Beauty

1

taken aback by her words and herself in general, he cleared his throat before speaking. it was weird. he hadn't said a word to anyone in what felt like ages.

he croaked an answer "yes, I'm fine."

he could see the way her eyes had a tint to them as if she were not feeling normal, as if something wasn't right.

"and you?" he felt rude but his mother had taught him it was always best to ask how someone was doing. the girl shrugged.

"i guess I'm alright. i've had better days. " she said.

he could see the story behind her eyes. he wished to know it. he wished to know her true beauty.

"what's your name?" the girl questioned him further. he considered creating a fake name. but she seemed okay. after all, surely he could intimidate such a small girl if need be.

"cameron"

the girl nodded and replied with her own name.

"grace "

her name was simple. cameron liked that.

and for some reason he felt that this name would be a very important name.

he pushed the thought aside knowing he would be leaving this place soon. for now, he told himself to not grow attached.

little did he know the girl was thinking the same.

she could see he would leave. he would be gone before she knew it. she could see it in the way he was distant to her. he seemed as if he were elsewhere.

being careful with her words, she began to speak again, "are you visiting Maine for long?" she allowed herself to wonder. she wanted to know how long he would be here. she wanted to know even though it didn't matter. all it did was let her know how little to learn of him.

"i'll be leaving in a month." he answered. she then knew that she wouldn't say another word to him. all but a goodbye and it would be cut off. she would come back to her spot later.

"well, nice meeting you. goodbye." she smiled at him. hating the feeling that he wouldn't return the favor.

and he didn't.

so she turned away and walked as quickly as she could.

she had left the boy in confusion. his heart wished to know who grace was. his mind told him no.

all he knew was he had to never get attached to her. to not speak to her would be better.

so both feel asleep that night with each other on their minds.

•••

longer chapter for this short story :)

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