Melting the Ice 07

Story by Sophiie93 “I think he’s right, honey. It could work,” said Rhea’s mother, Alice, as the conversation in the living room continued. “Perhaps… but a rock star? That seems a bit unrefined, don’t you think? Not very ladylike,” Charles mused, tapping his chin. “With all due respect, sir,” Elliot interjected, “in today’s culture, a girl with Rhea’s unique traits—her appearance, her strength, her independent personality—has huge influence. She could attract a massive following. And given her character, she’d have no trouble setting boundaries with overzealous fans, which would help avoid… unwanted attention.” Charles nodded slowly, lighting his pipe and closing his eyes in thought. “That would certainly be a relief. The number of suitors who’ve pursued my daughter these past few years has become rather tiresome.” Elliot kept his expression neutral. “I can imagine… and after her mutation, that number must have grown.” Charles smiled faintly, looking at Elliot through one eye as he exhaled a plume of smoke. “Actually, you’re the first.” Rhea hugged herself, both faces burning bright red. Elliot maintained his composure. “I’m interested in Rhea’s talent and her character, not her appearance or her mutation. I only want what’s best for her.” Alice laughed, covering her mouth. “My, that sounds just like you when you asked for my hand, dear.” “Alice!” Charles cleared his throat, trying to regain his dignified air. “It’s fine, son. You’ve got a good head on your shoulders. You’re welcome in this home anytime.” “Just take it slow with Rhea,” Alice added. “She’s built quite an icy wall around her heart—it’ll take time to melt.” Rhea shot her mother a pleading look. “Thank you. I appreciate that,” Elliot said, rising to his feet. “It’s getting late, so I should probably head out.” He said his goodbyes to Rhea’s parents, and Rhea quickly escorted him to the front door, stepping outside with him. “Whew… AHHHHH…” Rhea leaned back against the door, both heads sighing in unison while Elliot bent over, hands on his knees. “That was intense.” “H-How? Since when can you talk like that?” Rhea asked. “My father’s a businessman. I’ve heard him talk to clients like that since I was a kid. Nowadays, he’s always on online meetings—I guess I picked it up indirectly.” “You’re a box of surprises, Elliot,” Rhea said, laughing softly. “Sorry if things got a little tense in there.” Rhea clicked her tongue. “It’s fine. Thank you for standing up to them, and…” she looked at him, both mouths smiling, “…for not letting me down.” “I did my best,” Elliot said, feeling his cheeks grow warm. “Next time, though,” Rhea added, a hint of annoyance returning to her voice, “don’t decide for me whether I’m going to be a rock star or not.” “I didn’t,” Elliot replied calmly. “You decided that a long time ago. That’s the whole reason you’re butting heads with your parents.” Rhea sighed in defeat. “We’re going to have a problem if you keep coming up with such well-argued answers.” “Because you can’t argue back?” Elliot teased. “No,” she said, her tone suddenly playful. “Because I like it.” The response left Elliot completely speechless until she started laughing. “I see. I just have to flirt a little to throw you off your game. Noted.” “Don’t make fun of me!” Elliot said, though he was laughing along with her. “Thank you, really,” Rhea said once they’d both calmed down. Elliot shrugged. “It was nothing. I just came for a private rock concert, and I’m leaving very satisfied.” Rhea smiled with both faces, then pushed him gently with all four hands. “Alright, enough chatting. You should go before it gets too late.” “Yes, miss!” Elliot replied, turning to leave. After a few steps, he glanced back. “Oh, by the way… can I have your number?” “Ugh… no. You’d be texting me all day.” “...” “You’re not even denying it!” Rhea said, pouting. Elliot turned with a wave, walking away. Over his shoulder, he saw Rhea timidly waving back—for just a moment longer than necessary. The next day at school, Rhea walked into the classroom without her jacket, her extra arms fully visible. The murmurs and stares were inevitable, but she ignored them completely. Without reacting to anyone else, she greeted Elliot and sat down next to him. Her energy was subtly different—something Elliot was probably the only one to notice beneath her usual cool and indifferent expression. The class proceeded normally, or at least it did until the end, when all the students filed out except Elliot, who stayed behind to finish organizing his notes. Minutes later, what began as a murmur outside grew louder. It sounded like two girls arguing, and Elliot quickly recognized Rhea’s voice. He gathered his things and headed for the door to listen. “I don’t care about your excuses!” Rhea snapped. “I was just curious! You didn’t have to bite my head off!” another girl shot back. “There are better ways to ask someone about their body!” “You could’ve just said that instead of being such a bitch!” “A bitch? Look who’s talking—you’re the one who can’t control her emotions. You look like a nerd who’s had ten cups of coffee!” A collective gasp came from the gathered students. Elliot stepped out to defuse the situation, only for a plastic cup of soda to fly past Rhea—who dodged it easily—and hit him instead. The girl who’d thrown it was furious, her eyes glistening with tears. Utterly humiliated, she turned and stormed off while Rhea called after her, “Yeah! That’s what I thought! Run away!” “Mind telling me what that was about?” Elliot asked, soda dripping from his hair. Rhea turned to him. “Oh, it was just—pffft… hahaha!” “Nice dodge, Rhea,” Elliot said dryly, wiping the sticky liquid with his sleeve. “Wish I had your reflexes.” “You’ll have to rinse it with water in the bathroom. The sugar won’t come out otherwise,” her right head advised practically, while she continued explaining. “Sorry about the show… Lillian’s an idiot. She started firing questions at me before I even said she could.” Her left head pitched its voice higher, imitating the girl: “How can you have two heads and still be one person? How do you move four arms at once?!” She sighed, following Elliot down the hall. “It’s just two heads and an extra pair of arms. It’s not like I’m some extreme mutant.” “A lot of people are curious, Rhea,” Elliot said gently. “I don’t think she meant any harm. You could try to be a little more patient.” “Oh, come on. Now you’re taking her side?” Rhea retorted, irritation flashing across both faces. “I’m on your side—you know that. That’s why I want you to make more friends. You won’t get far like this,” Elliot said. Rhea opened her mouths to argue, but fell silent. She knew he was right. Maybe she should apologize to Lillian. “Ugh. I need to use the restroom too. I’ll walk with you.” A minute later, they parted ways at the entrance to their respective bathrooms. It took Elliot a while to clean up, and when he stepped out, Rhea was already gone. He decided to look for her. Before long, he spotted Lillian sitting on a bench in one of the hallways. Her eyes were puffy, and she’d been crying. In her hands, she clutched a document—a mutant gene test result. She looked up as Elliot approached.