Breathing Water

CHAPTER 41

Glimmer and I talk awkwardly for the five minutes that we get to sit together at lunch. Not wanting to push Glimmer I turn my attention to Shelly when she arrives. We have our own conversation while facing each other. I smile a little more every time I catch her peeking at my lips. I can't blame her though because I keep looking at hers. During our conversation I finally remember and make a comment to Shelly about the fact that neither of us has the other's number. Shelly laughs in agreement and pulls out her phone. At some point in Shelly and I's trade of digits Glimmer leaves, but I don't notice until the bell rings awhile later.
I stand and leave the lunch room holding hands with Shelly. She walks with me for a little while and then says "Bye Pearl-cake. See you after school." Next she leans over and presses her lips against my cheek with a quick "Mwa."
I feel the heat in my cheeks as she walks away. "Bye Seashell." Suddenly I feel a slight emptiness in my heart. Shaking the feeling away I turn and walk to the english pod, receiving more glares and a few looks of admiration.
Confused I enter my english classroom. As I'm taking my seat someone says "Who do you think you are fag-"
He's cut off by someone I never thought would defend me. Someone I thought would join in with a statement like the one about to come out of his mouth. I turn in my spot as Macey says "Its none of your business who she thinks she is. Leave her alone. She's never done anything to you, so why would you want to try to hurt her."
He scoffs and says "Yeah, your one to talk."
"Exactly. I've come to the realization that she is a good person and does not deserve to be treated that way. She never did anything to me so I have no right to be rude about what makes her happy and neither does anyone else." I finally sit and gawk at them. Macey continues by saying "Oyster and I may never be friends because of what I've said to and about her, but one thing is for sure. I am done being that person, but I am still going to be tough and if anyone wants to mess with or be mean to Oyster they are going to have to go through at least me and most likely her girlfriend and her best friend. I have the feeling that that is not a good combination from someone as great as Oyster."
She looks at me and smiles just before the bell ring and Mrs. Trails shuts off the lights before starting the power point of notes. I turn my attention to the front of the room as I take out my supplies. Just then something softly hits the back of my head then falls to the ground with a slight crinkle. I turn back around and look down. I pick up the small piece of paper and read its contents.
Mason took the liberty of spreading the word about your kiss last night. I've been trying my best to talk people down from going completely crazy about you being a lesbian.
                                           - Macey
P.S. I am really sorry about what a jerk I've been to you for the past decade. I know I can probably never apologize enough for it, though.
I look up and meet Macey's eyes before mouthing the words 'Thank you' at her. She smiles and I return it before placing my attention back on Mrs. Trails and her statements on the use of diction in a sample paragraph.