Enigma

Thirteen

Thirteen

It was now Monday.

I haven't had enough sleep the night before, after we returned from the restaurant. I dressed in my dark blue jeans and grey shirt underneath my purple blue flannel. I grabbed my bag and my leather jacket and was off to school.

I speeded down the road as I desperately wanted to see Raven but luck wasn't on my side when the traffic was an ass that day.

I parked my car and grabbed my bag before stepping out of the car.

Students stared as I walked and usually, pride would rush through me but this time, my only concern was Raven. So I speed walked towards my locker, exchanged my books and then speed walked to hers.

She wasn't there when I reached her locker. I looked down at my watched and realized I was early. Sighing, I rested my head back against the cold locker.

Students past, whispering and glancing at me curiously making me close my eyes and crossed my arms.

"You're in my way." A raspy yet soft voice said. I opened my eyes and there she was. Her hair was tied back in a messy ponytail and she looked incredibly tired.

The glint in her eyes weren't there anymore instead they were back to their dull green self. I moved aside and leaned against my shoulder on the locker next to hers.

She had this blank look back on her face as she unlocked her locker and exchanged her books. Her face looked paler than usual and her outfit only consists of a pair of black skinny jeans with her combat boots and an oversized grey sweater that reached her palms.

"Why are you staring?" she asked in a small voice, almost as if she was incredibly tired.

"No reason." I answered as I continued to eye her. She looked over at me and scanned my face a moment.

"You look tired." She looked away, zipping her bag. "Are you okay?"

I should be asking her that.

"I'm grand." I answered, clearing my throat.

"Liar." She said, closing her locker.

"I'm not." I said, looking down at her. Her green eyes scanned my face once again.

"The bags under your eyes, tells me otherwise." She answered softly. I wrapped an arm around her shoulder and guided her down the hall.

"I'm okay. I just couldn't sleep." I answered her. She casually leans her head on my shoulder and wrapped an arm around my waist as we walked towards her class.

"Try some chamomile tea. It'll help you sleep." She said.

I wished I could help you. I thought.

She really looked worried and somehow a bit lost. I released her and took a step forward to stand in front of her.

She ran straight into me and stumbled backwards.

"What's wrong?" She asked, rubbing her nose. She usually doesn't talk like this. It was almost vulnerable. That's was it, she sounded broken and vulnerable every time she spoke since just now instead of her usual strong voice.

I dropped my bag to the floor and wrapped my arms around her waist. She yelped as I lifted her slightly making her feet not touch the ground.

"What are you doing?" she asked, putting her hands on my shoulders.

"I need a hug. We both do." I told Raven and she slowly wrapped her arms around my neck and I buried my face in her neck, breathing in her scent.

One of her hands ran through my hair and I held her tighter as she tightened her around my neck. People pass and looked at us weirdly but I didn't care, this is the least I could do to help her.

I set her down when she began to pull away. I held her waist as I search for her eyes. When she finally looked up at me, her eyes were glassy and then she smiled. I couldn't help but smile too.

"Thanks." She told me. Her eyes shine with sincerity and she looked a bit alive that she was before.

The bell rang and she pulled away completely, grabbing her bag that had fallen when I hugged her.

Before she could walk away, I pulled her towards me by the arm and land a kiss on her forehead. I let my lips lingered for a while before pulling away.

She gave me one grateful smile before walking towards her class.

I felt a lot better after that and I hoped she was too.