Melting the Ice 04

Story by Sophiie93 The first thing Elliot heard upon entering the classroom after recess was Rhea’s voice. “Go to hell, Rick!” Rick, one of the popular kids, stared in shock as Rhea flipped him off. His face twisted with rage before he turned and stormed out, fists clenched. Elliot admired her. She wore a looser jacket than usual—roomy enough to accommodate both her heads while still leaving her legs exposed. He didn’t need to be a detective to piece it together: Rhea’s mutation was still progressing, and she was hiding it. “Wow, what did Rick do to piss you off?” Elliot asked, catching the attention of Rhea’s left head. For a moment, she seemed ready to snap, but then she sighed and reined it in. “The jerk proposed to me.” “Oh… Isn’t that supposed to be flattering?” Rhea’s dual gazes fixed on him with palpable disappointment as she echoed Rick’s words: “Ever since you showed up with two heads, I’ve been smitten. Could I have the honor of dating the only mutant in the class?” Elliot winced. “Yikes. That’s surprisingly clumsy for someone in his league.” “Translation: I’m only beautiful now that I’m a freak. Dude’s clearly a mutant fetishist,” Rhea muttered, crossing her arms. “Guess he never noticed your red eyes were already a mutation,” Elliot mused, watching Rick rant to his friends outside. Rhea snorted. “Pfft… Fair point.” Elliot studied her for a beat before lowering his voice. “Speaking of mutations… How’s yours going? I’m guessing that’s why you’re wearing the jacket.” Rhea stiffened, both heads swiveling toward him. “Keep your voice down, nerd!” Her sharp tone drew more attention than his question had. They lapsed into silence until the teacher entered. “Buy me a juice later,” Rhea muttered, “and maybe I’ll tell you.” ________________________________________ After the final bell, Elliot combed the halls with two orange juices in hand, searching for Rhea. He spotted her on the covered patio, hunched over a notebook at a study bench. “Didn’t take you for a poet,” he said. Rhea shrieked in unison, slamming the notebook shut. “God, Elliot—don’t sneak up on me like that!” He winced. “Sorry. Here—your juice.” Her four eyes locked onto the drink as she scooted over, making space. The moment he sat, her perfume enveloped him—something floral, with an edge that made his pulse skip. “Just don’t try talking while drinking this time,” he teased. “Learned my lesson,” her right head said, stabbing the straw in. The left head watched him, restless, as if itching to speak. Elliot grinned. “That’s kinda unnerving to watch.” She swallowed before the left head jumped in. “Ugh, syncing speech is easy, but swallowing? Nightmare. Having one mouth busy while the other’s idle feels wrong.” Elliot nodded, pleased she was opening up—then remembered the notebook. “So, earlier… I figured you weren’t actually writing about your mutation.” He tilted his head. “What was it?” “None of your—” Rhea started, but his genuine curiosity disarmed her. “...Song lyrics,” she admitted. His eyebrows shot up. “Wait, you write music?” “Yeah. I sing. Play guitar. Got a problem with that?” Defensiveness crept into her tone. “No, it’s amazing! That’s a rare talent.” He leaned in. “You in a band?” “Sort of. Just friends jamming together.” Elliot sipped his juice, admiration bleeding through. “What genre?” “Rock.” “Ah… Not really my thing,” he said, blunt. Twin pouts formed. “You’ve just never heard good rock,” she grumbled, disappointment dripping from both voices. Elliot held up his hands. “Hey, I believe you! Just not my taste. But—” A playful shrug. “—you could always change my mind.” “Oh please. Like I haul my guitar everywhere.” She drained her juice. “And ‘come to my house and listen’ is the oldest line in the book.” “Didn’t expect you to invite me. Still…” He smiled. “I’d love to hear you sing someday. You’re full of surprises.” Something in his words made Rhea’s cheeks flush. Before she could retort, Elliot stood. “Anyway, I came to ask about your mutation, but this was way more interesting.” “Wait,” she blurted as he turned to leave. “My parents aren’t home. If you’re free… I could show you. I live close.” Elliot froze. “What brought this on?” “Regretting it already.” “No, no—I’m in,” he said quickly. As they gathered her things, Elliot smirked. “Realize you’re inviting me over before giving me your number?” Rhea laughed. “Guess that’s backwards.” “So?” He pulled out his phone. “No.”