Oblivious

11 // Pretty to look at

Serendipity
(n.) finding something good without looking for it

-Elijah-

Elora's not here.

It's second lesson and she's still not here.

She should be here.

Which is why I'm on my way to the reception office to find out why.

I should probably get her number. But I can't get it right now because she's not here. Like she should be.

Coming to stop in front of the desk Miss James looks up at me. Elora talks about her sometimes, says she's her favourite staff member or something.

"Elijah, what can I do for you?" She smiles as she talks. Her voice is soft and calming, I can see why Elora likes her.

Offering her a tight smile I tap my fingers on the desk in a rhythmic pattern. "Was wondering if you know why Elora isn't in?"

Miss James scrunches her brows together, a  confused expression taking over her face. "She hasn't told you? I though you guys were friends?"

I narrow my eyes slightly. Feeling defensive. Elora and me are friends I suppose. As much as friends can be friends when they've only known each other for roughly 3 weeks.

Her question catches me off guard more than I'd like to admit. Are we friends? Like really?

She sits with me during break and lunch. Where she mostly talks and I mostly listen. We share form together but sit on opposite sides of the classroom. Those are the only time we spend together, apart from the time I ran into her at the grocery store, but that ended up with her freezing in my car so I don't think that counts as a friendly experience.

Apart from the fact that she talks a lot and is kinda pretty to look at. I hardly know anything about the girl. And vice versa.

Are we friends? I should probably ask her to clarify. Do people clarify if they're friends? For now I'm going to say yes, we are friends, just until I have clarification.

"We are, I just don't have her number." Miss James nods and turns to her computer as I continue to tap my fingers on the desk.

My tapping starts to quicken as someone else enters the office. I will with my eyes for Miss James to hurry up, hating having my back to people. It makes me feel exposed.

Miss James clicks something on her computer before turning to me with a smile. "Her mother called this morning to explain that Elora's off sick."

Standing up straighter my eyebrows furrow as I take in her words.

Sick? Like throwing up sick? Is she okay?

"Is she okay?" Miss James smile widens and a knowing look passes over her. "She's okay, just a stomach bug. She should be back in tomorrow or the day after."

Nodding at her I mutter a thank you as I turn to leave.

My shoulders are slumped and I hate the silence that accompanies my side.

During the 3 weeks that Elora and me have interacted I've gotten quite used to her talking. It feels sort of uneasy without it now. Like something vital is missing.

At first I found her annoying, the constant talking and questions. Following me around like a lost puppy. It seems I've grown accustomed to it. She's worked her self into my daily routine.

My day feels off without her.

❤︎

Standing in line for lunch I release an annoyed sigh at the fact that I've just spent 5 minutes lining up for chips that I don't want. Elora isn't her to eat them.