“Pink or red, guys?” Krystal asked Rey and Prince. It was a Sunday afternoon in Daredevil City. Krystal, Rey, and Prince were at the Reshawna store inside Daredevil Mall. Krystal had dragged the two along for a shopping trip. She was hoping to buy a new outfit for Valentine’s Day.
“Hello?!” Krystal exclaimed. “Did you guys hear me?”
“We did. I just don’t understand what the big deal is,” Prince said. “Buy whatever you want.”
“I’m asking for your opinion!” Krystal said.
“I like the red, but I think the pink one brings out your eyes,” Rey said.
“See, Prince! Rey is giving a solid opinion here,” Krystal said.
“Fine. You want my opinion?” Prince said. “The red one makes you look like a firetruck and the pink one makes you look like a flamingo. Happy?”
Krystal could feel the anger in her boil up. She couldn’t stand the attitude Prince was giving her and she certainly didn’t like being called a firetruck or a flamingo. She calmed down and said, “Prince, you don’t need to have an attitude.”
“You’re the one who dragged us both here,” Prince said. “Don’t be surprised that I’m not exactly ecstatic right now.”
“That’s because everyone else was busy,” Krystal said. “I have to have the perfect dress for Valentine’s Day.”
“It’s not like you have a date or anything,” Prince said as he started chewing on a lemon-flavored candy cane.
Krystal could feel her irritation get to the brim. Even Rey took note of how annoyed she was by Prince’s words.
“So?! Are you trying to say I need to have a date to look good on Valentine’s Day?!” Krystal exclaimed.
“No,” Prince said. “I just don’t understand the effort. That too for such a lame holiday.”
“Oh, someone has beef with Valentine’s,” Rey chuckled.
Prince didn’t say anything. He rolled his eyes, turning away. The only way to deal with the situation was to not look at anyone.
Krystal, in her frustration, said, “Whatever. I’m just gonna go with the pink one.”
Krystal headed back to the fitting room to change. Rey looked over at Prince and said, “So, are you coming for lunch?”
“Nah, I’m gonna slip out now,” Prince said as he got up. “I need to do some things before tomorrow. See ya.”
Prince left and Rey watched him leave. He shook his head, knowing Krystal was going to have a tantrum once she stepped out. And the moment she came out of the dressing room, she said, “Did he seriously leave before lunch?!”
“He said he was busy.”
“Busy?! Ha! All he does is sleep and eat candy canes. What could possibly keep him busy?”
“So, now what?”
“I’m gonna pay for this and we’ll go to lunch.”
“Just us?”
“Well, I’m not going to lunch alone! Or are you busy as well?”
Rey thought he could make something up, but he did feel bad about Prince ditching. Plus, there was the possibility of Krystal paying.
“No, I’ll tag along,” Rey said.
***
The next day, it was Valentine’s Day. It seemed like a normal day at Ringmasters Training Academy, but there were some students engaging in the exchanging of cards, candy, and flowers. Prince was certainly not one of them. He went to his locker and opened it, looking at all the candy he had stocked up. He had boxes of chocolates and a box of Valentine’s Day themed candy canes that were hard to find. Prince took one of the candy canes from the box. As he started chewing it, Neil walked by along with Rey and said, “Whoah, Prince. Look at all the candy. You have a valentine?”
“Yeah,” Prince said. “Myself.”
“Did you really think Prince was into Valentine’s Day?” Rey asked Neil, chuckling.
“Well, he seems to be…for the candy at least,” Neil said. “Can I have some?”
“Do you think I hoarded all the leftover candy at the grocery store just to share it with people?” Prince asked.
“Well, damn,” Rey said.
Neil whimpered and said, “Sheesh, Prince. You don’t have to be so mean.”
“What else can you expect from him?” a voice said.
Krystal showed up with Sana and Heer at her side. She was proudly wearing the new outfit she bought the other day, but she was indeed upset.
“What do you mean by that?” Prince asked.
“You know exactly what I’m talking about.”
“Is this about yesterday? You’re really upset about that?”
“Yes, I’m upset. And since I’m upset, you should wait two to three business days before fighting me on it.”
“Damn,” Rey said.
“Okay, what’s going on here?” Neil asked.
“I don’t have time for this,” Prince said as he shook his head. He grabbed his books and some candy from his locker and then slammed it shut, leaving.
“Well, that certainly didn’t go well,” Sana said.
“Who cares?!” Krystal exclaimed.
“Krystal, I know you’re upset with Prince, but maybe you guys could talk it out?” Heer asked.
“Heer, I don’t have the energy to talk to him,” Krystal said. “I’d rather enjoy my Valentine’s Day in peace.”
“Do you even have a valentine?” Neil asked Krystal.
“Who says I need to have one to enjoy the festivities?! Sheesh!” Krystal exclaimed. She left the group, feeling even more annoyed.
