Almond Flowers

The beginning, or the end.

  I open my eyes, blinking at the newfound light. Where am I? Then it came back to me. I'm sitting under a large tree, the largest on the campus. The leaves danced in the wind, singing their melodies. I'm seemingly deaf to their songs, as the wind throws them this way and that. The leaves slowly end their waltz as the wind stops fluttering the fronts. I look up at the tree and notice the white petals wander throughout the air, flitting this way and that. I'm left questioning why I was there.

"Almond!"

Ugh.

"Yeah?"

Of course, she's here. Why wouldn't they be? Can't she leave me alone for a second?

"I just wanted to say the teachers are looking for you! You better go!"

"What period is it?"

"It's already 5th! Did you fall asleep again?"

Shit.

"Uh no...? Anyways, get over here! You're like 20 feet away!"

She walks over and sits beside me, leaning her head on my shoulder. I wish they didn't do that, but I don't want to make her move. I'm not that mean. She plays with my hair as I look down at her.

"Were they looking for me, or did you want an excuse to be with me."

"Maybe... But that's beside the point!"

"So, is it already 5th period?"

I check my phone to make sure, and it's only seven-thirty. The school doesn't start for another hour.

"You got me it's not. Is it so bad to want affection from you?"

"Lilo. You know how I like my mornings, no interaction until school starts."

"But that's so boring!"

"Volume, Lilo."

She tilts her head to look at me and pouts.

"I know, I know, I'm working on that."

I put my arm around her, accepting their presence. The leaves start their song again, waltzing around. The flowers join them, floating and drifting down to a beat I can't hear, a melody I long to listen to. I want to escape it all and leave everything behind. But, Lilo. I shove the thought behind, frowning at it. I throw it in my little mental trash can as I lean my head on Lilo's.

"Whatever will I do with you," I mumble.

"What do you mean?" Lilo inquires, and honestly, I don't blame her.

"Oh, it's nothing. Don't worry about it."

She sighs and lays their head back down. I look down at her as I admire her locks of hair. It's a dark brown, and it sparkles in the sunlight. I play with it as the bell rings.

"Already? That was fast..." Lilo says.

"Looks like it's time to skedaddle, don't you think?"

"Alright, bye!"

She sits up and starts to stand while I contemplate grabbing her hand and keeping her there. I'm not planning on going to any class. I wistfully watch her leave as I stare down at my shoes.