High School Populaire

Chapter 8

The dinner finished faster than anticipated, but for some, the time felt like it was stopped. There was a minimal discussion and also a strong sense of awkwardness along with tension. Thankfully, it all ended once the kids stood up and headed to the bedrooms. Seeing that it was already late and all of them were tired, they agreed to rest and discuss more the day after.

The girls all stayed in one room, Esmé's while the boys stayed in Gustave's; much to their dismay. While the two boys of the group ended up ignoring each other until sleep came, the girls had a more enjoyable discussion. Some chocolate and a pleasant talk made all of them to forget the dinner. Belle was the first to fall asleep, leaving Angel and Esmé alone. The De Chagny was lying on her bed while her two guests slept on mattresses on the floor.

"Angel," the younger one said and turned on her side so she could have a better view of the other girl.

"Hmm?" she asked as she took one headphone out of her ear and turned her head to the side.

"Don't your friends... don't know... not like you anymore because you joined the cast? I mean, it is not something common for you and... you get my point."

"I do, and the answer is no because those people are not my friends."

"I do not understand."

"You see, in your life, you will end up having two types of people. One is the close friend who fits the definition. For example, Adam. He is here, helping with all this fiasco and even came to the audition so I wouldn't be alone. Then, there is the rest of the people like my group. They are more like... acquaintances. Yes, we spend some time together and like the same music or movies, but that is all."

"I see," Esmé said and smiled before leaving out a yawn. "Thank you."

"Pleasure"

=====================

A few hours later, the same night, our heroes were sleeping peacefully and were unaware of the thunderstorm outside—all but one. Esmé woke up when thunder was heard a little too close for her liking and looked out of the big window. Knowing she couldn't go back to sleep, she pushed off the covers and slowly left the room; not noticing that Angel had woken up and had seen her leave.

Angel closed her eyes and tried to go back to sleep but felt an uneasiness in the bottom of her stomach. After a few minutes of agonizing fruitless tries, she pushed off her own covers and decided to check on the young De Chagny. Climbing down the stairs, the marble felt cold against her bare feet, but she didn't seem to mind as she kept going her way. She finally spotted her in the living room, sitting on the couch and hugging her knees.

The big windows across from her were covered by the curtains, preventing anyone from seeing the outside world.

"Can't sleep?" she asked as she took place next to her.

"Angel... I am sorry, did I wake you up?"

"It doesn't matter. Now, answer my question."

"...Yes... It's just... thunderstorms are not... my favourite weather..."

"I see," Angel said and looked at the closed curtains, the silence between them. She tapped her knee slightly on the rhythm of the song that had been stuck in her head all day and stayed quiet. After a minute, though, she found herself looking at the scared girl with the tip of her eye.

For a moment, instead of Esmé, she saw a younger version of herself. Hugging her knees and curled up in the corner of her room while thunder was heard in the background. A sigh escaped her lips as she stood up and walked towards the windows.

She pulled the curtains open just as lightning flashed on the dark cloudy sky. She then turned and walked back to the couch, sitting next to Esmé who had hugged her knees closer. Angel smiled faintly, seeing once again the similarities. She started to mutter the tone of a song she was familiar with before singing the lyrics in a low voice. She didn't want to wake anyone else, and her audience was just the girl at her left.

Little child, be not afraid.
Though rain pounds harshly against the glass
Like an unwanted stranger, there is no danger.
I am here tonight

Little child, be not afraid.
Though thunder explodes and lightning flash.
Illuminates your tear-stained face
I am here tonight

And someday, you'll know.
That nature is so
The same rain that draws you near me
Falls on rivers and land
On forests and sand
Makes the beautiful world that you'll see
In the morning

Little child, be not afraid.
Though storm clouds mask your beloved moon
And its candlelight beams, still keep pleasant dreams.
I am here tonight

Little child, be not afraid.
Though wind makes creatures of our trees
And their branches to hands, they're not real, understand
And I am here tonight.

And someday, you'll know.
That nature is so
The same rain that draws you near me
Falls on rivers and land
On forests and sand
Makes the beautiful world that you'll see
In the morning

*Esmé has subconsciously leaned against her, her back against Angel's chest*

For you know, once even I was a
Little child and I was afraid
But a gentle someone always came
To dry all my tears, trade sweet sleep for fears
And to give a kiss goodnight

Well now I am grown
And these years have shown
That rain's a part of how life goes
But it's dark, and it's late
So I'll hold you and wait
'til your frightened eyes do close

And I hope that you'll know
That nature is so
The same rain that draws you near me
Falls on rivers and land
On forests and sand
Makes the beautiful world that you'll see
In the morning

Everything's fine in the morning
The rain will be gone in the morning
But I'll still be here in the morning

By the time the lullaby was over, Angel had looked at the sleeping girl in her chest. She pushed a loose strand away from her face and managed to place her on her back through some hardship. Walking in piggyback style, she made her way towards the bedroom and was unaware of the Christine who had witnessed everything