Purple

chapter 5

The next few weeks of my life had been similar to the first; Derek and I's... moments, Along with bonding between us. We'd begun walking side by side to the classes we shared, and talked in the downtime of our dorm.

Each morning was no different. I'd come to realize through our these talks that Derek and I (while completely opposite colors) were very similar. Yes he is incredibly sarcastic and unable to go a day without making a joke, but we share similar goals. I can't lie that i've come to really respect, and enjoy being around him.

—

During my afternoon walk to 5th period, (which is spent alone as Derek is in a completely different area, and making friends doesn't come easy to me, apparently..) I couldn't help but to overhear a group of girls speaking about a dance. A dance? Since when was a dance coming up? I wanted to ask them more, however if i'd done that they would've known of my ease-dropping.

I walked on wondering if Derek knows of this dance, or even if he has a date already. I'm sure he wouldn't though... right? A strange feeling overcame me. Thinking of Derek dancing with another girl made me a little upset. Perhaps it's because he's my only friend at the moment. I decided I would need to ask if he has found a partner.

—

The evening arrived and students were seen all along the corridors slowly walking to their designated dorm room. I walked in silence with Derek along with the little possy that followed him everywhere he went.

I walked into the dorm first listening to Derek shoo off the group. I tidied up where I saw fit, a habit i'm unable to shake. I was nervous for whatever reason to ask.

I watched him out of the corner of my eye as I kept cleaning. He rubbed a masculine hand through his hair, a sigh followed. Derek plopped himself on the couch reaching for a magazine to his left on the quaint side-table, colored of black.

"Derek." My words tumbled out of my mouth with no permission.

"What's up?" He responded taking a moment from the magazine (that with further inspection, was food related.) to gaze up at me. I stood tightly, keeping my limbs close and playing with my fingers.

I furrowed my brows, really thinking if this was appropriate to ask him anyway. I decided to start simple,and vague.

"Did you know of the dance?" I started.

"Oh yeah, for sure." Thinking I was finished I watched his eyes softly find the next dish on the page in front of him.

"Has anyone asked you?"

He looked caught off guard as his head moved back up from the paper. I could see him holding back a smile anyway. I wish I could take back that question now.

"Well yes, but I haven't exactly accepted....why?"

"I was honestly just curious...y'know with all the girls that parade around you i just thought you would have someone to go with already.." I felt myself tumbling over my words a bit as I became increasingly nervous. I felt as if i'd wake into an interrogation room.

Hands fiddling with the ends of my hair, Derek noticed my nerves then spoke again.

"Why did you want to go with me?" He smirked. Ugh.

"What! Of course not, we are just friends weirdo. I told you I was just curious."

"Sure we are, but that's still too bad, I was going to ask you to go with me. As friends, of course." His words shocked me. Is he joking with me now? Out of all the actual girls who would date him he chooses just a friend?

"Are you serious?"

"Well yeah honestly. Why not?" He really wanted to go with me? I couldn't help but feel a bit of happiness wanting to reach and show on my face. I held back to save myself from that embarrassment.

"Oh I mean...I wouldn't mind going with you. It would be nicer to go with a friend than someone random."

Derek got up and approached me his arm extending to the right of me on the counter behind me. I heard the magazine polo besides me as his face came close to mine. He looked down at me smiling his crooked smile.

"It's settled then." Dereks voice heavy and low spoke directly into my ear. I didn't back away.

I watched him walk back away from me to his own room as I gulped. That was strange.

"O-ok."

What was wrong with me? I don't stutter. Especially not around friends.