November Song

Chapter 3 - The meeting

The meeting

He didn't say anything to me the entire time. I held on to him for dear life fearing he would go back and do something to Samantha. He walked for a long time not breaking a sweat even though he carried me. I was afraid to speak. The Academy was very big. He brought me to a part of it I've never seen before. There was a small stream with a few rocks nearby for sitting. He sat down on a rock with my legs still around him. He didn't seem bothered by it, but I was. I tried to remove myself from him but he held on to me.

"A little longer."

I didn't know what to say so I sat in silence until he removed his arm from around me and I was able to stand up.

"I wasn't going to hit her."

"Ok."

I didn't know what else to say.

"Samantha knew that too."

I didn't say anything.

"We're childhood friends."

"Oh."

That explains it.

"What's your name?"

I didn't like the way he was staring at me. His stare was so intense.

"November."

"That's a nice name."

"Thank you."

"I'm Luke."

I was far away from people with a guy I didn't know.

"Are you afraid of me?"

"Huh?"

"Are you afraid of me?"

"I don't know you."

"You didn't answer the question."

"I don't know how to answer the question."

"I wasn't going to hit Samantha. I've never put my hands on a woman before."

"Ok."

"Do you want to tell me what happened that made Samantha trash our practice room."

"Why do you think she's the one who did it?"

A small smile appeared and then disappeared quickly.

"I've known her a lot longer than you. She did it. I just don't know why. I can't help her if I don't know exactly what happened."

I felt no apprehension at all being around Luke. I decided to trust my instincts and sit beside him.

"On Saturday while I was on my way to practice I had an altercation with the captain of your squad. He was very unkind and ended up pushing me. I fell. Samantha saw."

"I see. I'll apologize on behalf of Daniel. He can be a little rough sometimes. I guess that explains why she flipped out."

I looked at him waiting for an explanation. He didn't give one. We sat in silence listening to the quiet around us.

"Tell me about yourself," he said surprising me. I didn't expect that.