The Plant

Courage

The next day I wasn't talking much, only listening. The hours went by and soon there would be weekend and nothing in particular would happen. All boring. And lonely. I'm not sure I want to invite my friends over or not even. I just want to invite...
"Are you okay?" He asked and put his hand on my forehead to check. "You're not sick or anything?"
"No. It's just..." I took a deep breath. "Do you want to come to my home? Uhm... this weekend..." I wasn't sure what to do or where to look but at least I had said it. My eyes slowly ended up studying his face, his reactions as he went silent for a while. I wondered what he was thinking of.
"Uhm... do you have... how many lives there?"
"Huh?" I scratched my head for a moment. What is he talking about? Family members? Oh. Maybe it's about his plant ability. Our secret, that no one else should know about. I could imagine my sister being scared for a moment or something.
"It's just me and my mother, father and sister living there. My brother moved out already."
"I see." He answered and went silent again.
"So? Are you coming or not?" I guess he already has decided that he can't. That it's too risky for him. My mother and father would probably ask questions about him. And probably my sister too. And I don't want them to just guess wildly and make it awkward. I got to have a plan if I ever want him safely over.

"Aah... just forget it." I said and started to pack my lunch to leave.
"Wait. I just... I will come." He suddenly seemed more determined. Or hurried? As if it was now or never. I smiled relieved. I kind of wanted to hug him but held back. Instead I went back to my seat smiling excitedly. What a strange urge... but I did it. I finally did!
As I turned around to look at him he made some strange expressions and movements with his hands and face that I struggled to understand. It looked like some sort of celebration.
His eyes met mine for a moment and he immediately stopped. Maybe I shouldn't have seen that. I just smiled back fast because the class was starting again.