Begin Again

Chapter 26

Erik decided to eat lunch with us today. So now the three of us are sitting in me and Isabel's usual spot talking and eating together.

Well, more like arguing.

"Jungle Book is the best Disney movie of all time," Isabel claims.

"No, the best Disney movie of all time is by far Lilo and Stitch," I counter.

"Both of you are very wrong."

Did Erik really just call us two girls wrong?

Does he not know that we are always right?

I mean, we have different opinions right now, so by default I'm right. But still, he should at least know that one of us is right over him.

He dares to continue, "Fox and the Hound is the best Disney movie."

Typical boy, he likes the hunting movie. However, he does have a point, but I will not admit to being wrong. Not today.

"We are not wrong. I am not wrong. Lilo and Stitch trumps Fox and the Hound and Jungle Book by far. I mean how can you not like Stitch! He's cute and fluffy!"

"But the bear necessities!"

"Girls, girls. Are we forgettin' that the Fox and the Hound is a heart wrenchin' tale that brings two worlds together that weren't meant to be? The hound learned to love the fox and-"

"Alright, can it Shakespeare," Isabel snaps.

I can't help but laugh as Erik looks wounded.

She continues, ignoring his hurt looks. "If we are gonna bring up worlds joinin' together then Jungle Book is the prime example. Mowgli was raised by wolves! Mankind and animals were livin' side by side when they were supposed to fear each other! They became family!"

I chime in, "Ohana means family! And family means no one gets left behind!"

Everyone busts out laughing at that remark. We laugh until there's tears.

"Okay, you win this time," Erik concedes.

Isabel huffs and rolls her eyes. "You only picked her because you like her."
At that comment my cheeks burn red. Erik looks down at his food and rubs the back of his neck. His ears turn slightly pink.

We are literally saved by the bell. As soon as it rings we spring to our feet and busy ourselves with disposing of our lunches. Isabel laughs at us before getting up and doing the same.

"Are you gonna walk with me Erik?," she questions smugly.

He gives a sheepish smile. "Uh, no I'm gonna walk Trys to her next class. I'll see you in class."

"Okay. See ya later, Trys."

She walks off then, leaving us two alone. Erik picks my bag up for me and slings it over his shoulder then takes his bag and puts it on the other. Grabbing my hand, he heads in the direction of my economics class. With Isabel gone the awkwardness slowly begins to fade away.

"Just a heads up our practice will be cut short like Tuesday's was since I have practice after school today."

"Oh, ok. That's fine." It's a relief actually; the short sessions are a blessing. Less physical torture for me.

We stop outside my classroom. Erik drops my hand but picks up a strand of my hair and twirls it around his finger. It's in curls today. My breath catches at his closeness as his cologne invades my senses.

"You're so beautiful, Trystan," he says softly with a smile on his face.

I can feel the blush rising on my cheeks. "Thank you," I whisper.