Breathing Water

CHAPTER 39

When I got home I immediately ran to my room, finished my homework, and climbed into bed. After a few hours of sleep I woke up with my alarm and got ready. I gather all of my things and run out the door. Mom and I haven't spoken since I told her about who I really am. I pick Glimmer up and we hurry off to school.
"How are you this morning?" She starts the conversation cheerfully.
I actually think about how I am breathing and respond "Pretty good. I think I'm at about a one or two. What about you?"
"I'm good too. About the same as you actually." We both take a moment to think before Glimmer adds "I don't think we have felt this good in a long time, probably before we can remember."
I consider this and ask "What do you think is helping us?"
Glimmer swallows kind of hard and answers unsure "Probably that we are being so honest about who we are and what we are doing."
I look at her quizzically out of the corner of my eye while turning into the school parking lot. "Why do you look like we're about to crash? What is bothering you?"
She looks out the windows nervously and says "I can't tell you."
I pull into a parking spot and before I can lock the doors and make her tell me she pushes the door open and climbs out. I get out too and look at her confused when suddenly arms are wrapped around my waist pinning one of my arms to my side. With my free hand I close my car door and turn to look at my attacker. Shelly smiles at me and lets go. She takes my hand as she says "Good morning." She is very cheerful, which makes me smile and become very happy. As we enter the school I notice a few glances and glares around the hall. When are at the intersection of hall ways Shelly starts to pull away and says "I'm off to class this way. See you at lunch." She kisses the tips of her fingers and turns her palm up. As she blows the kiss to me she adds "I'm saving up my cheek kiss for later. Bye Pearl-cake."
I wave and say "Bye Seashell." I turn and walk to my locker. All the way to my first class people look at me and whisper to their friends. I don't know if they are talking about me or not but it sure seems like it. When I walk into my history classroom and get a few disgusted glares. Some faces are kind though.
Mr. Ruble looks up from the papers on his desk and says "Miss Estuary I have reviewed the reasons for your request to change seats and have decided to oblige. You will now be sitting next to Miss Sole."
I look to around the room and see the smiling face of Kristen. I smile back at her and take my new seat. Kristen leans over to me and asks "What did you do to make Mason so disgusted?"
The bell rings as I look over to see Mason scowling at me and lean towards Kristen. I quickly whisper "Tell you after class." I smile and turn my attention to Mr. Ruble who is starting another lecture.