“Wow. I’ve never seen her this mad,” Sana said. “She doesn’t even get this mad when directing a circus show.”
“Sana, she doesn’t even get this mad when Prince won’t wear the matching outfits she buys him,” Rey said.
“You know, I wish she would gift me new outfits. I would at least wear them,” Neil said. “I don’t have any money for shopping.”
“Guys, shouldn’t we do something?” Heer asked. “It’s not good for them to have tension like this.”
“Yeah. Like talking to them is gonna be something easy to do,” Rey said.
“No, Heer is right. We should do something,” Sana said. “I think I have an idea.”
***
Later, at the end of the school day, Prince went to his locker to retrieve the remaining boxes of candy he had. As he was getting everything together in his backpack, he could feel someone was coming up to him. He turned around to see Heer standing before him. He was surprised to see her. Prince said, “Heer…what brings you to my locker?”
“I hope I’m not bothering you.”
“No, you’re not. What’s up?”
“Are you doing anything right now? I could use some help if you’re free.”
“Help with what exactly?”
“I’m volunteering for a class at an elementary school today. The kids there are having a Valentine’s Day party and I need to take some baked goods I made. Do you mind helping me?”
Prince sighed. He was planning to go back to his dorm to work on some homework and finish his candy. And he very well could do that, but at the same time, he didn’t think it was right to say no to helping Heer out.
“I guess I can help you out,” Prince said.
“Great,” Heer said. “We can go to my room and get them.”
Prince nodded and followed Heer down the hallway.
***
On the other hand, Sana, Rey, Krystal, and Neil had gone to Lola’s. Sana thought a hangout with Krystal could help her cool down from her anger with Prince. It was also a good way to talk things out with her while Heer handled things with Prince. As they passed by the candy aisle, Rey said, “Wow. Prince wasn’t kidding when he said he hoarded all what was left of the Valentine’s Day candy.”
Sana shoved Rey in the arm with her elbow. She directed his attention to Krystal, who shifted from being perfectly calm to frustrated again.
“Nice work,” Sana said.
“Hey, I was just saying,” Rey said.
“Rey’s right. It’s not like Prince is one to share,” Krystal said as she looked at a pink teddy bear on the middle shelf. “In fact, he’s the least caring person I know.”
“Come on, Krystal,” Neil said. “You don’t mean that.”
“Yes, I do!” Krystal exclaimed. “He’s a big jerk! I can’t believe we’re even partners!”
“Krystal, remember, you two do make a good team,” Sana said. “A unique team certainly…but a good team nonetheless.”
“It doesn’t matter!” Krystal exclaimed as she grabbed hold of the pink teddy bear. “It doesn’t change the fact that he’s a jerk!”
“Oh, sheesh,” Neil said. “Is it really that big of a deal? I mean you did drag him to the mall.”
Rey looked at Neil, knowing he shouldn’t have said what he said. Sana shook her head, seeing Krystal get even more angry than before. Neil could tell he messed up, seeing her face get red.
“Not a big deal?! You really have the nerve to say its not a big deal?!” Krystal yelled. As she yelled, Krystal ripped the head of the pink teddy bear. She only realized it upon seeing the faces of her friends.
“Damn, Krystal. You don’t have to take it out on the bear,” Rey said.
“And now you’re gonna have to pay for it,” Sana said.
“Ugh!” Krystal exclaimed. “Neil, why did you have to set me off?!”
“I didn’t know you’d act so ballistic,” Neil said.
“Um, its Krystal,” Rey said. “How could you not know that?”
“What did you just say, Rey?!” Krystal said.
“Nothing, nothing at all!” Rey exclaimed.
Sana shook her head. I swear, these two aren’t the brightest bulbs sometimes, she thought. I hope Heer has an easier time handling Prince.
***
Heer and Prince took a bus from the academy to reach Lillian Crossing Elementary School. The two got off the bus, each holding three boxes of pastries and baked goods that Heer made. Heer led them inside the school building and walked all the way to room 3B. As soon as they entered the classroom, they were welcomed by several children. Heer was happy to see all the kids. She had gotten to know them through the many times she had visited. She could tell it was something new for Prince, who seemed overwhelmed by all the attention.
Heer saw the classroom teacher, Ms. Williams, walk up to her. She had dark eyes and curly brown hair. She was wearing a beautiful flowy red dress with a pink heart pattern in spirit of the holiday.
“Hi, Ms. Williams,” Heer said.
“Hello, Heer,” Ms. Williams said. “Thank you so much for bringing your amazing treats. Is this a friend of yours?”
“Yes, this is Prince,” Heer said. “He goes to RTA with me.”
“Hi,” Prince said.
“Nice to meet you, Prince. I’m glad you could join us,” Ms. Williams said. “You guys can set up everything on the table right over there.”
“Sounds good. Thank you,” Heer said as she moved towards the table in the corner with Prince following.
