Entwined

Chapter 19: Fleeting

The weekend passed without a hitch. Though I mostly stayed home, and sometimes taking an occasional stroll to the living room, kitchen, and balcony, awaiting Abygail's knocks on my door. I waited but she didn't come. She instead called me and we ended up talking for hours. It's not something she usually do, she's the type of person that barely uses her phone for anything, just keeping it close in case of emergencies. Not because she doesn't know how to use it, she just liked to stay connected with friends through face-to-face talks and outings. But I'm not complaining—I can't deny it—I'm enjoying the time I'm spending with her.

Soon enough, Monday came. Due to my now healthy sleeping schedule, I was able to wake up early and finally fulfill my self-imposed promise to walk with her to school. It went just as lovely as I had in mind, maybe even better. Greeting each other and walking side by side. I wouldn't change it for the world. It's something about taking these early walks together... something about seeing each other first before going through the hassle of our school lives. I find it oddly... refreshing and energizing. If we do this every morning, then I can confidently say, I am ready for anything the world throws at me.

Cheesy.

"What're you smirking about?" Abygail asked, her eyes looking at me weirdly, judging my odd behavior. I quickly wiped the smirk of my face and stoically stared ahead. "No no no. Bring it back and answer me, you goof," she demanded, sandwiching my cheeks with her cold morning palms.

"Ish noshing," my voice slurred caused by her palms pressing on my cheeks with both hands.

"You look ridiculous, you'd make a good clown, Easton."

"What if I'm already one of them?"

"Nope, squish your nose right now and I'm slapping you."

I was about to do that.

At least, she didn't forget her usual way of speaking. I missed the banter and all the fun things we talk about. Her unreserved way of speaking. I've always found it fun, and her brutally honest remarks towards me shaped me to be a be a little more confident. It doesn't make sense, but that's the effect it had on me. Even though she does that all the time, it didn't bother me. Maybe because it's her, maybe... just maybe.

"Here you go again," she said as she plants her hands on her hips.

"I'm thinking about our outing next time. It just felt sudden when you suggested it, I thought it'd take a while for you to go out anywhere considering what happened," I explained as her expression turns into a serious one.

"I know," she said, her face one with resolve, "that's why I asked you to come with me. It'll be fun with you, and you know, I can't just hide forever."

"We'll be fine. I can also pick you up like... last time," my voice laced with regret uttering the last words.

"Let's do something different this time, we'll meet at the park in the city," she suggested, her tone cheery and happy. Changing the mood instantaneously, dispersing the gloomy air around us. "And also, don't be late!" she added.

I nodded as she passed through the gate, running inside first while I slowly approach the school building. I already spot Dom inside the room, doing her make-up like always. She's always on peak appearance all the time, her reputation known throughout the school. The high school crush, and the endless stream of talks circling around her. Guys turn to look at her when we walk together, and don't get me started on her suitors. I can only imagine the number of guys she'd turned down these past 3 years. There was even one time where a guy personally approached her while both Nazz and I were present. She turned him down gently, something that surprised even Nazz. We expected her to shoot him down harsh leaving him in shambles. And we realized, she's not as heartless as we think she is.