The rest of the day passed by slowly, and the weeks too. I kept hearing students talking about her and insulting her. I felt like the only one seeing her real face, like I saw her in her rightest way, and it was frustrating.
We were in history class, and I wasn't listening, and also arrived late, like always. I didn't even hear the teacher talking about group projects until I heard my name coming out of his mouth before he said hers. Her name after mine. We were partners for a goddamn project. Meaning that we had to talk, to spend time together. Meaning that I was going to be closer to her.
I turned red without even knowing why. I mean... it's just some project with a classmate. Nothing more, nothing less. So why was I so flustered because of it ?!
I was completely lost in my thoughts, who were a mess, and didn't notice everyone changing places to go next to their project partner. I only came back to reality when I felt someone presence next to me. I looked at the usual empty seat, just to see her. She was staring at me with her usual awkward (but cute) smile as she moved her hand in front of my face, maybe to make me stop spacing out. I smiled at her, too, indicating that I was conscious about her presence here. I could feel the heat going back to my face as she smiled even more. I didn't understand why that smile was making me so flustered, but it did. Gosh, that was embarrassing.
She suddenly started talking, making me jump a little. I didn't expect her to talk to me so quickly.
"I know you heard the rumours, and I understand if you want to be done quickly with this project... and you maybe don't want me to go to your hou-
- I don't think that." I didn't think before speaking. She looked at me with wide eyes, like I was crazy, or maybe expecting me to react like the others. We stared at each other for a moment before I started talking again.
"I don't believe the rumours.
-Really ?
-Really.
-Why ?"I closed my mouth and opened it before closing it again.
I didn't know why I didn't believe those stories, I just didn't.
"I don't know.
-Okay" I looked at her, expecting her to say something more, but she didn't.
"I just... didn't believe them when I heard them. I mean... Why would you do such a thing to pass your classes ? You always listen during class and take notes while you answer the questions, like, 99% of the time. And I heard that you passed the last exam with an A... so if you tell me that the rumours are true, it'd take a while to make me believe you."
I stopped talking and looked back at her. She wasn't saying anything. She was just staring at me with a surprised look, and a small smile appeared on her lips.
"So... do you want to go to the library after class to talk about the project ?, I asked softly.
-Okay..."
It was our last class, and it was a free hour, so we went to the library immediately after history. We stayed there a while longer than necessary, not noticing the time going by as we talked and talked. It was comfortable being around her, like, really comfortable. Like I've known her all my life.
We noticed what time it was when the lady keeping the library was packing her things. We did the same and left the school 10 minutes later. It was dark outside, and the streets were silent, except for our breathing.
I was about to walk to my house before I turned around and looked at her, who was starting to do the same.
"Do you want me to accompany you to your house ?
-What did you say ?, she asked me as she turned around to look at me.
- I asked you if you wanted me to accompany you... it's dark, and I wouldn't want something to happen to you..
-I'm fine.
-You sure ?
-Yeah
-100% sure ?
-I'm going to be fine, I promise you.
-Okay...
-Oh.. by the way.. here's my number for the project.., she said as she gave me a paper.
-Oh..uhm.. thank you, Naya..
-No problem... so I'll see you this Sunday to start the project ?
-Okay...
-Goodnight, Als
-Goodnight..." I stared at her as she left, my cheeks turning red. No one had ever called me that before her. I like that nickname.
