The next day, Cariela wasn’t in homeroom and Legolas was very down about this. Aragorn kept trying to cheer him up, but there was no avail. After school, Legolas talked to one of Cariela’s friends, Lúthien. She gave him her number and he grinned. “Thanks,” he said before running to the bus. As soon as he got home he called her.

“Hello?”

“Yes, is Cariela there?”

“Yep. Legolas?” she asked, knowing his voice.

“Um, yeah. How are you feeling?” he replied, a little nervous.

“I’m…better and I think I’ll be able to go to school tomorrow.”

Legolas grinned and was ready to explode. “Ok, well I have your homework so do you want me to drop it off?”

She agreed and told him her address. “Wow, I live only a few blocks away so I’ll be right there.”

“Ok, see ya,” she replied before hanging up. Legolas picked up the books and papers, then rushed downstairs.

“I’ll be out for a while, Mom!” he yelled, putting his shoes on.

“Alright, sweets.”

Legolas rolled his eyes and pulled his jacket on. He glanced at the sky and swallowed. Looks like a storm is rolling in, he thought, walking. Soon he was at Cariela’s door. He took a deep breath and knocked. The same lady from before opened the door. She smiled. “Legolas I presume?” Legolas nodded. “Come on in then,” she said, stepping to the side.

He stepped inside and asked, “Might I take this to her?” She smiled and nodded. Explaining where her room was, Mrs. Lugnaur led him to the basement. It was pitch black but he heard an exploding sound and Cariela yelling. Mrs. Lugnaur left upstairs and Legolas walked toward the noise.

“Ah, damn this game!” she yelled. Legolas came to see her on an air bed, covered with pillows and blankets. She looked up at him and blushed, though he could barely see it because it was so dark. “Oh, Legolas, you’re here.”

The blonde elf nodded and placed her homework on the table. He sat down next to her and asked, “What game are you playing?”

She smiled and said, “ Burnout. And thanks for coming.”

He returned her smile with one of his own. “It was no problem.” He leaned back on the pillows and said, “Don’t stop because I’m here.”

She grinned evilly and started again. Soon she and Legolas were yelling and having a great time.

In the middle of a race, the entire house when black. The crackling of thunder was heard and the bright light was lightly seen. “Leg...Legolas?” she asked, voice and body shaking.

Legolas wrapped his arms around her and brought her close to him. “I’m here; don’t worry.” Though she couldn’t see, she smiled and snuggled into his chest, liking the feeling of warm flesh against her. She wrapped her arms around his and smiled. Legolas looked down at her with widened eyes then heard a rustling upstairs. He paid no attention to it and kissed the top of Cariela’s head.

What they then heard made them shiver. It was a gun shot. Then there was a scream. Cariela bit down on her tongue to keep from screaming. Legolas hugged her closer, trying to comfort her. Tears leaked from her eyes and a whimper came from her throat. “Shh…” Legolas whispered as quietly as he could.

They stayed like this until the door was slammed shut and the storm died down. Legolas reached for his cell and called the 911. He told them what happened and felt the little buddle next to him shiver. She was now asleep, head resting on his chest. He smiled gently as he hung up and placed the phone behind him on the table.

He snuggled around her and fell asleep.