Autumn

7: Showing Off

Andrew and I talked about music and his favorite bands the entire car-ride downtown. It was starting to get darker and darker as we approached, but Andrew explained that it gets a lot more colorful and exciting than in the morning. I wasn't sure if he was talking about the festival or downtown itself. Either way, I paid no attention. I was just glad to spend some time with him.

Finally able to find a decent parking space, the car stopped with a jolt, nearly scaring me to death. Andrew got out first, breathing in the fresh air; he felt more relaxed. Before I could do anything, he came over to my side, opening the car door. "Shall we," he said, offering his hand.

I smiled, taking his hand. Unlike Collin, his hands were rougher. I knew he was an artist of course, he had either a wooden brush or pencil in his hand at all times, or he was working more often. After taking his keys, locking the car doors, we were walking to the festival. As we walked, I noticed the crowed streets with cars and the bystanders and other people walking alongside with us, or sitting on the benches near the flower bushes, talking amongst themselves. I felt like an outsider in this southern region. Even though I lived here half of my life, some people treat me differently. How? For one thing I don't have the strong Georgian accent like some of my friends (Collin, Emily, and Diana not included). I don't plan on staying here long, which some people have lived here longer than me and have already settled on wht they plan to do. And further more, it doesn't even seem like I've lived here at all. I sighed.

Andrew nudges me in the shoulder, as if to wake me up from a trance.

"Are you okay," he asks, I could tell there was some uncertainty in his voice.

"Um ," I hesitate. "Yeah, I'm fine."

"Well, I asked you a couple of questions and here you are staring at a fountain."

I didn't even notice we were standing in front of a fountain. I remembered the when it's Saint Patrick's Day, they would turn the water green. I always enjoyed watching te water turn green, until I got tired of watching. We had many field trips to the fountain, but more I saw it change, the more boring it got each year. But who am I say about traditions? There supposed to be honored. Unfortunately, the fountain remained its normal color and March was months away.

"I'm sorry. What was your question?"

Andrew shook his head. "Nevermind," but as he looked up, he smiled. "Come, I want you to meet someone. Or should I say, more than someones."

We sped walked past the fountain, and stopped abruptly in the middle of the stone pathway, almost knocking me into the person in front of me. Before I had even enough time to regain my balance, Andrew left my side already talking to a bunch of other people. They were like a swarm.

I sighed, but taking the courage and standing by Andrew's side.

"Autumn!" Andrew said, pleased. "These are some of my friends."

He gestured to one of the boys.

"Thomason Brooke." The boy was much taller compared to Andrew. His fair hair covered his left eye, both his nose and ear pierced with rings. He wore a large black coat over his sweater and jeans, his full red converse not matching his outfit.

Thomason took my hand, shaking it a bit to violently. "Please to met you."

When he lets go of my hand, I'm still shaking. 'He's a lot stronger than I thought.'

Then a girl steps up next. Her curly red hair reminds me of Elle, but her fashion sense is a bit the opposite. She wore a short skirt with tight leggings underneath, a shirt smaller than her bore a picture of the Phantom of the Opera which kinda revealed her dark blue bra which I thought I've seen before at Victoria Secret, and a jean jacket, it's sleeves longer than her own arms. Her makeup is one point, as I notice her dark shadowy eyes and dark red lipstick. A smile escapes her lips. "Sup. I'm Ilea."