Kathy With A K's Song

2 | Messenger Bird's Song

"And I know all about those things we cannot speak" - Messenger Bird's Song

-

I limped into school the next day with bags under my eyes. If I had to describe last night in one word, it would be hell. I fell asleep at the ungodly hour of 3 after finally finishing the ten page report and presentation, and woke up at 7.

I also didn't get the chance to dress or ice my wounds which why they were on fire at the moment. I had just enough time to put concealer on my cheek so Sophia wouldn't see the bruise when I handed her the project; she would ask too many questions if she saw it.

I timidly walked over, finding her at her locker. Chris wasn't there, just a few of her friends. I pulled my sleeves over my hands so I wouldn't touch the paper or the flash drive as I pulled them out.

I gulped heavily, looking down. "H-hey Sophia." I softly called out. I saw her turn around and go still.

"Avery-"

"It's done. Here's the essay and presentation." I said, gently giving her the two items. I immediately turned turned to leave for class as soon the items were secure in her hand, but then there was a soft hand on my arm. It sent a shock through me and made a blush rise to my face.

I stood frozen in place, waiting for her to move it, but she didn't.

"Avery, let me see your face." Sophia spoke, her voice laced with authority. I didn't move for a while, but I didn't want to make her upset so I slowly turned around, my head still down.

"Why don't you ever look up at me?" She asked, in a tone that was a mix of offended and confused.

I just shrugged in response, not being able to offer her much else. I can't talk to her; I don't have a death wish. I'm already on the verge of fainting and it isn't because of how close I am to Sophia right now. A gentle tap from Chris is all it would take to make me collapse to ground right now.

"Look at me." She commanded in a tone that was hard to ignore and I panicked.

For the first time in my life, I wish that Chris was here. Of course the one time I need him to come and cause mayhem, he's nowhere in sight. And given my luck, he's probably going to hear about this little encounter later and beat me for it then.

"I'm waiting, Avery." Sophia said, slightly impatient.

With no way out of it, I sighed before bringing my head up to meet her eyes. My breath caught as I stared into her hazel eyes. Her hair was down today and I had to resist the urge run hands through the long strands. It's been at least three months since I've had the chance to look at her face, so of course it was breathtaking.

A light gasp snapped me out of my daydream and I forced myself to return back to Earth from Sophia Land. Sophia didn't actually say anything for awhile and then her face grew concerned.

"I'm taking you to the nurse." She said before grabbing my arm and trying to pull me, sending a jolt through my body. This is what really snapped me back into my senses.

I dug my heel into the ground, stopping our movement.

"Why? I'm fine." I asked her quietly, yanking my arm away.

She crossed her arms over her chest and gave me the same look that Zach gave me.

"One, your concealer doesn't match your skin tone. It's obvious you're trying to hide something. Two, you missed a spot. Three, you're limping. You know I'm not completely stupid." She concluded.

I wanted to tell her that I didn't think that she was stupid at all, but of course I had taken off my then. I ran into the crowd, ignoring the screams of pain from my ribs to stop. I finally found the bathroom, which was thankfully empty, and ran into a stall. I sat there for 30 seconds before my panic finally caught up to me and I started sobbing.