Who's Story is it?

Chapter 3:

It was nearing the end of first term. The last week had arrived and the seasons were changing from summer to autumn. The blistering heat and still air turned to gentle warmth and a light breeze. Everyone was relaxed, calm, and looking forward to what the holidays might bring. As people mad plans, more and more was revealed about how everyone was feeling. It was in class were Ariana recognized Scott in a slightly concerning state. As he sat in his chair his entire body was slouched. His head down and his eyes fixed on his hands which at this moment were stained with his tears. Ariana's heart of gold would not allow her to stand idly by while such an innocent soul was going through such distress. She changed her spot and sat right next to Scott. She handed him a packet of tissues and asked, "What's wrong? I know you're upset so if you need someone to talk to..." Her face started to blush. She had just realised how most people would perceive what she was doing. Most people would see this as an attempt to build a deeper connection. Before she could thing of what to say, Scott took the tissues, wiped the tears away and replied, "Thank you. Please don't worry about me too much. It's nothing you need concern yourself with." Ariana was quite relieved by Scott's reply. It assured that he did not get the wrong idea while still clearing her conscience. "Well if you need to talk..." Ariana blushed once more and moved back to her normal seat. She did not need to say anything else.

It was morning tea break and like always, Neil, his best friend, and Scott were at the library. Neil was inside studying with Ariana while his best friend and Scott were outside. They sat on the lush green grass outside absorbing the gentle warmth from the sun. Scott started the conversation, "So I noticed you were late to second class today, what was that all about?"

"Yeah...don't worry about that too much. I was just...doing some research that took a little longer than expected." Scott had a half amused and half annoyed expression on his face, "You always say that you're doing research and yet you never tell us what exactly it is you're researching. Oh well, so what are you gonna do about the detention?" Neil's best friend looked puzzled, "Excuse me?"

"Well you have accumulated well over half an hour of lateness and so now you're supposed to have a detention correct?" Neil's best friend had a small chuckle at Scott's comment, "Please. Even if they gave me one they'd never remember whether I came or not. There's a reason why only my face is in the school data banks and not my name." Scott dropped his head in defeat almost like he wanted him to get a detention. Neil's best friend started the conversation back up again, "Just a suggestion Scott, you may want to go and wash your face. You have a few stains on your cheeks."

"Stains?"

"From your tears. I know you were crying earlier today in first class. Talk to me, what's wrong?" Scott was shocked that he could tell that he'd been crying. "Oh don't worry, it was nothing really."

"It was about her wasn't it? The one you ended it with over the holidays"

"How!? How did you know about that!?" Scott had never seen Neil's best friend over the holidays. "Never mind how I know. If you want to talk to someone about it, just know that you can always talk to me. I'm here for you. We should probably head back to class now however." Just as Scott was about to leave, Neil's best friend made one last comment "Ariana showed you real kindness this morning didn't she. A word of advice, if you wish to pursue someone, heal your heart from the previous one first"

Neil and his best friend arrived at their next class eager to have fun. Their teacher knew that teaching anything during the last week as pointless and so he allowed the students to have fun. The teacher randomly chose a movie and allowed anyone who did not wish to watch it roam the block into other classes. He chose a very old and cliché romance movie, the kind Ariana loved. Not many people wanted to watch it and so it was basically just Ariana and Neil watching the movie alone. Midway through the movie Neil tried the oldest move in the book. He let out a yawn and gently placed his arm around Ariana's delicate shoulders. Again Ariana's face was bright red and she let out a small giggle. She obviously knew it was just for fun and lifted Neil's hand with the back of long and slender fingers. She placed his hand in the space between them and placed her hand on top. She softly interlaced her fingers with Neil's. it was as if he was saying nice try, soon nut not yet big boy.

It was hearing another school day. As Neil was waving goodbye to Ariana as she left for home, his best friend snuck up behind him once again, "I need to tell you something before you leave." Neil initially jumped out of his skin. He quickly composed himself and turned to listen, "Keep an eye out for Scott, he may pose a threat. He certainly means no harm, I doubt that he is actually wanting Ariana per say. She was however the first person to show him a genuine kindness after his breakup thus far. It's that kindness that he truly desires and now it has been linked with Ariana in his mind."

"So what should I do?"

"I honestly think you should befriend him. Help hi, to open up and let go his pain. All he needs right now is a friend. That's all I wanted to say." And with that the two left for their respective homes.

The final day of term one had arrived and very few people actually attended. It was an unusually windy and cold day and very few people were expecting such weather. Neil and his best friend were in class early as always, "See Neil, did I not tell you that you should bring a jacket to school today?"

"Yeah but you bring a jacket to school every day so your suggestion to bring one is like a 50/50 chance whether I'll need it or not." As Ariana took her seat next to Neil it was quite clear that she was quite cold. She clutched her long slender arms to her body. Her fair and delicate skin was covered in goose bumps and her lightly pink and tight lips were quivering. As she sat down, Neil got out of his seat. He took of his jacket and slowly wrapped it around her. He gently held Ariana's arms, hovered his head above her shoulder and whispered, "Here, does this help?" Her fair cheeks turned bright red again. She whispered back yes and placed one of her silky smooth hands on top of Neil's. She closed her eyes and leaned into Neil ever so slightly. Her expression told Neil that she was a little more comfortable around him, it may take a while but if you remain patient you will be rewarded. Just give me time and I'll come around. Unknown to them was that Scott was passing through and happened to see this. Neil's best friend got out of his chair and walked behind Scott, "You see this and you wonder if you still have a chance don't you?" Scott was silent and simply nodded in response. "Well let me ask you, do you really want to have a chance?" Scott was no confused, "what do you mean do I still want a chance?"

"Seeing this is obviously causing you a little bit of pain but the nature of that pain...what is it? Are you thinking about losing Ariana to Neil? Are you thinking about it? Or is it something you just feel in your heart?" Scott knew that it wasn't in his heart and that he was thinking about it. He did not have to say so, Neil's best friend asked the questions knowing the answers. "Your heart is not ready to feel anything yet. It's still broken. Until you've healed it I don't think you should be thinking about this. I think you should take these holidays to do a bit of soul searching. You deserve someone who will love you and be everything you want them to be but right now you're not ready to find them." Scott knew he was right, "Remember I'm here for you. Just because it's about you doesn't mean you have to do it alone. If you need someone just call me and I'll help however I can." The rest of the day went by and thus first term had finally ended and the holidays had arrived.