt and sat on her bed with Jenna.
“Look, I’m sorry about my Mamá telling your parents about the Solar Guardian stuff. But I couldn’t keep lying to them!” Miranda defended.
“I get that cuz, but now I’m in deep shit. My parents are pissed that I lied to them, plus finding out about all the other supernatural shit…but that doesn’t matter, think they know what's best for me. They've already enrolled me." The black girl explained.
Miranda felt a pang of sympathy for her cousin. She knew how much Jenna valued her freedom and independence. This was a huge change for her, and it was clear that she wasn't happy about it. She also knew it was partially her fault.
"When do you leave?" Miranda asked, her voice soft.
"Tomorrow morning," Jenna replied. "I'm going to Williamsfort Academy in Vermont."
Miranda's eyes widened. "So you're going to be out of state!? What about the Guardians? Helping Darren fight the Normal!?”
Jenna nodded. "That's right. It's gonna suck”
“I-I’m so sorry! This is all my fault!” The mixed girl cried.
“Come on Miranda, don’t beat yourself up about it. You’re our leader, if you think it was right to tell our parents then I trust your judgment. Even if I don’t agree with it.” Jenna said.
Miranda reached out and took Jenna's hand. "I'm so sorry, Jenna. This must be really hard for you."
Jenna squeezed Miranda's hand. "It is. But I'm trying to be strong. I might not be able to help you or Darren for a while…but I’m sure I’ll figure something out.”
“Y-yea—of course you will!” Miranda said trying to convince herself.
“It’ll be a bitch to follow rules all the time but enough about me. How’s your brother?” The uniformed girl asked.
“He’s still in the hospital but he’s getting out tomorrow. Honestly he’s in better shape than the Moreland boys. I spoke with Spark and the others but it’s still kind of scary.” Miranda said.
Miranda and Jenna sat in silence for a long time, their hands intertwined. The thought of Jenna leaving for military school tomorrow morning was a heavy weight on Miranda's heart. She couldn't imagine her cousin being so far away, especially during such a crucial time for the Guardians.
"I'll miss you," Miranda said, her voice barely a whisper.
Jenna smiled sadly. "I'll miss you too, cuz. But I promise to stay in touch. And I'll find a way to help out when I can."
Miranda nodded, feeling a surge of hope. She knew Jenna was a fighter, and she was sure that she would find a way to make this work.
When the sun began to go down Jenna knew it was time to go. She hugged Miranda tightly, her eyes filled with tears.
"I'll be okay," she whispered. "Promise."
Miranda nodded, her voice trembling. "I know you will."
With a heavy heart, Jenna climbed out the window and disappeared into the pre-dusk neighborhood. As Miranda watched her cousin go, she couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. But she also knew that Jenna was strong and resilient, and that she would face whatever challenges came her way.