Rancorous

Chapter 21

FIVE YEARS AGO

Herlina

After getting a paper copy of my schedule for seventh grade, I practically ran to my locker. Constantly glancing around at other students around me, I couldn't spot Brevin. Shoving my backpack in my locker, I pulled out one notebook and my pencil case only. Slamming it closed, a couple students around me jumped before glaring at me. I muttered a quick "sorry" before leaving to find Brevin.

It didn't take long as I rounded a corner and finally saw the back of Brevin's dark brown hair. I hadn't seen him at all throughout the summer because my parents and I went to Hawaii. My heart felt like it was about to burst at the sight of him.

I sprinted like I was being chased by the boogie man. Dropping my notebook and case, I hugged him from behind, almost bumping him against the lockers. I pressed my cheek against his warm neck, he was already two inches taller than me.

"Sunrise." He said and I heard the smile in his voice. I loosened my grip and allowed him to turn around while still in my arms. I grinned at his dark chocolate eyes, feeling complete.

Like I was missing a puzzle piece and in his presence, it clicked back into place.

His eyes seemed to sparkle and I hugged him again, tighter. I rested my cheek against his shoulder as he wrapped his skinny arms around me and rubbed my back. "How was Hawaii?"

"Good. I missed you so much." I didn't want to let him go now that I had him back. His laugh flowed through me and my smile grew so big my cheeks hurt.

"I missed you too." His arms squeezed me harder, like he was afraid I'd leave again.

The bell rang signaling we had five minutes left before we'd be late to class. In the moment, I didn't care. I just wanted to remain exactly where I was. Forever.

"Sunrise, " Brevin began and I knew what he was going to say. I knew we had to get going to class.

"Just one more minute." I cut him off.

He relaxed and pressed the side of his head against mine. He inhaled deeply and we stayed like that for two more minutes. When I released him, I picked my pencil case and notebook off the ground. Brevin gathered a few items before closing his locker.

"What's your first class?"

He pulled out his schedule as his eyes flitted across the paper. "Art class with Mrs. Greene."

My heart jumped. I took a second glance at my schedule to make sure my memory was correct. I grinned. "Me too!"

His grin mirrored mine and we made our way to our first class, our shoulders plastered to each other. The bell rang right when we walked in.

The class was small, fifteen students at the most, making it easy to find an empty table in the back.

Mrs. Greene gave us a warm welcome and allowed those who wanted to talk about their summer to digress. Many jumped at the opportunity, but I remained silent. I'd rather tell Brevin in private all about my adventures.

"It was wonderful hearing about the great summer break many of you had. Now, because it is the first day back to school, I have a simple assignment for you all this week. All I ask is that you draw your favorite part about this summer. Don't forget to add color and turn it in to me by next Friday."

As the teacher turned to sit at her desk, the chatter and laughter began as everyone got lost in their own world.

"I'll get us paper and colored pencils." Brevin offered and I nodded.

As soon as we had the supplies, we got to work. As I drew, I began to tell Brevin all about Hawaii and how gorgeous it was. We joked, we laughed, we smiled.