Galaxies

Marium Blade Dubois

London.

The the day Marium Blade Dubois arrived was the day my life began.

It started at 8:13 AM on the forty first day of seventh grade. It was a Monday morning, just after a relaxed, warm weekend. Everyone was catching up with friends, talking about their experiences of the short break. With my lack of social skills, and friends, I was not partaking in this activity.

I was sitting at my desk in math class, minding my own business, when a god damned goddess walked into the room, along with our old hag of a principal. I didn't look up when she first walked in. I was working on an algebra worksheet.

Mrs. Hag, or whatever her name was, cleared her throat, and I glanced up for what was supposed to be a moment. Instead, it lasted quite a few moments. I was unsure why, but I felt an insane attraction to the new girl next to her.

She wasn't really... Beautiful. Just... Attractive. Her light brown shoulder length hair which fell in her face and freckled face complimented her tall, skinny frame. She had light brown eyes, like a caramel latte, and a crooked smile. She wore a Black Sabbath t shirt, with dark skinny jeans and brand-new blue high top converse.

Her attitude really stood out the most. She didn't look like a popular, but she could totally own the place. I was entirely awe struck.

"This is Marium Dubois. Who wants to show her around?" The old hag croaked.

No one raised their hand. Everyone was too cool to befriend a new kid. This is South Jersey. You can't just walk into a school and expect to have friends. And anyone would be damned if they raised their hand to help this new girl.

So I did what I had to do.

I raised my hand.

Everyone seemed shocked, even Madam Hag herself. London Abram? Trying to befriend the new kid? Even for me, it was an all time low. But I couldn't help it. There was something... Special about this girl.

So, Marium sat down next to me, and I gave her a shy smile, sticking out my hand.

"I'm London. London Abram. And... You're Marium, right?" I greeted as we shook hands. It sent a tingle through my arm.

"Nah, that ain't my name," she said with an almost New York accent, "Just call me Blade."

"Oh, um... Alright. Blade," I responded, "may I see your schedule?"

She handed me her schedule, and I looked over it.

"Okay. I think we have all the same classes. I'll show you to them."

So, we spent the rest of the day going from class to class together, getting acquainted. I didn't even eat alone at lunch. This girl was spectacular, and I loved her in a way one middle school girl loves her best friend. I couldn't claim her as my best friend, yet. What did best friends even do? Hell if I knew.

"So, uh... What are you doing tonight?" I asked Blade at lunch, trying to start a conversation.
"Dunno. Nothing, probably." She responded.
"Oh. Um... Wanna have a sleepover?"

Her eyes lit up.

"Hell yeah!"

I laughed, and we spent the rest of the day giddy for our plans. We nearly sprinted out of school, and to our houses.

When I got home, my mother was stoned, as usual. I asked if I could have a friend over, and even in her high state, she nearly jumped in shock.

"A friend?" She asked.
"Yes, mom. I made a friend today. May we have a sleepover."
"Uh... Sure. Just don't... Do anything stupid."

Blade arrived a half hour later. We ran up to my room, and eagerly started coming up with ideas for the night. I suggested movies and hair braiding, something typical girls may do. Blade had a different idea.

"Let's sneak out," she whispered excitedly.

Now, I had never snuck out in my life. I had read about it a million times, but I could never pull it off myself. Still, I agreed. I didn't want to disappoint my new friend.

We climbed through the back window, and my mother somehow didn't hear a thing. We sprinted into the night, towards the beach. Upon arrival, it was nearly empty, the nightlife sparse, as it was a school night, so every high schooler was at home, asleep or studying. I had heard of the parties on the weekend, and hadn't expected it to be this empty based on the different tales I had heard.

Blade led me away from the dull street lamps, and onto the dark beach. She grabbed my hand in the dark, causing me to slightly jump. Our fingers laced together, and it made me feel warm, even with the cool night air upon us.

We walked down the beach in silence, and after ten minutes Blade whispered,

"Damn. This really is quieter than the Big Apple."

I nodded, and Blade stopped. She turned to me, and leaned in so our faces were inches apart.

"Do you ever get afraid of the dark? Of the things that go bump in the night?" She asked.
"I... I guess."
"Then, let's run."

And so, she sprinted off, back to the streetlights. I chased after her, both of us giggling all the way home.

And that was only the beginning.