When Summer Becomes Winter

Chapter 8: Workshop Nerves

Summer 11

I sat on a bench near the school, inhaling deeply, trying to calm my nerves. The workshop project was today, and though it was more for practice purposes and it wasn't a huge grade, I felt obligated to do well, which was taking a toll on my health. I was feeling nauseous with each passing day, and today I felt the worst I had ever felt in a long time.

I saw someone sitting next to me out of the corner of my eye and blushed when I saw who it was. Leonel's cheeks were also tinted a pink color as he looked at me in slight concern. I hadn't really talked to him since his party. I was actually still a little uncomfortable considering I regretted giving him his birthday present.

"Y-you look kinda pale, Clara. Are you okay?" He asked as I nodded. I should probably stop avoiding him; he's my best friend and he's concerned about me! Plus, he didn't do anything wrong! I did!

"Yeah, I'm fine." I replied, my heart began racing and I started shaking. "I think I'm just-..."

"Clara!" I looked up at my cousin racing towards me with worry on her face, Orland trailing behind her with a look of slight horror on his face as I noticed his hair moving from a non-existent wind.

"You look awful, Clara! I could see it from afar! Are you feeling alright?" She asked in concern, placing her hand on my forehead before looking over at Orland's terrified expression.

"See? Even Orland's concerned about you too." Leann said as Orland's face turned a slight pink color.

"Uh...ah, bap, buh." Orland began, unable to get any words out.

"Eh, it looks and sounds more like he's seen a ghost." Leonel said as Orland blushed deeper, his horror-stricken expression deepened and he started shaking as if he did see a ghost.

"He can get that way when he's worried. Or he'll do some kind of panicky dance and then start running around in a circle. It depends." Leann said as mine and Leonel's eyes widened at the news of how Orland showed his worry before Leann turned her attention back towards me.

"Anyway, do you need one of us to walk you home, Clara?" Leann asked as I shook my head.

"No, I'm fine! I'm just nervous about the project we have to do today." I said.

"Ah..." Orland said, or tried saying, still horror-stricken as Leann smiled at me.

"You do know that it's not a huge grade, right?" She asked as I sighed.

"Yeah, I know. I guess I just want to do well." I said, looking down as I felt Leonel embrace me.

"You'll do great!" He exclaimed.

"And it's all about practice for this workshop!" Leann exclaimed.

"Uh-huh." Orland finished off as Leann furrowed her brows at him.

"Orly? I think Clara's okay now. You don't have to be so worried." Leann said as Orland gave her a look of embarrassment.

"Orly?" Leonel asked, slightly snickering as Orland crossed his arms.

"Leo-loo." He retorted back as Leonel's face brightened a red color.

"Leo-loo? That's adorable!" Leann exclaimed as I furrowed my brows at Orland.

"Where did you hear that?" I asked Orland as he scoffed.

"He overheard it from Cammy on the ship ride to my birthday." Leonel said, sighing deeply.

"Wow. I haven't heard Cammy call you that in ages." I said as Leonel's face flushed deeper. The school bell rang as the twins and Roy and Cammy hurried out of the building. Leonel stood up, offering me his hands as I took them, allowing for him to help me from my seat.

The four of us ventured into the classroom where Ms. Mana was gathering up her supplies to take home. Mr. Barrett walked into the classroom as the two teachers said have a great day to each other while passing by.

-

Mr. Barrett led us into the workshop room from the classroom as I began shaking. I felt someone squeeze my hand as I looked over at Leonel, giving me a reassuring smile. He's right, I shouldn't be so nervous!

Four tables with a small log and tools on each table caused my heart to pound.

"Remember, this project isn't a grade. You're just getting participation points and practice! You can make whatever you want; be it a stool, birdhouse, jewelry box, or even just a wood carving statue." Mr. Barrett announced to us as a reminder.

Right, not a grade! It doesn't have to be perfect! I don't have to compare myself to Leann.

I studied the log for a second, remembering that mom wanted some more picture frames to commission more family portraits from artists! I nodded to myself. I'll make some for her!

I split the log in half and began sanding. My stomach started churning. I inhaled deeply.

Don't be nervous! It's not a grade!

I felt my heart racing as I dropped my sandpaper, holding my mouth with my hands. I stumbled my way towards the nearest trash can in a hurry, making the grossest hurling noise as I upchucked this morning's breakfast.

I felt my face heat up as I noticed everyone was looking at me in worry. Leonel was the first to rush towards me.

"It-it's not that big of a deal, Clara!" He exclaimed, trying to comfort me as I felt myself become angry. How does he not know? He's my best friend, and he really doesn't know?!?

"Not that big of a deal?" I snapped as he was taken aback.

"It's a huge deal for me! I hate being compared to-!" I stopped when I realized everyone was staring at us.

"What is the meaning of this?" Mr. Barrett demanded as I began to cry. Why was I crying? Leonel was still taken aback at my snapping.

"Eeg, gah, goff, bah." Orland began while shivering as Mr. Barrett looked at him with a blank look.

"Uh, are you having a stroke?" He asked Orland in worry as Leann sighed.

"No, he's just panicking. However, I know Clara is nervous about this project." She said as Mr. Barrett furrowed his brows.

"Uh, but I'm not even going to judge nor grade this project. And are you sure Orland doesn't need to go to the clinic?" He asked as we all looked at Orland holding the reddest face with his horror-struck look.

"Oh! M-maybe he should! I've never seen him this red while panicking!" Leann exclaimed in worry as Mr. Barrett sighed.

"I guess class is dismissed early today, then. We'll try again on Monday." Mr. Barrett announced while lifting Orland up and carrying him out of the workshop, Leann trailing closely next to him. They left the academy as I started to sniffle.

"I'm sorry..." I said quietly to Leonel while shaking from my sobs.

"Ah! No! No, it-it's okay. I know how you feel. I probably shouldn't have said anything like that. I know you're always comparing yourself to Leann, but...you shouldn't!" He said, as his cheeks turned pink.

"Y-you're just as special as Leann, if not more! E-especially to me." He said as I sighed, giving him a small smile.

"Thanks, Leo." I said, embracing him as he embraced me back. We broke our embrace as he looked at me with pink cheeks.

"S-so..." He began, tapping his fingers on the sides of his thighs. "Since class was dismissed early...do you wanna...y-you know? Hang out?" He asked as I smiled, nodding my head.

"Yeah! We haven't done that in a while! Where do you wanna hang out at? The park? The pier next to the blacksmith's? Somewhere else?" I asked as he chuckled.

"The park sounds nice!" He exclaimed as we left the academy hand in hand, laughing like we used to when we were little. When we didn't have a worry nor care in the world! What I wouldn't give to go back to those days!