Meet... Little Miss Quiet

Chapter 3: Snow queen

The soft hiss of rain filled my ears, not a single sound tainted the peaceful pitter patter of the drops, I could feel the emptiness of the classroom, I smiled as I shoved a hand into a pocket, "Why did you want to come here?" I turned my head to Aidan who had been adjusting the piano chair.

As he sat the cushion deflated, "I felt like playing" Aidan has always had a strange character, he would  be an excitable perv when he was comfortable but a calm musician when he felt upset, since we were kids he would play the piano, i loved watching his fingers dance on the keys.

I helped myself to a chair nearby, "What are you playing?"

His index finger hovered over a key, "Lacrimosa..."
Aidan swayed as he caressed the keys, the beautiful tune flowing through my ears.
"I thought you quit"
"I did"
I huffed, crossing my arms and leaning against he cold wall. I closed my eyes and listened intently.
"Janice has become quite popular, lately"
"Nh, really?"
The music stopped. Opening my eyes I saw Aidan with his usual smile turn to me, "They call her...The snow queen"

I laughed, "suits her...speaking of her have I ever told you how awesome she is?" I adjusted my posture and crossed my arms, "she's funny, smart, cute, amazing, cute and brave!"

Aidan laughed, "you mentioned cute twice, it like you're a primary student with a huge crush on someone!"

"I can't help but tell how it is! Besides, she's just a friend...I haven't known her for long"
I started thinking about you Janice, I managed to stop the bullying without her knowing...those girls were really out of line!

#####

I stared at Janice from across the room, now that I think about it...Why did she become friends with me? Maybe a mystery I'll never know...
In a blaze of fire she faced me, sticking her tongue out for a second before continuing to work. Recently, Janice had been revealing a playful side to me. Yesterday, when I made fun of her she had this amazing comeback I couldn't reply to...Makes me think that she's like an onion, too many layers to peel away...I can't help but wonder what her centre is like...maybe she's like everyone else, happy always smiling, Surely, she has someone who's seen it, maybe even just a glimpse....
"Mr.Martin..."
"Class! It's seems I'll have to leave you alone for now...Danielle"
"Yes Sir"
The class model student sat in a chair upfront, watching with careless eyes. I didn't care about her...I just wanted to watch Janice, continuing to ponder when I'll see her final form...How long will it take-

"Ah! The Prince is staring at the snow queen!" - for me to uncover it? A guy from behind me noticed I was looking at her, it embarrassed me.
The class started laughing and gossiping like a bunch of children, my eyes darted around the room until once again I had my eyes on Janice. Her uniform collar was pulled around her mouth and her hand shielded herself from me... Of course she's creeped out...she dropped her collar and continued with her work, the corner of her mouth twitched when the same guy teased us even more...

Ren and Janice sitting in a tree,
K.I.S.S.I.N.G-

The door opened and the teacher walked into the room, he was upset, scared...Something happened, "Class, you will be sent home early, today..."

The class cheered, but somethings isn't right...And it seems that Janice is on the same page...

"A student from class 3 has...committed suicide... If you are experiencing any issues I must remind you to visit the school counsellor"

The classes jolly cheers disappeared as if they never existed...every face was painted with sadness.

How could this have happened? Negative thoughts crowded my brain, who? Why?

#####

As I began to walk home I was shocked, even with Aidan by my side I couldn't breathe or even speak.

My head remained down but everything racing in my mind came to a stop when a lump jumped onto my back to hitch a ride, I lost my balance and fell on top of it, "Hey!" I looked up to see I was in the lap of a girl I know, Janice, her face was like always....but it seemed different from usual, it was caring and soft. "Janice, what are you doing?"

" your sad. "
She came to comfort me...?
"Whatever, I'm fine!" I pulled myself up, brushing off the dirt, holding out a hand to pick her up.

Instead of accepting my hand she got to her feet herself, soon explaining her concern, " You take things to heart..."

I was so happy...but my moment of happiness was squashed like a bug by my son of a bitch Bestfriend. Aidan was teasing and making kissing sounds, whispering in my ear things like 'just kiss' or 'oh, Ren I love you!'

Janice just stared with a confused look on her face...despot her observation skills she's awfully dense...

Angrily I introduced Aidan, which made me forget about the school incident...They hit it off right away, it made me jealous seeing as she was more chatty and comfortable with him...Aidan suggested we hang out at a Starbucks to get to know each other...agreeing was the worst mistake of my life...

I watched as Aidan sipped on his latte, talking about his piano to Janice who drank her hot chocolate quietly.

I learned a lot of hints by listening in, like how Janice happens to play competitive violin and needs an accompanist, She tried to include me in the conversations but I wasn't compatible.

I needed to pee.

I rose to my feet and excused myself, heading for the bathroom. That pumpkin chai really did a number on me! I remembered how Aidan used to tease me for getting "a girl's" drink from Starbucks.
I sighed, leaving the bathroom. When I came out the door I saw Janice blushing with a smile I have never seen before, I have never made her smile...For 2 months not a single smile and this bastard gets one in a single day? I thought I was the womaniser!

I was burning with jealousy and rage, I darted to the table, retrieving my Pumpkin chai latte and my bag, storming out of Starbucks in a whirlwind of confusion...