Without You

18

I got suspended from school for a week.

They think their punishing me.

It couldn't be farther from that.

I haven't seen Azriel since last week. me and my Auntie have been hanging out lately, I know she's trying her best but to help me. and I know I'm not doing a very good job at letting her help me.

I take a deep breath as I walk into school, thankfully no one's whispering while staring at me as I make my way to my locker. I stuff my junk inside when my phone pings from a notification. grabbing my phone I see a text from Auntie.

Auntie: I know you're probably in school, but I was wondering if you wanted to hang out after school?

I stare at the message and then shut my phone off and head to my next class.

"Amore!" Azriel yells my name jogging up to me with a grin on his face. I raise an eyebrow at him and stop walking. "I got you something." He pulls a small box out of his hoodie and practically shoves it in my hands with a nervous expression on his face.

"Thanks." I mutter before opening the box.

A small pendant with the letter A on there it shines. I look up at him and he looks at me. "Well...do you like it?" I nod and smile wrapping my arms around his neck pulling him in for a hug. 

"Thank you," I whisper. "Really."

"Anytime."

We part ways and I walk into class noticing the teacher wasn't there I take a seat at the back of the class when a girl with green hair and glasses sits down next to me. 

"Hi, I'm Kiara, I'm new here." she looks around the class room like she's nervous before settling her gaze back on me. "What's your name?" I give her an uninterested look before turning away from her not interested in having a conversation. 

"Oh, are you shy? that's okay I am too." I look at her just as she fixes her glasses and leans next to me. "I like your shirt." she smiles at me and I give her a small smile that feels forced.

"Thanks." I take in her appearance. 

Green hair tied into a low bun with strands sticking out tan skin pink circular glasses and beige pants with a light blue T-shirt on that says 'I suck' 

"I umm, like your shirt?" 

She smiles widely. "Oh thank you! I made it myself. I like stitching." I nod before turning away.

Kiara seems oblivious to my dislike in the conversation. She adjusts her glasses again, "So, uh, do you like art? I mean, since you seem creative?"

I shrug, "I guess," I say, keeping it neutral.

Kiara beams. "I think it's really cool! I'm hoping to join the art club. You should come with me!"

I glance at her, skeptically. "I don't really do clubs."

Her expression falters for a moment, but then she leans closer, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "But it could be fun! And it might help distract you from... everything else."

I almost laugh at the irony. 

Does she even know?

 "Not really looking for distractions right now," I reply, my tone flat.

She nods, still hopeful. "That's okay! Just... if you change your mind, I'll be there. I'll be your first friend!"

I look away, feeling a pang of guilt for being so rude I don't really like hanging out with people but I don't want to hurt her feelings.