Ale and Julian arrive at her house, where they dive into the afternoon's studies.
As they settle down with their books, Julian glances over, looking curious. "Do you guys do these tutoring sessions together often?" he asks.
Ale shrugs. "Yeah, whenever we feel like it."
Morgan jumps in, grinning. "We made an agreement. Ale's gonna help me with chemistry since I suck at it, but I still want to become a doctor."
Ale laughs. "And Morgan's company keeps me accountable and actually focused on studying. Otherwise, I'd probably get distracted every five minutes."
"I see." Julian chuckles.
Soon, the quiet focus turns into playful conversation, and their books give way to a quick video game, laughter filling the room. They barely notice Ale's mother passing by until she pauses, her eyes settling on Julian. She makes a sharp comment, cutting into the atmosphere.
Julian goes quiet, his expression shifting as he sinks back.
As the noise from the hallway fades, Ale notices the look on his face-a mix of frustration and hurt, barely being held together. She feels a pull to do something, to take away that sadness. Without thinking twice, she reaches out, covering his hand with hers.Julian looks at her, a bit uncertain, but her gaze is steady and warm.
Ale closes her eyes, willing his pain to drift away. She senses the tension ease from his hand, his shoulders dropping slightly as the memory lifts.
But in that instant, a part of her own day slips from her mind-a brief flash of laughter, the feel of joy from just moments ago, now gone. She opens her eyes, a soft emptiness in its place.
___________________________________________
The next day started off smoothly, until a teacher decided to pick a fight.
"People like you love the idea of success but can't handle the work. Stop pretending you'll get anywhere with half-efforts and excuses.
Don't expect talent alone to carry you-because so far, it hasn't." She continues "Face it, Julian-you're just dragging down everyone around you." the teacher said loudly, making sure the entire class heard.
Right then, Julian found a neatly folded note slip tucked under his desk. He opened it to read:
"To Julian,
You look good in yellow."
During break, Ethan, Morgan, and Ale gathered around Julian's bench, their curiosity piqued.
Oliver furrowed his brow and asked, "'You look good in yellow'... what could it mean?"
Ale: That he looks good in yellow?
Julian snorted XD
YOU ARE READING
MOMENTS
General FictionAle has an unique power to erase and thus manipulate other's memories. But everything comes with a price. Julian is a boy trying to start fresh at a new school. He strives to be better, more comfortable in his own skin.
