Page 99 of Zero Happily Ever Afters

“This merger is something I’ve thought about for years,” Milo explained. “It’s something I envisioned bringing about the best possibilities for so many future generations. But I’ll be honest, it’s happening sooner than expected.”

There was a pause, a moment of silence for the horrors faced at the academy, the dangers The Inevitable Future hadn’t put a stop to, but when that moment passed and Enchanter Evergreen smiled, so many released these bated breaths and smiled with him.

“Not that I’m worried because the brilliant minds in charge at all levels are prepared.” He gestured to Chanelle, to Campbell, to Dower. “I’m honored to watch these women use their expertise and dedication to lead Gemini and Cerberus forward.”

The audience listened intently, quieting their minds so they could absorb the words shared by their Enchanter Evergreen. Even up at that podium, surrounded by the thousands in attendance, everyone really believed Milo was reaching out and talking to them personally. He had this obnoxious ability when it came to public speaking.

“I actually approached Mrs. Whitehurst with this silly little idea years ago,” Milo said, which was a lie. He’d brought it up less than a year ago based on his surface thoughts. “She was able to take my musings and transform them into a real plan. Since then, she’s been helping make this a reality. Helping connect all the educational dots I just don’t understand.”

“Honestly, I didn’t do much.” Chanelle smiled. “I’m just honored to have helped The Inevitable Future bring his vision to life.”

The audience roared at that, partially because a lot of students and their families loved Chanelle—her efforts every year didn’t go unnoticed—and partially because everyone loved Enchanter Evergreen and hearing his stage name lit a fire of excitement in many hearts.

“I’m just thrilled she’ll be taking on such an important leadership role, guiding this ship forward.” Milo waved his hands, casting delicate telekinesis that unveiled the building behind him to the audience.

The new Gemini Academy building was still under construction, but damn if that sign didn’t sparkle.

“We’ll be holding tours across the intended facilities this upcoming fall semester,” Guild Master Campbell explained. “Then we’ll have a Q&A that’ll offer everyone here an opportunity to address any concerns.”

Campbell hadn’t intended on mentioning Milo’s role, and her aggravation for his inflated ego bubbled at the surface of her thoughts. But he was the perfect person in these circumstances to gain an audience’s trust. Many families were nervous about returning to Gemini next school year, and having Enchanter Evergreen’s seal of approval went a long way. What really struck me was how Campbell also wanted to offer Milo an easy return to the public eye, a chance to gain his footing on his terms, because despite how much he annoyed her, Campbell held genuine concern for his wellbeing before and after his assault.

They chose to host this event with staff, students, family, and guild members of every level because this should be a transparent experience. They could’ve held a press conference and let everyone in this room know through an email or a robo call or on the off chance they watched the news that day. But they wanted to be honest with everyone.

I was proud of Milo, of what he’d created with Chanelle and Campbell. But I couldn’t help wondering where my place in allthis was. The academy was changing so drastically. This year was going to be swept aside, finished online, and forgotten. I never had the chance to really say farewell to my homeroom coven, to send them off to their third and final year.

It seemed things were ending.

More importantly, it seemed time was running short. I turned to Ben. “Let’s go.”

“But I wanted to take the tour.”

“You have your tutoring class thing in like twenty minutes.”

“Ugh, I hate it though. There’s people everywhere. They just ruin it.”

“I concur. People tend to be the worst part of going places.” Despite Benjamin’s mild tantrum about leaving, I managed to drop him off without too much protesting.

I had errands, plans for today, little surprises for Milo by checking off some of his to-do list—but he’d dropped the biggest surprise returning to work.

I sat on a bench, smoking cigarettes and quelling the minds of millions. Easier than expected since my mind bustled with a thousand questions on where I fit in all of this, where I belonged, how I’d help, what I’d do next year, and if this new model—as great as the idea seemed—was something I wanted to invest in. It’d be another ten years before this approach found a good flow, its footing. That’d mean years of doubt, of questioning what the fuck I was doing and goddamn professional learnings created by people who’d never worked at guild or in a classroom but ready to charge thousands for lessons meant to motivate and prepare us for all the unknowns.

Fuck. I think I’m at one of those annoying career crossroads.

I sucked in a deep inhale, letting the nicotine offer a rush of relief.

Staring at the buildings across the street, I lingered on the flashing sign of a salon. I needed a change of my own, needed to control something as everything around me evolved. Somehow, I ended up inside the salon, setting up a walk-in appointment and buzzing with anticipation as I waited to be called. When I was finally brought to the back, I sat in the chair, which offered a reprieve, a distraction, a secret excitement. The beautician draped a black cape over me, brushed my hair back, and smiled.

“So, what are we thinking?”

“Cut it all off.”

So much was changing around me. So much would have to change soon. I needed to change, to grow, to keep up, to be prepared for what would come next.

As much as I knew what I needed to do, I still wasn’t sure if it was what I wanted to do. For now, all I wanted to do was bask in my reflection as it quickly evolved into a new look. A new Dorian.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

The beautician did a fantastic job on my haircut, buzzing the sides and back short. My neck and shoulders were free. She’d kept the top longer, ruffled with an easy-to-follow product regimen. I’d enjoyed the new look so much, I allowed her to add the blond streak in my bangs that were curled backward above my forehead in this pompadour style, which basically looked like a knockoff Elvis.

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