Living On a Cloud

Chapter 12

When Murray's teaching day was done, he decided to visit Martha.

He found her house, took a deep breath, then rang the doorbell.

Martha answered it.

"Hi" said Murray.

"Hi" said Martha nervously.

"I-I just wanted to see if you were okay. You know, after yesterday in detention and today in the locker room" said Murray.

"Uh... I'm fine. Thanks" said Martha awkwardly.

"Are you sure?" said Murray.

"I have to be honest with you. I'm terrified all the time" said Martha.

"Why?" said Murray.

"Well... oh, I don't know! But I am. I guess not all the time. Just sometimes" said Martha.

"Sometimes is better than all the time" said Murray.

Martha tilted her head to say "I guess you're right".

"So... how was teaching?" she said out loud.

"It was alright. It actually made me think of something to add to the Wiggles" said Murray.

"What's that?" said Martha.

"Most of the kids in my school love dinosaurs so I was thinking we could, I dunno, add a dinosaur character to our album or write a song about one" said Murray.

"You steal kids' ideas too?" said Martha.

Murray rolled his eyes.

"Honestly! I can't even open my mouth around you. You don't even know me but you've decided you hate me" he said.

"Wait, no. I don't hate you" said Martha.

"You don't?"

"No. I just think... well... you were kinda scaring me in P.E class" said Martha.

"I know. I'm sorry" said Murray.

Martha just smiled.

Then she said "I guess I just thought you were a little... too interested? Or something?"

"I understand. But do you think maybe... the reason why you've yelled at me since we met is that you're afraid I'm not gonna like you so you decided not to like me first? Are you like that with other people too?" said Murray.

"No. Maybe... maybe" said Martha.

"Okay then. I'm just saying you're great. Trust me" said Murray.

"Thanks. I guess..." said Martha awkwardly.