Silence is not Golden

Vol 3 Part 2

21 February 2017

Thursday 8:40 am

Cole

"Why did you choose the letters R and C?" I ask, looking at her nails.

"For my first name- Riley and my middle names- Calista and Criselda." I make a face. "I know, I like them well enough but I'm glad they are my middle names."

"What do they mean ... and what are their origins?"

"Calista is Greek for most beautiful- which I think is a little ambitious and Criselda is Greek for grey."

"So your middle names form most beautiful grey? That sounds like a band name."

"It's cool. I think it was to make up for my first name just meaning a descendant of some dude (Roghallach). Another reason is my sisters and I all have middle names that mean beautiful. The Criselda was because I have grey eyes."

"Those are pretty logical reasons."

"I agree. It's kind of cool that my parents chose my names based on how they sound and what they mean."

"Yeah I love meaning behind things: colors, flowers, and names. I always have to look up what it means and I like thinking about gifts in terms of that."

"Have a good day everyone and do your projects. English test prep tomorrow." Ms. Greene announces to the fleeing students.

"Yeah, Ri, work on your project. You have a lot more riding on it than your grade."

"Oh, you don't even need to worry. We both know I am going to win." She smiles good-naturally, "I really love free food."

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Ri

28 February 2017

Thursday 5:30

"Kitty." Haley says.

She's been calling me "kitty" today in reference to my black and grey cat skeleton shirt.

"Yes?" I ask, not keeping the amusement out of my voice.

"Please dance for us Ri." Haley says.

"Did you ask your friends if they were interested in that?"

She serves me a look.

"They can't talk."

I smile and nod. I chose Everytime We Touch on my ipod which is already plugged into the speakers.

Accept the gentleman's hand. Step forward and drop his hand. High kick and 360 turn. Look back at him and walk over quickly, happily. Reach out for him and tumble. Up and finally keep his hand with left foot in the air behind you.

Haley claps and looks at me in adoration so I start reciting my poem.

"I try to get you off my mind
The less I think the more I pine."

I turn around and am shocked to see Cole looking back at me.

"Hi," he says, unsure of himself.

He should be nervous. I mean he at least heard my poem if not saw me dancing.

"Hello. Not to be rude but what are you doing? Jude already left."

"I wanted to see you."

I need to find out how much he saw before I can determine how bad this is.

"Ok. But can I just ask what you saw?"

Cole looks flustered.

"I came out when Cascada was singing 'I still hear your voice'."