Stream of Colors • Josh Kiszka

3.

Josh's P.O.V

I liked observing people. Figuring out what makes them, them. What distinguishes one person from the other.

Vienna was one of those people. She was often quiet, but when I would say something she always had some sort of comeback ready to fire my way, making me want to do it that much more.

Something that I also noticed was that she hid herself from most people, but no matter what, I was always unable to figure out why.

Sometimes I would also happened to notice she was a bit of a mess in the morning, dark bags under her eyes, concerning me just a tad, but I knew not to say anything that personal to her. We weren't really even friends, just two people who lived completely different lives.

I shook the thoughts away as she looked at me, most likely digging in her mind, attempting to come up with a witty reply, but all she did was nod her head.

A smiled appeared on my face, as my fingers messed with the pendant I had around my neck.

"Alright, so we have a project to do, right?" I redirected the conversation.

She nodded, her quiet demeanor shining through once again.

"Well, I have band practice after school, but if it doesn't bother you, you can come over then." I offered, taking the initiative for what seemed like the first time in my high school career.

"I don't have a car." Is all she replied with.

My eyebrows raised, in surprise, "A senior that doesn't have a car?" I asked in a over dramatic voice, trying to lighten the mood as she looked at me unfazed, her eyes looking more tired today than any other day.

"Not all of us can afford that, Joshua." She answered honestly, throwing me an absolute curveball.

I cleared my throat awkwardly, "Yeah, no. That's fine, you can ride with us."

She laughed a bit at my response most likely caused by the ridiculously awkward position she put me in.

I rolled my eyes, "It's not funny."

"I think it is."

"Of course you do, you're not the one who has to reply to it."

She smiled, for what I think was the first time I had ever seen, causing a smile to appear on my face as well.

"So-"

The bell rang before I could even attempt to bring up the actual topic of our project.

I watched as she got up and quickly started putting her possessions into her backpack, not acknowledging the fact that the bell had just cut me off as I was trying to talk to her.

"Uh, we park by the buses." I managed to mutter out, seeming a bit too awkward for my liking.

She nodded, slinging the backpack onto her shoulder, and rapidly walking out of the classroom.

Vienna's P.O.V

I guess Josh wasn't that bad, once I actually started talking to him, he seemed more down to earth, but still his outlandish self, which shocked me. But, either way, I knew that through the entirety of this project, no matter how Josh was, I would have to try my best to keep my guard up.

I was ripped away from my thoughts when the bell rang for the final time today, reminding me that I would have to cram into the Kiszka's car with four other people.

With that thought in mind, I grabbed my things and maneuvered my way through the main hall, getting to the doors and pushing them open.

The warmer wind brushed against my face as I continued my walk to the general area where Josh had told me they parked their car.