Wishful Thinking

Chapter Twenty Four - Through Your Eyes

Arthur opened the door to the art room and stepped in late, his teacher glared at him, "Why are you late Arthur?" the teacher asked.

"Because I was up at the new building when the bell went off, sorry sir." He said, it was the truth.

His teacher nodded and Arthur took his seat, his random seat. Arthur had been sat with Kacie, Francesca and Lily since he started at Clyst Vale, it was slightly strange sitting with all girls. But they were good company and made good conversation, instead of just ignoring him. Lily kept to herself though, doing her work and not talking much. He reached into his bag and picked his art book out, making sure to not get a paper cut. The last time he got his book out he got a paper cut, it really stung. As Arthur plopped his book on the bench he noticed Kacie staring smugly at him, he shrugged. Kacie smiled and looked away, opening her own book up to the page she was working on. "So, Arthur." Fran spoke.

Arthur looked up from his work at her, she just stared down at her own book. "What?"

"How was your lunch?" she said it so casually, like she was asking him to pass a pencil.

"Alright, more than alright." Arthur spoke carefully, but the last bit slipped out.

Fran caught his meaning and giggled, obviously not even trying to contain it. "What? What happened?" Kacie asked, curiosity filling her eyes.

"Nothing." Arthur answered quickly, too quickly.

"Oh my god did something happen between you and Gwen?"

What was it with girls? It was like they had a sixth sense or something. "No," Arthur replied casually.

"Oh my god, are you guys back together?!"

"Arwen is canon." Arthur sighed, repeating the phrase Kacie used the first time they went out.

Kacie laughed delightedly and punched the air, "Yes! I've been waiting for this for ages!"

Arthur smiled at her reaction, he knew she'd do something like this. But her reaction didn't even begin to describe how he was feeling. It was like an explosion had gone off in his heart, exploding everything and leaving this big gaping hole. A hole that was going to be filled by Gwen. And yes, Arthur knew exactly how cheesy that sounded.

—

Thursday 26th March

"Gwen, why are you forcing me to do this?!" Fran groaned, kicking the floor as we walked to our last lesson.

"Because, I need a date for the party."

"You've got one, he's tall, dark and unbelievably handsome."

"I know, but I can't hang out with him for all of it."

Fran turned her head to me and looked disapproving, "Why not?"

"Because I'm not that kind of girlfriend."

"But I wasn't planning on going to the party."

"Your sister was."

"Really? Janet was gonna go?"

"No, but if it'll make you feel better about it."

Fran groaned again, "Alright, whatever."

"Thank you!"

I gave her a hug but she pushed me off, making a stupid face. "What're you doing over the weekend? Kacie said you aren't going back till after the party."

I looked around not knowing what to say, I was going out with Arthur but I couldn't say that. "Urm, nothing... why?"

"No reason." Fran replied, oh thank god. She didn't pry, thank god. "You're going out with Arthur."