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"Got us some ciders," He said, grabbing his own drink then passing off the other two to his dads.
"What a sweetheart, thanks kiddo." Ray said, giving Leo a warm smile.
The judges were working their way down the line, Leo drinking his cider as he admired his parents handiwork. The pumpkin was beautiful, they were sure to get blue ribbon again - though it was hardly a competition. Everyone know the Mathers would win because they'd donate their winnings, it was the necessary order of things.
"Put your drink down," His dad whispered as the judge approached, photographer in step behind them. Leo tucked his drink behind his dad's back, stepping in between his parents as the judges pivoted to face them.
Leo gave them a smile, the small talk already static noise in the background. No one ever asked him to speak, an unspoken agreement between him and his parents. All they asked is that he showed up - and he complied. The photographer snapped a photo, all of them pausing for a moment to pause.
Snap, flash. His eyes drifted over the crowd, one face blending into another.
Then, he found her. Cerulean eyes clouded for only an instant, then like the clouds had parted before them he could see the light return. He hadn't thought he would ever see the shape of her smile again, lost in the curve of her lips. Suddenly short of breath, he realized he'd been holding it all this time. He gasped, slamming down the mug on the table.
His dads looked over at him with notable concern, Leo immediately apologetic.
"Sorry, I -" Leo looked back up, still seeing Elle's face in the crowd. "I don't feel good - I'm going to go find some place to sit."
The Judges still had to announce the winner, his parents would wait until then to come after him. Leo pushed his way past the fringe of the festival, ducking down a quiet alley and bending over to catch his breath. He was certain he'd been mad, finally crossed that line where he was seeing dead people. He shook his head vigorously, losing his balance for a moment and struggling to upright himself. Propping himself against the brick wall behind him, Leo closed his eyes for a moment trying to slow his heartbeat.
The sound of oncoming footsteps made him open an eye, a silhouhette framed in light turning down the alley towards him. Leo furrowed his brow, his hand reaching out to block the light from his eyes. He felt his heart stop when her eyes met his.
"...Elle?"