Subconsciously

Thursday, April 15, 2013

Thursday, April 15, 2013

8:12 am

When Adalia's step-mother dropped her off at school this morning, she couldn't help but glance at the flag pole.

She stepped out of the car shaky and slightly sweaty. Diana, her step-mother, told her she loved her and goodbye. Adalia nodded and said goodbye before closing the car door. There, leaning against the flagpole, was the boy.

She straightened her posture a bit, intentionally raising her head slightly higher, faking confidence. She knew Diana was waiting for her to walk inside the building, so she turned around and waved. Her so called mother left her there after an entire three minute wait in front of the school while other parents parked and dumped. She adjusted the shoulder strap of her backpack, craned her neck; her way of gaining a bit of sense and confidence, and slowly put one foot in front of the other, walking in short strides.

She made it to the school doors without a problem. Glancing back, the cigarette poking out of a certain boy's mouth was as clear as day. Totally and utterly noticeable. Her eyes rolled in disgust as she swung the door open and glided through.

She quickly forgot about the boy that smokes when her eyes landed on Caden. He was facing her locker, his arm outstretched, hand resting just above her height level. He was talking and shaking his head, seeming at lost for words. She stopped walking and leaned her shoulder against someone else's locker and just watched him. He was talking to himself and she found it extremely adorable.

He was flirting with the locker. She would hear some words that made her face red, and smiled when she heard the word "prom". Her head shook and she giggled. She couldn't recall ever giggling before in her life. He must've felt her gaze, or heard the giggle, because his head turned and he looked at her. His dark eyes were darker than ever, and his hair looked so soft and curly, she wanted to pet his head. She liked him.

When she stood close enough, he awkwardly stepped closer. She didn't let it bother her. "Hi," Caden said.

"Hi, Caden," she replied with a smile. His eyes closed when she said his name and just as fast as he stepped toward her, he stepped back.

"Prom," he stated.

She nodded. "Prom?"

"Prom," Caden repeated with a smile. They both just stood there, smiling at each other. Any outsider walking by would roll their eyes and say, oh, they're one of those couples.

"Prom."

"This is really last minute, I know, but I think it would be best if we went together. I can get a tux without a problem, and I bet you would look great in anything. A pantsuit would be totally fine by me, but I doubt you're into that sort of thing. Oh, if you are, that's awesome. I have nothing against women in pantsuits, but if you hate them, then so do I." He paused for a moment, shaking his head. "I've rehearsed this speech in front of the mirror all last night and this morning, and I'm talking too much, aren't I? Pantsuits. I said the same three or four sentences over and over the past twelve hours and I managed to focus on pantsuits. You know what, I'll shut up now."

She blinked twice or so before responding. She stood there, smiling and blinking, not saying anything to Caden. His smiled faded long ago, somewhere mid speech. While he ran his hand through his hair, Adalia focused on his fingers and the way his curls would fold under his hand then shoot back up, bouncing.

"I want to go to Prom with you," Caden said. Her eyes left his mop of hair. This time, her breath hitched in her throat. Being said simply had a bigger impact on her. Her mouth couldn't form the simple answer. She nodded vigorously instead.

Finally, she spoke. "Yes. Yes, let's go."

Thursday, April 15, 2013

10:26 am

Sitting in class, she smiled. Nonstop smiling. Her mouth eventually went numb. She went numb. Her teachers eyes her suspiciously throughout class but they all brushed it off. They had other things to worry about. Preferably banged up smokers with chains on their left leg.

Adalia decided not to worry about the other boy any longer. Caden took up enough space in her head. Her own geek.

She couldn't wait to go to the library after school.

Thursday, April 15, 2013

3:56 pm

He kissed her, again. In the library. She stood there, completely still, before she knew exactly what was happening. When she did realize what, and who, was against her lips, she felt happy. Happy, warm, safe, you name it.

When he leaned back, she hugged him. Her arms draped loosely around his waist and she pressed her head into his chest, listening for a heartbeat. It was there. Fast and chaotic, just like hers. She pulled away when she felt the need to.

She reluctantly sat down on the wooden chair, anticipating the stiffness she'd soon encounter. Caden gently tugged her arm, nodding his head toward the bookshelves. She stood gleefully, making sure to grab the book. She debated on whether or not to lead him to the same aisle from yesterday by hand or not. She thought about the hug and kiss, and chose not to.

They sat down like they did yesterday, before the snuggling. Adalia was wide awake, tempted to fake a yawn in hopes of this study date resulting like the day before. She knew it was a long shot and shook it off. They're going to Prom together, she's pleased. With only ten pages left, she was tempted to read as slow as she could, She knew it would be wrong; his report was due the next day. Eventually, her fingers grazed over the last page of the book they'd been reading for the past four days.

She opened the book to where they left off. Only ten pages left. She dreaded the moment she ended the book. While reading, she felt Caden staring at her, and stumbled on some words. She could practically hear his smile, loud and clear. She stuttered a few times. Her nervousness so obvious.

When she read the last sentence, she snapped the book shut. She turned her head to look at Caden, his eyes closed. A faint smile overtook his lips. She jumped when his eyes opened, knowing he caught her staring. He spoke first. "What's your favorite flower?"

The question had taken her aback. Different images of different flowers flashed in her mind. Dandelions, Daisies, Sunflowers, Roses, even Venus Fly Traps. She remembered her mom's first name.

Rose.

She felt like slapping herself. Her own mother's name. She let out a small laugh, ashamed by her forgetfulness.

"Roses," she partly whispered.

Caden nodded, obviously confused by the laugh.

If it wasn't for the book laying on her lap, Adalia would have forgotten about it. She stood up, extending her hand. For the remainder of the evening, Adalia helped Caden with his book report.

There may or may not have been some kissing involved.

Author's note

I finally updated((: enjoy friends