Galaxies

Why

London.

I didn't see Blade at school the next day. I wasn't surprised. She was probably too high to move. The sober periods never acted long. I was still worried, though. She wasn't answering her cell, and I needed to look after her. We were best friends, after all.

I saw her band of goons down the hall. That made me even more nervous. If they weren't here, I would at least know they were all partying together. But they weren't.

There was only one who was capable of having an intelligent conversation. I walked up to the one they called "Wolf". His real name was Johnny. I had know him since second grade. We had even been friends once.

"Johnny?" I asked, tapping his shoulder.

The other three hollered and whistled. All three were obviously stoned. Johnny grabbed my shoulder and led me a few feet away.

"Go get 'em, tiger!" The one called Bull hollered.

They all laughed except Johnny. He just rolled his eyes and sighed.
"I'm sorry about them. Just ignore it. And... Please call me Wolf around the guys. Otherwise, they'll think I'm whipped."
"Okay. Sorry," I said.
"It's fine. What's up?"
"Have you heard from Blade?"
"No. I'm sorry."
"It's okay. I'm just worried."
"I'm sure she's fine. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself."
"I know. But... Still."
"I know," he said, gently touching my arm.

We stood for a moment, and then he walked away, returning to his friends. I watched them walk away as Ryan can up behind me, taking my hand.

"Everything okay, honey?" He cooed.
"Fine," I responded plainly.

He hugged me and kissed my forehead. I was beginning to tire of his constant affection. I always tired of boys. They never held any of my intrest. They exhausted me. I could never find one who was genuine, and kind, and just... A person I loved to be around.

I loved to be around Blade. Sure, she could be clingy and annoying, but she was always fun and wild. We went on millions of adventures together, and I loved her every step of the way.

She was my sister.

Nothing more, nothing less.

I texted her again, just before first period began. I dug into my notes as class started, attempting to focus on physics as Kaylee once again told me a summary of every relationship in school. I couldn't focus on either. All I could think about was Blade.

"London?" I heard Kaylee ask.
"Sorry. What?" I responded.
"I asked how you and Ryan were. Where has your head been the last few days?"
"Sorry. We're fine."
"So you're about to break up with him."
"Eh. Not yet."
"God, London. You never keep a boyfriend for more than a few months. Ryan is a great guy! He's perfect."
"I dunno. I just... Don't feel a connection."
"Okay. I guess that's valid."

And then she began telling me about another couple who didn't feel a connection. I went back to physics. I kept thinking about what Kaylee had said. He is a pretty good guy. Why don't I like him? And why am I so worried about Blade? She can handle herself.

I heard the bell ring and rushed to my next class. As soon as I sat down, I checked my phone. It contained a single text from Blade, sent two minutes ago.

Sorry I left. Will bring you lunch.

I smiled to myself. She was so sweet. I responded with an okay thanks and threw my phone back into my bag, excited to see her in two hours.