❝ Why do I feel like I'm just a chapter in your book while you're my entire story? ❞
❝ Well, you're obviously wrong, because you're my entire novel, cover to cover. ❞
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A blank canvas. That's how my life was. Until she took my hand...
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I threw in the last of the pillows before pulling open the curtains and extending an arm to the girl standing below. She smiled gracefully and climbed up the rungs of the ladder to my bed. Once inside, I woke the laptop from sleep mode while she made herself comfortable. We didn’t close the screens, as that would be a foolish thing to do.
“Tenki no Ko, is it?” I asked her once again. She nodded.
“Yeah! I’ve been wanting to watch it all summer, and I personally think it would be cool to watch when it’s actually raining outside!”
I smiled in agreement and started the movie. A small smile graced my lips when she squealed. After adjusting the volume, I leaned back and relaxed.
Serena readjusted herself so that she was using my arm as a pillow. Her hair tickled me each time she jumped in excitement or anticipation. Oh, boy, did I wish I could run a hand through it!
The monologue of who I assumed to be the protagonist, Hodaka, started. Throughout, we took no breaks apart from occasionally pausing to stretch a bit to avoid stiffness.
The skies cried outside, often roaring with such might that I could faintly hear the warden shouting at any students attempting to go out in the rain.
A few minutes in, Serena accidentally toppled over the curtains while stretching her arms. We were enveloped in darkness, save for the screen’s faint light. After sharing a small laugh, we continued the movie. Who said we couldn’t get cozy when the weather’s chill?
Serena’s warmth was keeping me sane and driving me crazy at the same time. I realized, with growing excitement, that she felt the same way. Since then, the movie got more interesting, and we nuzzled closer. The point where the female lead was whisked away to the skies had me nervous, partly because of Serena’s question.
“What if I’m a sunshine girl too, and am taken away like Hina?”
“Huh? I mean, you are a sunshine girl, sure, but I won’t let you go. Not again. Never again.”
Serena chuckled softly and let the answer hang in the air with no further response. I was briefly terrified that I had disappointed her with my short answer, but she didn’t scoot away from me, and that was all the reassurance I needed that she wasn’t upset with me.
Both of us wore identical sad smiles as the movie ended and the screens were pulled open. It had been a wonderful evening, and seeing it end left me at my wit’s end. So, I asked her to join me for dinner and maybe finish the English assignment together.
Our evening went well. We piled up a meal of corn soup, carrot porridge, fried eggs, and hot cocoa. The only difference was the bread; Serena preferred regular slices of a loaf, while I liked toast.
We discussed metaphors and possible similes for our poetry as we ate. I even caught Dawn’s eye once and gave her a smile, hoping to convey that everything went well. The bluenette wore a happy smile as she spread the word to the rest of the group. However, I couldn’t look at them long enough to figure out what Gary was saying to Misty.
Lisia and Calem had asked to join us, and Serena happily agreed. The teal-haired girl was thrilled to have escaped the downpour after submitting her assignments, thanks to Calem giving her a ride.
“I’m having an urgent shoot in Hoenn, so I had to finish them quickly!” she exclaimed, tasting her soup.
“Yeah! I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s the story of a young dancer who gives one of her fans a chance to shine. The fan goes through a lot of—”
“Erm, Lisia,” Calem interrupted. “Don’t you think you’ll get in trouble for spoiling us?”
Lisia looked like a fish out of water. “Darn. Thanks for the save, Calem! You’re simply the best!” The boy nodded, color tinting his cheeks as he kissed Lisia’s cheek. I felt something hard hit my side. But I wasn’t even jealous—!
“Ouch!” I exclaimed, giving Serena a glare. “What was that for—?”
“What? I suppose it was an ant.”
“Eh?”
Serena smiled sweetly, but I saw a hint of “shut it” hidden beneath the gesture. I sweatdropped. Just what was going on?
As if she’d read my mind, she leaned closer and cupped her hand around my ear. I felt goosebumps when her lips brushed against my earlobe. “Look at them! They aren’t even a couple, but he’s being so sweet to her!”
I raised an eyebrow as she straightened. Quickly, I mirrored her action, tucking a lock of her golden hair behind her ear before whispering to her, “What do you mean? Are we a couple?”
The look of indignation that crossed her face, then quickly changed to one of sorrow, told me I’d messed up big time. No, no, I can’t lose her again—
“Wait, I was just joking!” I said as she got to her feet. Serena shook her head dismissively.
“I’ve got some homework to catch up on. I’ll see you guys later!” she said, putting on a fake cheer. I just know it’s a facade. Guilt seeped into my gut as she left.
Lisia and Calem exchanged awkward glances as I stood up too. “Yeah, I’ve got to help her! I mean, I’ve gotta ask her for help!” With a lame excuse, I left the puzzled pair to themselves and followed in hot pursuit of Serena.
The thought of my friends reprimanding me for what I’d just done sent a shudder through me. Even worse was the pain that overtook my chest at the mere thought of losing her again. No, I couldn’t. I can’t.
