Wings

I'll See You Tomorrow Then

I just stood there, my eyes scanning the page in front of me. I smiled as I reached one of my favorite parts in the book. I listened to the excited chatter of my peers. They were all so excited about the stupid announcement that had come over the intercom at the end of the day.

"Attention all students, as of today, classes for the next two days have been canceled due to bad weather conditions expected to come. When returning to school, all students are expected to wear appropriate clothing according to the weather."

I sighed and leaned my head back against the pillar in front of the school. I folded the corner of my page and tucked my book safely inside my backpack. I pulled my dark gray leather coat closer around my body and wandered towards the rosebushes that lined the front walk up to the school. I stared at the bright red petals that stood out against the dull background. I stared at the briliant colors of the flower. I was transfixed. A soft breeze shook the branches that the rose was connected to. Suddenly, a hand reached out and caressed the petals of the rose. I looked up and saw that it was Chris. His cheeks were a little flushed from the cold and his earlobes were bright pink. He was wearing a dark red winter coat that was zipped halfway up. He gave me a smile and I looked back down at the rose. Chris suddenly plucked the rose from the branch and I stared down at the flower in sadness. It had been plucked off the bush and would probably be left somewhere to die. I closed my eyes and lowered my head. I felt a something brush across my neck and my eyes opened, looking up at Chris. He pulled my black braid in front of my shoulder and he began to gently twist it into my hair. I watched in confusion as he finished and pushed the braid back behind my shoulder.

"There. The rose contrasts perfectly with your dark hair. It's perfect." Chris smiled and I blushed. I bowed my head in a 'thank you' and Chris laughed.

"So what are you going to do over the next two days?" Chris asked me. I glanced up at him. I reached into my bag and pulled out my book, showing him. Chris smiled.

"Same. Maybe tomorrow we can meet up at the library and find some books to read." He suggested with a big goofy grin. I stared at the boy beside me. Why was he so... Nice? Why couldn't he just act like the other kids and distance himself?

He'll end up getting bored with me anyways. Just wait it out and he'll probably never want to hang out. I thought.

I shrugged and Chris smiled even wider.

"I'll just take that as a yes." He replied with a laugh. I smiled a tight smile and nodded. I reached into the side pocket of my backpack and pulled out a small notebook and ink pen.

Meet me in the Fantasy Section in the Young Adults.
3:00
Don't be late or I'll leave.
Call me if you're going to be late.

I wrote down my phone number and tore the little piece of paper out of the notebook. I folded it in half and handed it to Chris just as I heard my sister lay on the horn of her car. I winced and turned. I hurried over to where my sister, Emily, was pulled up next to the curb and I glared at her bright-colored Volkswagen Bug. She was leaning over the passenger-side seat, grinning away at me.

"Hey Isabelle! Who's your new friend?" I flushed bright red as her voice carried across the sidewalk. I heard the other kids sniggering as I turned my head to look at Chris with huge, wide eyes. He was shaking with silent laughter. I turned back to look at Emily and she smiled. I reached the passenger side door and glared in at Emily.

"I'm only having a little bit of fun." She teased. I rolled my eyes and opened the door. I slid into the black leather seat and glanced over at Chris. I noticed with horror that he was walking toward Emily's car. I looked down at the floorboards as he neared. He reached the car and leaned into the window. Emily leaned forward and smiled at him.

"Hey there. I'm Chris. I just moved here from South Dakota." Chris said, offering Emily a smile. She smiled back in that dreamy way she did when she was 'starstruck'.

"Hi. I'm Emily Johnson. Isabelle's sister. So did my sister finally work her way up the ladder to hang out with you cool kids?" She asked in that dreamy voice. I winced as I heard what she was saying. I looked at Chris apologetically. He caught my eye, gave me a sly wink and he smiled crookedly.

"Nope. I've decided to not to live up to this stupid stereotype about blonde guys being popular. It's stupid. Stereotyping people because of the way they look." Chris replied. Emily looked super surprised. Her mouth was slightly ajar and her eyes were wide.

"I... Uh... You..." I almost laughed at her look of fear. Suddenly Chris laughed and he turned his face toward mine.

"I'll see you tomorrow then." He told me. I nodded and offered him a slight smile. I was proud of him for having confused my sister. That was a new thing. Usually guys swooned over my sister. I carefully picked up my braid and put it on my shoulder, looking down at the bright red rose that was intertwined in my hair. Something soft pressed against my right cheekbone and I froze as I reaized that Chris had put his hand on my cheek. I looked up at him with wide eyes.

"Bye Isabella. Keep the rose." He whispered before pulling out of the car window and pulling his hand away. As soon as his fingers left my skin, I felt my heart begin to beat rapidly. Chris waved as Emily pulled the car away from the curb. I kept my head turned, staring at the strange boy who made me feel so amazing.

After a few minutes of awkward silence, Emily finally spoke.

"Well do you like him?" She demanded. I turned my head sharply to look at my sister. My eyes narrowed as I shook my head like my answer was the most obvious thing in the whole world. She looked furious.

"What is wrong with you, Isabelle?! That super adorable, sweet guy is totally into you and you're too conceited and stupid to notice!" She was practically yelling at me now. I glared at her and then turned my face away.

Conceited? Stupid? Whatever. I thought in annoyance.