SILHOUETTE

Chapter 6

When Simone felt like the world was caving in and she felt conflicted , she found peace in randomly making something with ceramic that she could toss out or commission when she was done. She hadn't thought about Westview having an studio until she asked. Every day after school lately , she spent time there. It didn't matter rather it was painting , drawing or some other form of media. It was her way of destressing. Almost three months in and it felt like she needed a mini vacation already.

Maybe she was putting too much thought into it. She needed to get out of her own head. She could just believe Olivia and listen to Keisha. She wanted to do it but somehow Simone still kept up walls. The thought of a new relationship scared Simone. She hated the thought of getting too close and comfortable then having her personal life take over everything. So, she did what she felt was best - ignore any and all things Jordan abruptly. She had replied to a text from Olivia and went back to finishing the piece she was making.

The knock on the door made her look up.

"Hey Liv, I -" her words fell seeing Jordan instead of his sister.

He knew what ghosting was but it didn't make any sense as to why Simone was ghosting him. She barely uttered two words to him lately besides hello and how are you so he did the next best thing. he had Olivia text on his behalf without her knowing. It was almost weird not talking to Simone as much.

"Pulling a Olsen twin on me? Cute." She remarked.

"Well, if someone hasn't been ignoring me then I wouldn't have to use other reinforcements." He looked at her walking further into studio.

He took in all the student art and supplies around the room. Jordan was positive he never stepped one foot into this space yet it still felt so personal to Simone. Jordan wanted answers and only she could answer them.

"Look, If I did or said anything to offend you, I am really sorry Simone."

Simone breathed focusing on the work. She knew that if she looked him dead in the face , she'd be weak in the knees and on her knees in this damn studio. Yeah, her dreams was a little too vivid and somehow he appeared in them once or twice. She really needed to stop eating before bed because it was a little ridiculous.

"I am just having a bad week." She mumbled.

"It's been more than a week. Want to talk about it, you can teach me this clay...shit." Jordan offered.

"Don't you have team to coach?"

"We had a practice this morning and I let them leave an hour early for not working my last nerves. My only focus right now is you." He pressed his lips together.

Simone was doing everything in her power to fight the nerves. Men didn't make her nervous - majority annoyed the hell out of her. Somehow, Jordan made her want to break all the rules and shy away all at once. She was so conflicted by her own feelings that it seemed best to just let nature take its course. She didn't remember ever giving Jordan a response.

Now, she felt extremely hot at the closeness.. He sat directly behind her on the bench. How has she not passed out by now was nothing but god. There was no space between them as Jordan closed it. Simone took a moment to collect her thoughts unsure of if this was real or a dream sequence.

"Show me what to do." He ordered. His voice broke her concentration.

Between the glimpse of his gold link chain and the deep tone, Simone counted backwards in her head to keep her composure.

"Ms. Hicks?"

She hummed unable to give a verbal response. She knew she should've put batteries in her little friend this morning before work.