The Pale Visitor

4.

Kayla 

I hear a vibrating sound to the right of me. I turn my head to see my best friend, staring intensely at her phone 

I thought she said lost her phone

I didn't even get a good look because she just got up and left with her things, repeating something under her breath. I can't even make out what she said

Why did she just get up without saying bye?

Did I do something?

Her name was at the tip of my tongue about to call her to come back but Justin slid into her vacated seat with a smile. His presence always brightened my mood—everything about him seemed perfect to me, from his straight teeth to his soft dark skin. I couldn't help but smile back.

What the hell am I doing?

I'm not even his girlfriend

Leaning close, he whispered in my ear, "I have something to ask you." My heart raced with anticipation but I couldn't let him see that. I place my head on my knuckles as my hand supports my head up, trying to seem disengaged but I wanted to hear what he had to say, I gestured for him to continue.

"Not here," he murmured, glancing around. He took my hand, leading me out of the lunchroom and down a hallway. As we walked, something caught my attention in the corner of my eye. I jolted my head looking at a hallway that leads to an exit outside the back of the school. It's a mess; there's a bunch of books, ripped papers, and broken pencils all over the floor even a broken chair. I doubt Justin even noticed, he was too busy leading me into a different hallway. As soon as we turned into the hallway I knew exactly where he was taking me

Another staircase

Is this all he wants to do with me?

"I thought you wanted to ask me something" rolling my eyes as we reached the stairs.

"I do."

"Then why bring me here?" I sighed, my patience wearing thin.

"For privacy, and... this was the only quiet place I could find," he admitted with a shrug.

"Mhm," I replied skeptically.

Was he serious about me, or was this just another fling?

"I've been watching you for a while now, and getting to know you, I've realized what an amazing person you are," he confessed nervously. "I want to take us seriously. So, I was wondering... will you be my girlfriend?"

I paused dramatically, savoring his anticipation. "Hmm..." I finally said, drawing it out. "No, thank you." I watched his face fall.

Priceless.

"I'm just kidding," I laughed. "Of course, I'll be your girlfriend."

"That's not funny Kay," he said with a stern face but I could see him fighting back a smile

"Just admit it, it was funny"

"Nope," he insisted, trying to appear serious.

"Oh, whatever," I playfully roll my eyes. I was about to head back out of the staircase when Justin stopped me, blocking my way. Looking up at him through my eyelashes, I waited expectantly.

"What are you doing? Move," I teased, trying to sidestep him. But he held me in place, his hands gently cupping my face as he leaned in.

Caught off guard, I pulled back slightly, a realization dawning on me.