Grey Eyes

VII

I've been here for two months now. Everyone is going on Winter break, well almost everyone. Father is on business so I have to stay here. I guess this shouldn't surprise me. My roommate gives me a big hug before leaving. She was the last to get on the bus.

Later that day, I go to the library to get a head start  on studying for midterms. So much to comprehend. Haven't seen Dante in almost 2 weeks. He better be working on the presentation. I sit down at a stool and crack open my Civics book.

Ding! That was the bell that sounded off it was 9 o'clock. I still have an hour. Instantly, I feel a hand clamp over my mouth. I muffle a scream.

"Shhh! No one is here, so screaming is pointless."

"Dante?" I recognized that voice anywhere. He removed him hand. All of a sudden, something inside hits me and I struck him across his face.

"What the hell?!"

"You scared me!"

"What? You thought someone will take you." He says between breaths, holding his face in one hand.

"Maybe." I felt silly.

"You're so juvenile."

"I'm sorry."

"I think I'm fine." He plops down on the floor. I sit beside him. Thunder roars from outside.

"So what were you reading?"

"Huh?"

"All last week."

"Oh, it was on truths. That blood is thicker than water."

"Oh."

"Yeah."

-silence

"Rickey, what do you want to believe in?"

"I want to believe in more than I do."

"Oh."

"Why are you so dull?"

"Excuse me?"

"You just seem so careless and bored with everyone. And to top with a cherry, you secretly laugh and won't tell."

He sighs. "What's wrong with that? What's wrong with letting people fear me without me doing anything? No one has ever asked, just assumed."

"You're secretive, like you have something to hide."

"Try me." A smirk appears on his face.

"How old are you?"

"17, soon to be 18."

"Parents?"

"Died of poisoning. Louis was a doctor and Mary was a nurse. Perfect fit."

"Why so mysterious?"

"Open books are boring."

"Your hobbies?"

"Reading, the arts of music and paintings and plays."

"Ok."

"No more? Or were you able to realize you were wrong about me?"

"None."

"I wish you'd realize you're not a dumb freshman. I wish you would act like the intelligent person you are."

"I amuse you."

"Yes, you are amusing, quiet, obedient to rules, but you challenge me, and have a good thought on everything."

"Thanks."

His leg grazes mine. He touches my hand. I pull away startled.

"You're so cold."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be."

I rise up to go to the board. I pick up the marker and mark my initials. I've always loved to do that. Dante comes behind me. His breaths, heavy against my neck. He grabs my hand and guides me to draw straight lines. I was cold before, but now I can feel everything closing in.

"Shaky?"

"A little."

He laughs. "You're not as cold."

"Oh."

"Can I try something?"

"Um."

He locks his fingers into mine. Still behind me, he kisses my ear, then my neck. I turn around. His brown eyes, dark. He pushes a strand of black hair behind my ear. I close my eyes.

"Rickey" He whispers.

I muffle a moan.

"Lets get you back to your room."

He walks me back in silence. He touches my face, hands soft. I lean into his kiss, kiss light and soft. The kiss breaks. He takes my hand and kisses the back gently. "Goodnight Madam Rickey."