Sins of Aiden

5

CHAPTER 5

The ache in my neck is pulling me to a collapsing circumstance that I might just have to give up. To doze off on this soiled floor isn't ideal but if that helps to find myself regaining purpose to continue down this hallway—I'd gladly do it. It's unnecessary how long it has to be.

All classes of the day are over. They were dull, as usual, but at least I didn't step into another altercation again. Madelyn and I ate lunch together before we were divided by our different classes and I haven't seen her since. As well as Ember—I'm simply hoping she has taken the hint of Madelyn's statement or I've merely been lucky to not have crossed paths with her afterward.

Thomas Ford has also been suspiciously quiet ever since he made that scene in the canteen with me and Sam. In fact, I haven't seen him all day which is weird since he is always lurking in his shadows to hurl at me.

But I shouldn't wonder—I should feel pleased to have at least one day without him. To feel normal. To embrace the solitude.

When I was wandering to my next class after lunch I saw Sam again. I got all jittery inside when his eyes met mine and he beamed at me. I didn't assume he would walk up to me, to chat to me, to ask me how I was feeling, and to walk to the next class which we apparently had together.

The last time I've seen him was yesterday when we walked together to the history class. We sat beside each other and I felt at that moment that I could perhaps create a new second friend. It made me happy—to know that someone else than Madelyn that finds me enjoyable enough to hang out with. We even had a good laugh when I realized I still held my math book in my arms and had to switch my book to the history book I had in my backpack. Sam thought it was hilarious. It was joyful but, honestly, not that fun. He was just being a little silly.

After class, he walked me to my locker and we chatted for a while. It's reviving to know that he delights in being in my presence as much as I delight in being in his.

I haven't wiped away my grinning since.

Because he makes me feel appreciated.

I continue to walk down the hallway, it's serene, and the solitude is giving me justice to draw breath to scrub my mind off. I'm going home, finally, after a long day and I can't hold off the spirited thought that I'll nestle myself with the welcoming embrace of my blankets—mending me from all harm.

I pull my jacket taut when a chill breeze of air clasp my hair away from my shoulder and I wish I brought a warmer jacket with me. I hope to see Sam again. And I hope he will want to see me again too.

A squeak leaves my lips with that thought and my steps quicken as I hurry out of this long hallway.

But I halt my steps. I get entrenched on the floor, and sweat piles against my palms. I keep wishing to myself that I'm hearing things but my heartbeat picks up its pace and I am aware of how incredibly nervous I've gotten.

"Mia, wait up!"

The hairs on my arms stand up straight. I know from the back of my mind that I can't put myself through this—not after the long day I have had. I scold myself internally for being so foolish and to build myself up with a shield that someday will beat against her words.

Everything in me protests as I pivot to meet the person who pushes my emotions to feel like they don't matter. "There you are. I've been looking everywhere for you!"

Ember's majestic champagne hair flows behind her like a cape when she jogs up to me. I purse my lips and look away. Anything to shield myself away.

She stops right in front of me and takes a profound drag. "You made me run all over the place for you, Mia." She presses her delighted fingers against my collarbone in a light, heartfelt shove—like we're teasing friends.