Black Flower

Black Flower Chapter 2

Black Flower Chapter 2

Friendship

This was, without a doubt, the weirdest, most confusing start of a school year I ever had. And I had quite a few weird ones. Once I almost got in detention on a very first day because they thought I had "too much makeup". Of course, I had none at all, and they soon let me go when they tried removing what simply wasn't there. Yes, I can be that scary when I don't get enough sleep. But this...this was way more strange. I was so confused that I actually ran home with my longboard under my arm instead of just riding it. I was panting hard when I came in, completely out of breath.

"Woah there, what's going on?" mom said, mildly panicked.

It took me a moment to realize how I must have looked. Red in the face from the heat, breathing hard and looking probably as if I had just seen a ghost.

"You look like you've just seen a ghost!" she added.

I swear I didn't do that on purpose.

"Oh uh...I just uh...I just felt like doing a bit of running today. Too much energy in store, had to spend it somehow, you know?" I answered awkwardly.

What a dumb excuse. But then again, what other excuse could I possibly give?

"That's...unusual." she finally said. "But i'm glad you're okay! You are okay, right?"

"Y-yeah, i'm perfectly fine. Sorry, I didn't want to worry you."

"It's okay flower. But anyway! Like I said in my note, I managed to finish on time so we could spend some time together!"

This did bring a smile back on my face. We didn't get to spend much time together since we moved, outside of packing up and making dinner.

"What's on the menu tonight?" I asked, leaning my longboard against a wall and dropping my school bag next to it.

"I thought we could have omurice tonight!" she chimed, proud of her idea.

And a good idea it was. You could hardly go wrong with a hot, soft omurice. My mom, being well...my mom, drew a little flower on my omurice, like she always did since I was just a child. And somehow it always warmed my heart when she did it, it brought back old, happier memories. She looked up from her plate for a moment, meeting my eyes.

"How was school today?"

She often asked this question, almost everyday. The answer has always been 'Alright'. Of course, she knew very well it wasn't just 'alright', but she seemed to always be satisfied with that answer. But today...today the answer was different.

"It was...weird." I said, staring absentmindedly at my half eaten omurice.

I saw the faintest hint of surprise on her face, but she tried to keep it straight.

"Weird? How so?"

There was simply no way I could tell her what happened. But what could I possibly say, now that I told her it was weird?

"I uh...someone actually asked for my help. Though she couldn't see my face when she asked, I don't think she would have asked if she actually saw me first."

A lie. I couldn't remember the last time I ever lied to my mom. And it felt horrible. I felt dirty and dishonest. But I can't just tell her someone did...did...well, did what Yomi did, whatever that was. And also...Yomi would definitely have asked for my help if she saw me beforehand. Mom stared at me for a short moment, somewhat suspiciously.

"Well, at least you've helped someone!" she said, her smile coming back to life.

I think she knew I was lying, but probably thought best not to investigate further.