Smoke After A Flame

Part Two

The following day was about the same. Alyssa barely talked to Nathan both in and out of class unless it was necessary. They used to talk all the time, but it slowly dissipated. Now, it's rare a few sentences are exchanged.

Nathan decided to sit with his friends that day at lunch. Why, be didn't know, but Nathan was getting a little irritated by the way Jake and Alyssa acted all the time. It wasn't PDA; Nathan is okay with that. But when Alyssa is showing public displays of affection to someone else, it rubbed him the wrong way.

"No, I honestly don't care." Nathan's friend Jeremy Falson said in a loud voice to his friend group. "She's a bitch anyways. Tanya cheated on me; I couldn't care less anymore."

Nathan couldn't help but smirk. All last night when Nathan and Jeremy hung out, all Jeremy did was complain and cry about his ex-girlfriend Tanya Jackson. He knew Jeremy cared, but Nathan kept it to himself.

After it seemed like hours of Jeremy talking loudly to the table, the lunch bell rang, signaling the students and faculty that they had ten minutes before class began.

Nathan began his silent walk across campus. His anxiety was terrible today.

There are a few things people don't know about Nathan; he's not an open book. Nathan is an optimist who enjoys helping others because he can't help himself. Helping others makes him happy when they are, but if others are sad and Nathan can't help, he's sad or depressed with them. A looping system, of sorts.

Nathan is deep into depression. He has been for years. Nathan is quiet about it, though; refusing to bother others with his "predicament." So he never talked about it and allowed himself to slowly die inside.

The rest of the day flew by. Before Nathan knew it, he was at his desk with papers out in front of him, filled with messy writing. In a few short hours, Nathan completed his homework.

Bzzz

Nathan's phone sounded, startling him.

Alyssa: I heard the project is about WW2
Still wanna work together?
Nathan: And carry your lazy ass? Sure
A: oh ha ha, I work hard when I want.
N: if you say so ;)

Alyssa and Nathan's slightly flirtatious conversation continued into the early hours of the day.

Nathan stifled a yawn. He would sleep once Alyssa decided to go; he cherished their conversation too much to end it.

N: three AM and you still want to talk to me? That must be a record.
A: I rarely get sleep anyways so...
N: ah, so I'm keeping you entertained, eh? Well I'm enjoying it.
A: Maaayybeee
N: Shouldn't you be trying to sleep at least? Gotta get that sleep for beauty and all
A: sleep won't fix this ugly mess
N: I call bullshit. You're beautiful.
A: ...no
N: Alyssa, believe me. You are very beautiful. Don't beat yourself up over something so trivial like looks.
A: you really think I'm beautiful?
N: Always.
A: Awww. Yeah, I think I'm going to go try to sleep now.
N: Aww, ok. Sleep well
A: Goodnight Nathan
N: Night, beautiful ;)

Nathan couldn't help but smile. Even though Alyssa has been in a relationship for all of high school, Nathan felt like he actually had a chance for the first time.

Nathan couldn't sleep that night. His mind was swarming with thoughts.
What'd he say if he ever confessed his love to Alyssa, how she'd react, what would happen to Jake. All night, Nathan thought of this, until his thoughts were interrupted by his alarm clock, bringing him back into reality.

Quickly, Nathan got ready for school. He didn't want to see his mom, so he rushed out the front door and climbed into his car. It was an old, 2001 Bentley. It took years for Nathan to save up enough money to buy it. He was ecstatic when he finally did.

Nathan started the car and pulled away. Ten short minutes later, Nathan pulled into his parking spot in front of the school. Almost immediately, Alyssa walked in front of his car, heading onto campus. Nathan stumbled out of his car and called out her name.

At the sound of her name, Alyssa turned and waved. She faced him and stopped walking; waiting. Nathan grabbed his bag and lightly jogged over. "Hey beautiful." Nathan said with a wink. Alyssa let out a small giggle and shook her head.

Around Alyssa, Nathan wasn't himself, but in a good way. He was nervous and scared, but also extremely confident and safe with her at the same time. It was an odd combination, but Nathan was okay with it; it was enjoyable.

Nathan watched Alyssa as she tried covering the blush on her cheeks with no success as they walked. He couldn't help but smile. The way her auburn curls gently framed her delicate face as they flowed down her shoulders;

By the time they arrived in front of the theater with most of Alyssa's friends, the blush had disappeared. The friend group chatted amongst one another until the bell rang, signaling the beginning of this interesting day.