Headphones, Books, and Boba

A Blooming Friendship

September 16, 2021

"Adrian! Dear god you are so slow," Amelia snapped as she rushed forward, grabbing my hand and dragging me into the cafeteria. The light's were dulled and buzzing with a few kids littered around the tables, most of them with their heads down asleep. Amelia sat me down at one of the tables, sitting beside me and wrapping an arm around my shoulder. 

"Look, look, look," She giggled, "I need your opinion on something. You're good at judging men, right? I mean, you're gay," she pulled her phone out of her pocket, setting it on the table between us. 

"Mills, just because I'm gay doesn't mean-"

"Oh hush," She pulled up Instagram, "there's this boy in my World Geo, he's been staring at me, I'm sure of it," She clicked on a profile, "I think he's into me. Do you think I should engage?" She handed me the phone, showing a profile of this boy with shaggy blonde hair, brown eyes, with the frame of a skeleton. I swear I could see bones in his shirtless pics.

"I mean, if you like Halloween decorations," Amelia rolled her eyes, snatching her phone back. 

"He's not that skinny, it's just how he angled the camera," She closed her phone, "But he's super cute! I think I should engage."

"Hun, do you think he's cute because he is, or because you're desperate for someone to like you?" Amelia gasped before nudging my arm. I pursed my lips.

"God, Adrian! It's not my fault you're just so magnetizing towards hot people," She rolled her eyes, pulling out a compact mirror and fluffing her eyelashes, "Some people have to put in effort."

"I'm sorry if I offended you, Mills," I said, scratching my arm awkwardly. Her smile lightened and she leaned in, planting a lip-gloss covered kiss on my cheek.

"You could never offend me, Adrian," She giggled, "You're lucky I can manage you." 

"I guess I am-"

"Hey! Adrian!" I looked up, watching as Morgan jogged up to me, his backpack bouncing with each step. I felt Amelia's grasp on my arm tighten, "God, I've been looking everywhere! Do you remember what the homework was for Latin? I was busy at soccer practice last night and forgot everything." 

"Oh, uh yeah, uhm-" I flinched lightly, Amelia's grasp unfaltering on my arm as I reached down to my bag. I pulled out a sheet of last night's homework and passed it to Morgan, "You can copy it down, just hand it back before Mrs. Rylie collects homework," I said with a half smile. Morgan tipped his head.

"Oh god, thank you so much. I owe you!" He said, picking up the paper and jogging up. Amelia grabbed the hood of my jacket and pulled me to her face.

"What. The. Fuck. Adrian?" She asked, "I thought I told you about associating with those people!"

"What's so wrong with him?" I asked, watching him walk down the hallway. Amelia scoffed, "Surely you heard half the rumors circulating him. His family are druggies! No, worse, criminals! Why would you want that associated with your name?"

"He just asked for homework-"

"No, Adrian, no. Your mom told me to help you out with social interactions, so I am. Do not associate with criminals!"

"Fine, okay, geez." I sighed softly, resting my cheek on my open palm.

"Good! No, Great!" Amelia said, picking up her backpack, "Now, let's go, I got to show you the hangout spots around school."

****

"Good luck with the nerd squad!" Amelia waved me off as she dropped me off at Latin class. I pursed my lips before sighing, sagging my shoulders as I trudged up the stairs. I smiled softly as I walked past Cyrus and Leslie as they sat on top of their desks, chatting away.