Outside the lines

Part 17 - Rowan

Class started a few minutes ago so I'm late.

I sneak around the corridor and take a look at both sides, Zoey isn't at her locker so that means I could go to mine. I reach my locker and get out my things for class, I take a look at my schedule, I have Mr. Harrison's class first. I close my eyes and sigh, this cant be happening. Zoey wants me to give her a break, I cant show up and sit next to her. I put my things back and close my locker. I look behind me, hearing someone in the other corridor grunt loudly. I walk over and peep, its Zoey. 

Her eyes are closed, she limping from one side of the corridor to the other, her right hand placed firmly on the wall for balance. She must've gotten injured during one of her cheerleading practices. I move forward but quickly stop, I cant help her, she doesn't want to see me. I turn around and run until I reach the girls' bathroom. I lock myself in one of the stalls and sit down. Pressing my knees against my chest and wrapping my arms tightly around my legs, placing my chin over them. 

The bell rings eventually, first period is done. I sit up on the toilet seat, bringing my legs up so no one sees me. Another bell rings, the next class started. I sigh. 

I hear someone walk in, I look through the crack of the stall, its Zoey again. She's standing over the sinks, her arms on the counter, she seems tired. I move forward, trying to get a better look at her but my phone drops from my pocket and lands on the cold hard ground. Zoey quickly turns around, her eyes scanning the room. I reach down and grab my phone quickly. Zoey takes on last look in the mirror before walking out of the bathrooms. I take a deep breath, since I've been holding it ever since Zoey came in here. 

I sigh again and press my head against the walls and close my eyes. How am I ever going to fix all of this? Will Zoey ever talk to me again?

***

I reach the cafeteria and slam my lunchbox onto the table before sitting down next to Willow, she has a confused look on her face.

- Where have you been all morning? She says, putting her book down in front of her.

I shrug my shoulders and before I start eating my lunch. Willow looks annoyed. "Tell me what's going on". She looks serious.

I sigh and explain everything to her. I explain my massive crush on Zoey, I explain how I went over her house and kissed her and I explain how I cowardly ran away.

Willow raises an eyebrow. 

- Have you tried talking to her? Did you text her?

- I don't think she wants to talk to me.

Willow looks down, it seems like she's searching for something to say.

- One of Zoey's friend is throwing some kind of Halloween party tonight. The whole school will be there. Maybe you could talk to Zoey then.

- I don't think she wants to talk to me.

- At least try.

I cross my arms. I would like to talk to Zoey but i could never show my face to one of those parties her friend group throws. I'm not even sure anyone would be ok with me being there.

- Well I'm going, you should come with me. Even if Zoey doesn't want to talk to you at least you'll still be able to be with me.

- Why on earth would you want to go to one of those in the first place?

- Some other people I know are going, I'm going to meet them there and maybe leave afterwards.

I look down at the graffitied cafeteria table.

Its worth a try.