In The Stars

CHAPTER FOUR

The worst part about losing the championship was the immediate knowledge that there was nothing I could do to fix it, and with that the affirmation that not everything can be fixed. Some things are irreversible, and their effects permanent.

꙳ ✩ ꙳

It's Monday, and Noah is still not here. Just a refresh, Noah is my bio partner and art table mate. Not blaming you if that slipped your mind. A week. 5 days and counting.

I don't need him in art, but I need him in bio. This project is not about to do itself, and I'm certainly not about to do all the work by myself.

It would be nice to have a native's guidance as we search for these bugs, but he's not here. Ipo and Cai can only help so much before this starts to become their project too. I don't wanna do that to them especially with this cloud looming over their relationship.

Ipo didn't text me about her talk. I'm worried she never had it with Cai. I wouldn't blame her if she bailed. Honestly, how do you tell someone of your undying love for them?

The weekend after my first week of school went like this: baby crying a lot, training with Eliz, me also searching for a job-still looking, and then family walks to "explore the town" which is code for "get grandmama out of the house and walking."

Today began like normal. Tea with grandmama. The short but beautiful walk to school. Easy study hall, then came biology.

I sat with Cai and Ipo at the lab table in the back of the classroom, but hardly any words were said. Cai was his usual energetic self except his jokes lacked luster and he only seemed to be talking to me, avoiding Ipo's general area completely.

As if the two weren't sitting right next to each other. On top of that, Ipo didn't say a word. Not a peep. When I tried to meet her eyes, they seemed glued to her macbook. There is no way Ipo is that interested in her bio project.

Ugh. I've never felt so awkward. I began to dread lunch, which is where I am now.

Cai takes a bite of his sandwich looking at me as he eats. "I never asked you, Sunny!" He says, mouth full. "What?" I reply, impatient. "Why did you move here?" The question is like cold water splashed on me. I haven't thought about what to tell people.

"Well, my grandmama got really sick and she was living here alone, so..." I trail off, and give a shrug although it felt too stiff. This isn't something I want to talk about. Especially not when they're hiding things from me too.

Cai nods but his eyes narrow. Does he not believe me? He doesn't prod any further just starts a conversation with Ipo to which she hardly responds, and I contribute here and there.

School finishes without any pomp, although my art teacher lets us know about an upcoming festival. It's gonna be hosted in the heart of the city close to the water. A "Live The Arts" event. The project creation is up to us, participation optional but earns extra credit so I'm considering it.

Once the final bell rings, I'm out of school in a hurry not exactly paying attention to the body running my way. The cramped, brick hallways watch us as we collide.

We fall to the ground and the sound of clinks register in my ears. It sounds like someone dumped a box of colored pencils on the ground.

I look up to see a floppy afro and wild hands as they reach to grab paint brushes and stencils.

I sat there for a moment watching him.

I'm sorta in disbelief. We run into each other, there's this awful burning happening with my nose and my tailbone is aching, but all this guy is focusing on is how quickly he can load his art supplies into his little brown box.