Fidelis sat under the umbrella of the outside patio tables at the Ruby Mae's Sunny Café in downtown Coeburn. He lazily watched as cars drove by while waiting for Liz, Blainel, and Sodalitas to come outside with their order. The weather was nice, not too hot or cold. He liked the fall time in the mountains. Back home the weather was mostly springlike with the cold areas being in the far north or the far south. Having four seasons was intriguing to him. It was something he would miss if they ever went back to their own world.
"Romeo, food!"
He glanced up, grinning at Liz's exuberant entrance. She was an amazing human and a good friend. She was the first one to approach them when they arrived at the high school and the only human to know the truth of their origins. She was a steadfast and loyal friend. She would even die for them. He, of course, didn't want her to do that, but he appreciated her feelings. He also liked that she and Penelope had befriended Sera and were protective of her.
Blainel and Sodalitas placed the platters and drinks on the table and sat. Smiling, Liz slid into the seat next to him, grabbing a fry and munching on it. She hummed happily and ate another fry before turning to him. "So, you wanted to talk?"
"Yes. It's about Sera."
Liz took a sip of her drink, her gaze focused on him. "What do you need me to do?"
This was why he loved Liz. She didn't ask a lot of questions. She trusted him. It didn't mean she wouldn't talk him out of things if she thought he was making a stupid decision.
"Our priest received a prophecy from our god."
"Oh, not good, right?"
Fidelis shrugged. "Depends. Sometimes it can be clear cut; other times, it's ambiguous."
"And this time?"
"It's mostly clear. The problem is it involves Sera."
Liz's expression turned contemplative. "Hmm, that could be good or bad." She drummed her fingers on the table.
He could see her considering all the possibilities. Liz had a rather analytical mind at times. It was yet another thing he liked about her. He would love to have her as a general. He felt she could hang even with those raised to be warriors.
"So what was the prophecy?"
Fidelis sighed before answering her. "That darkness in the form of an evil goddess and her minions is about to bring about the end of the world. Oh, and that my girlfriend is the one who will save us if she finds the four mythical beasts."
"Wow, heavy."
"Yes." Fidelis paused and grabbed his glass, drinking quickly. "Sera doesn't know about us." He pointed to himself, Blainel, and Sodalitas.
"You haven't told her?" Liz's astonished expression made Fidelis squirm. "Why not?" she demanded.
"Liz, I have to be cautious. Not all humans are like you. They won't be as accepting. And there are other reasons," he mumbled the last part.
"Like?" growled Liz.
Fidelis debated how much to tell her. He knew the others in his human group didn't know about Sera's family situation. Staring into Liz's determined eyes he made up his mind.
"Sera's home situation is abusive."
Liz's eyes widened in horror and anger. "What…the…hell?" she cursed, her fists clenching. "Why didn't you tell us?"
"I respect Sera's privacy. If she wanted to share then that was fine. I didn't feel it was my place to say anything. I've been supporting her as best I can as has my father."
"Let me guess, Sera refused help."
"Yes, she is afraid her father will try to harm us. We keep reassuring her that he can't do much to us, but she has a hard time believing that."
"What type of abuse are we talking about?"
Fidelis felt his emotions twist in pain. He hated discussing it because it reminded him of his helplessness in saving Sera from the situation.
"Physical and emotion," Blainel answered.
Fidelis gave him a grateful look. His best friend knew him well.
Liz cursed for several minutes before calming down. "Okay, I will keep an eye on her tomorrow when we go dress shopping for the Winter Ball. I'll try to get her to open up to me a little bit. Maybe if she feels less isolated, she'll be willing to accept some help."
"Thanks, Liz. I appreciate this. I want to tell Sera the truth about me after the Winter Ball dance."
"I think that's a good idea. Do you want me to help you set it up?"
"That would be great."
"Oh," she snapped her fingers, startling him. "Let's make sure that the Winter Ball is not a repeat of the Homecoming dance."
"Don't worry. I'm already making plans. I refuse for her trash piece of a sister to ruin this dance for her. Sera deserves to be happy and I will make sure she gets it this time," Fidelis vowed.
"Good, we're on the same page." Liz grinned. "I love it when a good plan comes together."
"I'm glad we have that settled. What type of gown is she getting for the dance?"
Liz chuckled. "I'm not telling you what I have planned. Sera is so bashful when she shops that Penelope and I have to strongarm her a little to get her to try things. I can promise you that whatever dress we pick out will make her even more beautiful than she is now."
"That's impossible," Fidelis retorted. "There is nothing that can match the beauty that she is. Everything about her is amazing and breathtaking. I don't think you can top it."
She clapped him on the shoulder. "You are such a simp for your girlfriend. I don't dislike it though. I'm all about women's rights and equality, but sometimes there's nothing wrong with a guy who wants to be like the chivalrous knights from fairy tales."
Sodalitas laughed. "Did you forget, Liz, what we," he gestured to Blainel, Fidelis, and himself, "are when not in school?"
"Nope. Which is why I said what I did. Now, that everything is settled, let's eat," she ordered, popping a fry into her mouth.
The three guys chuckled at Liz's cheeky retort and dove into their food.