Ms. Williams got all the kids together and had them settle down while Heer and Prince started setting up. There were plenty of items to unpack. Heer took out the cookies and cherry tarts while Prince got out the cupcakes and brownies. Prince couldn’t believe that Heer had made so much. He knew she was an avid baker, but this felt like a whole catering job. Once everything was set, Ms. Williams had the kids get their treats. Heer and Prince helped with serving. Even though Prince could’ve been chilling back at his dorm, he didn’t completely mind helping Heer.
“So, are you having a good time?” Prince asked Heer.
“Yeah, this is nice. I’m glad the kids are having fun.”
“I gotta ask you something. What made you decide to volunteer for this?”
“Do you see the boy over there in the purple cat shirt?”
Prince looked at the kids to see who Heer was referring to. He did see the boy in the purple cat shirt. He had the biggest smile on his face as he dove right into the pink frosted cupcake. The boy had scraggly black hair and big chocolate brown eyes.
“That’s Karthi,” Heer said. “One day, I went for a walk at the park nearby and he was there with some kids. He was getting picked on, so I stepped in and helped him out. He wanted me to come to the school and meet Ms. Williams and the other kids. So, I just like to come by and help out every now and then when I can.”
Prince wasn’t surprised that Heer had so much kindness in her. What did surprise him was how much she could do for those who weren’t even close to her.
“Something on your mind, Prince?” Heer asked.
“I hate admitting it. But the whole thing with Krystal does bother me. I don’t know why she has to be so dramatic sometimes.”
“She’s Krystal. It’s just how she is.”
“I know, but she doesn’t have to get mad at me. She’s the one that dragged me to the mall to begin with. Hell, she drags me everywhere.”
“I understand where you’re coming from. Have you ever thought about why she’s like that?”
“Why? Do you know?”
“I think she just wants to feel like she’s friends with you. You’re not the most outgoing person, so she probably feels like she has to drag you around to wherever she wants to go. She’s your partner, so it makes sense that she wants to feel like she matters to you.”
“Matters to me?”
“Yeah. Neil may do some crazy antics, but I always want to be there to look out for him. And I know he’d do the same for me. For Krystal, being your partner also means being your friend. Now, she could definitely approach this in better ways, but I think she does what she does because that’s what she knows.”
Prince was surprised. He could understand Heer’s perspective. He hadn’t even thought about seeing things from that angle. As he thought over what Heer said, Karthi walked up to Heer. She looked at him and said, “Are you having fun, Karthi?”
“Yes,” Karthi said. “Thank you for the treats.”
“It was my pleasure,” Heer said.
“Hey,” Prince said. “Your name is Karthi?”
“Yes,” Karthi said. “What’s your name?”
“I’m Prince,” Prince said. “You want to see something?”
Karthi nodded his head. Prince got his backpack, unzipped it, and took out one of the Valentine’s Day candy canes he had. He could already tell Karthi was in awe of it.
“These are special candy canes. They’re pretty hard to find,” Prince said. “You want it?”
Karthi nodded happily. Prince handed the candy cane to him. He got out the box from his backpack and handed it to Karthi saying, “Can you give these to everyone else?”
Karthi took the box from Prince and went off, handing the candy canes to his classmates. Heer was surprised by Prince’s gesture. She looked at him and said, “Wow. This is a first.”
“Oh, come on,” Prince said. “I can be nice. Now tell me, where did you find the time to make all of this?”
“I like to bake after school. It helps me relax after a long day of school,” Heer said.
“Interesting way to relax,” Prince said as he took a bite out of one of the cupcakes.
***
Back at the dorms of Ringmasters Training Academy, Krystal was painting her nails, trying to relax. She was finishing up the last of her fingernails when the sound of a knock on her door made her mess up. “Great, now my nails are ruined,” Krystal said as she got up from her vanity chair. “Ugh!”
Krystal walked up to the door and opened it. She was surprised to see Prince was there. She folded her arms and said, “Yes?”
Prince cleared his throat. He took a few seconds of silence before saying anything.
“I’m sorry,” Prince said. “I shouldn’t have been so rude to you the other day.”
Krystal was surprised to hear Prince apologize. She could tell he was being sincere, and it meant a lot to her. She smiled and said, “It’s okay.”
Prince smiled back. It was a rare sighting for Krystal. She said, “Wait here for a sec.”
Prince nodded and waited while Krystal headed back to her room. She quickly came back, handing him a pink teddy bear and saying, “I’m sorry, too.”
Prince chuckled as he took the teddy bear. He looked at it closer and said, “Why does this bear look like it’s been to the hospital?”
“Now that’s a story,” Krystal said. “Do you wanna grab breakfast tomorrow?”
“Sure.”
“Sounds good. Good night.”
“Good night, Krystal.”
Krystal closed the door and Prince went on his way.
Copyright © 2022 Meryl T
All rights reserved. All illustrations created by Meryl T.
The Ringmasters Society 