Battlefield: Control (Book Two)

Chapter Twelve - Orlando

"Stuffing," Orlando said for about the tenth time that day, once again answering the ever-popular question—what's your favorite food for the holidays? He looked at the clock. Was the day anywhere close to being done yet?

"Mmm," Tait said in agreement.

Ignore her. Again.

He'd been doing that a lot. They had two classes together before lunch, and one after. He was being civil with her, responding when she spoke, but he wasn't going out of his way to engage her either. It helped him to think clearer and be more objective with his observations of her. He'd decided to give her the benefit of the doubt, sure, but he also wasn't going to completely ignore Angela's warning either.

If Tait said she got into a fight with her parents, then he believed it. Even if they were laid-back like Angela claimed, everyone had a breaking point. It certainly explained the harsh reaction. The seed of doubt was still planted. He wouldn't be blind to the possibility.

"Mom makes some pretty awesome stuffing," she added.

Don't say it, don't say it, don't say it. But he did anyway. "I'll just have to take your word on it since I won't get to find out."

"So that's why you're quiet," she said.

He was about to say something perfect and sarcastic in response, but held his tongue when he noticed the teacher giving them a scolding look. They weren't supposed to be talking over the other students.

Instead he shook his head. They didn't have to talk about it right then and there anyway. Eventually, the class was given a diagram to color and told to do whatever they wanted as long as it was quiet and they remained in their seats. Orlando still didn't want to talk. Airing his business where everyone could hear never sat well with him. Tait didn't seem to care.

"I thought you said you understood," Tait pressed as she was able.

"I do," he said and pulled out his colored pencils so he could get to work. Orlando didn't put much creative effort into the project, simply coloring in-between the lines.

"So then why are you—"

"It's got nothing to do with you." He glanced at her and they made eye contact.

"You're ignoring me like it's got something to do with me."

"The only thing I feel is disappointed, but I'm used to it," he said honestly. That was as close to the truth as she was going to get. All of the other details didn't feel relevant. "I'm just trying to get through the day, so I can get through the next few days, and then when I come back on Monday I'll be my usual happy-go-lucky Mary Sunshine self. Promise."

Tait snorted softly. "You? Mary Sunshine?" But she leaned over to him and gave a nudge before risking a soft kiss to his cheek. Then she lowered her voice. "I didn't mean to disappoint you. Maybe I can sneak out tonight? We had talked about Saturday, but since that doesn't work for you maybe tonight does?"

"Depends on when and where you want me to be," he said with a sly smile. "I can't be out late tonight. Need my beauty sleep and all that jazz, but I wouldn't mind a we're-free-from-school celebration."

He didn't know how much he wanted to hang out necessarily, but it might be good for him instead of sitting at home alone until his outing with Alan and the others. Orlando would have plenty of time to himself over Thanksgiving as well as the weekend.

Tait pulled out her own pencils and started to color, taking time to put extra details into her shading. "The mall sound good to you? Maybe at around eight or so? That'll give us a good hour together before it closes. I'd say earlier, but I don't think I can sneak out as easily."