THE MOMENT
Andie saw the girl headed toward her, and she was sure Tessa saw her as well. It was mid-afternoon, and most kids Tessa's age were in school. She was never particularly open or friendly. But they'd worked together a few times, and Andie had a fond respect for her. She was surprised when Tessa changed direction and met her eyes with a smile.
“Hey, Andie, how's it going?” Tessa stopped to say hi.
“Hello, Ms. Tessa,” Andie returned the smile with enthusiasm. Maybe it was because they hadn't seen each other in years. Tessa was a Freshman the last time Andie saw her. If she was still in school, which was doubtful, she would've been a Junior. “Doing quite well, thank you. How've you been? Keeping busy?” she asked.
“You know it.” Tessa nodded. “Been doing the Magical Girl thing that's been the trend lately.”
“What?” Andie giggled in genuine surprise. “You? You're an evil one, right?” she asked.
“Haha, no,” Tessa laughed and shook her head. “I'm actually what you might call ‘Elite’.” She smirked. “Magical Girl Redline Berserker.”
“Redline?” Andie asked with a tilt of her head. She knew more than most about the Redline squad. But they had a limited membership of only 70 members, and she hadn’t expected Tessa to be one of them. It also could’ve been a coincidence. “Like Redline Express?”
“Oh, you know, Brooke?” Tessa asked. Andie nodded, but Tessa continued. “I haven't met her yet, but I've heard positive reports.”
“She's adapting well to Toku-high.” Andie nodded. “Ever consider coming back to the school? It's a great year for it,” she smiled.
“You know…,” Tessa nodded idly. “Other than the training, there isn't much to being a Magical Girl yet. I am getting kind of restless. I don't have to join a team, do I?”
“Not at all. In fact, if you do return, maybe Ozone can toss some premium-priced violence your way,” she replied. Tessa’s eyes widened, and she nodded.
“Yeah, that might be worth it,” she said.
“Just say the word, Ms. Tessa, and I’ll have you registered again in a jiffy,” Andie grinned.
“Thanks, Andie. I’ll get back to you,” Tessa nodded. “There’re a few details I want to sort out on my end first."
“Well then, you’d better get going,” Andie deliberately turned her shopping cart away from the interaction. Tessa’s eyes were starting to dart around and she was obviously done socializing. Andie waved and walked away, satisfied they would meet again. “See you soon,” she said.
“Probably.” Tessa nodded and returned the smile before walking off in a different direction.